Here’s why the world is not ending financially… There has been much talk recently about the world coming to an end financially. Whether it's the growing national debt, the stock market volatility, bank failure, or the economic downturns in various countries, there always seems to be some doom and gloom prediction about the state of the world's finances. However, despite these concerns, there are several reasons why the world is not ending financially. Global Economy First and foremost, the global economy is incredibly resilient. Despite facing challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Brexit uncertainty, the world's economies have bounced back time and time again. Many major economies have experienced robust growth, and while there may be some bumps along the way, it is highly unlikely that the global economy will collapse entirely. Governments and Banks Secondly, governments and central banks have tools at their disposal to help mitigate financial crises. Governments can implement fiscal stimulus measures to help support the economy, such as tax cuts, infrastructure spending, and direct cash transfers. These tools have been previously used effectively to prevent financial crises from spiraling out of control. Incomplete Data Furthermore, many concerns about the world's financial stability are based on flawed assumptions or incomplete data. For instance, the growing national debt of many countries is often portrayed as a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. However, while high debt levels can be a concern, it is essential to note that debt is only one piece of the puzzle. Factors such as economic growth, interest rates, and inflation all play a role in determining the overall health of an economy. Global Connections Lastly, it is worth noting that the world's economies are becoming increasingly interconnected. This means that when one economy experiences a downturn, it is less likely to have a catastrophic effect on the global economy. In fact, the interconnectedness of the world's economies can help mitigate financial crises by spreading risk and diversifying investments. Seek Advice With all of that said, it is important to take a long-term view when it comes to the state of the world's finances and not give in to fear and panic. As Dave Ramsey always says, don’t make decisions out of fear because it will not be your best decision. This is where a financial advisor can come in to help stop you from making an ill-informed decision. Your advisor knows the world is not ending financially and can keep you on the right path to reach your long-term goals. If you do not have an advisor, please contact me or any of our other advisors at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers today and schedule an appointment. We will review your current investments and help you build a plan and a portfolio to reach your goals based on your specific needs and risk tolerance. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

On April 6th, 2023, Chris from Dallas, Texas (one of the SmartVestor Pro Markets Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers serves) called Dave to ask, "Should I be concerned about the National Debt reaching 30 trillion dollars and how that should affect our personal financial strategy? Dave went on to tell this young man that for his entire career, the end of the world has been predicted (maybe sometimes even guaranteed), including books like Bankruptcy 1984, The Coming Economic Earthquake and books written by his friends about the end of the world because of Y2K. Dave reminded listeners and fans that these types of "scenarios" cannot and should not affect your investing because there will always be a reason to worry and fret. Our job as Smartvestor Pros is to educate you on these events and keep you invested in your goals. With that said, let's talk about the US Dollar. The U.S. dollar has been in the headlines due to an anticipated pause in Fed policy and concerns over the currency's place in the global financial system. However, to borrow Mark Twain's famous line, reports of the dollar's death are greatly exaggerated. While the role of the dollar has declined by some measures over the past two decades, fears of the dollar's demise are not new among investors and economists. What does the dollar's role mean for investors going forward? For many, the value of the U.S. dollar is viewed as a barometer of the country's importance on the global stage. It's been a century since the U.S. dollar overtook the British pound as the leading global currency. Many worry that the dollar could lose this status through poor U.S. policies or from the news last year in 2022 (that has only recently seemed to garner the attention of our clients) that Russia, China, and other BRICS countries have the desire to create a competing world currency. However, these concerns are not new and evolve with every economic cycle. The dollar remains strong but has weakened over the past six months In the 1980s, it was feared that the yen would overtake the dollar as the Japanese economy boomed. Since the 2000s, it has been feared that the euro or the Chinese renminbi would become a new global reserve currency. More recently, some expected cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to quickly upend the dollar-based system. Despite numerous challenges to the dollar and concerns over U.S. fiscal and monetary policies, none of these scenarios have yet occurred. While the dollar's importance should not be taken for granted, it's important to have a broader perspective on why it remains the world's reserve currency. The value of any major currency reflects a wide array of global economic trends and, as a medium of exchange, permeates every part of the global economy. The dollar plays a central role in this dynamic. According to the IMF, the dollar made up 58% of the world's currency reserves held by central banks at the end of 2022. The next largest share was held by the euro at 20%, followed by the yen and British pound at 6% and 5%, respectively. The Chinese renminbi's trails far behind at only 2.7%. The global payments numbers tell a similar story. According to SWIFT, a major global payments network, the dollar was used in 41% of transactions. This