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Every month Notes Along the Path will include an update on the markets and analysis of major developments in Washington that may impact your investments such as tax law changes or regulations that relate to specific industries, investments in general, or other areas of financial planning. We will also dive into a different topic each month and include updates on my quotations in the media.
Occaisinally, I write longer form articles for my subscribers. These will be posted here as well.
Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Takes Center Stage
In a volatile trading week, stocks extended their losses as economic growth and inflation concerns soured investor sentiment. Commentary on what signals I am waiting for.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Tighter Money Policy; Market Drops
With the Fed acting markets experienced wide price swings over the course of last week, as technology companies led the market lower. I have some new charts for historical context.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Economy Slows; Stocks Retreat
Friday, a sharp sell-off sent stock market indices down for the week, capping a volatile April. The economy shrank Q1, dented by a slowdown in inventory investment by business, a jump in the trade deficit, & a decline in defense spending.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell Favours Quick Movement
The S&P 500 down 2.75% pushing it into correction territory; my expectations for the week; where the focus will shift this week. Despite Netflix's earnings miss, profits appeared better than expected with 81% (of 17% in) above expectations
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Weekly Market Insights: Earnings Season Begins
High consumer and producer price inflation reports were shrugged off by the stock & bond markets, with bond yields slipping despite the hot inflation numbers. Core inflation comes in lower than expected.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Signals More Aggressive Action on Interest Rates
Fed signals aggressive action on interest rates to combat inflation, drives stocks down last week, plan is more aggressive than investors had previously anticipated. Growth stocks continue to get punished, large-cap value is lone positive.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Weigh Menu of Uncertainty
The S&P 500 closed fractionally higher for the week, extending its winning streak to a third week, as a last gasp to the upside made up for early losses that were tied to lingering concerns about a global recession and the ongoing war.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Confidence Grows In Resilient Economy
With growing confidence in the economy’s resilience, stocks posted another week of solid gains. Value stocks continue their advantage and labor market are staying strong. Investors seem more comfortable with planned interest rate rises.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally in Changing Landscape
With the Fed embarking on a new course of monetary tightening amid continued fighting in Ukraine, stocks staged a powerful, broad-based rally last week. Click for the numbers and the context of the week.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Impacts Global Economy
Intensifying hostilities in Ukraine continued to unsettle markets, as investors grappled with the war’s impact on global economies. The S&P 500 dropped 2.88%, the Dow lost 1.99%, and the Nasdaq fell 3.53% for the week.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Stresses Economy
Weekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Stresses Economy. Volatility and Powell's testimony discussed. All indexes down with Nasdaq hit hardest - down 2.78% for the week. War in Europe crushing their stock markets.
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: March 2022 Edition
Notes Along the Path: March 2022 Editions This month’s topics: When Worlds Collide - Russia Invades, The Murky Crystal Ball, Focus on What You Can Control, Your job (when you are the executor of a will)
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rocky Week After Russian Invasion
Investors rode a rollercoaster of emotions, rising hostilities in Ukraine sent stocks sharply lower before a powerful late-week rally erased early losses. S&P 500 up 0.82%, Dow down 0.06%, MSCI EAFE (developed countries non-US) down 5.72%
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week
Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Fears Cool Markets
A hot inflation print and the growing concern of a Russian invasion of Ukraine sent stocks tumbling late in the week, leaving major indices lower for the five-trading days. Plus: My Take, What Does The Bond Market Think? Tax tips, and more.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Extend Rally; Eyes On Meta
Stocks gained ground last week, but what is the outlook for the near to medium term? Some sectors looking strong, others weak. Covid, the Fed, Inflation, Unemployment, and Ukraine discussed.
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: February 2022 Edition
This month’s topics: Scam Alerts: 2022 Edition, A Bumpy January: Down a Lot Then Up a Little, What is Real Financial Advice? Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you!) questions about ...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Volatile Week Ends On Rebound
An exceptionally volatile week, whipsawed investors with stocks ending higher after a surge up on Friday. This week I am noticing Real Estate is down 9.46% already this year and recommending a shift toward value funds.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rate Hike Talk Sinks Stocks
Stocks extended their January retreat as worries over inflation and rising bond yields continued to exert downward pressure on prices. Plus, why rates matter, and matter most to growth stocks.
