Blog
Bull and Bear Markets – Some Perspective. Recency Bias is Real!
Recency bias is a cognitive error identified in behavioral economics whereby people incorrectly believe that recent events will occur again soon. This bias may...
Read MoreFinancial Planning and Longevity
My great Aunt June recently passed away at 102 years of age. She was an incredible person and lived life to the fullest. June was born in New York City, graduated from University of North Carolina (80 years ago) and was a very well...
Read MoreThe Markets Are Not Fighting the Fed, But Leading It…
The above chart of the Federal Funds Rate shows that by December 2025, the market (blue line) and the Federal Reserve (white line) both agree that the Federal Funds Rate will be around 3%. Both agree that interest rates have...
Read MoreConfused about RMDs and Your Beneficiary IRA?
There’s good reason to have some questions, especially if you are a non-spouse beneficiary of an IRA account. In recent years, legislation has been enacted that introduced some significant changes to Beneficiary IRAs...
Read MoreLet's Take a Look at the Data
From the economists at First Trust, one of our trusted partners, below is their brief commentary and most importantly the data that drives their commentary.
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A Market Review of 2022 and Thoughts for 2023
2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of John Raab starting his own investment advisory business. Many of our current clients started with him shortly thereafter and are still with us today - Thank You! Here's what to consider in 2023!
Read MoreWith Rapid and Large Interest Rate Increases, the Federal Reserve has Caught up with Inflation…
In 2022, the Federal Reserve and other central banks raised interest rates rapidly to fight inflation. At first, Fed Chairman Powell, was behind the curve on fighting inflation by implementing a shift in...
Read MoreChanges at the IRS and SSA Announced
Amid higher gas and grocery prices, changes announced this month at the IRS and the Social Security Administration might offer some tax savings or boost your income. Here are five changes you can anticipate.
Read More2022 Year End Financial Planning and Wealth Management Checklist
Now is a good time to go over your financial planning and investment management check list so you can make sure everything is up-to-date heading into the new year.
Read MoreIncome Is Back in Fixed Income and Light at the end of the Tunnel
The third quarter was another volatile ride for investors. After getting off to a strong start, U.S. stocks faltered. A hotter-than-expected August Consumer Price Index...
Read MoreInflation and the Federal Reserve
Signs of moderating inflation continue and will allow the Federal Reserve to reduce the pace of rate increases, which bodes well for stocks and bonds…
Read MoreRemember Your Long-Term Investing Plan During Sell-offs
With inflation being elevated and the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to bring inflation back to target levels (2-2.5%) people are increasingly worried about the potential of a recession. As a result, the S&P 500 if down about 20%+
Read MoreValuations Look Attractive as the Markets have Discounted a lot of Bad News ...
The stock market is stuck on the very negative narrative that the US is heading into stagflation: a recession with inflation. This has driven valuations for the S&P 500’s next 12 month Price/Earnings ratio to its 10 year...
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A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
You and your partner are nearing retirement and you have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean you both may need to prepare for two or even for decades of retirement. How should you position your...
Read MoreDo you have a plan for your financial life?
Now is a great time to review your financial plan. If you haven’t yet created one you should.
Read MoreMay Commentary
Will the US Experience a Recession in the Near Future?
Read MoreApril Commentary
Dan offers some insight on the Fed and today's fiscal environment
Read MoreMarch Commentary
The US economy and corporate profits can withstand geopolitical tensions, inflation and rising interest rates, but it will be volatile in the short term…
Read MoreFebruary Commentary
Only a few weeks into the new year and two of our annual predictions have already come to fruition.
Read MoreBudgeting and Planning During Inflationary Time
The start of a new year is always a good time to review and re-assess your financial plan and budget, but this year it is even more important than previous years to update your financial goals and spending priorities.
Read MoreLetter to our Clients
Dan shares some thoughts on the current market environment, the risks to keep in mind and CWM's 2022 expectations.
Read MoreDecember 2021 Commentary
The US economy is recovering from the pandemic, but volatility will remain high due to COVID variants and inflationary pressures…A recovery but volatile… The good news is that the US economy is recovering from the...