compares to the euro, pound, and yen with 36%, 7% and 3%, respectively. Only 2.2% of SWIFT transactions used the renminbi. The fact that the dollar is central to global trade, the price of oil is denominated in dollars, and many foreign currencies are pegged to the dollar, have helped to preserve its status. The dollar reached parity with the Euro last year These numbers put into perspective the latest headlines around several emerging market countries, known collectively as the BRICS nations, that plan to increase competition with the dollar. These countries, of which China is the largest, established the Shanghai-based New Development Bank in 2014 as an alternative to the World Bank and the IMF. While this may help reduce these countries' reliance on the dollar in some areas of trade and in foreign debt, it does not solve the underlying need for a currency that is stable and trusted globally. A case in point is that during times of stress, investors often flock to the dollar as a safe haven asset. Even as inflation began to rise in 2021, which would normally weaken a currency, the dollar rallied due to the robust U.S. economic recovery compared to the rest of the world and the prudent tightening of monetary policy by the Fed. The dollar even reached parity with the euro last year for the first time since 2002. So, while the rise of China in the geopolitical and economic spheres should not be underestimated, this does not mean that the dollar will be supplanted overnight. While Americans do benefit from a trusted dollar, what's important is that the dollar is trusted globally because of the vibrancy and strength of the U.S. economy. After all, the dollar is not backed by gold but by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Thus, the dollar reflects expectations around the prudent management of the economy, geopolitical issues, inflation concerns, and many other factors. When it comes to investing, there are three key ways in which the value of the dollar will continue to impact portfolios, regardless of the role of the dollar. First, the importance of the dollar doesn't tell the whole story since having a currency that is too strong can be problematic if it makes U.S. goods and services more expensive to the rest of the world. In other words, a stronger dollar can make it more difficult for U.S. companies to compete abroad, reducing profitability. Around 2015, a surging U.S. dollar resulted in an "earnings recession," driven also by the fact that the share of international revenue for U.S. companies has increased over time. Thus, having the dollar at a sensible level is often better than a dollar that is too strong. Fortunately, the dollar has backed away from its recent peaks with the dollar index (DXY) declining from around 114 to 102 in recent months. A weaker dollar is a tailwind for international investments Second, just as a dollar that is too strong may not be ideal for global corporations, it can also act as a drag on foreign investment returns by U.S. investors. In general, currencies can add an additional layer of complexity to international investing that doesn't exist when buying and selling domestic stocks. When the dollar strengthens, international investments lose value for dollar-based investors since they are made in foreign currencies which become weaker. This dynamic hurt foreign returns last year alongside many other challenges. Fortunately, it's the direction and not the level that matters, and the weakening dollar has helped to push international returns higher this year. If you have watched my weekly video series, "What We Learned in the Markets this Week," you've probably noticed the MSCI EAFE, which is an index of developed market stocks excluding the US, has generated a total return of 11.6% in dollar terms so far this year vs 7.56% for the S&P 500 (Growth / Growth & Income) and 1.70% for the Russell 2000 (Aggressive Growth). Third, fiat currencies - i.e., currencies not backed by gold - are only trusted to the extent that their countries maintain appropriate fiscal and monetary policies. Thus, an important driver of last year's dollar rally was the Fed's rate hikes in response to inflation alongside the shrinking money supply. Conversely, the expected pause in Fed rate hikes later this year is one important reason the dollar may be weaker in the coming months. This could help support corporate profitability as well as investor returns. The bottom line? As Dave told Chris, there will always be concerns around the dollar's place in the global economy and/or a myriad of other economic (US based or world based) scenarios to worry about. Investors should maintain a broader perspective on why the dollar plays such an important role and focus instead on how the dollar impacts the economy and returns. Copyright (c) 2023 Clearnomics, Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, LTD. All rights reserved. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not necessarily complete and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. 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With spring approaching, let’s take action to tackle cleaning your home efficiently and affordably. Many may see spring cleaning as an overwhelming task they want to avoid and are willing to pay (on average) $200 or more for this service to be done for them. Instead of rearranging your monthly budget to find those additional dollars, save that money for something else (wanted or needed) and create a systematic room-by-room schedule to tackle your spring cleaning yourself this year. Where to start and where to go Look at your calendar and reserve a large chunk of time over several days. This will help make spring cleaning a priority for you. Make a list of all the places in your home that need to be tackled, then go room by room and figure out what needs the most love and attention. Create a schedule of which days you will tackle which rooms. Some people want to start with the least intense rooms that need an overhaul, while others want to jump in head first and get the hard one(s) done when they have the most motivation. However you want to approach this is up to you, but lay it out to help keep you on track. Before diving into individual rooms, take a laundry basket around