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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The Equinox on Tuesday heralded the return of Spring. While the weather has been all over the place, new life has been emerging. Many plants are in full bloom and one of our wonderful clients brought us some gorgeous daffodils from her garden to brighten our lobby. We hope you all can take advantage of some of these early Spring days, in between the Spring storms and the occasional tornado, of course. | | |
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Easter Hours – AFP will be closed on Friday, March 29th in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen on Monday, April 1st.
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Eclipse Hours – AFP will be closed on Monday, April 8th. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 9th.
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A Fond Farewell – We are saying goodbye to our paraplanner Krista Winograd. She has been a big help behind the scenes for several years but is moving in a new direction. We wish her all the best. Never fear, we have another paraplanner lined up to take over for her, details to come.
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Paperless Statements Reminder – If you are opted in to paperless statement delivery, but you have not set up your online credentials for Charles Schwab, you will need to do so by March 27, 2024. If you do not log in by this date, your paperless settings will reset to mailed paper statements. If you have already logged into your Schwab online access, you can disregard this message.
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AFP March Webinar – “Travel Planning in 2024” with Nathan Swab CFP®, AWMA® and guest speaker Nicole Lindberg of Nicole Lindberg Travel on Friday, March 22nd at noon. This will be a discussion on travel planning; including tips, tricks, and important information you should have before planning your next trip.
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How do you attend? A webinar link will be sent via email the morning of the webinar to all of our clients. If you know anyone who would like to attend, please pass along the webinar email to them.
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It’s been a quiet month. The trip to Connecticut to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday was quick but wonderful. We stopped to hike along the way and enjoyed catching up with those who were able to be there over the weekend. March seems to be consumed with more time in the office and watching basketball games. Very proud of my oldest grandson who finished his first hockey season by scoring 2 goals. On to spring sports! | | | |
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Lately, it seems that each month is going by more quickly than the last. This month hasn’t been characterized by any big events but by many little tasks and errands - surrounded by colds being passed from one person to the next. But we are looking forward to the summer. I’ve started yard work in anticipation of sunshine and warmer weather. We’ve planned for summer camp, pool memberships, and an anniversary trip. Warm weather, relaxing schedules, and time to spend together are our plans for this spring and summer. | | | |
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Andy suffered a herniated disc in late February. Fortunately, he is currently in a positive space and continues to improve his mobility and strength daily. We hope with physical therapy Andy can continue participating in activities he enjoys.
We are excited for the official arrival of Spring. Cayleigh’s senior year is winding down quickly, and we have more college visits on the horizon. We will begin working outdoors soon to prepare for graduation events. But first, we planned a brief trip to Cuyahoga Falls to view the upcoming Solar Eclipse in totality. Prayers for clear skies are very much appreciated!
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I’ve managed to find time to attend a couple of hockey games this month, both of which were actually wins. The Blue Jackets won both games 4-2, over Edmonton and San Jose, respectively. We had seen seven games this season before these two, and they were all losses. So it’s nice to finally be in the win column.
I also got to see Dune 2 in IMAX last weekend. It completely lived up to the hype and was absolutely worth the extra cost to see it in IMAX. I may try to see it again before it leaves theaters.
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Current Economic and Investment Information | |
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INFLATION DRIFTING LOWER – Core Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% y/y in February compared to forecasts for an increase of 3.7%. While higher-than-expected, Core CPI has been flat or lower on a y/y basis for eleven straight months which ranks as the third longest streak on record. (source: BLS)
STILL RISING – Food prices in the US are expected to increase by 2.4% in 2024, which is higher than the previous USDA forecast for an increase of 1.3%. While up significantly, 2024’s growth rate would still be less than half of 2023’s increase of 5.8% and less than a third of the 9.9% increase in 2022. (source: USDA)
SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY – Bankrate’s annual Emergency Savings report found that more than half of Americans (55%) have more emergency savings than credit card debt (compared with 36% who have higher levels of credit card debt). Among different age groups, only 24% of baby boomers report more credit card debt than emergency savings followed surprisingly by Gen Z (32%), millennials (46%), and Gen X (47%). (source: Bankrate)
THE MOST IMPORTANT CLASS YOU WILL TAKE – The lifetime benefit of high school students taking a financial literacy class is estimated to exceed $100,000. Despite the importance of these lessons on future financial well-being, less than one in four high school students graduating in 2023 completed a personal finance class. (source: Tyton Partners)
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Click here to view the source. | |
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Travel Insurance Considerations for Seniors
Travel-related incidents affect all age groups, but seniors
need to be more attuned to medical situations when traveling
By Jeff Schlegel
Source: Rethinking65.com
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Making travel plans gets people excited about all of the fun they hope to have at their intended destination. But when crafting an itinerary to potentially maximize the good times, it’s a smart idea to account for unplanned events. Like, for example, a medical emergency overseas that requires you to be airlifted to a hospital and leaves you with a $50,000 tab that your health insurance provider won’t cover.
Situations like that is why travel insurance exists. In a nutshell, travel insurance is designed to cover various risks that can arise when traveling either home or abroad. The main coverage areas pertain to emergency medical assistance, trip cancellation or delay issues, lost baggage and damaged personal effects, and accidental death.
Travel-related incidents should be a consideration for people of any age group, but perhaps older folks need to be more attuned to medical situations when traveling.
Click here to read this article.
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Travel Advisers:
When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip
They can add a lot of value if your clients are planning multicity trips,
traveling with a group or looking for a very specific adventure.
By Julie Weed
Source: Rethinking65.com
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Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.
So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.
Click here to continue reading this article.
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“Blossom by blossom, the Spring begins.”
- Algernon Charles Swinburne
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Alexander Financial Planning | |
3600 Olentangy River Rd, Ste. C2
Columbus, OH 43214
614-538-1600
Office Hours: Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registered Investment Advisor
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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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