Insights, Opinions, & Information
Investment Advisory Information
Form ADV: Part 2 A&B Click Here.
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 seems to be true again during this market cycle. We […]
Consider Reviewing Your Insurance Package
Hello from Sycamore,
Insurance is a way to transfer risk from you to a larger group of people through a firm, the insurance company. For example, many people choose to insure against potentially bad outcomes that could be catastrophic like the death of the family earner in the case of life insurance or large unexpected medical expense through medical insurance. On […]
Fourth Quarter 2022 Economic Commentary
Hello from Sycamore,
Performance and the Markets
2022 is now in the books and while it wasn’t one to brag about, we feel that overall, during the last 10 years, the markets have been very good.
The question we’d all like an answer to is how will the markets fare in 2023? The short story is…we’re more optimistic about 2023 than we were […]
Contribution Limits Changing
Hello from Sycamore,
Retirement and health savings plan contribution limits will be changing for the upcoming year. Here is an overview of what you need to know:
- 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), 457, and federal government Thrift Savings Plans contribution limits will be increased by almost 10% to $22,500.
a. Catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and over will be increased to $7,500 making […]
How Does Inflation Impact My Savings
Hello from Sycamore,
Inflation is a topic that we’re all hearing about lately. The Federal Reserve Bank (the Fed) has started to raise interest rates to help fight our current inflation. The Fed has a long-term inflation target of 2.0%. To simplify, this means that if a Coca-Cola costs you $1.00 today, then next year that same soda should cost you […]
Volatile and Unpredictable
Hello from Sycamore,
As I write this post, the market is down ~10% from its recent high. The beginning of 2022 has been a bit volatile and unpredictable. When we read the news, we see headlines that stop us in our tracks: Inflation, War, Stagflation, Market Correction, Possible Recession.
Realistically, most news these days is created to grab our attention, […]
Thoughts on the Economy
Hello from Sycamore,
COVID-19 has been a shock to our economy and our lives. As a result, the Federal Reserve Bank had to implement swift and significant monetary policy changes. During the onset of the pandemic (March/April 2020), there were worldwide shutdowns that caused many to lose their jobs, miss paychecks that were necessary to pay bills, and companies shuttered. The […]
Doing Our Part for the Community
Hello from Sycamore,
We are pleased to announce that Sycamore Financial Group is now carbon-neutral, powered by renewable energy, and supports efforts to restore damaged freshwater sources.
We worked with Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to help us calculate and balance the environmental footprint we create. There are three main categories where we create an environmental impact: carbon emissions, water usage, and energy […]
Financial Freedom
Hello from Sycamore,
What is financial freedom? Financial freedom can mean many different things. To us, it means having the ability to live the lifestyle that you want while working and throughout retirement.
Depending on where you are in your life, the term Financial Freedom may seem overwhelming for many different reasons – you may feel bogged down with student loans, you […]
Sycamore Financial Group is now a Certified B Corporation
Hello from Sycamore,
We have exciting news to share with you that we are very proud of!
Sycamore Financial Group was one of the first Corporations in Indiana to become Certified B Corporation®! Since its inception, Sycamore has always wanted to do better, do more – for our clients, for our community, for our families. Over the years as we have grown, […]
How to Accumulate Your First Million Dollars
Hello from Sycamore,
The looming question out there for many is how do I save a million dollars? Starting off it may seem impossible, but we are here to tell you that with dedication, a strict budget, and time it is possible. It is also important to note that you do not have to make “a lot” of money for this […]
Taking Care of Your Family
Hello from Sycamore,
Each year as we have our annual meetings with you, we revisit the question(s) do you have a last will and testament (will), living will, healthcare power (HCP), and/or power of attorney (POA) documents. Having these documents in place not only gives you peace of mind knowing that your future wishes will be carried out, but they can […]
Sycamore Updates and Investment Decisions
Hello from Sycamore,
We admire everyone’s efforts to stay safe as we all continue to navigate through challenging times caused by COVID-19. At Sycamore, we take pride that during these times of uncertainty, there are quite a few things we can remain certain about:
- We are fully operational via phone or email for all questions, concerns, and account reviews.
- Our clients […]
COVID-19 Stimulus Package
Hello from Sycamore,
On March 27th, 2020 congress passed and the President signed into law a roughly $2 trillion stimulus package to help individuals and businesses deal with the fall out due to COVID-19. We have not had a chance to learn the specifics of this bill but understand the basics. Here are some of the policies that we think are […]
Surviving the “Bear”
Hello from Sycamore,
Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton funds, had some investment advice for us in August of 1958. “To buy when others are despondently selling and to sell when others are avidly buying requires the greatest fortitude and pays the greatest ultimate reward”. In March of 1994 Sir John had additional wisdom for us. “ This time is […]