your house and throw anything in the basket that doesn’t belong in that room, then drop them off where they belong. As you take these items to their designated space, determine if there are things you don’t need or want anymore – could those items be sold or donated? Do you have enough items for a yard sale? Then as you clean, take it one room at a time. Decluttering rooms and your mind A suggestion to help you when deciding to get rid of a piece of clothing is to ask yourself, “Have I worn this in the last year?” If the answer is no, perhaps it is time to sell or donate those pants you haven’t worn in years. Take the time to sort through all drawers and closets. Be bold and pull everything off the pantry or bathroom shelves and wipe down the shelves. Sort and dispose of old products or items that aren’t good anymore or that you don’t use. Do you have a desk that is a catch-all? Does it constantly have books, magazines, bills, etc., stacked upon each other? Think through how you can organize that space better – does this mean you need a bookshelf in this room? Maybe it’s time to invest in a filing cabinet to organize your monthly statements and invoices. Clutter adds stress to our lives. The more you declutter your home, the more you will declutter your mind in the process. What to Use There are thousands of products advertised to clean your home with and many subscriptions for products you can get suckered into. Still, many products only fill your home with chemicals, blow the budget, or talk you into buying more products than you need. The most straightforward cleaners you can use in your home are steam cleaners to sanitize and clean surfaces or a simple combination of white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. You can pick up a spray bottle at your local dollar store to always have this mixture on hand. If you don’t own a steam cleaner, ask if a friend or family member would be willing to loan you one. And when it comes to rags and towels – that old t-shirt that hasn’t been worn in years could easily be cut up and turned into cleaning rags for dusting or scrubbing. Spring Cleaning not only your home And while you are at it, find other areas besides your home to spring clean…AKA your BUDGET! The same concept of how you spring clean your house can be applied to your budget. Pull out the spreadsheet, pen and paper, or app (whichever is your preferred method for budgeting) and dedicate some time to review it in detail. Review each line item and see if the planned amount aligns with your monthly spending habits. Or is that line necessary at all now? Review your sinking funds. Do these need to be updated with new goals, which means your budget needs to be updated with the new monthly allocated amount? Changing of seasons As winter continues to fade and we hit spring, remember that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be extravagant, overwhelming, or expensive. Create a fresh start for spring, and possibly make a few extra dollars from those items you don’t need anymore. Use your spring cleaning to declutter your home and your mind. Spring is considered the season (and timing) of new beginnings. Does all this cleaning, organizing, and starting fresh have you motivated to start budgeting for the first time? If you’re interested in learning more about creating a budget and starting fresh this spring season, call one of our financial coaches today to set up a meeting! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

If The Financial Aid Awards Are Lacking In April, parents of high school seniors are looking at their financial aid letters. It's a stormy time for many families. Parents are trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between the school's sticker price, and the amount of aid their student receives. The award letters are inconsistent and hard to decipher. Over the past decade, seismic shifts have occurred in the number of students applying to college. Demographically, there are fewer of them. Economically, fewer can afford going into the debt it would take to enroll. And there is also the fact that many students are choosing work over college than ever before. This means that many colleges are very nervous that they may not get enough "heads in the beds" come May 1st. It also means that at many private colleges parents and students have the "power" of the consumer. Power to NEGOTIATE. It's important not to be intimidated by what the college tells you to pay. The closer May 1st gets, the more fluid the college's position may become, making it likely your student can be awarded additional funding. It's almost there for the asking. In fact, your student may already have received a note from a college with more scholarships or grants. If they didn't, have your student contact the college and ask them for help. The phrase, "if you don't ask you don't get" is real. But some colleges-- especially private colleges-- are waiting for your student to reach out and ask for help, which is code for more free money. As I just wrote, some will reach out to you first, but don't wait for them. Maybe this will give you more confidence: everyone knows what a loss leader is. Long ago colleges figured out that to get a student to attend, they may have to lose a little revenue to get it back, and then some in the student's sophomore, junior and senior years. Don't feel bad or intimidated by asking for more funding. In reality, what you are asking for is a "tuition discount". These tuition discounts are already part of the formula they use to attract students like yours. They are already baked into the cake, so to speak. One last thing: you won't get another bite at the apple. The first award package will be the best your student will ever get. So, get as much as you can now or forever hold your peace. If you have a high school junior, NOW is the time to start putting together a list of colleges that your student will apply to next year. The schools that are on this list will determine outcome for your student and your finances! Putting the right schools in the mix is KEY to getting the best possible deal for your student. Your list must include schools that will offer your student generous discounts to attend. These schools' offers can be used as bargaining chips to induce favored schools to sweeten the pot. I can help you put the right list of schools together. This one college planning technique may save you tens of thousands of dollars on your college costs! Contact our team of Financial Advisors to schedule a college planning meeting and get started! Avoiding Student Debt: Not Easy, But Doable Student debt is like the weather-- everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it. If you really want your student to graduate debt-free, here are some gutsy suggestions: 1. College coursework in high school If your student is off to college in the Fall, then this ship has sailed. But for high school students, this is a great way to earn college credits. 