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MONTH-2-MONTH

JANUARY 2025

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MONTH-2-MONTH is intended to provide you with updates on AFP and timely financial planning and investment information on a variety of topics. 


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Turning a Page

As 2024 fades into memory, and we have turned the page on a new year, now is the time to reflect on the challenges and joyful moments that shaped the year. This new year brings new opportunities that are built on the foundations of the past. The future holds endless potential, and with a forward-looking mindset, we can make the most of what lies ahead.

• HAPPENING AT AFP •

  • Putting Handicap – For some indoor entertainment, we got a practice putting green to work on improving our putting skills. Not that any of us really golf, except Tracey. We hope you get a chance to give it a go during your next scheduled visit.


  • No January Webinar – We are in the midst of making some changes to how we will be providing educational material in the future. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements coming very soon!

• THIS MONTH'S BLOG •

Click below to read our January 2025 Blog edition.


Are You Ready?


We would enjoy receiving your feedback on our Blog. Please share any comments or suggestions for future topics with us via email.

• ON A PERSONAL NOTE •

+ Teri's World

The beginning of a new year seems to be full of things to do around the house and at work. So bottom line, there are not a lot of fun things to mention. There has been an increase in TV viewing to watch the Buckeyes, the University of Dayton’s basketball, and other interesting programs. Shoveling has become a new activity this month along with dodging icy sidewalks on the frequent dog walks around the neighborhood. I have been asked to be a part of another choir in Clintonville and the first practice is next month. This is in no part due to my singing ability as it is my financial acuity, I was told. Either way, it’s something new and something to look forward to. Sounds like I need to get a life! Enjoy your winter solitude. I’m already thinking of Spring!

+ Nathan's Notes

Between snow and cold-weather days, we’re getting back to our normal post-Christmas routine. We’ve stayed busy with basketball games and practices, piano lessons, and school musical recitals. The girls are continuing to do very well in school. Ellie has maintained straight A’s through the first half of the year and Ainsley is now reading, and writing, her first books. The first book she wrote and illustrated was a cute story about a snowman who was sad because Santa didn’t come but was happy when he realized that Santa did come.

+ Tracey's Time

The start of the New Year has been somewhat quiet, and the cold outdoors has been a contributing factor. We are looking forward to Spring, and when the sun shines, we are reminded it will arrive eventually. This week, most of us are behind on sleep since staying up late Monday night to watch the Buckeyes win the National Championship. We hosted our kids for a family style watch party. Cayleigh attended the home games and was lucky enough to get a ticket to the historic playoff game at the Shoe in December. These opportunities have helped to make her college experience memorable early on.

+ Erik's Exploits

I took some time off between Christmas and New Years. I didn’t leave town, but I did get to spend the majority of the week with family. I had a chance to see the film Nosferatu during my break, it was a really well done, Robert Eggers always knocks it out of the park. I also managed to see the Blue Jackets play the San Jose Sharks this month. It was a 4-1 victory for the Jackets and their sixth straight win.

• POINTS OF REFERENCE •

Current Economic and Investment Information

MARKET PREDICTIONS – The median Wall Street strategist year-end 2025 price target for the S&P 500 is 6,600, which implies a 12.2% gain for the year. Of the 15 strategists tracked, the most bearish target (6,400) implies an 8.8% gain while the most bullish target (7,100) translates to a 21% gain. (Source: CNBC)


WILL HISTORY REPEAT? – The S&P 500's median performance during the first year of the four-year Presidential cycle has been a gain of 8% which ranks third of the four years. For Republican presidents, the median performance in year one of the four-year cycle has been a decline of 9.7%, with gains just 35% of the time. (Source: Bespoke)


CONSUMER SECURITY – When it comes to online activity, the two largest concerns among US consumers are identity theft and stolen credit card information. In 2024, identity theft was cited by 84% of consumers (up from 64% in 2023), while 80% of consumers cited stolen credit card information (up from 61% in 2023). (Source: Experian)


ECONOMIC GROWTH – The 4Q 2024 earnings season has begun, with 12 major US banks/brokers reporting their 4Q 2024 numbers last week. All 12 reported better than expected EPS versus consensus analyst estimates while 10 of 12 reported better than expected revenue numbers. (Sources: Briefing.com)


CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH – On 1/7, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule that will remove an estimated $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. The rule will prohibit lenders from considering medical information in making loan decisions and will ban the inclusion of medical bills on credit reports. (Source: CFPB)

Emergency Preparedness


Natural disasters and other catastrophes affect every state in the country. Review this emergency preparedness chart for a list of ways to prepare your home and family.

Click here to view the source.

• TIMELY TOPICS •

Social Security Boost

Senate Passes Social Security Benefits Boost for Many Public Service Retirees


By Stephen Groves

Source: The Associated Press

The Senate passed legislation on Dec. 21 to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year.


The bipartisan bill, which next heads to President Joe Biden, will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from work in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put further strain on Social Security Trust Funds.


Click here to read this article.

Financial Goal Setting

Have You Set Financial Goals For 2025? Here's Why It Matters More Than You Think


By Melissa Houston

Source: Forbes

Have you set your financial goals for 2025 yet? The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on what has happened to date, it’s a time to review your progress against past goals and set financial intentions for the upcoming year. Setting financial goals is the foundation for success and growth.


Why Financial Goals Matter


The value of setting financial goals can often be underestimated, but financial goals are important. Here are a few reasons why financial goals matter:


Click here to read this article.

RMDs

Required Minimum Distributions: What's New in 2025

Guidelines, deadlines, and potential tax consequences: What you need to know when it comes to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

By Hayden Adams

Source: Charles Schwab

For many investors entering their 70s, diligently contributing to and saving in tax-deferred retirement accounts must soon turn to making mandatory annual withdrawals. That's because the government requires retirees to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from such accounts after a certain age.


Retirees may find RMDs to be a bit daunting, in part because of the steep penalties for withdrawing too little. But RMDs really aren't so complicated once you understand a few basics.


With that in mind, let's take a look at how to calculate your RMDs, how to manage the distributions effectively, and how to potentially reduce the associated tax hit.


Click here to read this article.

Do you know someone who can benefit from FINANCIAL PLANNING?



At Alexander Financial Planning, we are passionate about financial life planning. We also know that it is not just about the numbers. While numbers are important, they are there to support your hopes, dreams, and desires. When we can put all the components of financial planning together, (cash flow, insurance, investing, taxation, and estate planning) your unique picture of a path forward comes into view. For 27+ years, we have been helping individuals and families develop their plan and navigate the twists and turns each year.


Whether you’re planning for retirement, becoming an empty nester, or navigating how to take retirement distributions, we are your thinking partner. We are here to make sense of it all, one step at a time. If now is the time for you or someone you know to get serious about your financial future, contact us. We’d love to be of service. 


WHAT SETS US APART

• QUOTE •


“There is beauty in every January sunrise – a new day, a new opportunity to grow.”


- Unknown

Alexander Financial Planning

3600 Olentangy River Rd, Ste. C2

Columbus, OH 43214

614-538-1600

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This material is distributed by Alexander Financial Planning, Inc., (AFPI) and is for information purposes only. Although information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report. Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of AFPI and are subject to change without notice. AFPI assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Financial planning, investment conclusions, and strategies suggested in this report may not be suitable for all investors and consultation with a qualified advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this writing should be construed as legal or accounting advice. All rights reserved.
© Alexander Financial Planning, Inc.
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