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Student Loan Forbearance Extended Through September 2021
Folks,
Following President Biden’s Executive action signed on 1/20/21, the Education Department extended pandemic relief through September 30, 2021. Federal student loan borrowers will not be expected to make payments through September 2021. Non-payments will continue to count toward the number of payments required under an income-driven repayment plan, a loan rehabilitation agreement, or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
During this forbearance period any payments will go directly to the loan principal which will lower your interest payment in the future. We urge our clients to take advantage, if financially feasible, of this opportunity and pay down the principle on your loans.
This article was posted by the U.S. Department of Education:
If you or anyone know anyone you know needs help understanding their student loan status please feel free to contact us.
Best Regards,
Directional Wealth Management
Although information herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not asserted. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the judgment of the financial advisor as of the dates indicated and are subject to change without notice. This report is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss. Diversification does not ensure a profit or ensure against a loss. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Past performance is no assurance of future results.
Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. Please see a prospectus containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
Information provided should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matter with the appropriate professional.
Student Loan Forbearance Extended Through 1/31/21
Folks,
On 12/4/20 the U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced an extension on the federal student loan forbearance period. Federal student loan borrowers will not be expected to make payments through January of next year, 2021. Non-payments will continue to count toward the number of payments required under an income-driven repayment plan, a loan rehabilitation agreement, or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
During this forbearance period any payments will go directly to the loan principal which will lower your interest payment in the future. We urge our clients to take advantage, if financially feasible, of this opportunity and pay down the principle on your loans.
This article was posted by the U.S. Department of Education:
If you or anyone know anyone you know needs help understanding their student loan status please feel free to contact us.
Although information herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not asserted. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the judgment of the financial advisor as of the dates indicated and are subject to change without notice. This report is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss. Diversification does not ensure a profit or ensure against a loss. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Past performance is no assurance of future results.
Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. Please see a prospectus containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
Information provided should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matter with the appropriate professional.
Weekly Market Notes – May 26, 2020
For the Week of May 26, 2020
The Markets
Stocks were mixed Friday as investors weighed rising trade tensions between China and the U.S. and uncertainty about the pace of an economic recovery from the coronavirus. Frictions rose after China announced new security measures on Hong Kong and U.S. senators introduced a bill to sanction Chinese officials and agencies. Still, all three major indices posted weekly gains. For the week, the Dow rose 3.43 percent to close at 24,465.16. The S&P gained 3.27 percent to finish at 2,955.45, and the NASDAQ climbed 3.48 percent to end the week at 9,324.59.
Returns Through 5/22/20 | 1 Week | YTD | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Dow Jones Industrials (TR) | 3.43 | -13.40 | -2.68 | 7.91 | 8.69 |
NASDAQ Composite (TR) | 3.48 | 4.36 | 21.58 | 16.21 | 14.15 |
S&P 500 (TR) | 3.27 | -7.77 | 5.58 | 9.43 | 9.02 |
Barclays US Agg Bond (TR) | 0.35 | 5.23 | 10.49 | 5.10 | 4.03 |
MSCI EAFE (TR) | 1.41 | -17.27 | -7.97 | -1.57 | -0.31 |
Biggest Yet — The House released the $3 trillion, 1,815-page Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act on May 12. Congress has previously passed four bills between March 6 and April 24 to counter the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (source: House of Representatives, BTN Research).
Student Loans — On page 1,400 of the 1,815-page HEROES Act is a provision that would forgive up to $10,000 of every federal student loan (source: HEROES Act, BTN Research).
We’ll Need to Borrow a Lot of Money — After seven months of fiscal year 2020, i.e., the 7 months through April 30, the government’s budget deficit to date is $1.481 trillion, more than the nation’s all-time record deficit for a single fiscal year of $1.413 trillion from fiscal year 2009 (source: Treasury Department, BTN Research).
WEEKLY FOCUS – Considering a Roth Rollover in 2020
Roth IRAs are popular because they have no required distributions, their earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free, subject to certain requirements. Income restrictions limit who can open a Roth, but since 2010, anyone – regardless of income – has been able to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Unique circumstances in 2020 have more investors now considering Roth rollovers.