2. "Test out" of classes (general courses) Some colleges let students test out of general education courses if they prove they know the material well. 3. The CLEP or College Level Examination Program Some colleges are more willing to let students test out of all sorts of courses if they prove they know the material well. And the selection of courses are many and varied. 4. Take an extra class per semester Years ago, students studied 2-3 hours per credit per week. According to one survey conducted by the National Survey of Student Engagement, most college students spend an average of 10-13 hours/week studying, or less than 2 hours/day-- less than half of what is expected. Only about 11% of students spend more than 25 hours/per week on schoolwork. If they took one extra class per semester, they would spend 15 hours per week studying. That can take 2/3 of a year off the bill! 5. Take an online class during Intersessions. Online classes during breaks can be very inexpensive compared to the college your student attends. For example, a single course at UMass Boston Online costs between $200-1,700. 6. Summer classes Summer school, while no picnic, is a great way to save money and avoid debt. And studying while catching some rays doesn't sound so terrible. None of these loan-eliminating ideas are a horrible burden. Not compared to the burden of $350/month for 10 or 20 years. And there is still time for students to hang out with fellow students and discuss Kant, Camus, and Sartre-- we can always dream can't we? High School Juniors: More States Require The FAFSA to Graduate High School Eight states, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Texas, and now Indiana, make it mandatory for high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many good reasons to file the FAFSA, even if you think you won't qualify for financial aid. If you want to receive federal student and parent loans, you have to file the FAFSA. Colleges use the FAFSA to determine which students qualify for both need-based aid AND merit scholarships. Do not leave free money on the table! Some schools consider filing the FAFSA as a strong sign of intent from the student. In some cases, it increases the likelihood of college acceptance. You are showing the school that you are behind your student's decision to attend college. Filing for student aid does not hurt your student's chance of acceptance. Future doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. may become contributing alumni. Colleges are businesses. They think about these things. Whether you make $25K a year or $250K a year, the only way to find out if you are eligible for financial aid is to apply. Finally, if a tragic event occurred that caused a change in circumstance, having a FAFSA on file allows a school to respond quickly to that change. The 2024-2025 FAFSA is going to change. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will no longer determine the minimum amount of money parents will pay at any college. The EFC is being replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI). Not only will the number of questions decrease, which is good, the reduction of parents' contribution for more than one student in college at the same time go away, which is obviously wrong. Right now, small businesses are exempt from today's EFC. However, the SAI is going to include the value of all businesses. Obviously, this is a very negative change for most parents of small businesses, especially if they run their business from a building that they own, like a convenience store. The good news is that there is a way to avoid having your business assessed. If you own and live on a family farm, you are also going to be penalized. For some reason, home equity isn't assessed, but a family farm is. At the moment, there is no way around this, but this is definitely grounds for appealing to exclude the family farm. It's a reasonable request. Why all these changes? While expanding access to those who can least afford college, these changes have always hurt middle to upper-middle-class college families. The good news is that you have time to figure this out. As of this writing, the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be delayed by at least two months. Now is the time to reach out for a discussion as to what can be done to avoid the financial negatives that are coming. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Portfolio Rebalancing Investors often diversify their portfolios to mitigate risk and increase their chances of long-term success. However, over time, the investments in a portfolio may shift, creating imbalances and potentially increasing risk. That is where portfolio rebalancing comes into play. Portfolio rebalancing is adjusting the composition of an investment portfolio to bring it back to its original asset allocation. This involves selling investments that have performed well and buying more underperforming ones. The goal is to restore the portfolio to its initial asset allocation or to a new, updated one that reflects the investor's current objectives and risk tolerance. Why rebalance a portfolio? There are several reasons why investors may want to rebalance their portfolios. First, as mentioned above, the natural tendency of investments to shift over time can lead to imbalances. For example, a stock that was initially a tiny percentage of the portfolio may grow in value and become a much more significant portion. This could create a situation where the portfolio is too heavily invested in one area, which can increase