April Newsletter
April 4th, 2018
Captain's Log


  

Well, it's been a pretty crazy first quarter this year given the stock market's volatility. So far, most major indices are down about 2%. This is no surprise to us, since our institutional money management team had already predicted this in the fourth quarter of last year and have planned accordingly. I know it can be difficult to stomach 700 point swings in the Dow, especially if that's where all your money is or if you rely on that money for income. Hence the argument for "product diversification" in retirement using banks, insurance companies, and Wall Street like our Chart Your Course retirement planning system does.

Another great study on alternative retirement strategies has recently come out that we want to share with you. It was done by Roger G. Ibbotson, PhD of Economics. Mr. Ibbotson is held in very high regard in the retirement planning community. Many Wall Street firms, banks, and insurance companies use his research and seek out his advice. I'd encourage you to do your own Google search on his credentials. 


This latest study points out the value of using Fixed Indexed Annuities as a bond replacement in your retirement portfolio. We've been saying this and using these strategies for years, but it's really rewarding to see these unbiased studies and research back us up. Now, I know there are a lot of "annuity haters" out there, but the facts just can't be denied any longer. There's a perfectly legitimate reason we use FIA strategies as part of an overall retirement portfolio - BECAUSE THEY WORK. Anyone that would like to see some additional studies that prove the same point, just let me know and I'll get them to you.

In any event, if you're concerned about market volatility and product diversification, or would like your own Chart Your Course Retirement Plan, then just give us a call or shoot us an email and we'd be happy to help you. 

And, as always, remember -  The purpose of the money dictates where you put it. 

Until Next Month,
Jim's signature
  James D. Stillman

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Alternative 
Retirement Strategies

By James D. Stillman
                                April 2018


Do you ever get the feeling that you might be missing out on a good thing, because no one has taken the time to explain alternative strategies? This can apply to investment strategies and health care strategies. Most folks we meet have the same old things in their retirement plans like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, REITS, variable annuities, CDs, etc. Frankly, very few people actually have a comprehensive plan that covers the key planning areas of income, investments, healthcare, legacy and tax planning like our Chart Your Course Retirement Plan does. And frankly, we think a lot of people are missing out. Fixed rates are low, the stock market can be volatile, and many folks are worried about the next crash. We're in a "bond bubble", and as interest rates rise, bond prices will fall. That brings a lot of concern for many people, and rightfully so. So, what's one to do?


The Wealth Report:
March 22nd, 2018

Prospects for Volatility

The fact that there is increased focus on volatility this year comes as no surprise. In 2017, the equity markets experienced the lowest volatility levels in 90 years - a scenario that is hardly sustainable.1 A common measure of stock market volatility is the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, referred to by its ticker symbol VIX. This index tracks expectations of future price fluctuation (called "implied volatility") in the S&P 500 Index option over the next 12 months. High VIX values indicate high expected volatility, while low values correspond to expectations for stable share prices. In early February, amid fears of rising inflation, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced its biggest one-day drop (4.6 percent) since 2011. At that point, the VIX index rose by more than double, to 37.2

All content is intended for informational purposes only. Any guarantees are for insured products only and are dependent on the claims paying abilities of the insurer.  All investments carry some risk and you should be advised by your personal financial advisor before implementing any strategies discussed, as they are not suitable for everyone. James D. Stillman is an Investment Advisor Representative of JDS Wealth Management Corporation and AE Wealth Management. 

JDS Wealth Management Corporation's outgoing and incoming e-mails are electronically archived and subject to review and/or disclosure to someone other than the recipient. We cannot accept requests for securities transactions or other similar instructions through e-mail. We cannot ensure the security of information e-mailed over the Internet, so you should be careful when transmitting confidential information such as account numbers and security holdings. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message and deleting it from your computer."