General

Until recently, JourneyTree has not been able to manage employer retirement accounts (such as 401(k) and 403b plans) held by our clients. At the end of 2023, we partnered with a company called Pontera to allow for seamless management of these accounts alongside your other investment accounts. This means that we can now monitor these employer retirement accounts, design appropriate investment portfolios, receive notifications of any investment changes, and adjust investment allocations as needed—all without the need for you to…

With communication always changing, it’s important to be aware of how scammers are using technology for their personal gain. Text messages, phone calls, and email scams are on the rise, targeting people with all sorts of deceptive schemes. Here are the top three to watch out for: #1: Smishing Text message scams (a.k.a. smishing), involve sending text messages to people to trick them into divulging personal information or clicking on malicious links. These messages often mimic reputable organizations or individuals,…

Much has been made of the Federal Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation. Initially thinking that inflation was “transitory,” the Fed was late in raising interest rates (their main tool to rein in inflation). For most of the previous 15 years, the Fed rate was at 0%. When they began bumping it up, they didn’t stop until the rate was well over 5.0% —one of the most dramatic rate increases in history. So economic conditions are much tighter now, right? As…

Artificial intelligence (AI) made a dramatic appearance in 2023. As often happens with hot topics, an initial flurry of attention on AI kicked off a cascade of articles, podcasts, interviews, and commentaries on how AI would transform society. This led to a frenzy of buying from investors hoping to cash in on the AI gravy train. While AI is likely to have a significant impact on business, science, and society over the next few decades, we’ve been pondering how it…

Planning your estate is complicated—both technically and emotionally. This is something that you only do once. How do you make sure you get it right? To start, get educated. Learn time-tested strategies for preserving assets, reducing estate taxes, and giving money in the best way to beneficiaries. Recently, a client asked if we could recommend some books on estate planning. We didn’t know any off the top of our heads, so Jonathan did some online sleuthing, and he found “Beyond…

For the last 15 years since the Financial Crisis in 2008 interest rates as set by the Federal Reserve Board (Fed) have been at or near 0%. Home buyers got used to mortgage rates under 3% much of the time. Savers also, grudgingly, put up with paltry rates on their money market accounts, bond funds, and certificates of deposit. Now that the Fed has increased their interest rate from 0% to over 5% to combat inflation, rates have risen in…

The death of a loved one is emotional, stressful, and can put such a huge strain on those left behind. Why not be prepared for the inevitable? “I’m dead, Now What?” is an excellent workbook to help you prepare your loved ones for your passing. This book walks you through gathering all the information your loved ones will need to take care of your belongings, financial or business affairs, and your wishes. Instead of leaving them panicking or arguing over…

The last few months of the year are when many people make charitable donations. Did you know that those who are over 70½ may make this donation from their IRA account (also known as a qualified charitable donation (QCD))? Instead of sending a charitable donation via check from your bank account, request that a check be sent out from your IRA to your chosen charity. Why Should I Make a Charitable Donation From my IRA? There are several different benefits…