risk. Secondly, rebalancing can help investors stay on track with their long-term investment goals. It ensures their portfolio remains aligned with their risk tolerance and investment objectives. For example, if an investor's risk tolerance changes over time, rebalancing can help them adjust their portfolio accordingly. Finally, rebalancing can help investors take advantage of market fluctuations. Selling high-performing assets and buying underperforming ones can help investors capitalize on market trends and increase returns. How often should a portfolio be rebalanced? The frequency with which a portfolio should be rebalanced depends on the investor's goals and risk tolerance. Generally, it is recommended that investors rebalance their portfolios at least once a year to ensure that their asset allocation remains aligned with their objectives. However, depending on their circumstances, some investors may rebalance more frequently or less frequently. For example, a more conservative investor may want to rebalance more frequently to ensure that their portfolio does not become too heavily weighted in stocks. On the other hand, a more aggressive investor may choose to rebalance less frequently, allowing their portfolio to take advantage of market trends and potentially achieve higher returns. How to rebalance a portfolio The process of rebalancing a portfolio can be relatively simple. First, look at the portfolio’s current asset allocation and compare it to the target allocation. If the portfolio is out of balance, the investor must determine which assets to buy and which to sell. When selling assets in a taxable brokerage account, it is essential to consider the potential tax implications of any gains or losses. Selling investments that have appreciated significantly can trigger capital gains taxes, reducing the total return on the portfolio. Investors may consider selling depreciated assets or those in sectors or industries they no longer believe in. In retirement accounts like IRAs, investors do not need to worry about capital gains taxes from buy/sell transactions. Investors should consider their long-term investment goals and risk tolerance when buying assets. They should choose assets that align with their objectives, which will help bring the portfolio back into balance. Conclusion Portfolio rebalancing is an essential part of long-term investing. It helps investors mitigate risk, stay on track with their goals, and take advantage of market trends. While the frequency of rebalancing depends on the individual investor, it is essential to review the portfolio regularly and make adjustments as necessary. By doing so, investors can ensure that their portfolio remains aligned with their objectives, increasing their chances of long-term success. Your advisor at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is committed to keeping your portfolio balanced and aligned with your goals and objectives. If you are not a current client, I encourage you to explore our website, YouTube page, and blog articles and contact one of our advisors to discuss how we can serve you. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

When to go against the grain As the article title says, many clients must work to rewire their brains in a bear market. This isn’t easy for everyone to do, and the reason is simple…. Reactions tend to be caused by actions, whether because of the free-fall in the market or the market gaining 10% in a month. When many people see trends in the market, it is easy to go with the grain. But in this article, we will explore why sometimes it is better to go against the grain. Market on Sale For the last 14 months, the market has fallen. The market has gone from its all-time high in January 2022 to its lowest point in two years, back in October 2022. Since then, it has been deviating between 10% higher than that and back down to close to the October 2022 levels. So, all that is to say that the market is far from its all-time high, even after 14 months. For some, it can be tempting to want to jump ship when the market is down. Sometimes we receive calls from clientele wanting to pull their money and hold it into cash, for they do not know how much further the market can go. They start to feel a bit of panic. This is when I tell clients that even in the most significant financial crisis of our age, which happened in 2007 through 2009, the lowest the market ever got was down 40%. In October 2022, the market was down 25%. These current times do not echo catastrophe nearly the same way as 2007 through 2009. So, what does this mean? It means those who continue to contribute to their accounts and flood their extra cash into investments, and the market will only be that much more ahead of those who are not doing the same. While others are sitting on the sideline until they see the market improve, those who choose to invest and capture the market on sale will be that much more ahead. This is a crucial concept to understand. Going Against the Grain The decades-old adage of buy low, sell high seems to be a talking point for most people when discussing investments and timing in the market; however, people rarely abide by that elementary concept. And it is for these two simple reasons: what is low? And what is high? This is all the personal perception and opinion of each client. When discussing the stock market, we can think about buying low in percentages. If the market was at its all-time high in January 2022 and fell 5%, then you could be buying low. After all, as previously discussed, you would be getting a 5% sale in the market. On the other hand, many people may not feel that is low enough, and the market will go much lower. This is a fair point given that the market at one point this year had fallen to as low as -25%. However, there are always people who miss out on timing this because they never feel that it is the right time. Knowing how low the market needs to be in order to buy in and how high it needs to be in order to sell are always impossible questions to ask oneself at the time. No one knows the future, everyone’s timeline for their money is different, and everyone’s goals for their money are different. Therefore, buying low and selling high means something different for everyone. What does it mean for you? The power of speaking with your advisor As mentioned, everyone has different goals and timelines with their money, so it is important to speak to a Financial Advisor about your specific needs and goals. Please get in touch with one of the Financial Advisors here at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers; we would be happy to help you! