FUN SUPER BOWL FACTS
The Green Bay Packers was the first team to ever win a Super Bowl.
There has never been a shutout in a Super Bowl.
Twelve NFL teams have never won the Super Bowl. Four have never made it there—Houston, Jacksonville, Detroit, Cleveland.
The Super Bowl is the second-highest eating day for Americans (behind Thanksgiving).
The NFL doesn’t pay bands/artists for performing at the halftime show.
In 2013, Jim Harbaugh (49ers) and John Harbaugh (Ravens) became the first brother coaches to compete against each other.
The Vince Lombardi trophy costs $10,000.
AXIOM NEWS
Why Isn’t My Portfolio at an All-Time High?
Many people may be confused as to why the stock market is at an all-time high, but their portfolios are also not at all-time highs. This is because most people are not 100% invested in the stock market. Asset allocation between stocks and bonds helps to reduce risk in the portfolio, because bonds generally hold their values in good and bad markets.
Bonds are basically loans we make to corporations and government entities. As such, they have a maturity date upon which the investment terminates, and our principal/investment is returned to us. This differs from stock investments, which are ownership stakes in a company and can span decades and even generations.
Although returns from the bond markets are stable and rarely lose money, their performance tends to lag behind the performance of stocks over time. This is the price we pay for avoiding the risk associated with the stock market.
As we get older and transition from growing our assets to preserving them, we tend to increase our exposure to bonds to reduce the risk of a 20% to 30% decline in the stock market and our portfolio in one year. Such a decline can be devastating for someone in retirement who is no longer adding to their portfolio, but rather withdrawing funds from it.
Consequently, a portfolio with less than 100% stocks will tend to underperform one with 100% stocks over time, but the lower performance can be attributed to less risk in the portfolio.
Important LLC Info
As of Jan. 1, 2024, LLCs, corporations and other entities are now required to file beneficial ownership information reports with the U.S. government. The deadline for filing is determined based on the date your entity was established. The reporting requirement is not affiliated with IRS or tax filings. The new reporting requirement is imposed by a statute called the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021. We encourage our clients who are owners of entities to educate themselves on the reporting requirements. Please see click here for more information. BOI Informational Brochure (fincen.gov)
Your IRA Contributions
A general rule is that you have until tax day to make IRA contributions for the prior year. In 2024, that means you can contribute toward your 2023 tax year limit of $6,500 until April 15. And as of Jan. 1, 2024, you can also make contributions toward your 2024 tax year limit until tax day in 2025.
IRA Contribution Limits for 2023 and 2024
The contribution limit sets how much you can contribute to a qualifying IRA plan every year. You cannot make contributions to a Roth IRA past the limit. However, for traditional IRAs, you can continue to invest money above the limit but will lose the income tax deduction.
For tax years 2023 and 2024, the IRS published the following limits on IRAs:
2023 Tax Year
- Standard Contribution Limit: $6,500 per taxpayer 49 and younger
- Catch-Up Contribution Limit: $7,500 per taxpayer 50 and older
2024 Tax Year
- Standard Contribution Limit: $7,000 per taxpayer 49 and younger
- Catch-Up Contribution Limit: $8,000 per taxpayer 50 and older
FEBRUARY FUN
Chocolate Lover’s Weekend
What could be better than wine and chocolate? Huber’s Orchard and Winery is holding this tasty annual event right in time for Valentine’s day. With every wine tasting purchased, enjoy complimentary chocolates from the famous Schimpff’s Confectionery. February 10 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Huber’s Tasting Loft is located in Borden, IN. Go here for more info.
The Pirates of Penzance
Leap years come around every four years, and for one young pirate it causes mayhem and turmoil in this comedy about being a “slave to duty.” Gilbert’s witty word play coupled with Sullivan’s memorable music make for a rollicking night at the theatre. February 16-24 at the W.L. Lyons Brown Theater. Find details and ticket prices here.
Curious George
The Golden Meatball
Everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this action-packed musical. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience on a fun-filled adventure! February 24 through March 30 at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. Kid-friendly buffet included in ticket price. Click here for more information.