Read MoreWhat is a short squeeze?
Shorting a Stock and a Short Squeeze 101 - And Why Chatham Wealth Management Does Not Use These Strategies In the past few weeks, the market has seen some incredible increases in the stock prices of some companies that are perceived as...
Read More7 Things to Consider Before the End of the Year
As we head into the end of the year, there are many things to consider regarding your investments and financial plans. Now is a great time to think about these seven items: Maximize Contributions – If you are able, try to...
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2020 RMD Income Tax Relief
Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may be able to return your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s by August 31st.
Read MoreJuly Update
These are strange times. Most of the country is living a very different lifestyle than we would have thought only four months ago, but not all change is bad.
Read MoreStrong Holdings Helps Your Portfolio During Volatile Markets
During periods of extreme volatility, it is not unusual for investors to make adjustments based on emotion. Often times these changes are made at the worst possible time.
Read MoreNow is a Good Time to Set Up and Emergency Fund
Now is a Good Time to Discuss Setting Up an Emergency Fund Along with the tragic health issues caused by COVID-19, many people also suffered an unexpected decline in income due the lockdown put in place to slow the spread of the virus...
Read MoreA Checklist for Graduating HS Seniors
From insurance to handling emergencies, Brian McGeough helps you and your graduating senior get ready for the year ahead.
Read MoreThe Path to Recovery
These are challenging times -- particularly for investors. Here are some of out thoughts on what the market recovery might look like. Chatham Wealth Management's relationship manager are here to help. Call to discuss your portfolio.
Read MoreThe Key to a Balanced Portfolio is Re-Balancing
Investors should have a goal in mind before they decide how much of each asset class they would like to make up their total investments. Key inputs to help create goals are an investor’s risk tolerance, time horizon, life...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act
Happy New Year! I wanted to pass along a note we put out on some new laws in 2020 affecting retirement accounts. Please let me know if you have any questions. New Laws can Help You Save More for Retirement With the passage of the...
Read More2019 Goldman Sachs Conference
Yesterday, I was lucky enough to attend the Goldman Sachs conference in New York City with 263 of the country’s top advisors.
Read MoreThe markets lead and the Federal Reserve follows
November 2019 The Federal Reserve said they would raise rates 3 times in 2019, but instead have cut rates 3 times so far and perhaps with more cuts to come… The Federal Reserve simply is behind the curve because they are only...
Read MoreRoth vs Traditional IRA
Roth vs. Traditional IRA – Which is Right for You? Aside from funding your 401K tax advantaged plan at work, individual retirement accounts (IRA) should be used to supplement retirement savings. The question that we often get...
Read MoreDividends are becoming more important
“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else” Yogi Berra …as this bull market advances in age Historically, dividends have been 40% to 50% of the total return for the stock market with...
Read MoreMid-Summer Update
Markets Recent economic figures show the U.S. economy getting back on a little more solid footing. Stronger jobs numbers, a bounce back in retail sales and consumer confidence are the highlights of recent improvement. These figures and...
Read MoreQ1 2019 Fed to the Rescue – Clouds Lift
Government shutdown, increasing tariff’s, Fed raising rates and a significant economic slowdown all plagued the stock market in the fourth quarter of 2018. Now all of those issues seem to be in the rearview mirror. The Fed has...
Read MorePowell led Federal Reserve creates recent volatility
“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else” Yogi Berra Where is the Federal Reserve going?For 2018, the Federal Reserve (Fed) was fixated in raising interest rates rapidly and forecasted more...
Read MoreGet Invested
One thing that you can be assured of in the stock market is that there will always be volatility. For the month of December, the S&P 500 posted a 9% decline. At its lowest point on December 24th, the index was down a whopping 16.2%. As...
Read More“The future ain’t what it used to be” Yogi Berra
Investor pessimism soared, and the stock market dropped as “the future ain’t what it used to be” Extreme negative sentiment dominated the markets causing the S&P 500 to drop 19.8% by late December from the September...