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Staying on a Budget While Traveling Do you have an upcoming trip planned? Maybe you’re already dreaming of the sunshine you’ll be experiencing in a couple of weeks for spring break. Whatever the case, we have the temptation to overspend any time we're traveling, but we also have the opportunity to plan ahead and prepare! Isn’t it always a relief when you have a plan and stay on a budget?! This year plan ahead for your travels, and don’t let the rest area vending machines, fast-food temptations, or overpriced airport food blow that vacation budget! There Are Always Options Plan and stay on budget this year while traveling. Some easy ways to do this would be to pack a cooler full of food and drinks. If you’re driving to your destination, this is much easier. Think of things like water bottles, ham sandwiches, granola bars, popcorn, and fresh-cut fruit. When you can bring a cooler in the car, the food/snack options are almost endless with what you can take. If you’re flying to your destination, it can be a little trickier, but still doable! You can take an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through airport security for a beverage option. And at the same time, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are an easy packing option that doesn’t need to be chilled in a cooler. Throw in some granola bars, trail mix, or an apple or banana for a fresh fruit option in your carry-on, and you are good to go! Head into your next vacation with a little bit of planning and a sigh of relief that you won’t be blowing that food budget within your first few hours of traveling! And to be even more cost-efficient, skip the pre-made Trail Mix pre-packaged bags and make your own. When thinking of a trail mix, so many combinations come to mind. Some basic ingredient ideas to create a sweet and salty combination include any of the following: Nuts: peanuts, cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios Dried Fruit: cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, mangos, banana chips Seeds: pumpkin, flax, sunflower, chia, hemp seed Sweet treats: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, M&M’s Grains: cereal, mini pretzels, popcorn, granola Here is one of my go-to mixtures that fit the bill to help satisfy all my snacking needs! Trail Mix Recipe: Serving Size: 6-8 servings 1 Cup Raw Almonds ½ Cup Dried Cranberries ¼ Cup Raw Sunflower Seeds ½ Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks ¼ Cup Dried Apricots (roughly chopped) Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix if you prefer a saltier snack. Store in a sealed container (or a sealed plastic bag for on-the-go or multiple people use) and enjoy! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

What do I do with extra cash? Much has changed in the last two years regarding interest rates and how it affects the money in my accounts. We are now in an environment where there is a real benefit to be made if you know where to look, both in a regular savings account or with interest-bearing investments. I want to review some options to get the most out of your hard-earned money. Where to look Big Banks The big banks still aren’t paying you; a JP Morgan Chase savings account is currently yielding .01%. This hasn’t changed in a while. Given the turbulence in the banking industry, Chase doesn’t need to offer a high-interest rate to attract customers. People are happy to be paid nothing for having their money at the largest bank in the US. If you are concerned about the recent volatility of the banking sector, then this is a good option for you. High Yields Savings Account The second option, and the one that I generally recommend for emergency savings, is a high-yield savings account. Citi bank offers a 3.85% interest rate on their high-yield savings account. On an emergency fund of 30k, you would be getting paid over $1,000 annually in interest. Not bad at all. Citi is the 4th largest bank in the US and, without a doubt, is systematically important, with 1.93 trillion in assets. All things considered, likely one of the safest places to have money. Bonds The third option for excess savings would be to look into US treasuries. US Treasuries are bonds that the treasury issues. They are backed by the full faith of the US government in principle and interest. Not FDIC insured, they do carry interest rate risk but can offer an even better rate of return if you are willing to hold the bonds to maturity. A current 6-month bond yields 4.6% annually. One year yields 4.3%. These rates are as of the writing of this article. Again, these bonds do carry interest rate risk. Meaning if interest rates increase and you need to sell the bond before it matures, you may be forced to sell at a discount that could eat into your profits or even lose some money. On the other hand, if interest rates go down, you could potentially make money on the sale before the bond's maturity. Money Market The Schwab Money Market, which has a current yield of 4.49%, might be something you want to consider putting part of your Emergency Fund in. You likely don’t want to put the entire amount of your emergency fund in there because it takes a few days to get the money out if you need it. So, having part of your emergency fund in high-yield savings at a local bank, as mentioned in option one above, and the remainder in the Schwab Money Market might make a lot of sense for you. Be sure to talk to your Financial Advisor to discuss the specifics of how this would work for you. Knowing your options If you are sitting on significant cash reserves and aren’t getting a competitive interest rate, I strongly encourage you to explore some of the available options. This is a relatively new phenomenon as we are exiting a low-interest rate environment that has lasted over a decade. If you would like to talk to one of our financial advisors and see what options would work best for you, schedule a meeting with one of our ten advisors today! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Are you ever longing for Friday night to bite into that delicious crispy crust and melted cheese on the pizza you know you will order to kick off the weekend? Do you prefer a good meat lovers pizza or stick to the veggie? Well, as much as ordering in for pizza is convenient and always fun to try different concoctions each pizzeria comes up with, it isn’t always the best option if you’re trying to be budget conscious. Making your own pizza, tailoring the toppings to your absolute favorite ingredients, or even throwing some leftovers (something you might’ve just thrown out) on top of it can save you more than you’d think in that grocery line item in your budget! And who doesn’t want to save on groceries these days?! Making It Yourself Even if the thought overwhelms you, I promise you can make your own pizza! You don’t have to be the professional tossing the dough into the air to perfect the rounded, thin crust. Use a rolling pin if you have one, or press it out with your hands if you don’t! When making your own pizza, you can add whatever toppings you’re craving and cook it to the desired doughy or crispy texture you prefer. Here are some classic go-to combinations, but I’m sure with a look through the fridge and pantry, you could come up with some fun topping options yourself! Favorite Pizza Topping Combinations Some classic and fun pizza combinations include: Meat Lovers Check the fridge for any leftover precooked meat from previous meals. Are there a few strips of bacon sitting in the fridge waiting to get cooked that you could throw in a skillet and then on the pizza, or any leftover grilled chicken from a previous dinner? How about some pulled pork from a recent BBQ? Veggie First, what’s in your fridge or pantry that you can use? Once you’ve checked those areas, look up what’s in season. Fruits and veggies that are in season are always the cheapest options when at the grocery store. And don’t forget to pop your head in the freezer – frozen corn is a delicious addition to a pizza! My go-to toppings always include peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. BBQ Mix some of your favorite BBQ sauce with tomato sauce as your base, then add your meat preference and some sliced red onions and cheese. Pesto Use pesto as the base instead of tomato sauce to switch up the flavors, then add chicken or some veggies of your choice along with cheese. Remember, aside from how fresh and delicious it is, the best part of making homemade pizza is getting so much more food for your money! Take a peek through your pantry and fridge before finalizing your grocery list. You may surprise yourself and have some leftover pasta sauce you could use as your base instead of spending money on another can of tomato sauce. It just takes a moment to double-check! Pizza Dough Recipe: Serving Size: 1 batch of dough yields about 3-4 10inch Pizzas 1 Cup Warm Water ½ Tb Sugar 1 Tb Yeast 1 Tb Olive Oil 2-2 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour 1 Tsp Salt Mix yeast, sugar, and water, then let sit until it has doubled in size. Add flour, salt, oil, and yeast mixture in a stand mixer with a hook attachment. Mix until thoroughly combined, and no dough sticks to the side of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If the dough isn’t coming together well, add a bit more water. Cover with a damp dish towel or saran wrap and sit for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees (if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven). Once the dough is ready, cut in fourths. Roll dough out on a floured surface until optimal size. Place directly on the pizza stone to prebake or on a sheet tray if you don’t have a pizza stone. Prebake crust for 3-5 minutes until almost brown. Bring out of the oven to add sauce and toppings. Place the pizza back in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese has melted, approximately another 5-7 minutes, depending on how hot your oven gets. Disclaimer: Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

What are habits, and why should I create them? We all have habits that shape us and how we live our lives. Some of us may be early risers, slowly sipping the same morning cup of coffee each day, or some may barely grab that cup of coffee as we rush out the door to make it to work on time. While some habits are fleeting, others stay with us for our lifetime, both the good and the bad. The reality is that some habits hinder us while others help us. Our good habits can offer health and structure to our otherwise chaotic lives if we recognize their value and keep them going. Sometimes we need the proper tools to begin employing the good habits that are lying dormant. If someone seeks to be physically fit, they will seek a fitness coach. It can be assumed that they would expect this coach to point them in the right direction so they can see the results they’re striving for – physical, mental, and behavioral changes that will benefit their overall quality of life. Their trainer will instill habits such as stretching before workouts or drinking enough water to help them achieve their fitness goals. Like a fitness coach might map out and encourage healthy habits, so does a financial coach. How to create financial habits Habits can impact our finances in a similar way to our physical health. We all have financial habits instilled in us from a young age, whether we’re aware of them or not. If you received an allowance growing up – did you run and spend it on your favorite candy or add it to the piggy bank to save up for that dream toy? Those childhood financial habits factor into your habits surrounding finances today. Creating financial habits takes time and diligence. Seeking a financial coach can be a huge benefit to helping you get on the right track with your finances. Financial coaching is similar to fitness coaching in that it can retrain your brain, allowing you to cultivate healthy financial habits if you are willing to put in the effort. This can also drastically change your quality of life. Given your specific circumstances, a financial coach will work with you to create habits to help you achieve your financial goals. Some financial habits include: Tracking your spending through a budget Creating a financial plan Setting achievable goals Avoiding debt Patiently saving for a larger purchase As your financial habits evolve, you become more aware of where your money is going and where you want it to go. When your financial habits change, you may be surprised that you drove past that coffee shop to save the extra $7. The reality is that healthy financial habits can ultimately lead to a debt-free, financially independent life. Contact one of our financial coaches today to see how they can help you. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