Read MoreWeekly Market Update + Fed Speak
Weekly Market Update for January 18, Fed Speak - what is is and how translate.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Hawkish Fed; Stocks Retreat
A jump in yields sparked by a more aggressive sounding Federal Reserve sent the market lower to start the new year. My Take: We have known this was coming for quite a while. There are only two situations that can be happening in the stock..
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: January 2022 Edition
This month’s topics: What Issues Should I Review at the Start of Each Year, 2021 – A Brief Market Review and some thoughts on 2022, How to Follow Through on New Year's resolutions.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks End Year Mostly Positive
Stocks closed out the year on a mostly positive note, adding to the year’s gains as concerns about the economic issues of Omicron infections receded. The market got off to a good start last week in part due to a strong holiday sales report.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Tightens Money Policy
Stock prices retreated last week as global central banks joined the Federal Reserve in taking steps to tighten monetary policy. The S&P 500 fell 1.94%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.68%. The Nasdaq tumbled 2.95%.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Omicron News Boosts Stocks
A more benign reassessment of the possible economic risk posed by Omicron sent stocks sharply higher last week, plus, my take on the inflation outlook.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell Surprises; Omicron Concerns
Stocks took investors on a wild ride last week as the Omicron variant and Fed comments upended market expectations. Plus small growth gets whacked, unemployment report looks wrong, and a lot more.
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: December 2021 Edition
This month’s topics: Looking Ahead (to the Year’s End), Tax facts and tips to save you money, Planning moves to consider, What’s Driving the Market (it’s the virus)
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets
News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.20%....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed
Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.32%, while the Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read. The Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%. The...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: November 2021 Edition
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: Estate Planning, Big Mistakes to Avoid What's Driving the Market (to New Highs) Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Earnings Build; GDP Slows
A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.33%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Strong Week on Wall Street
Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises. Remember, earnings, and nothing else, drive stock prices. Other metrics are mostly useful in proportion to their predictive power about future earnings....
Read MoreNotes Along the Path October 2021 Edition
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: There's Something about... September? Tax Law Changes may be coming Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stalemate in the Capitol
Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, and the Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Wild Week of Contagion Concerns
Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path September 2021 Edition
In late 2019, the president signed the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act. The starting age for required minimum distributions (RMDs) for employer-sponsored plans and IRA accounts was raised from 70...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: August 2021 Edition
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: The Covid (recession and) Recovery Market Update: Stocks Reach New Highs Are You On Track? A Change at Your Best Path Please consider sharing this...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat, Inflation Advances
Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: July 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: How to Manage a Financial Windfall Market Update: A Halfway-Point Assessment In the News Please consider sharing this with someone you know who...
Read MoreKey Planning Deadlines: Summer 2021
As we head into the Summer of '21, here are a few dates that may be meaningful for your situation. Please have a look, and then mark your calendar with the items that apply to you. Not sure, don't hesitate to give me a call. Summer...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Strong Employment Reports
Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Signals Interest Rate Hikes
New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Stay Cool, Inflation Heats Up
Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: June 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: When Is It Time to Downsize Your Home, and Will This Cycle Reverse? May Market Update: Thinking About the Markets and the Economy
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation Concerns Continue
Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
Read MoreThe Case Against Bitcoin and all Cryptocurrencies
The Case Against Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies: I have four categories of objections to Bitcoin: Financial, Practical, Civic, and Moral. Before I get to these objections, a brief bit of context. I don't think Bitcoin is doomed to go...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path: May 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: 7 Charitable Giving Missteps to Avoid Higher Taxes on Capital Gains, Should You Be Worried? April's Stock Market: Pleasant as a Sunny Spring Day,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Earnings Season Crests Some Expectations
Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly higher. The Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Signals, Choppy Week
The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Move Higher on Latest Numbers
Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Tech Stocks On the Rise
Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
Read MoreNotes ALong the Path April 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: Covid—A Year Later Big Picture Market Update Avoiding 7 Retirement Traps Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Modest Losses After Choppy Week
Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...
Read MoreYour Best Path: Gordon Achtermann on Investing Vol.1.1
Welcome to the inaugural edition of "Your Best Path: Gordon Achtermann on Investing" 50,000-foot View My Outlook for Stocks: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bearish -------------------------X-------- Bullish (8+) The Fed's Current Position:...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path March 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: The Psychology of Money, Not Your Typical Economic Recovery, Couples' Money Problems: 6 Traps to Avoid, Tax Changes to review as you file your 2020...
