Blog
Stay Informed - Read our views of the economy and the stock market, as well as advanced wealth and retirement planning from our Wealth Managers at Financial Journey Partners – Partners in your financial journey. Subscribe to our email newsletter, schedule a complimentary consultation or second opinion conversation.
Alaska Adventure: Welcome Aboard Meeting
The Welcome Aboard Zoom Meeting was held on Monday, September 18! The replay is captured here for those planning to take the Ultimate Alaska Adventure in July 2025! The trip is intended for FJP clients and anyone they want to invite.
Read MoreFive Big Money Mistakes During Retirement and How to Avoid Them
Whether you're retired or still on the path there, it's a good idea to learn some moves you can make to avoid these 5 significant financial errors during retirement.
Read MoreCelebrating Financial Journey Partners’ 5th Anniversary!
We are celebrating our 5th Anniversary for Financial Journey Partners. It has been inspiring and rewarding to apply our decades of experience to build a firm with the central focus being the needs of our clients.
Read MoreMid-Year Economic Update Webinar Replay
FJP Wealth Managers share our mid-year economic update. Examine financial indicators and hear discussions on financial questions that might be on your mind from inflation, mortgage rates, the stock market and more in this webinar replay.
Read MoreMid-Year Economic Update
We are more than halfway through 2023 with the economy rolling along and the stock market has had a surprisingly strong start to the year. Learn highlights from our August 3 mid-year economic update including headwinds and tailwinds.
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Artificial Intelligence and FJP
AI and ChatGPT are in the news everywhere these days with stories about how AI is making people more efficient. In this article, we discuss various topics related to AI, ChatGPT, and how FJP uses AI to serve our clients better.
Read MoreProperty & Casualty Insurance
Comprehensive planning includes mitigating risks by using different types of insurance. We help our clients directly with life and LTC insurance. Here is our Q&A on property & casualty insurance with one of our network professionals.
Read MoreMake the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life
Step back out of the busy world and take the time to think about what goals are most important to you! Now is the best time to determine your goals and build your future. Share what you learn with family, friends and your Wealth Manager!
Read MoreShould I Be Worried About My Bank?
March was a stressful month in the financial industry for both U.S. and European banks. In the blog this month, we will discuss items to consider if you are worried about your bank and wondering if you should make some changes.
Read MoreMarch Madness Comes to the Banks
March is the month for the NCAA college basketball tournament called “March Madness”. This year March Madness also came to the banks and in this article you can find a timeline of the important financial events of the month.
Read MoreAge-Proof Your Brain with Dr. Marc Milstein
FJP hosted a webinar with special guest, Dr. Marc Milstein who shared the results of his research on ways to maximize productivity, slow aging and lower the risk for dementia so you can age-proof your brain. Pleased to share with you!
Read MoreState of the Economy 2023
FJP Wealth Manager, Scott Manley, discussed important topics about the economy and the outlook for 2023 with BlackRock's Head of iShares Investment Strategy for the Americas, Gargi Pal Chaudhuri. Get a recap of the webinar.
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Changes Many Retirement Plan Rules
Congress greatly expanded the changes to retirement savings by passing the SECURE Act 2.0, which introduced 92 new rule changes. Let's cover some major provisions for RMDs, accumulation, Roth revisions and more.
Read More2022 Reflections
As a new year is on the horizon, it is a good time to refresh goals and reflect on the past year. Thank you for letting us be your partners in your financial journey. Let’s make 2023 an even better year!
Read More2022 Economic & Stock Market Recap
2022 has been a challenging year in many ways for investors. In this blog, we share our recap of the year and our thoughts as we exit 2022.
Read MoreHow Concerned Should I Be About Inflation?
Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, has stated that it is a top priority of the Federal Reserve to reduce inflation. Let’s explore the issues caused by high inflation and you can consider how concerned should you be about inflation.
Read MoreAre We In a Recession?
An important question many people are asking is “Are we in a recession?” We will discuss this topic with graphs and information on the state of the economy. Regardless of the technical definition of a recession - you be the judge.
Read MoreAre I Bonds Right for Me?
I bonds are issued by the US Federal Government and are currently paying 6.89%. Can this be true? Yes, it is! In this article we will cover details including the pros and cons to see if I bonds may be right for you.
Read MoreThe US Stock Market is in a Bear Market. Now What?
The S&P 500 is now down more than 20%. It is the worst start to the US stock and bond markets in decades. Let’s take a closer look at the markets and what is causing this significant sell off in stocks and bonds.