Read MoreLook out for Big Capital Gains Distributions on your Mutual Fund Holdings
As your year end mutual fund statements and tax documents arrive you should make sure that you take a close look at the performance of your funds AND whether you have a sizeable capital gains distribution. Often the fourth quarter is...
Read MoreFinancial Moves that may help lessen your Tax Burden
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to start thinking about financial moves that may help lessen your tax burden.
Read MoreIs the value of your home too big a part of your retirement plan?
Existing homes sales for August were released last week, the high-end market is experiencing a slow down: Nationally - Existing home sales were flat in August after subsiding the previous four months Sales are now 1.5% below year ago...
Read MoreTime to Review Your Tax Situation
It may be early September but at Chatham Wealth we are always looking at ways we can be tax efficient for our clients. How do we do this? Because you are dealing directly with the portfolio manager we are able customize the tax...
Read MoreNachos Para Macho
NACHOS PARA MACHO By John Lui - Chief Investment Strategist September 2018 For the Macho… If you are ever in Playa Del Carmen, you will find a delicious pool snack at the Grand Hyatt, Nachos Para Macho (Nachos for the Macho)....
Read MoreAre you maximizing your health savings account in your retirement plan?
It is estimated that Americans will need $275,000 for healthcare related expenses in retirement. One tax-advantaged account that many people don’t know about or don’t realize the full extent of benefits is the Health...
Read MoreThe Case for Patient Investing - Buy Right & Sit Tight
The case for patient investing – buy right and sit tight! Over the last several years we have seen a lot of fluctuations in the stock market. These wild moves often tempt investors to move money in and out of the market trying to...
Read MoreDo the right thing – and your business grows
Despite the significant strides the financial services industry has made toward better-informing clients of the cost of doing business, advisors using the fiduciary standard believe more can be done to increase transparency. “The...
Read MoreMay 2018 Bond Commentary
Title: May 2018 Bond Commentary – Dan Moskowitz
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Recent College Graduates
It’s that time of the year when many families are excitedly getting ready to attend their children’s college graduation. Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday that we were dropping them off for freshman year...
Read MoreKnow what you own – The importance of rebalancing a portfolio
Know what you own – The importance of rebalancing a portfolio The stock market has just completed a stellar year with the S&P 500 gaining close to 20% and we are coming out of the gates fast in 2018 with the S&P 500 index up over...
Read MoreMarch 2018 Bond Commentary
March 2018 Bond Commentary – Dan Moskowitz
Read MoreRetirement and Bonds
Retirement and Bonds - Time to Remember How Bonds Work Dan Moskowitz, CFP® February 20, 2018 The thirty-five-year bull market has clouded many bond buyer’s perspective. The chart below shows interest rates dropping from 1981...
Read MoreDerivatives and Computers Gone Wild!
Massive short squeeze on speculators gyrates the markets… Financial speculators that were short leveraged derivative products based on the VIX Index, caused massive late afternoon swings in the stock markets last week. One...
Read MoreBeware the Siren Song of Derivatives...
The masses do not see the Sirens. They do not hear songs in the air. Blind, deaf, stooping, they pull at their oars in the hold of the earth. But the more select, the captains, harken to a Siren within them... and royally squander...
Read MoreKids and Taxes – What You Need to Know
As summer comes to an end, many kids/grandchildren/nieces and nephews are finishing up their summer jobs and heading back to school. Many will continue to work in some capacity throughout the school year.During this past tax season, I...
Read MoreBenefits of Total Return Investing in an Ultra-Low Interest Rate Environment
“In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king” Desiderius Erasmus The big picture… A total return approach balances the two investing goals of income and capital appreciation based on market conditions. It does...
Read MorePlanning for a Special Needs Child or Grandchild
Before she reached her second birthday, Julia was a smart, bleach blonde, blue eyed, “gifted” little girl. She could sing her ABC’s at an unusually young age. Soon after turning two, Epilepsy ravaged her body and mind...
Read MoreCorrections are common and are buying opportunities...
