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| | Spring is here, bringing longer days, fresh blooms, and a renewed sense of energy! It’s the perfect time to embrace new beginnings, celebrate growth, and enjoy all the season has to offer. | | |
We will be hosting an event on Disaster Preparedness in May. This will be a panel event featuring several subject matter experts, moderated by Teri Alexander CFP®, MSFP, CeFT®, AIF®. This panel is to include a member of the Grandview Heights Fire Department, a representative from the American Red Cross, a mental health professional, and our own Nathan Swab CFP®, AWMA®.
SAVE THE DATE – "Are You Prepared for a Disaster?"
Tuesday, May 6th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Grandview Heights (McKinley Park)
Stay tuned for more details!
We often see women struggling with how to approach any topic about money. So, we're test driving a small, informal gathering to take place quarterly on Saturday mornings discussing this very subject.
It is for women and presented by women.
We’d love to have you come, and if you know of any friends or neighbors who may be interested, please pass this on to them as well.
Please RSVP by April 3rd. Click here for more information.
| | | | March always seems to give us a peak at Spring coming, just around the corner. It’s also a very busy month at the office so this is where I have spent much of my time. I did get to take in the 1st (very cold) Crew game with one of my daughters and two of my grandsons. The Clintonville Choir practices are coming along as we are getting ready for our Spring concert on April 13th. I have signed up for another half-marathon run in October so getting outside to run more is a must! | | | | | This past week marked the end of a busy season for us. The big event was Ellie participating in her school’s performance of The Sound of Music. She and the rest of the cast spent many hours over the past few months rehearsing, especially over the past two weeks. There was a lot of excitement and anticipation during performance week. On opening day they even had a few live and pre-recorded spots on Good Day Columbus. The entire cast did an outstanding job during all three performances, and their talent really shined through. We were continually amazed by the cast’s talent and hard work. Ellie loved being part of the show and can’t wait for what’s in store for next year! | | | | | While most Midwesterners are seeking warmer weather, we opted for another blast of winter, traveling to Harbor Springs, Michigan. Our first Air BnB was a pet-friendly Mid Century Modern Ski Chalet. I experienced nostalgia as the chalet was decorated with vintage mid-century furnishings and accessories. It was near two ski resorts with beautiful views of The Highlands slopes. We enjoyed daytime skiing and playing games in the evenings while our dog, Coco, favored soaking up the warmth of the afternoon sunlight. Taking a TV time out seemed to slow time down allowing us to unwind and relax. | | | | | Due to some scheduling conflicts earlier in the year, our Blue Jackets season ticket package has become incredibly backloaded this season. As a result, we have tickets for at least half of the 12 home games in March and April (including the Stadium Series game earlier this month). As it sits, we’ll be attending at least one game nearly every week for the rest of the season. Given that the Jackets are knee deep in the playoff race, we should have plenty of high quality hockey ahead of us. | | |
Current Economic and Investment Information | | |
HOMEBUILDERS FALLING DOWN – After rallying more than 200% from its June 2022 low to its high in mid-October 2024, the S&P 500 Homebuilder group has fallen more than 30%, compared to a gain of 1.6% from the S&P 500 Index over the same span. (Source: Bespoke)
MARCHING FORWARD – Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500's average performance during March has been a gain of 1.1%, with positive returns 66% of the time. In terms of both the average gain and consistency of gain, March ranks as the fifth best month. (Source: Bespoke)
NO TRAVEL PLANS – After peaking at 49% a year ago, in February just 39.7% of Americans said they plan to take a vacation in the next six months. This is the lowest level since October 2010, when excluding lows seen in 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. (Source: The Conference Board)
COVID RECESSION – In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The United States entered a recession in February 2020, which lasted until April 2020, making it the shortest on record. (Sources: National Bureau of Economic Research; CDC)
| | Could Global Stocks Offer a Safe Haven? | | Amid the concerns of a slowing economy in the U.S. and the uncertainty of the tariff’s impact, Europe seems to be a shimmering light. For example, Germany is Europe's largest economy and stocks are up nearly 20% through last Friday, as measured by the MSCI Germany Index in U.S. dollars. How can this be? The economic data is surprisingly exceeding expectations, while U.S. data is currently missing expectations. This is reflected in the chart below. Additionally, Europe has continued to cut their interest rates which is driving the positive economic momentum. | | |
Don't Worry About a Downturn or
Stock Market Selloff - Do This Instead
By Kristin McKenna
Source: Forbes
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In today’s fast-paced media environment, sensational headlines and polarized opinions dominate the news cycle. Volatility is a natural part of investing, and reacting emotionally to headlines can do more harm than good. By tuning out the noise and focusing on what we can control, we can make better financial decisions and achieve greater long-term success.
Click here to read this article.
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Safeguarding Your Financial Information:
An Identity Theft Protection Checklist
Source: FINRA
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Protecting yourself from identity theft is more important than ever, and FINRA’s Identity Theft Prevention Checklist offers a practical guide to staying safe. This resource provides actionable steps for securing personal information, monitoring credit reports, and safeguarding digital devices. Whether you're looking to strengthen your defenses or respond to a potential threat, this checklist is an essential tool for preventing fraud.
Click here to read this article.
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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
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“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money – it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”
- Gabriela Alemán
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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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