A Word from the CEO

For long-term investors, 2019 was a banner year. The S&P 500 stock index increased more than 31% in 2019, reaching an all-time high 19 times! The Nasdaq rose over 36% and the Dow added 31% for the year. While we'd be hard-pressed to anticipate similar results in 2020, our "2020 Investment Outlook" offers the perspective of fund managers from Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, T. Rowe Price and Vanguard on the global economy in 2020.

The second article in this month's Financial Pulse addresses a vital, but often uncomfortable, topic: "Powers of Attorney and Advance Medical Directives." Understanding the different types of powers of attorney and advance medical directives can greatly increase the likelihood that your financial and medical wishes will be followed should you become incapacitated.

This issue of the Pulse also includes 2020 IRS mileage reimbursement rates. Note that the mileage rates for business, moving and medical purposes all decline this year.

Please don't hesitate to contact the JRB if you have questions about these articles or other issues related to financial planning and retirement. You can reach us by email or call us at 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733).

L'Shalom,