Read MoreUtilizing a Professional Fiduciary and Finding Care Solutions
View webinar replays from Part 2 of our Strategies for Aging Family Members Webinar Series, which was focused on the role of a Professional Fiduciary and finding the right care solutions for aging family members.
Read MoreIs the US Stock Market at a Turning Point?
The markets have been in a down trend since the beginning of 2022. The big questions now are: Has the US stock market reached a turning point? Is the stock market at a bottom? We are watching for signs of this every day.
Read MoreIs the US Residential Housing Market in a Bubble?
Investigate evidence to support if we are in a housing bubble now -- the answer to this question could have a big impact on the economy over the next 24 months.
Read MoreHow to Spot Dementia and the Estate Plan Implications
Learn the 10 signs to spot Alzheimer's and distinguish from other forms of dementia and estate planning tools to assist with changing capacity from our guest experts.
Read MoreRising Uncertainty Increases Market Volatility
In this article we explore the changing bond market and how rising uncertainty increases market volatility which presents challenges as we actively look for opportunities, and actively manage investments.
Read MoreJobs, Inflation, Interest Rates and Ukraine
There was weakness in the U.S. stock market in December 2021, which continued into January and February 2022. We think there are several contributing factors including the jobs numbers, rising inflation, interest rates rising - and Ukraine.
Read MoreState of the Economy Webinar Replay
View our webinar replay where we discuss the state of the economy including several economic factors like inflation, consumer spending, interest rates, residential real estate, employment, the travel & entertainment industry and more.
Read MoreEconomic Outlook for 2022
As we’re nearing the 2-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are plenty of concerns as well as positive items in the news about the outlook for the economy.
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) provides an opportunity to contribute to your favorite charity while meeting your commitment to your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), with less of a cost.
Read MoreReducing Taxes Before and During Retirement
We use a collaborative approach – working with your tax person as a team to focus on your goals and mitigate your taxes where possible. View our webinar replay and resources for possible tax strategies to put into action.
Read MoreDonor Advised Fund – Efficient Charitable Giving
Donor Advised Funds (DAF) can make it easier to donate to all your favorite charities and potentially achieve some tax savings. Learn about how Donor Advised Funds can work for you. Discuss this option with your Wealth Manager.
Read MoreSeptember Weakness in the Stock Market
The economy had U.S. companies reporting strong earnings for the second quarter of 2021. So why has the US stock market been pulling back the last few weeks? We look at concerns, positive factors, and the history of September returns.
Read MoreMedicare 101 Webinar Replay
Medicare is an important part of your retirement strategy but it doesn't have to be complicated with the right information. View our Medicare 101 Webinar replay on-demand with our Medicare expert guest speaker Joanne Giardini.
Read MoreWhat is the Worst Scam to Avoid?
We are seeing more and more scams coming through email and cell phones, to us and to our clients. It reminds us that we need to be vigilant daily, because one wrong click can lead to devastating consequences.
Read MoreUpdate on Possible Tax Law Changes in 2021
Are 2021 Federal Tax Increases Inevitable? We explore recent proposals, learning from a conference for CPAs and the complexity of Special Tax Rules. Tax planning is essential View our webinar: Reducing Taxes Before & During Retirement.
Read MoreUnderstanding Mutual Fund Share Classes
What are those letters and words are at the end of the name of a mutual fund? Learn more about the share classes for mutual funds and how our Wealth Managers pick mutual funds at Financial Journey Partners.
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness Webinar On Demand
You can't prevent a natural disaster but you can prepare for one. Our recorded Emergency Preparedness Webinar gives you the tools to plan and survive. Our thanks to Quake Kare for sharing their expertise.
Read MoreCelebrating Ingalill’s Retirement
We work hard every day to help our clients reach their goals, including retiring, and take great pleasure in helping our employees retire too! Thanks for everything Ingalill – and we wish you a very happy and healthy retirement!
Read MoreWalt Disney World Resort Adventure
We just experienced air travel and an adventure at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort! .We share our learning and 8 tips to make your trip easier. It feels like a good time to shake off the COVID resistance to travel and get back out there!
Read MoreLong-Term Care Insurance – Where it Stands Today – Whether You Own Now or Are Considering Buying
LTC policies can be a financial lifeline to a family to afford support they need without the worry of burdening family. Learn where long-term care insurance stands today - whether you own it already or are considering purchasing LTC.
Read MoreCA Prop 19 – Easier to Move Within California
Where to? With the passage of CA Prop 19, all 58 counties are now in view as possible locations for the Over 55, with a more affordable property tax. Learn how to calculate your new CA Proposition 19 options.
