Choosing the Right Benchmark for Your Retirement Asset Investments
Amar Shah Amar Shah

Choosing the Right Benchmark for Your Retirement Asset Investments

Investment planning for retirement is a complex process that requires careful financial decision-making. A crucial part of this process is assessing whether your retirement assets are on track to meet your future needs. To do this effectively, many individuals and financial advisors use benchmarks to compare their investments to an index. But what exactly is a benchmark, and how can you select one that suits your situation?

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2024 Investment Outlook
Amar Shah Amar Shah

2024 Investment Outlook

Our investment framework, as you may recall, uses a four-quadrant approach and is based on the incremental rate of change in both GDP and inflation.  Last year, our investment outlook predicted a strong probability of recession, which has not happened (yet).  However, a recessionary environment still looks like the most probable outcome for the first quarter. 

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Navigating the New Year: Financial Strategies for Solo Households
Cheri Turner, Financial Advisor Cheri Turner, Financial Advisor

Navigating the New Year: Financial Strategies for Solo Households

As we step into the New Year, the dawn of fresh beginnings prompts reflection and resolution. For those steering the ship of a solo household, the journey into the unknown often comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. Navigating through life without a partner or additional support requires careful financial planning to ensure stability and security.

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A 2023 Look at The Fourth Turning
Cheri Turner, Financial Advisor Cheri Turner, Financial Advisor

A 2023 Look at The Fourth Turning

In 1997, Neil Howe and William Strauss introduced the captivating concept of "The Fourth Turning," proposing that history follows cyclical patterns, with each cycle lasting 80 years and divided into four 20-year phases, each linked to a distinct generation and societal role.  As society transitions from High to Awakening, Unraveling, and ultimately Crisis, these turning points are akin to the seasons of the year, with Awakening mirroring summer and Crisis likened to winter. The pivotal "Fourth Turning" marks the climax of the cycle, where the hero generation confronts the prophet generation as they enter elderhood. 

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Top 3 Retirement Planning Lessons from Silicon Valley Bank
Investment Planning, Tax Planning Amar Shah, CFA, CFP® Founder & CIO, Client First Capital Investment Planning, Tax Planning Amar Shah, CFA, CFP® Founder & CIO, Client First Capital

Top 3 Retirement Planning Lessons from Silicon Valley Bank

Well, it’s hard to hide from the news of the Fed and Treasury coming to the rescue of depositors of a failing bank. Silicon Valley Bank is the 20th largest bank in the United States of America and mainly serves the needs of startups and venture capital firms. And because of mismanaged risk and the inability to create liquidity when needed, the bank was taken over by regulators from the FDIC last Friday. This article covers the events that led to the failure of the bank and broader impacts as well as lessons learned from these series of events that can be applied to managing retirement.

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Potential for a Prolonged Recession and Implications for Investment Planning 
Investment Planning Amar Shah, CFA, CFP® Founder & CIO, Client First Capital Investment Planning Amar Shah, CFA, CFP® Founder & CIO, Client First Capital

Potential for a Prolonged Recession and Implications for Investment Planning 

In this ever-changing economic landscape, the need for sound investment planning is more crucial than ever. This article delves into the potential for a prolonged recession and its implications for your investment strategy. We will explore key economic indicators and strategies to safeguard your financial future.

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