Corrections are common and by definition are buying opportunities, but humans are wired to sell into them… A stock market correction is a temporary decline in the stock market of 10% or more, which does not interrupt the uptrend...
Read MoreTop Tips For Preventing Identity Theft
“As most Americans know, we live in an age when it’s not a matter of if, but when you will become a victim of identity theft” - FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Feb 2016Top Tips For Preventing Identity Theft Add antivirus...
Read MoreTMI and when less is more…
Drinking out of a fire hoseYes, it can be overwhelming with the 24/7 financial media and our friends/community sending us links to “news – usually negative as that is what resonates more” via social networks. After...
Read More2016 Year End Commentary
Dear Clients and Friends,Welcome to Chatham Wealth Management's Year End Newsletter. Each January, we like to review the big-picture events and scenarios of the past 12 months that influenced our investment strategies and ultimately...
Read MoreEstate Planning Update – New Jersey to Repeal It’s Estate Tax
Do you remember the New Jersey tourism slogan from the early eighties: “New Jersey and You, Perfect Together”? The message for vacationing in New Jersey meant: long white beaches, surf fishing, entertainment and amusements,...
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Stay on course and invest…
Ronald Read was born in Dummerston, Vermont on October 23, 1921 and died June 2, 2014. Despite, earning a modest living as a gasoline attendant and then as a janitor at JC Penney, Mr. Read amassed an $8 million fortune by investing...
Read MoreAre dividend stocks the new bonds?
In an era of low bank CDs and bond interest rates, we have been increasing our allocation to high quality dividend stocks or “bond like stocks” while reducing our investments from CDs and bonds. This strategy is especially...
Read MoreIf It Sounds Too Good To Be True……
Often times, clients reach out to CWM looking for an opinion on an investment (or product) that just sounds too good to be true. They are intrigued by the “guarantees” and “I can’t lose money” features....
Read MoreInvesting Trumps Who is Elected
INVESTING TRUMPS WHO IS ELECTEDIn recent meetings, I can’t recall anyone asking me about China and oil as these scares are fading away like concerns about Greece and the collapse of the Euro did. The focus now is Donald versus...
Read MoreWhat is your “Loss Cushion”?
It might seem like the sky is falling. The media makes it sound that way. Many of your family or friends may say so. Even you may feel like the sky is falling when your investment statement shows a sudden and rapid...
Read More5 Ways to Help You Stay Calm in Tough Markets
If you are standing in the doorway trying to protect yourself as the sky (i.e. stock market) falls, then consider these ideas to help you remain calm. 1. Keep your long-term goals in mind: Remember that you have an investment strategy...
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Goldilocks and the Three Scares
Goldilocks is good for the stock market The Goldilocks economy that is not too hot and not too cold is ideal for the stock market. An economy that is too hot raises the likelihood of rapid increases in interest rates that will...
Read MoreUPDATE: Plan for the Year Ahead…and Beyond
As an update to my commentary several weeks ago, we have been watching closely legislation regarding renewing the so-called Tax Extenders, as mentioned, a series of tax provisions that have lapsed and been reinstated (i.e., extended)...
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Plan for the Year Ahead .....and Beyond
As 2015 draws to a close, a turbulent economic and legislative environment means CWM is keeping a close eye on several major planning issues to properly guide our clients:Checking on CongressThe most important thing to do this year for...
Read MorePending Recession?
Many clients and friends I speak with seem to believe that the current stock market rally will end very shortly and a recession is right around the corner. We do not believe this is the case for a number of reasons.
Read MoreWhy Investors Should Avoid Market Timing - A Long-Term, Total Return Investment Perspective
Why Investors Should Avoid Market Timing - A Long-Term, Total Return Perspective
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"Did you just order a $5 shake"
In the 1994 movie, Pulp Fiction, Mia Wallace ordered a milkshake at Jack Rabbit Slims that cost $5 prompting Vincent Vega to ask, in surprise, “Did you just order a five dollar shake” . After tasting the shake he comments...