Read MoreStock and Bond Markets – What a Difference a Year Makes
Since March of 2020, the U.S. stock market dropped about 34% on the fears and uncertainty of a worsening pandemic and later recovered to all-time highs, a massive stimulus and increasing risk to prevent overheating.
Read MoreThe US Economy at the COVID-19 One Year Anniversary
Are you optimistic at the one-year mark of the COVID-19 journey? Explore our views on the state of the economy and our outlook for rest of the year.
Read MoreEfficient Use of the Client Portal Webinar On Demand
Put your FJP Client Portal to work for you. View our recorded webinar where we address areas to gain Client Portal efficiency.
Read MoreWhy Are People Leaving California?
Since we live in Northern California in the middle of Silicon Valley, we have a first-hand account of why people are leaving the Golden State. There is a lot to love but growing reasons for people and businesses to pack their bags to leave.
Read MoreA Story of COVID-19 International Travel
Would you travel internationally during the pandemic? Caring for family members who are ill can make traveling essential, even in times like this. Read our FJP Advisor's story and learn from her international pandemic travel takeaways.
Read MoreWhat’s going on with GameStop, AMC and Reddit?
GameStop, AMC and other low-priced stocks that have made explosive moves up and down recently causing major wins and major loss. What's going on? We'll discuss the market volatility and potential forces at play such as the stimulus.
Read MoreAvoid These Estate Problems in 2021!
Avoid these two significant estate problems to make things easier for those you care about, not harder. A little energy now can go a long way for your peace of mind and the security of your family.
Read More6 Investment Themes for 2021
The pandemic in 2020 accelerated some trends that were already in place and started some new trends. What investments will benefit? See the 6 themes for 2021 that we see on the horizon.
Read More6 Goals for a Successful 2021!
New year, new financial goals. See our checklist of 6 goals to consider for 2021 to make the year a success.
Read MoreBe Mindful - Cyber Crimes are on the Rise
Cyber criminals are noticing we are spending more time at home with emails and online. Phishing emails and cyber crimes are on the rise. Learn how you can spot a cyber crime designed to part you from your money.
Read MoreThe Election Results Are In - What’s Next?
The 2020 elections are historic. A divided government is expected. If Joe Biden becomes the next President and the Republicans keep the majority in the Senate, what Biden policies are likely to be possible and what are unlikely?
Read MoreWhat is the K Economy?
A K-shaped, recovery means that part of the economy is improving while other parts of the economy are struggling. Are we having a K shaped recovery? If so shat are the trends for the strong and weak parts of the economy?
Read MoreAre People Leaving California?
Large companies are announcing plans to leave California and we've observed that more Californians are making individual plans to leave. Is this a long-term trend? If so where are Californians moving to and why?
Read More2020 Mid-Year Review
A mid-year review of the US stock market and economy. We will summarize the key points and assess where things stand today and important areas to watch for the remainder of the year.
Read MoreWe Cut the Cord. Should You?
Have you noticed you've been adding TV and movie services one after another? This cost can really add up. We took up the challenge to see if we could cut the cord and increase our entertainment options and possibly save money.
Read MoreWhich is Worse, the Sickness or the Cure?
The Coronavirus has impacted the world much more than previous diseases. Having said that, we do believe sometime later in the year, life should return to normal and the Coronavirus concerns will have subsided.
Read MoreOur Take on a Difficult Week in the Markets
As of Monday, March 2, 2020, this is our view on the coronavirus, economy and stock market.
Read MoreKey Features of Your Client Portal
Your Client Portal is a valuable asset in your financial planning toolkit. Here are some key features we shared at our recent client seminar.
Read MoreWhy is the stock market going up at the end of 2019?
What factors are contributing to the recent stock market rally? Could it be increasing earnings of US companies, growth in the US GDP, political factors or actions by the Federal Reserve?
Read MoreKeep Your Estate Plan Updated
An estate plan that was carefully and thoughtfully created over time may have elements that are no longer appropriate. A small amount of time spent to keep it updated can save your family and heirs a lot of time and heartbreak later.
Read MoreIndependence Day for FJP
On July 4th, Independence Day, we reflect on the meaning of the day and our founding fathers who bet everything to strive for freedom and independence.
Read MoreEconomy and Stock Market Update - May 2019
Here is an update on our views on the US economy, stock market and changes we have made to client portfolios in the past month. Figure 1. S&P 500 Total ReturnSource: HiddenLevers.com The S&P 500 reached new all-time highs on May 3,...
Read MoreThe Differences Between Bull and Bear Markets
Financial markets work through cycles that are upward and are downward, just as the economy goes through such cycles varying from strong to weak. When a financial market as a whole, or as a group of securities has been rising, this is...
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