Legacy planning: The SECURE Act passed last December increased Roth IRAs’ popularity in estate planning. The legislation eliminated the stretch IRA, which allowed children and grandchildren to withdraw money from an inherited IRA gradually over their lifetimes. Under the SECURE Act, non-spouse relatives must now drain an inherited IRA within 10 years. A Roth IRA can reduce the potential tax impact.
Tax rates: Historically low tax rates mean individuals rolling an IRA into a Roth this year could pay less taxes than in the past. This may not be true in the future as financial analysts expect taxes to eventually increase to recoup some of the trillions of dollars the federal government is spending under the COVID-19 stimulus packages.
Drops in stock values: Along with lower tax rates, converting an IRA to a Roth during a market downturn can reduce liability since taxes due are based on the value of the IRA at the time of conversion. If you convert when your IRA investments are depressed, your tax hit will be smaller. If your investments increase in value after the conversion, your gains won’t be taxed.
Decisions regarding Roth rollovers can be complex, and it’s best to consult a professional for advice. For example, a rollover might not make sense if your tax bracket may be lower in the future or if you need to use money from the IRA to pay the tax liability from converting. And calculating taxes resulting from a conversion gets particularly complicated if you own multiple IRAs, especially if some are pre-tax and others are post-tax, since the IRS will treat all your IRAs as one when calculating taxes owed.
Previously, IRA owners could change their mind about a rollover, but conversions are now permanent. So please call our office if you’re considering a Roth rollover this year. We’ll be happy to work with your tax professional to discuss considerations and options.
Securities America and its financial professionals do not provide tax advice. Coordinate with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

FAFSA 2020-2021
Changes to Federal Tax Forms From 2017 Tax Changes Impacts Preparation of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Beginning October 1, 2019, applicants will be able to file for the 2020-2021 FAFSA using information from your 2018 tax return. In previous years the IRS Data Retrieval Tool would be able to import data from the parent & student Federal Income tax return. The new 1040 form eliminated the existing IRS forms 1040A and 1040EZ and added a set of schedules, for those tax returns requiring more information. As usual, the left hand doesn’t talk to the right hand. So, the changes to the tax forms have not been incorporated into the FAFSA application and Data Retrieval Tool. This creates confusion and new questions on the 2020-2021 FAFSA process, that if answered incorrectly may affect the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and therefore the amount of aid the family may receive.
If you would like more information on this issue or help in preparing your FAFSA for next year give us a call at 973-771-5120
Ask Bob: Best Ways for Couples to Maximize Social Security
Weekly Market Notes – April 29, 2019
For the Week of April 29, 2019
The Markets
Better-than-expected economic data helped stocks close higher Friday. The U.S. gross domestic product grew at 3.2 percent in the first quarter. Amid this positive news, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ closed at record highs. For the week, the Dow fell 0.06 percent to close at 26,543.33. The S&P gained 1.21 percent to finish at 2,939.88, and the NASDAQ climbed 1.85 percent to end the week at 8,146.40.
Returns Through 4/26/19 | 1 Week | YTD | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Dow Jones Industrials (TR) | -0.06 | 14.57 | 11.68 | 16.61 | 12.86 |
NASDAQ Composite (PR) | 1.85 | 22.77 | 14.44 | 18.56 | 14.86 |
S&P 500 (TR) | 1.21 | 18.00 | 12.46 | 14.31 | 11.83 |
Barclays US Agg Bond (TR) | 0.38 | 2.97 | 5.62 | 2.09 | 2.60 |
MSCI EAFE (TR) | -0.17 | 12.67 | -3.17 | 6.98 | 2.72 |
Source: Morningstar.com. *Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Three- and five-year returns are annualized. The Dow Jones Industrials, MSCI EAFE, Barclays US Agg Bond and S&P, excluding “1 Week” returns, are based on total return, which is a reflection of return to an investor by reinvesting dividends after the deduction of withholding tax. The NASDAQ is based on price return, which is the capital appreciation of the portfolio, excluding income generated by the assets in the portfolio in the form of interest and dividends. (TR) indicates total return. (PR) indicates price return. MSCI EAFE returns stated in U.S. dollars.
