Category: Finance
5 Financial Resolution Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
As the year draws to a close, many of us begin reflecting on our goals for the upcoming year. Not surprisingly, financial resolutions often top the list. According to a 2024 study by the Pew Research Center, 61% of those who make resolutions include money or finances among their priorities. With this in mind, setting the right financial goals is key to starting the year on the right foot. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of five financial mistakes to steer clear of—ensuring your resolutions set you up to reach your financial goals. Not preparing for the unexpected Having an emergency fund is essential, especially in today’s uncertain economy. According to a 2024 Discover Personal Loans survey, 80% of Americans feel anxious about their finances, with many unprepared for events like job loss, unexpected expenses, or medical emergencies. Beyond an emergency fund, proper insurance is crucial to protect your financial plan. Review your life, disability, property, and casualty insurance to ensure you're covered. For retirees, long-term care is critical. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people aged 65 or older are likely to need long-term care at some point. Lastly, if you own rental or vacation homes, an umbrella policy can provide extra protection. Not planning goals Not planning your financial goals is another mistake to avoid. According to a survey by Schwab, only 36% of Americans h
Market Commentary
We have been highly constructive on U.S. large-cap stocks in our investment strategies since October 2023. We remain optimistic generally into 2025, but as we enter fall, we think it is prudent to be slightly more cautious as some facts have changed over the last several weeks. First, our analysis of earnings surprises and estimate revisions has detected some cooling trends, suggesting potential moderation of the earnings advantages that catalyzed much of the rally this year so far. Our research also reveals the autumn period in October through mid-November in presidential election years has tended to be more volatile than usual, with increased vulnerability to downside moves. The elevated uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election adds additional complexity. Given the sharp divide in the parties’ expected policy and the expectations of a close race, many real economy actors are delaying major capital allocations and business-defining bets to after election night. In this state of uncertainty, any lack of market liquidity has the potential to trigger volatility. This may be compounded if the final outcome of the election is delayed, as we saw in 2020. Finally, recent changes in market temperament have also caught our attention and give us pause. Relatively tranquil gains in large-cap stocks for most of the year have been disrupted recently with larger single-day selloffs, rotations, and V-shaped snapbacks, which may be signs of a market more susceptible to headlin
This strategy could help your retirement portfolio
When you retire, it's normal to wonder if you'll have enough money to cover all your needs. This can be especially worrying when you're advised to focus on long-term investments to make sure you have enough money for the rest of your life. Don't worry, though - there are several strategies you can use, like the "Three Bucket Strategy," to help with this. With this strategy, you take your retirement portfolio and divide it into three buckets. The first is used to fund day-to-day expenses. The third bucket funds longevity. And the middle is the go-between or transfer place to refill bucket number one as it is depleted. Now, let’s break it down further and take a look at bucket one. In there, you’ll find income-producing assets that could include CDs, money market funds, US Treasuries, pensions, fixed annuity, and Social Security funds – all things that will not decrease in value and are accessible when needed. Basically, this bucket is meant to provide money to live. If you place an amount that will cover about two years of expenses in this bucket, you won’t have to be concerned if the economy or investment markets take a dip. But what if you want to plan for longevity? That’s where bucket three comes in. In this bucket, you will find stocks, high-yield bonds, real estate, and other higher-return assets. All of these are long-term investments geared toward helping you keep from running out of money as the years pass. Co
Is it time to find a new Financial Advisor?
