Captain’s Log Staying Calm During the Government Shutdown As I write this, the government has been shut down for nine days and counting. The Kalshi betting markets currently estimate it could last around 25 days. The fact that people can bet on things like this is a bit wild—but then again, maybe they should find…
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Captain’s Log A Smart Move at Age 59½ Did you know that once you turn 59½, most retirement plans allow you to take what’s called an in-service distribution? In plain terms, this means you can roll money out of your employer’s plan and into an IRA—without leaving your job. Why does this matter? Proactive Management:…
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Captain’s Log Start Investing Your Excess Savings Begin investing your excess savings—cash, CDs, and money markets—that exceed your 3–6 months of living expenses and any large purchases you anticipate over the next 12 months. For example, if your monthly expenses are $5,000, you should have between $15,000 and $30,000 in your emergency fund. In addition,…
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Captain’s Log How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Affects Your Financial Plan On July 4, 2025, the federal government passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping new law that impacts taxes, retirement, business ownership, employee compensation, and federal benefits. Because these changes often include complex rules like phase-outs and limits, it’s important to understand…
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Caps are flying, cameras are flashing—and just like that, your student is stepping into a whole new world. Whether they’re packing for a dorm or prepping for their first full-time job, graduation isn’t just a celebration; it’s a launchpad. This is the perfect time to start real-world money conversations. Here are some key financial topics…
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Captain’s Log Turning Challenges into Opportunities: How to Invest Strategically Amid Tariffs and Market Volatility If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed the word tariffs popping up more and more. And every time it does, the market seems to react—sometimes sharply. It’s enough to make even seasoned investors a little uneasy. But…
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Captain’s Log The Hidden Cost of Cash: How Inflation Erodes Your Purchasing Power At Anchor Wealth, we encourage our clients to maintain cash savings at their banks for emergency funds, sinking funds, and large expenses expected within the next 12 months. Recommended Cash Allocations: Emergency Fund – Maintain 3 to 6 months of living expenses.…
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February Captain’s Log The Benefits of Advisors Understanding the Purpose of Your Money Understanding the purpose of a client’s money offers two key benefits: 1. Personalized Financial Planning – By understanding a client’s goals and values, advisors can create tailored financial plans that align with their priorities and aspirations. 2. Enhanced Client Relationships – A…
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So, you’ve found your person—the one you want to build a life with. Congrats! But before you say “I do,” there’s one important (and slightly unromantic) topic to cover: money. The “financial talk” might not give you butterflies, but it’s the secret to a stress-free, happy future together. Here’s how to make it simple and…
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January Captain’s Log What Can I Expect from the Market the YearFollowing the Presidential Election? The stock market is often a source of curiosity and concern during and afterpresidential election years. Many investors wonder if political transitions or policychanges will significantly impact their portfolios. While countless factors influencemarket performance—many unrelated to politics—historical trends can offer…
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