Nothing?! — Forty-five percent of the 76 million baby boomers in the U.S. have no retirement savings. The oldest boomers turned 65 years old in 2011. This year is the ninth of 19 years of baby boomers turning 65 (source: Insured Retirement Institute, BTN Research).
In Less Than a Generation — The average cost of one year of college at an average four-year public institution (including tuition, fees, room and board) has tripled over the last 22 years, rising from $7,142 for academic year 1996-97 to $21,370 during academic year 2018-19 (source: College Board, BTN Research).
10-Year Paper — The yield on the 10-year Treasury note closed at 2.56 percent on Thursday, April 18. The 10-year note yield closed at 2.98 percent on April 18, 2009. The 10-year note yield closed at 5.23 percent on April 18, 1999. The 10-year note yield closed at 9.06 percent on April 18, 1989 (source: Treasury Department, BTN Research).
WEEKLY FOCUS – 3 Ways to Make Money With Your Talents and Skills
Want to make a little extra cash? Retired and just a tad bit bored? Looking to expedite paying off student loans or saving for a dream vacation? Whatever the reason, maybe you’re thinking about a part-time job but already work full time, or don’t want to embark on a new career or retool your education. Why not cash in on existing skills or talent?
Here are a few ways to pick up a little extra money, online and off:
Teach: You’ve honed your skills over your career. Why not pass them on? Next gen professionals would benefit from your experience. And you’d have the satisfaction of knowing those lessons wouldn’t be forgotten. And don’t overlook your hobbies or general life experiences. Community colleges have entire sections devoted to ongoing education and life experiences, including travel outings, home and garden projects and specific hobbies. You could also develop online courses on your own if you’re willing to market yourself.
Consult: Companies often outsource certain tasks to experienced consultants. This type of independent work can be very appealing. And don’t forget to think outside the box. If you have great organizational skills, you could even offer your services as a personal home organizer.
Create: Your degree was in business, but you really wanted to become an artist (or photographer or writer, etc.). Over the years, you’ve created on the side, just for pleasure. Why not share your talent? There are websites that buy photos for image databases. Or, you could find local retailers to exhibit your for-sale art. The retailer gets original works to grace their store, and you have a venue with guaranteed traffic. You can also sell online. Several virtual storefronts cater to artists, crafters and those offering specialized services.
Opportunities to make extra money are constantly expanding. Why not capitalize on your given (and hidden) strengths, talents and skills?
If you need to reassess your future finances or major income streams, call our office. We can help ensure your financial plans are on track to meet your longevity goals.
* The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia and Far East Index (MSCI EAFE Index) is a widely recognized benchmark of non-U.S. stock markets. It is an unmanaged index composed of a sample of companies representative of the market structure of 20 European and Pacific Basin countries and includes reinvestment of all dividends. Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index comprised of U.S. investment-grade, fixed-rate bond market securities, including government, government agency, corporate and mortgage-backed securities between one and 10 years. Written by Securities America, Copyright April 2019. All rights reserved. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. SAI#2520512.1
April 2019 Monthly Outlook – Wish Upon A Star
The first quarter of 2019 is in the books and fortunately for investors, a return to “normalcy” has occurred. Now “normalcy”, as used here, refers to the penchant for stocks to march deliberately higher and bond yields to stay stubbornly low. Last quarters brutal sell-off in equities is but a distant memory and Pollyanna has returned.
While I’m thrilled with the rebound in asset prices I’m not sure the markets aren’t wishing upon a star at this stage in the economic cycle.
