Insights, Opinions, & Information
Investment Advisory Information
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Performance and The Markets
Hello from Sycamore,
As I compose this letter, the markets are in a state of uncertainty about a possible economic slowdown and the direction of the tariff situation. Of course, this has made the nightly news, and almost every pundit on the internet tells us how bad the situation is. At […]
Why We Focus on Risk First
Hello from Sycamore,
Once we understand your financial goals, we focus on the risk/return ratio of investments. Many of our new clients understand this to mean ‘high risk equals high reward,’ but it’s a bit more involved. At Sycamore, we believe that capital loss is a greater danger to your investment […]
Fourth Quarter 2024 Commentary
Hello from Sycamore,
Notice
Recently, some of you may have noticed a small deposit to your account(s). These happen periodically and are generated from class action suits filed against companies that you now hold or have held in the past. We automatically file for these on your behalf and when the money […]
The Low Down on Retirement Accounts 2025
Hello from Sycamore,
If you are 73 and haven’t taken your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the 2024 tax year, you will likely need to by April 1, 2025.
What is an RMD?
An RMD is the minimum distribution you must withdraw from your retirement account each year.
When do I have to begin […]
Timing the Market vs. Time in the Market
Hello from Sycamore,
Have you considered changing your investment strategy based on some event that you believe will happen with the idea of changing back after the event? I can think of some questions leading up to this most recent election that we fielded. On Wednesday, as we watched the market […]
Third Quarter 2024 Market Commentary
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and The Markets
Let’s start with the good news! September is historically the worst-performing month of the year for the stock market, but not in 2024. Our composite gained a little more than 1.5% for September, it has gained a bit more than 27% for the last 12 […]
Fed Rate Cuts?
Hello from Sycamore,
The Federal Reserve Bank has lowered interest rates by .5% this week. What could this mean for me?
For those who are in the market for a big purchase (house/car) and considering borrowing money, this should help lower interest rates and in turn, make your monthly payments lower. Other […]
Certified Financial Planner Achievements
Hello from Sycamore,
We are thrilled to announce the recent achievements of two outstanding members of our team, Allison Rumschik and Brent Yard. Both Allison and Brent have successfully completed the rigorous coursework, passed the comprehensive 6-hour final exam, and have now earned the prestigious marks of Certified Financial Planners™.
The Low Down on Retirement Accounts 2024
Hello from Sycamore,
If you are 73 or older and haven’t taken your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the 2024 tax year, you will likely need to by year’s end.
What is an RMD?
An RMD is the minimum distribution you must withdraw from your retirement account each year.
When do I have to […]
2024 First Quarter Market Commentary
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and the Markets
We are pleased to report that the first quarter was a bonus quarter with our composite gaining more than 7%. This is about three times the normal gain that we would expect so we’re pleased. While we do expect your account(s) to gain more before […]
2023 Fourth Quarter Market Commentary
Hello from Sycamore,
2023 is now in the books and this year was special for us because it marked completing 40 years for Sycamore. We want you to know how grateful we are to have had this 40-year run and how fortunate we feel to be able to work with all […]
2024 Contribution Limit Changes
Hello from Sycamore,
Did you Know?
For the 2024 tax year, some contribution limits have increased.
- 401(k), 403(b), & 457 account contribution limits are now $23,000 for the year.
- There is a $7,500 catch-up if you will turn 50 in 2024.
- Traditional and Roth IRA annual contribution limits are now $7,000.
- There […]
Third Quarter Commentary 2023
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and the Markets
It seems like there is always plenty to worry about and this year is no exception. Considering the political environment and the calls for a recession over the past year or so, there is plenty to be concerned about. However, as we think back over […]
Second Quarter Commentary 2023
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and the Markets
So far so good for 2023. Since the markets found a low point last fall, they have been steadily climbing. We are not back to the highs that we experienced at the end of 2021, but with the Dow Jones industrial average at about 34,000 […]
Performance, Markets and The Economy
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and the Markets
Our Growth and Income Composite gained just a bit less than 0.5% over the past year (gross of all fees). This is significantly better than the -7.7% by the S&P 500. Historically our strength has been to hold value better during market declines and it […]