October 2021

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Posted on October 22nd, 2021

Third Quarter Market Review

from Clint Edgington, CFA
Broad markets have enjoyed a buoyant 2021, with bonds being the only major segment of the market to show a loss.
The buoyancy, however, did not last through September.  Political, regulatory, and inflationary risks reared their heads in the U.S. arena as tremors were felt from China with the China Evergrande credit crunch impacting capital markets, and an energy crunch affecting their factories.  September brought the worst performance since the Covid panic began; with the S&P having its worst month since March of 2020.

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Proposed Tax Increases
By Anne Zavaglia, CFP®


The House Ways and Means Committee released their proposed budget reconciliation recommendations last month as part of the Build Back Better Act. The tax legislation would raise $2.9 trillion in revenue to help pay for President Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion social spending plans. Revenue would be raised primarily by increasing taxes on corporations, and individuals with income over $400k.
While the proposed tax legislation is a draft, it provides us with a look into potential upcoming tax changes. Not only will taxes increase for those earning more than $400k starting next year, changes to the capital gains rates may come as soon as this year. Furthermore, “back door” Roth contributions would no longer be allowed for any taxpayers regardless of income level.

While the proposed tax legislation is a draft, it provides us with a look into potential upcoming tax changes. Not only will taxes increase for those earning more than $400k starting next year, changes to the capital gains rates may come as soon as this year. Furthermore, “back door” Roth contributions would no longer be allowed for any taxpayers regardless of income level.

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Following the Inflation Debate

During the 12 months ending in June 2021, consumer prices shot up 5.4%, the highest inflation rate since 2008.1 The annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) — often called headline inflation — was due in part to the “base effect.” This statistical term means the 12-month comparison was based on an unusual low point for prices in the second quarter of 2020, when consumer demand and inflation dropped after the onset of the pandemic.

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Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?

In 2020, 31% of U.S. workers with employer-sponsored health insurance had a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), up from 24% in 2015.1 These plans are also available outside the workplace through private insurers and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Although HDHP participation has grown rapidly, the most common plan — covering almost half of U.S. workers — is a traditional preferred provider organization (PPO).2 If you are thinking about enrolling in an HDHP or already enrolled in one, here are some factors to consider when comparing an HDHP to a PPO.

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Women Face Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 economic crisis tested the mettle of all Americans, particularly working mothers. Research shows that the pandemic’s impacts on women have been far-reaching and potentially long-lasting. Now that the U.S. economy is picking up steam, it may be more important than ever for women to re-examine their retirement planning strategies.

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