Blog | Journey Tree Financial Planning & Investments

The SECURE Act: Some Important Changes to Know

March 6, 2020

You may have recently read that the SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. So, what does that mean for you? It could have more of an impact than its name alludes to since it’s 29 original provisions address many topics from inherited IRA distributions to the age for required minimum distributions. Here are some key points to take into consideration. 1. Required Minimum Distribution Age Changed to 72 The first major impact of the Setting Every…

MARKET COMMENTARY – MARCH 2020

March 6, 2020

Market Update

Market sentiment changed abruptly in February. After achieving a new all-time high on February 12, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined just over 14% through February 28. The last week of February saw one of the largest weekly drops of the last 100 years. Given our defensive positioning most Journey Tree Accounts were down just 3-4% over that period. After rising 35% from December 24, 2018 to the peak on February 12, “[. . .] the Dow at nearly 30,000…

Our Newest Certified Financial Planner™

December 13, 2019

Financial Planning, General

We are pleased to announce that Michelle is officially a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional! She successfully passed the CFP® Board exam in November. What is a CFP®? A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is an advisor who has met rigorous education and experience requirements, and is held to a high ethical and professional standard in the financial industry. The education component is met by completing college level courses in investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance planning, financial management, and…

Market Commentary – December 2019

December 12, 2019

Market Update

Caution Ahead “The question you should be asking yourself is, ‘Is it a good time to take more risk or less risk?’” -Howard Marks, Oaktree Capital This question is constantly…

Annual Financial Check-Up: 6 Housekeeping Items to Check Off Your List

June 28, 2019

Financial Planning

Just like getting the oil changed in your car on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to check on your financial house to be sure everything is in order. Here are a few items to review every year to be sure they are working in your favor: Personal spending plan – if you are not following a spending plan yet, create one and follow it. Cash flow is the cornerstone of achieving financial goals such as retirement and funding…

Journey Tree Plants Trees!

June 28, 2019

General

In April the Journey Tree team got their hands dirty planting trees with Friends of Trees on 18th and Oak. They helped plant 10 trees in the area as part of the Trees for Concrete program. The Trees for Concrete program consists of removing big chunks of unnecessary sidewalk, bringing in new soil, and planting trees appropriate for the site. Benefits of trees in the city: Reduce noise Filter the air and water Decrease stress and improve mood Add beauty…

Market Commentary – June 2019

June 28, 2019

Market Update

As of June 26th, all the major indices were up for the year-to-date (YTD), but while Q1 was overwhelmingly positive for all the asset classes, volatility and uncertainty have returned in May and thus far in June. In fact, the only consistent upward trajectory, in terms of price, has been experienced by the two bond indices, U.S. and Global. The stock market had a strong reaction in May to: Brexit – Theresa May indicated at the end of May that…

Market Commentary – March 2019

March 6, 2019

Market Update

What a rollercoaster ride! After dropping nearly 20% from early October to Christmas Eve, the S&P 500 stock market average has dramatically rebounded in the roughly two months since. That leaves the US stock market within about 5% of its all-time high achieved last year and close to its level of a year ago. While the market is not exactly a bargain at this level there are sectors that have become more attractive and better values found in some overseas…

Qualified Charitable Distributions & Taxes

March 6, 2019

General

New tax laws have changed how people can make charitable contributions in 2019. Now that the standard deduction has more than doubled, itemizing deductions no longer make sense for most tax payers. For those over 70 ½, are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD), and want to make a charitable contribution to an eligible organization might think about making a “Qualified Charitable Distribution” (QCD). A QCD is a charitable contribution made directly from your qualified IRA. Instead of…

Weathering Market Turbulence

December 20, 2018

Market Update

By Irina Pack On a particularly stormy morning (Tuesday, Dec. 18th to be exact) here in Eugene, as the rain poured heavily and the strong wind whipped everything from side to side, I clung to my umbrella with both hands. Despite the fact that I managed to hold on to my umbrella and keep my head and upper body dry, my lower body was covered with rain drops. It occurred to me, as I stepped into the office, that this…