Category: Economy
Taylor Swift and ‘Barbie’ are helping the economy
When we think of economic indicators, our minds typically go to the state of the housing market, inflation or unemployment rates. Nevertheless, as of late, there have been some surprising economic drivers originating from unexpected sources. To understand this sensation, look no further than Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour and the “Barbie” movie. The blowout success of Swift’s tour combined with the record-setting box office success of the “Barbie” movie is showing up in microeconomic aggregates. The Federal Reserve’s historic rate hikes haven’t brought on a recession yet. Right now, we’re sitting in what’s known as a “Goldilocks economy,” where it’s not too hot and not too cold. Currently, it looks like consumers are prioritizing experiences and entertainment over buying things. That’s evident when looking at Swift’s tour, which is estimated to generate $4.6 billion in consumer spending in the United States alone1. Fans of Swift are spending money on hotel rooms, merchandise and dining out at restaurants. Some fans are dolling out money for custom outfits, manicures and hairstyles. Businesses are also creating special Swift-themed items for fans to buy. Fans are even visiting local museums, which led to The Country Music Hall of Fame having the best month in its 65-year history. The museum sold 114,000 tickets the month Swift had her Nashville
How to prepare to retire in a slowing economy
With a slumping stock market and a slowing economy, early retirees and people looking to retire in the near future need to make intelligent decisions to avoid jeopardizing a successful retirement. Here are a few actions our trusted financial planners recommend to help make the transition into retirement as seamless as possible. The first thing a retiree should do is examine their spending history to help build a budget. They can do this by adding up all of their annual spendings over the last three years to look at macro trends in spending patterns. Once that’s determined, they’ll want to make investments that can support that budget. Another way retirees can prepare for retirement income is to create a bond ladder. We’re able to help retirees invest their money while bond yields are back up and high-quality corporate rates reach as high as 4.75%1. High-quality bonds held to maturity can also provide a household with a steady income for the next few years. And there are a lot of different types of bonds – corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and even United States Treasuries – each with their own benefit. For example, one of the advantages of municipal bonds is the tax status since they are exempted from federal, state, and local taxes, which helps minimize taxes during retirement. Another strategy that could be helpful during retirement is to take action to stay ahead of inflation. One way to do that is with dividend-producing sto
Understanding Student Loans
Student loans are a great investment when continuing your education so it’s important to know the different kinds that are available and the strategies for dealing with them. According to data from Lendingtree.com, more than 2/3rds of graduates – from both public and private institutions – have student loans and it’s something that affects many Americans. For parents and grandparents of current college students, there are a few different kinds of student loans to understand. These fall into four categories: Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS loans, and private loans. When it comes to Federal loans, there are essentially three kinds. Subsidized are only applicable to undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. Unsubsidized loans are not tied to financial need, and are available to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. PLUS loans are available for graduate and professional students, as well as the parents of dependent undergrads. Subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans don’t require a credit check, and you are able to secure them simply by signing a form indicating that you will pay them back. However, PLUS loans and private loans will require a credit check. Private loans come from banks and other financial institutions who lend directly to students and their families. These are similar to any private loans, in that they’ll require a credit check, and the lender will want to see proof that you are
The Power of Dividends Part I: Oil and Gas
As we all deal with continued market volatility, inflation, and other economic headwinds, qualified dividends can be a great strategy for your portfolio. This is the first in a two-part series discussing possible dividend strategies. So, what are the main benefits we can expect from qualified dividends? There are three things you should consider when adding qualified dividends to your portfolio. First, they can be a major contributor to total return. Second, you need to carefully vet the quality. And third, they can have very beneficial tax treatment. There are many types of dividend-paying stocks, but there are two that are particularly timely: bank preferred shares, and oil and gas exploration and production. The first thing to understand about oil and gas E&P is that these are really just common shares of U.S. or Canadian gas and energy production companies. Many of these companies paid down debt substantially in the last 5 years, have reduced well costs, and have a break-even price with West Texas Intermediate, or WTI at $30-$35 a barrel. And as all of us know who have bought gas recently, it’s significantly more than that! These are generating significant free cash flow right now, which won’t surprise most of us who have been to the gas pump recently. But many companies have committed to use this excess cash flow to reward shareholders by raising base dividends, and some are even adding a variable dividend based
What Do Events In Ukraine Mean For Your Portfolio?
U.S. stock markets have been declining since the beginning of January and fell further into correction territory after the Russian invasion, though markets recovered from their lowest levels since then. During this correction, the S&P 500 declined nearly 15% from peak to trough, while the Russell 2000 Index and the Nasdaq Composite both briefly entered bear market territory (down 20% or more). While we recognize that the current geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe remains highly uncertain, we believe history may be a reasonable guide for what to expect from financial markets. If history is any guide – and by history, we mean Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and N. Korea’s invasion of S. Korea, since these are the most recent and similar events - financial markets tend to peak before the actual conflict date, as tensions rise, and the overall S&P 500 decline has historically been 14-21%. Therefore, equity markets may have more downside in the short term, but we may be closer to the end of this correction than the beginning, based on current geopolitical circumstances. However, we do expect financial markets to continue to experience heightened volatility in the short term. In our experience, sometimes individual investors tend to make emotional and often irrational decisions during periods of financial market volatility. Your emotions in situations like these can be your greatest enemy when it comes to making the right financial
HealthWatch: What Are Some Foods To Ease Your Anxiety?
