COACHING YOUR THROUGH MARKET VOLATILITY
AUTHOR: Dennis Grinestaff, JR., AWMA® & Sharon Grinestaff, AIF®, CRPC®
Do you know the most effective way to pursue each of your goals?
Having someone to show you the path, how to navigate the twists and turns and encouraging you along the way!
The key ingredient in The EPPIC Method is the “C” which stands for COACHING. We coach you to have perspective, to keep you focused on your goals, and to block out the noise.
October was a volatile month and more than likely it will continue.
We are grateful to have LPL’s Research team as our economic coaches, providing outlooks and historical perspectives.
LPL’s Chief Strategist John Lynch, Equity Strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder, and Senior Market Strategist Ryan Detrick, along with the Research Team, provide weekly market insights with economic data-based viewpoints. Read this week’s commentary: Click Here
Schedule a coaching call if you need to review your portfolio and goals during this volatile market time.
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Earlier this Month:
Major U.S. and global equity indices have fallen, with the S&P 500 posting a two-day loss of 5% on October 9th and 10th. Several issues have been blamed for the selloff including:
- Concerns the US Economy beginning to overheat
- Worries that China may be slowing too much
- Potential tariff impacts on corporate profit
- Nervousness about relative valuations in a late-cycle market and economy
- Jitters of the highly anticipated mid-term election
Although all of these concerns are warranted and cause uneasiness, we must remember that pullbacks are normal. Stocks tend to have three to four pullbacks of 5-10% and at least one 10-20% correction each year. Below are a few points to gain perspective.
- Historically, October is more volatile. No other month has seen more 1% changes.
- Jitters prior to an election are not surprising. Since 1946, the S&P 500 has been higher a year after every single midterm election. That is 18 for 18 higher.
- The tariff impact has been minimal, and LPL Research and several other Economists see a U.S./China trade deal as very likely.
- We have had six straight months of gains, with the 3rd quarter being one of the least volatile in history.
- Stocks tend to do well as interest rates rise. When rates spike, volatility usually follows.
- Leading indicators still point to economic growth, fundamentals are still strong and healthy corporate profits are expected.
- LPL’s research team, as well as many other Economists we follow, still see the potential for a year-end rally.
While all of these points are valid, so are your fears about the market, and we are not discounting your concerns by providing you with data. Investing is emotional. Investing takes discipline. Investing requires you to block out the noise. Investment decisions made during times of stress and weakness are followed by regret.
Our job is to coach you through volatility and remind you that your investment plan has been designed for you, with your risk tolerance and time horizon in mind.
Schedule a coaching call if you are concerned about how the recent market volatility has affected your portfolio or if you are in need of your hand being held through this stressful market time.
Click here to schedule your coaching call.
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BE AN EPPIC™ METADOR
Author: Sharon Grinestaff, AIF®, CRPC®
Are you intimidated to discuss your financial future and lack confidence when it comes to making investment decisions? Do you feel you do not have enough money?
Do you have anxiety and feel intimidated or even ignored when meeting with a financial advisor?
You are not alone.
Maybe you are like many women who are involved with the bill paying side of the finances and turn the “Matador Cape” over to your significant other for protecting and investing in your future. Eventually you could end up having to jump into the ring with the “Bull” during the high-stress times of losing your spouse by death or divorce. Making a stressful situation even more stressful.
Or maybe you have been handed or chose the cape yourself but have not yet been trained for this moment.
We want to help prepare you to become an EPPIC™ Matador.
You need the right team of trainers that take the time to understand and listen to you. A Coach that gives you the confidence you need to step into the ring and dance with the bull.
This is why we emphasize the importance of every female client to be involved in the planning process. Establishing a relationship of trust and understanding of your goals helps you meet each life change with poise and grace.
LPL WOMEN ADVISORS LEADERS FORUM 2018 RECAP
Author: Sharon Grinestaff, AIF®, CRPC®
Earlier this month I spent a few days surrounded by approximately 100 women that are just like me, a Female Financial Advisor. This experience is unlike any other industry meeting. Normally I am one of only 12% of women in the room, and sadly this statistic has not changed since I began my career in 1998.