On March 28, 2019 the final reading for 4th quarter 2018 US Gross Domestic Product was up 2.2%, with the growth for all of 2018 at 2.9%. Consumer and government spending were revised down in the report. On March 26th, the Consumer Confidence Index declined from 131.4 in February to 124.1 in March. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – decreased from 103.8 in February to 99.8 in March. Just today, the Institute for Supply Management non-manufacturing index declined in March, to the lowest level since August 2017. Clearly, the US economy is slowing. However, I believe we maintain growth at roughly 2% per year.
The global economy is also showing signs of slowing. Much of this is, I believe, attributable to 2 big geo-political unknowns – the US/China trade negotiations and the United Kingdom leaving (or not) the European Union. These types of unknowns bring business investment in hiring, new equipment, and new product development to a halt. Getting these two issues resolved, hopefully in a positive fashion, will provide a boost to global growth. Alternatively, a breakdown in the US/China trade deal and/or a negative outcome in the UK would likely increase the odds of a global economic slowdown.
On the investment front, I am most concerned about corporate earnings, which start reporting on April 14th. Corporate earnings growth slowed dramatically in the 4th quarter of 2018, and could even turn negative for the 1st quarter of 2019. While the stock market is aware of this, I’m not sure it has priced it correctly. If 1st quarter earnings are better than expected then the market probably continues its upward bias. If earnings are worse, then I expect the market to experience a selloff, albeit not as dramatic as what we saw at the end of last year.
Overall, I remain optimistic but cautious. We have some tailwinds – low interest rates and inflation, a steady job market and slowly rising wages, but there are risks that are hard to quantify – political uncertainty and trade tensions. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
I hope you find this report helpful. Please feel free to share it.
We have added a new tool to help those nearing or just beginning retirement to explore their readiness for retirement. It’s an easy interactive tool. Please share it with family, friends and colleagues.
https://www.ready-2-retire.me/JimMcCarthy
April Calendar of Events (comments and additions for future months are always welcome)
- April is National Autism Awareness month. Let’s all get educated on this issue and works towards acceptance and inclusion of people dealing with autism.
- April is also National Financial Capability month. We at Directional Wealth Management commit to equipping individuals to lead better financial lives through an integrated framework of educational resources, collaborative tools, and personal one-to-one advice.
April 10th Christian’s wife Maecy birthday
April 12 & 13th We adopted our 4 legged children Coco (2010) and Buddy (2013)
April 15th Tax Day. Remember to make those IRA or Roth contributions.
April 20th Passover begins – Chag Pesach Sameach
April 21st Easter Sunday – Have a blessed and Holy Easter
April 22nd Earth Day – let’s all recycle, turn out lights when we leave rooms, and do all we can for our environment
April 24th Administrative Professionals day – remember your staff
April 25th My daughter Satya’s birthday – wow she is turning 35! I must be getting old 😊
Sources: JPMorgan, Nottingham Advisors
Although information herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not asserted. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the judgment of the financial advisor as of the dates indicated and are subject to change without notice. This report is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss. Diversification does not ensure a profit or ensure against a loss. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Past performance is no assurance of future results.
Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. Please see a prospectus containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
Information provided should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matter with the appropriate professional.
Credit Report Reminder
Weekly Market Notes – December 3, 2018
For the Week of December 3, 2018
The Markets
Stocks were up Friday, reflecting optimism about a potential trade deal with China. The S&P Index and the NASDAQ achieved their best week in nearly seven years, and the three major indexes were positive for the month. For the week, the Dow rose 5.32 percent to close at 25,538.46. The S&P gained 4.91 percent to finish at 2,760.17, and the NASDAQ climbed 5.64 percent to end the week at 7,330.54.
Returns Through 11/30/18 | 1 Week | YTD | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Dow Jones Industrials (TR) | 5.32 | 5.59 | 7.62 | 15.78 | 12.39 |
NASDAQ Composite (PR) | 5.64 | 6.19 | 6.64 | 12.79 | 12.54 |
S&P 500 (TR) | 4.91 | 5.11 | 6.27 | 12.16 | 11.12 |
Barclays US Agg Bond (TR) | 0.13 | -1.79 | -1.34 | 1.33 | 2.03 |
MSCI EAFE (TR) | 0.97 | -9.39 | -7.94 | 4.12 | 1.84 |
Source: Morningstar.com. *Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Three- and five-year returns are annualized. The Dow Jones Industrials, MSCI EAFE, Barclays US Agg Bond and S&P, excluding “1 Week” returns, are based on total return, which is a reflection of return to an investor by reinvesting dividends after the deduction of withholding tax. The NASDAQ is based on price return, which is the capital appreciation of the portfolio, excluding income generated by the assets in the portfolio in the form of interest and dividends. (TR) indicates total return. (PR) indicates price return. MSCI EAFE returns stated in U.S. dollars.