People can make a variety of lifestyle changes to help manage their anxiety. Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein can be helpful. Anxiety is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people globally. Symptoms vary, and some people only experience them now and then. However, someone who experiences symptoms for 6 months or longer may have a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Doctors often treat GAD with a combination of treatments, including talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), alongside medications. Sometimes, these conventional treatments do not work long-term. However, some research suggests that proper nutrition can help improve symptoms. Nine foods to eat to help reduce anxiety: 1. Brazil nuts 2. Fatty fish 3. Eggs 4. Pumpkin seeds 5. Dark chocolate 6. Tumeric 7. Chamomile 8. Yogurt 9. Green tea Eating a healthful diet should provide all the nutrients needed for healthy brain function. A healthful diet that contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as vitamins and minerals might help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Reducing foods that are high in added sugar, salt, and fats - especially trans fats - may help reduce inflammation. Reduce alcohol, sugar, and coffee as these may increase episodes of anxiety and the associated symptoms. One report states that participating in enjoyable physical activity may also have a positive effect on mental
The WealthWatch: Protecting Your Legacy for Future Generations
Most of us spend our whole lives building wealth, and we want our families and the next generation to benefit. But without planning, it doesn’t work out that way. For example, one study found that most wealth is lost in America within three generations. The biggest concern we hear from clients is, “how will our children (or grandchildren) be spending their inheritance?” It’s not uncommon for an entire inheritance to be spent within a couple of months – which is fast when you consider that these inheritances are often substantial. Sometimes, it’s simply due to reckless spending. But more often, we see it caused by one of three issues: emotion-based decision making, pressure from family and friends, and/or a lack of professional assistance. Let’s look at each of these a little more deeply. 1. Emotion-Based Decision Making While we can understand grief and emotion in the wake of losing a parent or grandparent, we never make good decisions when we’re making decisions based on our emotions. And sometimes it is the impulse purchases that are the issue – like buying a car, or house, or taking a vacation. But, more often it involves making major life changes, like quitting a job, or sinking an entire inheritance into a new business venture that eventually fails. In the case of starting a new business, people often have a passion for a specific type of business, but don’t have the education or experien
President's Letter: Tax Tips For 2022
by Jim Lineweaver, CFP®, AIF® President and Founder Most of us have already filed our taxes for 2021, but that doesn’t mean we’re happy about it! As we saw our tax bills this year, many of us may have wished we would have planned differently last year. While there aren’t many strategies that still apply for 2021, we want to remind everyone that planning for next year’s taxes starts now. In 2021, many people started their own business or added consulting to their list of services. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a wide variety of tax deductions you can take advantage of, such as writing off a lease or mileage on your car, your home, and computer equipment you might have previously owned. For your new venture, there are also a wide variety of retirement plans available. Another common question we get each year is about gifting – whether it’s to a friend, family member, or a favorite charity. I always recommend that clients consider gifting appreciated securities rather than their hard-earned cash. Gifting an appreciated security means getting a write-off for its current full value. So, even if you only paid $10,000 for a security, and it’s now valued at $20,000, you can write off the whole $20,000 when you donate or gift it. And you can even gift appreciated property or real estate. This year, the IRS has also increased the “above the line” deduction that came about in 2020, to $300 a person
Charitable Giving as a Wealth Strategy
Watch Cleveland Clinic’s Associate Chairman of Philanthropy Chris McMahan and Jim Lineweaver on The Financial Quarterback! Jim and Chris discuss charitable giving strategies you can use. They also examine the Cleveland Clinic’s impact and donor engagement around the entire globe! Financial Quarterback - Charitable Giving as a Wealth Strategy Air date
Protecting Your Legacy for Future Generations
Most of us spend our whole lives building wealth, and we want our families and the next generation to benefit. But without planning, it doesn’t work out that way. For example, one study found that most wealth is lost in America within three generations. The biggest concern we hear from clients is, “how will they be spending their inheritance?” It’s not uncommon for an entire inheritance to be spent within a couple of months – which is fast when you consider that these inheritances are often substantial. Sometimes, it’s simply due to reckless spending. But more often, we see it caused one of three issues: emotion-based decision making, pressure from family and friends, and/or a lack of professional assistance. Let’s look at each of these a little more deeply. 1. Emotion-Based Decision Making While we can understand grief and emotion in the wake of losing a parent or grandparent, we never make good decisions when we’re making decisions based on our emotions. And while sometimes it is the impulse purchases that are the issue – like buying a car, or house, or taking a vacation. But, more often it involves making major life changes, like quitting a job, or sinking their entire inheritance into a new business venture that eventually fails. In the case of starting a new business, people often have a passion for a specific type of business, but don’t have the education or experience with the kind of b
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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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