This is shocking to me as I see my profession as the perfect fit for women.
Although numbers are involved, it is more about communication skills, organization and problem-solving. All traits women possess.
When I was fresh out of college I considered many different professions. It was my father that pointed out one main reason why being a financial advisor would be a great career for a woman, flexibility. As women try to “have it all”, flexibility is key.
Do I work hard? Yes. Over the last 20 years, I have and will continue to put in long hours. But when you feel in control of your career path and are doing what you love, it no longer is “work” and it becomes your passion and lifestyle.
Helping individuals and families feel confident in their financial future while guiding them through life’s obstacles and transitions is what Dennis and I live and breathe. Making a difference in another’s life makes it all worthwhile.
As baby boomer financial advisors retire, we are projected to have a shortage of financial professionals and women need to fill this gap.
My hope is to bring awareness to this issue and to see the ridiculously low 12% number of female financial advisors double and then triple within 10 years.
Part of the reason for our Wealth Wise Wednesdays and Financial Friday Viv-e-o’s is to lead by example, by showing women and girls discuss money. It also doesn’t hurt to be entertained while learning!
If you have a daughter or granddaughter that is young, talk to her about becoming a financial advisor.
If you, or a woman in your life, is searching for a career or needs a change, reach out to me, I am happy to help explore this honorable profession.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL
Author: Sharon Grinestaff, AIF®, CRPC®
Did you know that 64% of the world’s illiterate adults are women?
Educating women is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. When you educate a girl, it creates a lasting impact, you do not just educate a girl you educate a family, a community, and a country.
Educated girls are healthier, independent and free to be anything they want to be in the future.
Here are some ideas you can do this month in honor of International Day of the Girl:
🔹Talk to your daughters about girls who are changing the world. Some of my favorites are Malala Yousafzai and Behnaz Shafiei.
🔹Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.
🔹Help your daughters start a local fundraiser. The organization “Free the Children” will send out a free event support package to help raise money to support girls’ access to education. It can be as simple as a bake sale or lemonade stand.
🔹Pick up a book at your local library or Barnes and Noble and read together with your daughters powerful books like “She Persisted”, “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls”, “Shaking Things Up”, “Dear Girl”, and “Princesses Wear Pants”. These are a few to help empower strong girls.
Educated Girls become Empowered Women.
Our Coaching on Financial Literacy can help to prepare our female clients for financial success.
Are you feeling behind with your financial goals?
If you are like most Americans, you are saving backwards by spending first and saving last. And what usually happens? There is never anything left to save. Start putting your financial future first by making yourself your most important bill by Paying Yourself First.
Do you put yourself last on your to-do list? Do you feel like there is no time to focus on your own health? If you are like most women, you are too busy doing for others and not much for yourself.
If you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot take care of those that depend on you.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this is your friendly reminder to do a self-exam. For my 40+ year-old clients, friends and family make sure to schedule your annual mammogram.
If you have not yet had your first mammogram, you are probably very nervous, just like I was. Everyone’s experience is different, but it was not nearly as uncomfortable as I had built up in my head.
After talking with many friends the year we turned 40, there was a constant theme I want to share with you.
Along with several other friends, I was required to return for a 3D Mammogram. Of course, anytime you get asked to come back for another image, stress levels rise. I want you to know that this is very normal and not to freak out thinking something is wrong. Typically, it is due to having “dense breast tissue” and a better baseline picture is needed.
Luckily, my Mom let me know that she has had to return for a second mammogram several times. Over 10 years ago, I vividly remember her telling me how she was so worried that it ruined a vacation. So when it happened to me, I knew it was nothing to be concerned about.
Sharing information helps you to Be More Healthy, Wealthy and Wise™. Because my mom shared her experience with me, I was not worried. I am sharing this experience with you, so you will not worry.
PLANNING for a mammogram is essential to gain accurate results.