Use Time to Your Advantage — $522 invested at the beginning of every month for 40 years, earning 6 percent per year, will accumulate to $1 million. $1,021 invested at the beginning of every month for 30 years, earning 6 percent per year, will accumulate to $1 million. The calculations ignore the impact of taxes and are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended to reflect any specific investment alternative (source: BTN Research).
Bonds Are Down Too — The YTD total return through Friday, Nov. 23, of 10-year Treasury notes was a loss of 3.1 percent (source: Ryan Indexes, BTN Research).
What They Pay — The average tax rate (including federal income taxes, payroll taxes and excise taxes paid as a percentage of income) for the bottom 20 percent of U.S. taxpayers has fallen from 7.5 percent of before-tax income in 1979 to 1.5 percent of before-tax income in 2015. The average tax rate for the top 1 percent of U.S. taxpayers has fallen from 38.5 percent of before-tax income in 1979 to 33.3 percent of before-tax income in 2015 (source: Congressional Budget Office, BTN Research).
WEEKLY FOCUS – Plan for Three Stages of Retirement
To prepare for retirement, it’s important to have a solid financial plan in place before you leave the workforce. No matter what your age, starting on your plan today will give you more flexibility later in life.
Retirement is typically viewed as a single phase of life. But it is more accurately divided into three stages, each with unique financial needs. Early retirement, sometimes called the “go-go” years, is a time of increased activity. During middle retirement, or the “slow-go” years, activity levels decline. And in late retirement, or the “no-go” years, extra activities stop.
Early Retirement: These are the years you’ve dreamed of. You still have your health, and you have the time to travel and indulge in hobbies. But all this activity means you may spend more than when you were working. If you’ve planned for retirement and aren’t counting on Social Security, filing early for benefits could help pay for leisure activities. But claiming Social Security before full retirement age will lock you into a reduced monthly benefit. Claiming benefits at age 62 could lead to a 30 percent cut in what you would have received if you had waited until full retirement age.
Middle Retirement: In this period, personal spending declines, but health care costs often increase. A recent report revealed people incur an average of $122,000 in out-of-pocket medical costs from their 70th birthday until death.1 This is the time when you can reap the rewards of waiting until full retirement age to claim Social Security benefits. Remember, for each year you wait until you turn 70, you’ll receive an 8 percent boost. That extra cash could help with medical expenses.
Late Retirement: By late retirement, expenses related to travel and big-ticket purchases are typically no longer a concern. In this stage, you’ll need adequate funds to keep you comfortable and possibly pass on a legacy. According to the Social Security Administration, a 65-year-old man today can expect to live to 84.3, while a 65-year-old woman can expect to live to 86.7.2 With life expectancy projected to increase, it’s important to have a financial plan that will take you comfortably into your 80s, 90s or even to 100.
To get started building a financial plan or to revisit your existing plan to ensure it will take you through each stage of retirement, give us a call today.
1http://www.nber.org/papers/w24599.pdf 2http://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html
* The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia and Far East Index (MSCI EAFE Index) is a widely recognized benchmark of non-U.S. stock markets. It is an unmanaged index composed of a sample of companies representative of the market structure of 20 European and Pacific Basin countries and includes reinvestment of all dividends. Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index comprised of U.S. investment-grade, fixed-rate bond market securities, including government, government agency, corporate and mortgage-backed securities between one and 10 years. Written by Securities America, Copyright December 2018. All rights reserved. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. SAI#2335657.1