A St. Patrick’s Day Favorite Need some luck finding an easy yet delicious dinner recipe to feed the family for St. Patrick’s Day? Try a classic Irish dish, crock pot (of gold) corned beef, and cabbage. This recipe is packed with flavor, and the best part is that after a bit of prep, you just let your crockpot do all the work for you! Crockpot Meals Whether making soup, tenderizing meat or simply making dip for a party, the one-step prep crockpot meals are convenient and satisfying. Choosing a crockpot meal saves you time in preparation as well as cleanup. It also helps your grocery budget when you can buy tougher cuts of meat or dried beans to create soups or larger meals that allow ample leftovers. On the busiest days, knowing what’s on the menu and how to prepare it efficiently is crucial. A crockpot meal on those busy days is dynamite. It allows you to throw all (or most) of the food in one pot and not think about it until you walk into the house after work, smelling the dish you’re about to consume. It will help you avoid running for takeout and blowing the food budget simply because the thought of preparing something is too overwhelming. Knowing the hard work is done, and you’re about to sit down to a delicious meal is a relief. Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe: Serving Size: Serves 8 1 (3-4lb) Corned Beef Package (spice packet included) 4 Cups Water or Beef Broth 1 lb Baby Potatoes (whole) 1 Onion (peeled and quartered) 1 lb Baby Carrots (whole) ½ Head Cabbage pulled apart or coarsely chopped Add corned beef to crockpot, then add water. Sprinkle spice packet evenly over brisket. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Add potatoes, onions, and carrots after the first 4 hours of cooking have passed. Add cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking. Thinly slice and enjoy! Leftovers anyone? The best part of this dish is that you’ll most likely be able to enjoy some leftovers the next day, and who doesn’t love leftovers? You could easily turn the other head of that cabbage, a few carrots, and onion slices into a homemade slaw to go right on top of the corned beef for the perfect Reuben sandwich (don’t forget the 1,000 Island Dressing and Swiss Cheese!). This recipe is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal, but it will also feed you and the crew for more than one meal! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Buying a Home and HELOCs Being a SmartVestor Pro, and a general adviser to people around me, I have received a few questions over the last six months about buying a home. The other question I have received over that time is, “My house is paid off, but I have other debt; should I do a home equity line of credit?” We will discuss both below. Interest Rates & What it Means A lot of the news lately has been talking about rising interest rates. The federal reserve sets this rate, and the interest rate is the number in which banks and credit unions borrow and lend to each other. Of course, the banks and credit unions do not take on this interest rate themselves; they pass it along to the consumer. A year ago today, the average mortgage rate was 3.263%. For those who don’t understand what that means, that number represents the interest on top of the principal you still owe on your home. At this time last year, many people were still refinancing their homes, which means they captured the current interest rate by using the equity in their homes. This background is essential in understanding because interest rates today are nowhere near that. As of February 10, 2023, the interest rate is 6.61% - more than double a year ago. Buying a Home So, what does this mean? If you are looking to buy a home in the next year or so and it is not an immediate need, waiting until you hear that interest rates are lower or have fallen might be a good idea. This would likely keep you from spending hundreds of dollars extra per month. If you can help it, wait this out. On the other hand, there is an argument not to wait to buy a home. This argument is: you bite the bullet, pay the higher interest rate for as long as it takes for interest rates to come down, and refinance the home with the equity you’ve built, as I mentioned earlier. But this is all personal preference, and you should consult your financial professional before making this decision. Home Equity Line of Credit Lastly, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to take a certain amount of money from the equity you’ve built in your home and take on current interest rates to repay the home equity line of credit. Using a HELOC to pay off other debt can be tempting, but we, like Dave Ramsey, do not recommend doing this. This is because of a couple of reasons: If you default or misstep in any way on the HELOC, you could be putting your home at risk. When you consolidate debt, it tends to ‘feel’ like you did something about the debt when, in fact, you still have the debt and need to pay it off with gazelle intensity! In conclusion, knowing how this all works is important because sometimes people hear about interest rates but don’t fully know how it impacts things when it comes to buying a home or using the equity in your home. The power of speaking with your advisor As mentioned above, if you are considering buying a home and are trying to figure out what is right for you financially, I would be more than happy to help, as would any of the other Financial Advisors on our team. If you are looking for a way to pay down your debt, contact our Financial Coaches. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.