Click here for a few tips to follow from the American Cancer Society in preparation for your next mammogram.
When you take care of yourself you are taking care of your family. Just like everything else you do, do it for them!
Not only do we want you to have EPPIC™ Wealth, but we also want you to have EPPIC™ Health.
Because without your health, your wealth means nothing!
Parent Paycheck
Author: Sharon Grinestaff, AIF®, CRPC®
Are you currently employed as a stay at home parent, being paid with hugs and kisses?
Do you feel as though you no longer have your own money and hate the thought of going to your spouse to ask to buy something or for money to get your hair done? Have you depleted an emergency fund and retirement savings you spent years building up? Is an inheritance slowly dwindling?
You are not alone. In conversations with my friends and colleagues, it has come to my attention that this is a common phenomenon. Stealing from yourself has become a dirty little secret that many women are carrying.
While these days are precious and worth far more than any paycheck, you cannot stop thinking about your financial future. Relying on your spouse’s income can have a long-term impact on your financial future.
When you are working hard and not being paid your worth, you feel undervalued. This is the quandary of the stay at home parent. You are doing the most important and difficult job in the world. Without a monetary income, a feeling of dependence, guilt and having to ask for permission takes over.
One solution is to create a Parent Paycheck. Salary.com Estimates this priceless job to be worth $162,580! It’s unlikely your spouse’s income can support this, but you can determine an appropriate amount for your discretionary spending and to continue to add to an IRA.
First EVALUATE your family's budget. Add up all the essential bills and subtract that number from the amount that is deposited into the bank account from your spouse’s employment. This is your family’s discretionary income. Make sure you are continuing to build an emergency fund and save for retirement with a portion of this difference. After you have allocated your savings, then consider splitting the leftover discretionary amount 25% to you 25% to your spouse and 50% for the family.
If there is not much room between these numbers, consider starting a side gig. Find your passion and run with it. A part-time income can help bring in extra cash flow so you can add to your IRA and buy a new pair of shoes without feeling guilty.
🔸 If possible, gain consulting work in the field you were in prior to becoming a stay at home parent.
🔸Find a product that you love and start selling it. Look into some of my favorite companies like Beachbody, Young Living Essential Oils, Norwex or Rodan + Fields. These companies not only can give you an outlet and introduce you to new friends, but they also help you add new skills by providing entrepreneurial training.
Next, PLAN on setting up a Spousal IRA. If you are within certain income limits, you may be eligible to contribute to either a Traditional or Roth IRA. If you have a side gig, you will want to look into opening a SEP IRA. Set up an automatic monthly transfer to your IRA so you are paying yourself first. No amount is too small. Even as little as $25/month will add up. Something is better than nothing!
PROTECT yourself and your children by making sure an appropriate amount and type of life insurance has been purchased for the primary earner. Take a moment to think about what would happen to you and your children if your spouse’s income ceased. Would you be able to pay the bills? If so, for how long? Because life insurance is the foundation of your financial plan and can be confusing, schedule a coaching call for your life insurance needs analysis.
INVEST in yourself. If your goal is to eventually go back to work, invest in your education and keep your skills up to date. This will make for an easier transition back into the workforce.
We are here to COACH you through this important time of life. Your job is the most valuable on the planet and comes with sacrifice, but it should not be filled with a feeling that you don’t have your own money.
When you endanger your current and future financial security, you also threaten your family’s financial stability.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
When watching a scary movie, it is always helpful to have someone who has already seen the scary scenes hold your hand while you jump and sometimes scream.
Throughout life, you will face many scary life changes and obstacles. Monetary decisions tend to coincide with these events. With emotions running high, your ability to make informed and smart decisions declines. This is why it is essential to have a professional hold your hand. Over 20 years we have guided clients through many exciting, uncertain, scary and emotional times. While it may be your first time going through each life-changing event, more than likely it is not ours.
When you are experiencing one of life’s challenges we want you to know you are not alone. Schedule your coaching call or an appointment so we can apply The EPPIC Method™, helping you to make the most informed decisions about your future.