Market Review - Q2 2021

Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the second quarter. Looking at broad market indices, US and non-US developed markets outperformed emerging markets for the quarter

Emerging markets posted positive returns for the quarter, underperforming the US and non-US developed equity markets.
In developed markets, several currencies appreciated vs. the US dollar, but some, notably the Australian dollar, depreciated. In emerging markets, most currencies appreciated vs. the US dollar, but some, notably the Turkish lira, depreciated.

Investing, NewslettersFinancial AlternativesJuly 10, 2021Financial Alternatives

Ellen Li becomes a partner at Financial Alternatives

I am proud to announce that Ellen is now a Shareholder Partner with Financial Alternatives. She has been with us for over eleven years, and we are excited that she has achieved this next step with the firm.

Jim Freeman, CFP®June 9, 2021

Ten ways to help your executor - now!

When you draw up your estate planning documents or your will, you will be asked to name an executor to handle your estate and distribute your property when you die. Here are 10 ways to help your executor now.

Mary Rose SchwartzJune 4, 2021

Planning Newsletter - April 2021

Life Insurance is not complicated. It was made confusing by those that profit from this confusion
Every policy is either term insurance or term insurance attached to a savings/investment
Insurance is for dying, investments are for living; don’t combine the two.
By combining insurance with investments, it is harder to get the cheapest insurance and optimal investment selections.

Newsletters, PlanningFinancial AlternativesApril 14, 2021Financial Alternatives

Market Review - Q1 2021

The US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed non-US developed markets and emerging markets.
US real estate investment trusts outperformed non-US REITs during the quarter.
The Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return returned 6.92% for the first quarter of 2021

Investing, NewslettersFinancial AlternativesApril 8, 2021Financial Alternatives

User Guides for Your eMoney Financial Dashboard

More and more of our clients are using their eMoney Financial Dashboard to get a single, consolidated view of their financial picture. Use these PDF guides to help you get the most out of the site - from just signing up to using advanced features.

Blog, Personal FinanceFinancial AlternativesApril 1, 2021Financial Alternatives

2020 Supplemental Tax Information Resources

Resources that may help you prepare your 2020 tax return. This includes links to third-party investment company information to calculate tax-exempt income at the state level or foreign taxes paid (which may offset a shareholder’s tax liability).

Investments, Personal FinanceFinancial AlternativesFebruary 22, 20212020, tax, tax resources, income tax

Step up in basis and community property states – don’t make this mistake!

In this blog we cover the basics of how step up in basis works in a community property state such as California, and what the common mistakes are that people make (that should be avoided).

Blog, Personal FinanceJim Freeman, CFP®February 21, 2021

Prop 19 and how it impacts inherited property for California residents

Prop 19 has significant impact for residents of the state of California who are looking to pass on property as an inheritance.

Blog, Personal Finance, InvestmentsChris Jaccard, CFP®, CFAJanuary 25, 2021California, Proposition 19

Investing Newsletter - Jan 2021

In the face of a global pandemic, stock and bond markets performed surprisingly well in 2020.

Last year investors experienced one of the swiftest drops and subsequent full recoveries in stock market history.
We took advantage of the correction and rebalanced portfolios in March when the market was low. We also took advantage of market lows by executing tax-saving tax swap trades.

Newsletters, InvestingFinancial AlternativesJanuary 12, 2021Financial Alternatives

Market Review - Q4 2020

Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the fourth quarter. Looking at broad market indices, emerging markets outperformed non-US developed markets and US equities.

REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.
The Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return returned 10.19% for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Investing, NewslettersFinancial AlternativesJanuary 11, 2021Financial Alternatives

2021 California small business relief programs: explained

Business owners in the state of California who have been hit hard by the pandemic may avail themselves of the resources that the government has made available to them. In this blog we will discuss the major California relief programs available for small businesses.

Blog, Personal FinanceEllen Li, MSBA, CFP®January 7, 2021

Step-up in cost basis: What California residents need to know

In this blog, we are going to discuss what California residents need to know about step-up in cost basis.

Blog, Tax Planning, Personal FinanceJim Freeman, CFP®December 20, 2020

Past Reflections on Elections

In the wake of the recent election and the emotional unrest that has ensued, it is beneficial to recall our past writings on this subject.

Blog, General, InvestmentsJim Freeman, CFP®November 9, 2020

How will Prop 19 affect my taxes if it passes?

Do you plan for your child to inherit a home in California? If so, pay attention to recent developments related to Prop 19 and the impact it is likely to have on your property taxes.

Planning Newsletter - Oct 2020

Tax code changes often take place after major elections in which one party replaces the other.

The Biden tax plan has pledged not to increase taxes on taxpayers earning less than $400,000 a year.
It proposes to eliminate the step-up in cost basis on assets at death.
It is important to be familiar with the current tax code and any changes that may be enacted so you can plan accordingly.

Market Review - Q3 2020

Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the third quarter. Looking at broad market indices, emerging markets equities outperformed US and non-US developed markets for the quarter.

Value underperformed growth across regions. Small caps outperformed large caps in non-US developed and emerging markets but underperformed in the US.
REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.

Investing, NewslettersFinancial AlternativesOctober 15, 2020Financial Alternatives

Election Year Anxiety

Every four years, during the Presidential election cycle, some clients get nervous about the election and how the outcome will affect their investments. Normally there is a fear that if their favored candidate loses, the stock market will tank.

Blog, Investing, GeneralJim Freeman, CFP®August 12, 2020

Financial Alternatives News and Insights

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