A MID-YEAR CHECKUP
Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.
- Goals still the same for 2022? Has market volatility affected any of your goals that are not currently part of your financial plan with Axiom? If so, let’s ensure we include them before the end of the year.
- Credit score looking good? Double-check your credit score for any red flags. This can be a good way to catch issues like identity theft early.
- Contributions on track? If you haven’t maximized them already, consider increasing your contributions to any workplace-sponsored or personal savings plans.
- Scheduled spending still make sense? Look at any impacts you’ve felt due to inflation. Do your plans for the rest of the year align with what you’ve budgeted?
AXIOM UPDATES
Keeping Perspective in Volatile Times
When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical, and it can be easy to miss the big picture.
If you zoom out a bit in history, the volatility that we’re seeing now is far more normal than abnormal. That being said, there are some events we haven’t seen for quite some time. For example, a bond manager would need to be around 80 years old today to have been working during the inflation of the 1970s—the last time we saw similar movements to what we’re seeing today.
Negative price swings can be unsettling. However each time we review your financial plan, we revisit your unique situation and time horizon, which ensures you’re only taking the risks necessary to achieve your long-term goals.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling uncertain. We’re here to help you keep things in perspective and would be happy to review your plan if needed.
Promoting Pride
Axiom Financial Strategies Group and Axiom Insurance Solutions were proud sponsors of this year’s Southern Indiana’s Pride Parade and Festival. The group’s mission is to help make the area a place where diversity and kindness thrive. They hope to have a positive impact on our community by promoting advocacy and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender people and their allies. Axiom agrees that diversity, equity and inclusion are critically important when it comes to serving our clients and team members. We value working with and learning from a wide variety of people, perspectives and experiences.
Abu Dhabi Adventure
Last newsletter we told you about a fascinating trip CEO Vaughan Scott took to the United Arab Emirates. It was in conjunction with the University of Louisville College of Business. He was one of three faculty members and 60 grad students participating in the program. In part two of our Q&A with Vaughan, we explore the capital city of Abu Dhabi. You can click here for his story and some amazing pics of the adventure.
Embracing Leadership
Congratulations to our Financial Advisor Michelle Konkle for completeing the Leadership Southern Indiana DISCOVER class. Since 1981, the organization has trained over 2,000 local leaders to embrace our community through civic engagement and servant leadership. At the end of the nine-month program, Michelle was elected her class representative, which means she will sit on the advisory committee, helping to share information and plan for the future.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
How Missing a Few Trading Days Could Cost You Big
When looking at the Wall Street numbers these days, you may be questioning why you’re still in the market. Here’s something very important to remember: From January 2000 through December 2019, if you missed just the 10 best trading days in those 20 years, the performance of your portfolio would look radically different! Click here to see what we mean.
Challenges Women Face Planning for Retirement
Women typically have less retirement savings than men. Often they have taken time away from the workforce to be a caregiver. Another consideration—on average, a 65-year-old woman can expect to live to age 86. That’s 21 years in retirement and nearly three years longer than men. This makes it extra important for women to build a sufficient retirement nest egg. Click here for some helpful retirement strategies for women.
JULY FUN
Fireworks at Waterfront Park
Celebrate the 4th of July with a bang! In addition to the fireworks display, there will be activities for the kids, a food court and live music. And the best part—it’s all free! Event is 5-11p.m. Fireworks start at 10. Keep in mind some items aren’t allowed at the event due to safety reasons. These are: personal fireworks, outside alcohol and meals, and glass items.
Shakespeare Festival in the Park
The free Shakespeare Festival in Central Park runs through August 7. This year’s plays are Twelfth Night, Richard III and The Merry Wives of Windsor. There are food trucks, Kid’s Globe, Will’s Gift Shop and Tavern. Performances start at 8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Jeffersontown Summer Craft Beer Fest
Jeffersontown Craft Beer Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Jeffersontown. Enjoy summer seasonal craft beers from around the country plus the 3rd Turn Brewing’s Kentucky Beer Garden. Meet the owners and brewmaster. The festival features more than 50 craft breweries, wines, food trucks and live music. 21+. No pets. July 16. 4-8 p.m. Details are here.