If you want to stay safe at home this election season, consider voting by mail. For my Minnesota clients, here is the web address to request your 2020 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application: www.mnvotes.org
The first day of school for the Stokes kids! Cole is 11 and headed to 6th grade (middle school!) and Caroline is 8 and headed to 3rd grade. I wish all parents good luck with this school year. Stay safe!
Everything can be compartmentalized into 3 buckets: Things you can control, things you can influence, and things you can't control. You can't control the markets. You can control how much you save, how much you spend, and the year you choose to retire. Do you have a plan for all three of these?
I've heard many people say they are considering moving their portfolio to cash and going back into the market "when things look better." In translation, that means selling low and buying high. If you actually want to make money by moving into cash now, you need to buy back in when things are way worse - not better! We don't know when the bottom is and this is NOT a strategy anyone should try. Market timing is a strategy proven NOT to work.
Are you saving for your kids college, but not on track for retirement? Prioritizing goals is extremely important in financial planning. This is the first thing I do with a new client. Retirement must be a higher priority than college savings. Last time I checked, there are no loans available for retirement!
Are you retired and in your last house? You may want to consider establishing a transfer on death deed or TODD. This will allow your home to transfer to your beneficiaries without the cost and hassle of probate. Talk to an attorney or your financial advisor to see if this makes sense for you. This is an example of the great estate planning advice we discuss our clients.
The market soared yesterday with Pfizer's news of a vaccine they claim is 90% effective, and a new unemployment report with a decline to 6.9%.
Like many Americans, I voted by mail for this election. I am proud to share that I have voted in every election since I turned 18. I understand how important this right is AND how women only received the right to vote 101 years ago in 1919 with the 19th amendment. Make your voice heard!
I’m excited to share I’ve been named a Top Wealth Advisor Mom in 2020 by Working Mother magazine! While I couldn’t be more grateful for this recognition, in 2020 this award should go to all moms. With school closing in March, we had six months of spring break in the Stokes house. I continued to work my normal schedule and take care of my two kids at the same time. I'm happy to report everyone is still alive!
Here’s to all the working moms out there that had to navigate this crazy year with a full time job!
Attention United Health Care employees! It’s open enrollment for UNH’s employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) through November 13th. If you were already enrolled in 2020, no action is needed unless you want to increase your contribution. If you are not enrolled, you may want to consider it because of the 10% discount that you will receive on the stock price at the time of investment. My team has experience on UNH benefits due to the large number of clients we serve. If you need help, let me know!
My husband Nick and I are celebrating our 15 year wedding anniversary today! It was 6 short months after our wedding that I quit my job and went to work as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. (It doesn't feel like yesterday!!)
Private Wealth Advisor by day…. Gilboa ski racing coach by night!
From my family to yours: Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Enjoyed some night skiing with my daughter Caroline this weekend!
To all the parents out there, remember to enjoy some fun outdoor activities during your upcoming winter break!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