When it comes to planning for retirement, managing investments, or simply trying to get your financial house in order, you want a financial advisor who can help get you to your goals. But how do you know when it’s time to make a change and find a new advisor? First, let’s talk about the red flags. If your financial advisor isn’t communicating with you regularly or isn’t transparent about the fees they’re charging, it’s a sign that it might be time to look elsewhere. Your financial advisor should be proactive, keeping you informed about how your investments are performing, and how any changes in the market might affect your financial goals. If you’re left in the dark, it’s a clear indication that your advisor might not be prioritizing your best interests. Let’s not forget the importance of trust either. Your financial advisor should be someone you feel comfortable with—someone who listens to your concerns and takes them seriously. While experience, knowledge, and credibility are all important, doing what’s best for the client is perhaps the most important thing a financial advisor can do. That’s why when you’re evaluating your current advisor, you should check if they’re a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Professional, or CFP®. There are many designations that mean different things, and it’s always important to choose an advisor with demonstrable credentials that align
2024 Second Half Outlook
News headlines have been volatile this year with many geopolitical issues, economic worries, and, most recently, President Biden exiting his re-election campaign. Nevertheless, the stock market has done well and continued to “climb the wall of worry.” This reality serves as a good reminder that ignoring most news headlines and political noise is typically the best investment strategy. Since the start of the year, we have maintained a positive outlook and positioning, especially with U.S. large-cap stocks. That is because of our view that AI-related investments, onshoring, and cooling inflation will benefit earnings for these types of companies the most. Despite some choppiness, the data tells us this scenario is playing out as expected. With manufacturing surveys softening and business confidence muted, markets may begin to over-discount a sharper slowdown. Nevertheless, we continue to believe that the pace of economic growth is moderating at a goldilocks pace, and inflation is cooling sufficiently to allow the Federal Reserve (Fed) to begin easing before the end of the year. We expect U.S. growth to be close to trend at about 2.0% by the fourth quarter and inflation to continue cooling toward the Fed’s 2% target by mid-2025. This should be a good environment to support our view on equities overall and offer a positive environment for bonds. Outside the U.S., the European economy is expanding once again, activity in China i
Understanding Irrevocable Trusts: A Key Tool in Estate and Medicaid Planning
Estate and Medicaid planning are crucial components of financial strategy, as they can help protect your assets and secure your legacy. A powerful tool in this domain is the Irrevocable Trust, a fiduciary arrangement that offers numerous benefits while maintaining control over asset distribution. There are many intricacies with irrevocable trusts and they can potentially help enhance your estate-planning efforts. What is an Irrevocable Trust? A trust is a legal relationship where a grantor transfers assets to a trustee, who then manages these assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts serve various functions, such as reducing estate taxes, minimizing or avoiding probate, funding charitable gift strategies, and facilitating Medicaid planning. An Irrevocable Trust, as the name suggests, is a trust that cannot be modified or terminated once it is established. This can allow you to get assets out of your estate, which could potentially be helpful for estate and Medicaid planning. Trusts like these are ultimately about giving you control of your assets, your estate plan, and, ultimately, your legacy. One possible benefit of an Irrevocable Trust is its ability to help avoid probate court. Unlike a will, which must go through the often lengthy and public probate process, a trust can offer the grantor better control of how, when, and to whom money passes. Many parents find this comforting if they have children who are not good with money or if they simply want to
The benefits of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Professional
When searching for a financial advisor, you might notice the alphabet soup following their names. There are over 100 certifications available to financial professionals, all with different meanings and specializations. But among the most distinguished is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Professional, or CFP®. There are several reasons why it is considered such an important designation, and one you should look for in your financial planner. Reason 1: Education, Experience, and Credibility The CFP® designation, offered by the CFP Board, is significant because it requires an impressive amount of study, experience, and preparation. It takes from nine months to two years of study, and that’s after earning a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of working as a financial professional. A candidate is then required to sit for a rigorous test that covers many different areas of financial planning. Reason 2: the CFP® Indicates a Holistic Approach Training and experience for a CFP® don’t end at financial planning. While they receive rigorous experience and training in financial planning, a CFP® also receives education and experience on a wide range of related topics, such as risk management and insurance planning, investment planning, tax planning, and estate planning. This comprehensive experience helps a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Professional to be a sounding board for clients and helps to consider th
Is an annuity right for you?