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Advisor Alpha – It’s More Than Just Portfolio Performance
Advisor Alpha – It’s More Than Just Portfolio Performance
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5 Tips for Bulletproof Liquidity
5 Tips for Bulletproof Liquidity and Financial Readiness By Michael T. Ryan - October 2015Unexpected expenses and financial emergencies are unfortunately part of life. As John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens to...
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“Thank you sir, may I have another”…Paying for college….Everyone should complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid
"Thank you sir, may I have another"…Paying for college….Everyone should complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aidBy Brian McGeough - October 2015When it comes to paying for college, John Blutarsky would probably...
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China's After Hours Farming
China's After Hours Farming! By John Lui - August 12, 2015 While the Shanghai Disney Resort is not expected to open until the Spring of 2016, locals need not wait as they can take a roller coaster ride on the Shanghai Stock Exchange...
Read More529 Plans: Withdrawal Traps to Avoid
529 Plans – Withdrawal Traps to AvoidBy Gregg Shaw – February 2015As we approach the end of the school year and prepare for the excitement of summer, it won’t be long for high school seniors to be heading off to...
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Follow earnings and not price movement when investing in the stock market...
In meeting with my clients, their biggest concern is that the stock market will have to collapse because it has gone up so high since the March 2009 bottom. Their rationale is, “what goes up must come down”. Although the price level of the
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December 2014- Jake From State Farm
It’s 3am and a wife sees her husband whispering into the phone. Any normal person would suspect something is not right. Just like the wife in the State Farm commercial, investors
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November 2014 Monthly Commentary
The U.S. economy continued to grow at a steady clip in the second half of 2014.
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Six Reasons to Consider a Trust
Six Reasons to Consider a TrustMany people believe establishing a trust will eliminate estate taxes. Although true with certain types of trusts (i.e., irrevocable trusts), people often fail to appreciate the power a trust...
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Prepare for your Someday-Social Security
Social Security: “Prepare for your Someday”By Gregg Shaw – September 2014Each day, thousands of Americans apply for first time Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the...
Read MoreI'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today
““I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”.”J. Wellington Wimpy By John Lui – August 2014E. C. Segar, the Great Depression Era cartoonist, who created Popeye, also gave us Wimpy...
Read More2014 2nd Quarter Client letter
The second quarter of 2014 was a solid one for most asset classes.
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Falling BRICS
BRICS as in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which represented the fastest growing emerging markets over the last few decades,
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CWM wants to protect clients from “Rigged” markets - March, 2014
Advisers worry about high-speed trading backlash from
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2013 Year End Letter To Clients
2013 Year in review - A look back at some of the market influencing events:
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Savvy Year End Tax Planning December, 2013
As we prepare for the busy holiday season, year-end (2013) is quickly coming to a close. The 2013 federal tax code contains a large number of new items, with implications...
Read MoreWhat is Yield Investing
In today’s environment, it is discouraging to go to the local bank and see the rates you will get on a 6 year CD (certificate of deposit) or one year CD. The website, Bankrate.com publishes the average yield on bank CDs.
Read MoreDoes the Traditional 60%-40% Asset Allocation Still Work - Sept 2013
In today’s investment environment, portfolio managers are questioning the use of the traditional allocation of 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds. Chatham Wealth Management has theories on how to adjust asset allocations in these times.
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Advisory Fees: Can I Take a Tax Deduction?
Advisory Fees: Can I Take a Tax Deduction?By Gregg Shaw – Feb 2013Now that tax season is in full swing and with less than one month to go until April 15th, taxpayers are looking for any deduction they may qualify for to reduce...
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2012 Year End Letter
All of us at CWM are extremely grateful for another successful year
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Charitable Giving Strategies 2012
Charitable Giving Strategies in an Uncertain Tax Environment
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Maximizing Retired Clients' Portfolio Income
It's not easy being a retiree in today's environment of low interest rate and
Read MoreBush Clinton - February, 2012
Presidential address captivates advisors
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Roth IRA's Basics
Roth IRA's Clients are asking by Gregg Shaw - Febuary 1st
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