In just seven trading days, the S&P 500 went from an all-time high to now down 15% (incredibly, we are just 5% away from the first bear market since 2008). While the virus has yet to spread widely in the U.S., that outcome is now considered inevitable, and incidence of the virus has been steadily… Read more »
As part of the financial planning process at Ogorek Wealth Management, we talk about how market volatility is a normal part of investing and how we structure your investments to “weather the storm” which will maintain a comfortable level of income for you and your family during turbulent times. We also understand that even… Read more »
A big question that most people have when it comes to their money is: “How am I doing?” One way we tend to look for answers is by comparing what we have to what our neighbors, friends, and family, have. Even though we know deep down that “the grass is always greener on the other… Read more »
Vacation homes can provide years of enjoyment and fond memories for multiple generations of your family. They can also create an extra layer of headaches and expenses that prove more trouble than they’re worth. Here are 4 reasons to think twice before buying a vacation home, even if doing so won’t break the bank: … Read more »
When we ask our clients to describe their ideal retirement, two of the most common responses are “healthy” and “secure.” In our experience, most successful retirees find ways to align these two goals … and throw in a little fun as well. In fact, it seems that there’s a definite psychological connection between how we… Read more »
If you count 2018’s fourth-quarter drop in stocks as a bear market (stocks fell 19.5% instead of the 20% required for a technical “bear market”), 2019’s recovery (blue line on the chart below) is right in line with the average historical recovery following bear markets (red line). What’s more, the chart suggests the stock market… Read more »
Most parents will say that they want to help their children as much as they can and give them every advantage. But what if “every advantage” comes at the expense of the parents’ retirement savings and investments? According to a survey by NerdWallet, 80% of parents are covering or have covered an adult child’s… Read more »
How long do your New Year’s resolutions last? This might be the year to stop “resolving” and start setting goals. “I’m going to be healthier” is a common resolution. It begs the question, “How?” Folks who can’t answer that question usually get frustrated and abandon their resolutions before they start. On the other hand, “I’m… Read more »
The holiday season might not seem like an ideal time to have a serious conversation with your immediate family. All that shopping, decorating, cooking, and celebrating can be time-consuming and stressful enough. But if you’re nearing retirement age and your children are becoming more independent, the holidays might be your best shot at getting everyone… Read more »