Read MoreKey Tax Changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Key Tax Law Changes Here are all the major changes to our tax laws you need to know as you work on your 2020 tax return. I hope you found this information useful. Please share and join the conversation using the social media icons All...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks
Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights, and More
Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Go Back to Basics
Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path February 2021
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: In the News, The Worst Scams, Revenge of the Nerds? (Market Update)
Read MoreARE YOU SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT?
This is an update to an original post from August 13, 2020 ARE YOU SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT? Financial Advisors get asked this question all the time: Am I (or are we) saving enough? Maybe you have heard of the concept of a...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path - January 2021
January 8, 2021 Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you!) questions about their financial future. This month's topics:...
Read More2021 Key Financial Data
Congress passed the budget and we finally know that this data is valid for 2021. Please let me know if you would like a .pdf file sent to your email.
Read MoreMarkets & Marriage
The end of the year is upon us, so instead of the usual weekly market recap, I offer this metaphor to end the month. Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The...
Read MoreOur Fiduciary Oath and Code of Ethics
My Fiduciary Oath Potential clients sometimes wonder about the difference between a 100% fiduciary (like me) vs. a part-time fiduciary (also known as a fee-based advisor). As your 100% fiduciary my oath and code of ethics applies all...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path December 2020
December 7th, 2020 Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! As always, I hope you will consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you) questions about their financial picture...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path November 2020
Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! November 6, 2020. Thoughts on the election aftermath and outlook, October 2020 market performance, and 7 financial planning steps you can implement today.
Read MoreNotes Along the Path October 2020
Dear Friends, Welcome! I hope you may benefit from this month's edition of Notes Along the Path. For those of you that are existing clients, I hope you will consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path September 2020
Notes Along the Path. Today we will be discussing: Gordon Achtermann quoated in the News, My Publications, Latest Market Commentary: Recession and Rally - Together Like Never Before, A Personal Reflection of Preparing for College
Read MoreNotes Along the Path August 2020
This may be my longest issue in a while, so feel free to skip to your top priority first. Today we will be discussing: My IBD article, The State of Our Nation: economic & market commentary, Roth IRAs, August 31 rollover deadline...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path July 2020
Today we will be discussing July 4th Celebrations, The Swoosh: economic & market commentary, Lessons from the pandemic (so far)...
Read MoreThe Truth About Risk
Since beginning Your Best Path Financial Planning, I have learned that what clients want is to SEE their finances better. To me, this means I must Simplify for them, Educate them, andEmpower them. To that end, the set of principals...
Read MoreLet's Fix this: Less Than Half of You Know, Before Retirement, How Much Social Security You Are Goin
Let's Fix this: Less Than Half of You Know, Before Retirement, How Much Social Security You Are Going to Get. Researchers at the University of Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center found that more than 50% of their sample...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path June 2020
I cannot remember a time when I've seen such a wide disparity between what is happening in the economy and what is happening in the stock market. As I explained last month, much of what is happening is the achievement (fault?) of the Fed...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path May 2020
Whatever it takes. Within our mandate, the Fed is ready to do whatever it takes to support the economy. Believe me. It will be enough. Wait, did Fed Chief Jerome Powell really say that? No, he didn't, but the Fed's actions seem to have...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path April 2020
Today we will be discussing: Covid-19 Status and outlook, March market review, First, an admission. I was quite wrong about the virus. My initial take at the end of February was that it would likely be contained. That was before I knew...
Read MoreSpring Cleaning? How about Spring Planning.
Click HERE to download your printable PDF of the Key Planning and Investment Deadlines for Spring 2020. Thank you for being a client or for taking interest and giving me a chance to win your business. I value your trust and the...
Read MoreYour Best Path Financial Planning is Green America Certified
Your Best Path Financial Planning is happy to announce that we are now a Green America certified business! Green America is one of the largest marketplaces in the US for people to find green business. For decades I have been a proud...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path February 2020
Our topics this month are: The SECURE Act, January Market Review and Current Outlook. As 2019 came to a close, the President signed into law a sweeping series of...
Read MoreNotes Along the Path January 2020
Our topics are: Your Best Path In the Media, What moved markets in 2019. As some of you you know by now, reporters often reach out...
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