At the end of 2019, no one predicted that the unemployment rate would hit its highest level since the Great Depression, average wages would decline but household incomes would increase, thanks to government stimulus checks. Had the U.S. government not provided stimulus checks, many more Americans would have struggled financially. Financial advisors typically recommend having at least 3–6...
Wall Street can often feel like a popularity contest. Every year the market has a darling stock or stocks that everyone agrees to be the flavor of the month (or year, or decade) and the stock(s) will dramatically rise regardless of fundamentals or other factors. Asset bubbles inflating and bursting are a recurring phenomenon in world economic history – the British South Sea Company bubble...
All those benefits of personal growth, expanded horizons, and increased lifetime earning power comes at a price, a price that increases every year, but we believe a college degree is worth it. A college education is expensive. For decades, college costs have outpaced annual inflation, and this trend is expected to continue. According to the College Board's annual Trends in College Pricing...
If you would like to revisit any portion of the BFSG hosted presentation "The Art of Healthy Living" presented by Lauren DeWolf, MS, RD, CWHC, it is now available On Demand by clicking here (while complimentary, registration is required for On-Demand viewing as well). During the webinar, Lauren explains stress and its relationship to wellbeing, the power of produce, environmental modifications...
The WallStreetBets subreddits members making their YOLO bets with their stimies on GameStonk are asking; “Where are my tendies now”? Don’t ask if you didn’t understand that sentence but just look at these charts of GameStop (GME). Source: Bloomberg (GME 1/13/21 - 2/12/21) Source: Bloomberg (GME 8/1/20 - 2/12/21) If you didn’t get a chance to see the “Coffee with Dr. Steve and Katie” we...
The title might take many of you by surprise and this topic is not to discourage homeownership but is more geared to explaining why your home (and possibly other properties) may not be the best investment or why your home should not be viewed as an investment. The primary focus of this article will be on your primary residence and not on rental properties. We are also going to assume that this...
We know trying to keep up with everything going on in the market is difficult. We do this full time with several experienced professionals to help make sure we can get as much information as possible to help us try and make the best investment decisions for our clients. Below is a monthly summary we will be doing going forward to help you track some of the most important data points in one...
It is no secret that both Social Security and Medicare are underfunded, and changes are needed. This is a common concern that we hear from many clients approaching retirement. These programs are vital to retirees and it is clear that President Biden has some clear plans to help these programs remain solvent and also provide some benefit expansions. Social Security During his campaign, President...
“How do I get rich?” This is one of the most common questions we get from friends, family, and clients. There is no set definition of ‘being rich’. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has a different situation and financial goal. Also, it is important to mention that becoming rich or building wealth takes time - it is not an overnight process. Well…unless you win the lottery. But...
Everyone wants financial security. But women often face unique obstacles that can affect their ability to achieve it. Let's look at some of these potential headwinds. Women have longer life expectancies. Women, on average, live 5 years longer than men (1). A longer life expectancy presents several financial challenges for women: Women will need to stretch their retirement dollars...
If you would like to revisit any portion of the BFSG presentation hosted by Melinda Dransfield, it is now available On Demand by clicking here (while complimentary, registration is required for On-Demand viewing as well). During the webinar, Melinda explains the key principles of positive psychology and that happiness is a choice. We hope to see you next week for the 2nd installment in BFSG's...
Few things are more difficult to watch than a loved one suffer from memory impairment and watch them slowly drift away. During this time emotions are raw, and it is imperative we show compassion to those that are dealing with memory impairment. Things You Should Not Do: Don’t try to do this on your own!Don’t think you are alone in this!Don’t try to reason with them!Don’t argue or be...
You are not responsible for your future spouse's bad credit or debt, unless you choose to take it on by getting a loan together to pay off the debt. However, your future spouse's credit problems can prevent you from getting credit as a couple after you're married. Even if you've had spotless credit, you may be turned down for credit cards or loans that you apply for together if your spouse has...
As CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, we get to discuss everyone's two favorite topics, death and taxes. The reality is that no one wants to discuss their death and this is the greatest hurdle to overcome and the reason so many people do not have an estate plan. Below are some other common roadblocks that can reduce the quality of your estate plan. 1. Not Discussing Finances with Your...
Over the years there have been many studies on the wealthy to find what habits they share. This is important because the reality is our habits shape us and impact our health, wealth, and happiness. Let us explore just a few of the most common habits that have to lead many individuals to become self-made millionaires: 1. They do not follow the crowd – Often these individuals are independent,...
Tailor portfolios to your needs and goals.
Investing and saving wisely is vital to success in retirement.
Navigating the complexities of your financial affairs can be simplified.
Help to increase the amount you “take home”.
Protect your loved ones and make sure your legacy endures.
Simplify the many options and decision points of executive compensation plans.
Confidently plan for your children’s future.
Give in a tax-smart, simple way.
*Please Note: Limitations. The scope of services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement, and the specific requests and needs of the client. BFSG does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent. BFSG does not prepare legal documents or tax returns, nor does it sell insurance products. Please Also Note: Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by BFSG) or any financial planning or consulting services, will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), or prove successful.
California Office (Headquarters)
Wealth Management & Institutional Services
2040 Main Street, Suite 720, Irvine, CA 92614
Arizona Office
Wealth Management
1643 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
