Understanding Behavioral Biases in Investing
Investor psychology plays a powerful role in decision-making, especially during market volatility. Common behavioral biases like loss aversion, herd mentality, overconfidence, recency bias, and anchoring can lead to emotional and costly investment choices. By understanding these biases and focusing on long-term goals, diversification, and a solid financial plan—ideally with professional guidance—investors can stay disciplined and make smarter decisions.
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Navigating Tariffs with Dave Ramsey’s Four Investment Categories
Tariffs can greatly impact investments, and Dave Ramsey’s four categories—Growth, Growth & Income, Aggressive Growth, and International—respond differently. Growth stocks may be hit hardest, while Aggressive Growth and International companies may benefit. Diversifying across all four can help reduce risk. Understanding these effects with the help of a financial advisor can guide smarter investing in uncertain times.
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What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) Professional?
Not all financial advisors are created equal. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) stands out for their fiduciary duty, rigorous training, and ethical standards. CFP® professionals offer holistic planning, objective advice, and a commitment to your best interests. With trusted credentials and dedication, they provide peace of mind in your financial journey. Choose wisely—your financial future depends on it.
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Combat Pay/Tax-Exempt Pay & Your TSP
Combat pay is tax-exempt at the federal level but still subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Service members can contribute this income to their TSP, with Roth TSP being the most beneficial option—offering both tax-free contributions and tax-free growth. Contributions from combat pay don’t count toward annual limits, allowing greater retirement savings potential. Keep records of your pay and consult a financial advisor to track and manage TSP rollovers effectively.
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Don’t Play ‘Retirement Roulette’
Sequence of return risk—the timing of investment returns near retirement—can significantly impact portfolio longevity. Losses early in retirement are far more damaging than losses later. Investors approaching the “Retirement Red Zone” should reduce risk exposure and consider tools like income annuities, buffer assets, and diversified portfolios. A trusted financial advisor can help build a plan to retire with confidence and stability.
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How To Start Saving as a Young Adult
Starting your financial journey as a young adult begins with building a budget and following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps—starting with a $1,000 emergency fund and progressing toward saving 15% for retirement. Use a money market fund for emergency savings and take advantage of employer retirement plans and Roth IRAs for long-term growth. The earlier you start, the better. For personalized help, connect with a Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers financial advisor today.
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Tech and the S&P 500
Technology now makes up about 32% of the S&P 500, highlighting its dominance in the U.S. economy and markets. In 2024, strong demand for AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing fueled growth for firms like NVIDIA and Microsoft. However, this concentration poses risks—tech’s heavy influence can create volatility and distort the index's representation of the broader economy. Investors should review their diversification and risk exposure with an advisor.
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Understanding Mean Reversion in Trading
What is Mean Reversion? Mean reversion is a financial concept that describes the tendency of a stock or index price to return to its...
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Why Make Backdoor Roth IRA Contributions?
So many terms in the financial industry seem mysterious and confusing, and some even sound completely made up. The Backdoor Roth IRA...
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What are Annuities?
Annuities “You get an annuity; you get an annuity, you get an annuity, and in fact… everyone gets an ANNUITY!” It's not a common phrase...
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President Trump’s Election Victory and Investing
After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans have won control of the Senate. For half...
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What is the Efficient Market Hypothesis?
The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) The efficient market hypothesis (EMH) is a theory that suggests that share prices accurately...
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