to stay up to date on LPL Financial's Weekly Market
Commentary!
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| How to Handle Market Declines |
If you're an investor, dramatic moves in the stock market may cause you to worry about your money and question your investment strategy. While market declines typically cause concern and distress, it's important to remember that volatility is a normal, key part of investing.
Instead of daily market check-ins, try and shift your focus to what you can control: making sure your portfolio is well-balanced and tailored to your goals and financial situation. Doing so can help you maintain a long-term perspective and ride out the challenging times.
Click here for tips on how best to handle market declines.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about the market and your portfolio, please don't hesitate to call our office at (518) 584-2555. |
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Breaking news stories paired with uncertainty in the market can test even the most seasoned long-term investors. Today's news headlines have a way of making it easy for investors to get stuck in the present and lose sight of their long-term financial goals.
Experts argue that humans ordinarily seek out news of dramatic, negative events, stating that despite the fact that depressing headlines make us feel uncomfortable, there appears to be a strong correlation between negative market performance and our curiosity about the news.
Statistics show that adults 38 and older consume 30,103 minutes of news each year, with the majority focusing on dramatic, negative events. While there are just as many promising stories that could positively impact the economy and our outlook, they don't get much media attention.
In the past few decades, we have seen repeating patterns of crises including unemployment, economic downturns, and national debt concerns. Yet, despite all these crises, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose from 900 points in 1972 to over 29,000 in February 2020. This is a good reminder of the importance to make an effort to focus on your long-term plan and try not to let the media get the best of your emotions.
Source: Hartford Funds
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As data and facts associated with COVID-19 are rapidly changing, it's important to be mindful of increased fraudulent activities during these uncertain times.
These scams, which can be sent via email, text message, or social media claim to provide COVID-19 updates, sell products, ask for charitable donations, or reference government aid packages.
Do not click on links or open attachments from sources you do not know, and be sure to do your homework prior to making charitable donations. We cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining your news from trusted sources only.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (518) 584-2555.
While it's unfortunate that scammers are taking advantage of an already challenging time, this does serve as a good reminder of how important it is to check your credit report on a regular basis. You are allowed one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting one at a time and spacing them out every few months.
The only authorized and completely free online source for your credit report is www.annualcreditreport.com. Upon receiving your report, be sure to read it thoroughly and contact the credit bureau immediately if you see any inaccuracies.
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SFS 9th Annual Shred Event
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Come join us at our 9th Annual Shred Event and safely dispose of your old documents and confidential files! This year's event will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 9-11am.
We have partnered with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Confidata, Fingerpaint and the Saratoga Business Journal again this year to make the event community-wide in recognition of Earth Day. All paper is shredded, baled and shipped to local paper mills to be recycled for reuse!
The event will be located at the Fingerpaint parking lot outside of our office building at 18 Division Street in Saratoga Springs.
The event is free of charge but monetary donations will be accepted to benefit the local Act With Respect Always program to help spread the "pay it forward" movement!
Unsure of what to keep and what to shred?
Click here to visit our website for a list of suggestions. We also recommend following the Facebook Event page for updates. We hope to see you there!
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Robert Schermerhorn, CFP®
Jamie Usas, CFP®,
Operations Manager
Amanda Friedman,
Wealth Consultant
Andrew Chapman,
Operations Research Associate
Mollie Flynn,
Office Coordinator
 Saratoga Financial Services
18 Division Street, Suite 305
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 518-584-2555
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| Stay Connected!  
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The deadline for making 2019 IRA contributions has been extended to July 15th. 2019 contribution limits are $6,000 for those younger than 50, or $7,000 for those 50 or older.
Please call our office at (518) 584-2555 if you have questions or would like to make a contribution!
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Google's travel search now highlights travel advisories and airline cancellation policies.
In attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus, businesses have been shut down and travel has been minimal. While the majority of work trips and vacations have been delayed, if you are looking to make future travel plans, Google can help.
When you search for flights, hotels, and activities, the site will now highlight active travel advisories for your destination. In addition, now that most airlines have amended their flight change and cancellation policies, Google has added a direct link to view them based on your selection. Be sure to read through these policies prior to booking - it could save you a great deal of stress and money should you need to reschedule. |
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