Annuities have been in insurance agents' and financial advisors’ toolkits for decades. It’s a product designed to provide a steady income stream for retirees. It’s no secret that annuities have been a popular option, but are they always the best investment choice? Here’s the rundown of the pros and cons of annuities. Let’s see if they could be suitable for your financial strategy. Firstly, it's crucial to understand that every financial strategy has its place, including annuities. Many people value the relative financial security annuities can provide. However, annuities come with several drawbacks. One major issue is the lack of liquidity – meaning once you invest money in an annuity, you are often limited as to how and when you can get it out. At the very least, they’ll likely have a surrender charge. Some have even more limitations – like how much they can withdraw each year! Often, these products aren’t fully explained at the time of purchase, leading to confusion and frustration down the road. By the time you encounter an issue, the original salesperson may no longer be available to assist, leaving you to navigate the complexities on your own. So, there can be many challenges annuities offer, but how would investors know? Annuity companies are required to report all details to a third-party service. We can access these tools and provide you with a no-obligation annuity intelligence report. Thi
Keep healthcare in mind when planning your retirement
If you're anything like most Americans, healthcare costs can be a big concern when you're planning for retirement. That's why it's essential to keep them in mind as you're getting ready for your golden years. One common error we notice is people assuming their healthcare expenses will be covered by Medicare in retirement. The truth is, a single 65-year-old could need approximately $157,500 saved after tax to cover health care expenses in retirement, according to a report by Fidelity. And that number jumps to $315,000 for an average retired couple age 65.1 Those figures hinge on various factors such as your work duration, retirement timing and location, health condition, and life expectancy. Nonetheless, it could serve as a valuable target to strive towards. Another common pitfall we notice is the consistent underestimation of the need and the costs associated with long-term care. Although the extent of long-term care required varies for everyone, data from the Administration on Aging paints a striking picture: at least 70% of individuals aged 65 or older today will inevitably find themselves in need of some level of care. Every year, Americans are shelling out a whopping $475.1 billion for long-term care. Surprisingly, Medicaid only covers 42% of these costs. This means you'll probably be responsible for a significant portion of the bill, making it crucial to plan ahead. Another important thing to note is Ohio's latest updates regarding
Don’t be afraid to spend in retirement
Navigating the financial landscape in retirement can be a daunting task. It's like trying to pass through a jungle of expenses – health care, taxes, and long-term care costs all taking a piece of the hard-earned nest egg you've been building for ages. And just when you think you've got it all figured out, here comes the rollercoaster of economic uncertainty. In the face of such high stakes, it's no wonder the prospect of spending in retirement can be overwhelming. But with our team of financial professionals behind you, you can take steps to help you reclaim control and ease the anxiety associated with post-retirement expenditures. Embarking on the journey toward retirement becomes much smoother when you proactively create a budget beforehand. This invaluable tool allows you to gauge your anticipated expenditures and income streams once the daily grind is behind you. It's crucial to take stock of the various income sources at your disposal, such as Social Security, pensions, and 401(k)s, while also factoring in inevitable expenses like taxes, health care, and long-term care. When you're getting budget-savvy for retirement, start by figuring out what's a must-have and what you can let slide. Let's say you're dreaming of a retirement filled with jet-setting adventures. Well, that travel fund needs to be part of the grand budget plan. And let's not forget the inevitable: taxes. It's a good idea to give taxes a special seat
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Case studies are intended to illustrate the types of financial issues faced by actual clients. They should not be construed as a testimonial for or endorsement of Lineweaver Wealth Advisors. They do not represent the experience of any advisory client. Each client’s situation is different, and their goals may not always be achieved. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors, LLC, is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Tax information provided is general in nature and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Tax rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.
Crain's Cleveland Business is a print and online newspaper delivering local business news and information to Cleveland's business executives, which is published by Crain Communications Inc. The Crain's 2024 list may employ different methodology than described above for similar designations granted in other years. No clients were consulted and no fees were paid to determine the winners; the award is based on assets under management. Neither the participating candidates nor their employees pay a fee in exchange for inclusion on Crain's 2024 List. However, recipients may pay a fee to Crain, an affiliate, or an unaffiliated third party in exchange for plaques or article reprints commemorating the designation. The publication should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if the recipient is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; and should not be construed as a current or past endorsement of the recipient by any of its clients. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 25 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2024. In 2023, Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 15 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2023. In 2021 and 2022, Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 20 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2021 and 2022 respectively.
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