Insights, Opinions, & Information
Investment Advisory Information
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529 College Savings Plans – Winter 2007
Hello from Sycamore,
Using 529’s and the Indiana Plan for College Expenses
Two important changes were made in 2006 that affect section 529 college savings plans and their use by Indiana residents . First the Federal government extended the tax free status of earnings withdrawn when used to pay secondary education expenses. Second, the state of Indiana offers a tax credit to […]
Elections and the Stock Market – Winter 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
There has been a lot of speculation recently about the affect the recent elections may have on the stock market, so I thought I’d do a little reading to see what the numbers say.
The White House: I came across an article written by Jeremy Siegal Ph. D., that compared the stock market performance starting in 1948 while Republicans […]
Investment Rates – Fall 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
Money Market Accounts, Free Checking and CD’s
Over the last year or so interest rates have risen to more normal levels. We thought this would be a good time to remind you of some of the “cash” type of investments that are available to you through your account with Sycamore Financial Group.
Money Market: All of our accounts come with […]
Tax Increase Prevention – Summer 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005
We all received some good news on the tax front recently when president Bush signed the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 into law. This tax law basically extends the current tax advantages given to stock dividends and realized capital gains for two additional years through December […]
E-mail Delivery of Annual Reports – Spring 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
E-mail delivery of annual reports & proxy information
Many of you enjoy and benefit from the reports that arrive each year from the companies in which you own shares. Others are not interested and would prefer that we not send them. We are required to send the reports. However whether you enjoy the reports or not, you can change […]
Looking at Some Economic Indicators – Fall 2005
Better Than It Seems
As we’re meeting with our clients this fall, many are pleasantly surprised with the performance of their investment accounts. We frequently hear something like “ That’s great. With the market and economy being in so much trouble we were concerned that our investments may be as well” It seems that today more than at any other time, […]
Changing Interest Rates – Spring 2005
Hello from Sycamore,
Corporate Bonds and Changing Interest Rates
Many of you own corporate bonds and recently, after receiving your monthly statements, a few of you have called to see what’s wrong with you your “fixed” investments. Sooo….we thought this may be a good time to review how most corporate bonds work and discuss how future interest rate changes may […]
Effects of Higher Energy Prices – Winter 2004
Hello from Sycamore,
What are the effects of higher energy prices on our economy?
This question comes up several times each day, and while all of us know the effect of higher gas prices at the pump, it’s more difficult to see the overall effect of higher energy prices on our economy. I’ve done a little poking around lately searching for a […]
Tax Freedom Day – Fall 2004
Hello from Sycamore,
Tax Freedom Day
I ran across some good (relatively speaking) news about taxes and wanted to share it with you. In 2004 it was estimated that, as a country, we reached Tax Freedom Day on Sunday April 11th. This is the earliest we have reached this date since 1967 and it’s 21 days earlier than in 2000. The two […]
Long Term Care Insurance – Summer 2004
Hello from Sycamore,
Should you consider long term care insurance?
Almost every time we are completing a financial or investment plan the discussion gets around to long term care insurance. Of course most clients want to know three things…1) Do I need it? 2) How does it work? & 3) How much does it cost?
Do you need it?
Lets look at the needs […]
Mutual Funds Inquiry – Winter 2003
Hello from Sycamore,
As you already know, trading procedures in the mutual fund industry are being reviewed. We thought you may want to know our position on this issue. We are not the final authority on this subject and these are simply our thoughts.
Mutual fund investigations have focused on two areas of trading: late trading and market timing. Late trading, which […]
