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As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, there are growing questions (from both sides) on whether the outcome will negatively affect the markets. Of course, this is not unusual. As you may remember from the last election cycle, many predicted doom if Trump were to win. In the election before that, we saw similar worries concerning Obama. In both cases, despite the fears, the markets ended up doing quite well. Given this, what risks—if any—does the upcoming election pose for the markets? Let’s take a closer look.

This year many families are faced with unprecedented financial challenges and economic anxiety. Our early experiences with money set the template for how we approach work, spending, debt and our ideas about wealth. The way a family chooses to respond to their unique challenges will impact children the most and endure for a lifetime.

While mid-year is always a good time to reassess our finances, it is especially essential this year amid the pandemic.  At Hawekotte Financial Group, we have been working remotely with our clients to help them stay on track with their financial goals.  While social distancing is important for our physical health, it is important to focus on our financial well-being as well. 

March 2020 has not been kind to the markets.

It’s not too late to set your personal goals to make 2020 a great year financially. When you plan well, you can be well, now and in the future. Some people may set their sights on losing a significant amount of weight or training for a marathon, while others may want to spend more time with family or other loved ones. Whatever your plans, consider adding a few of the financial changes described below to your New Year’s resolution list, too, to help you turn 2020 into an even better year.

On December 20, 2019, the SECURE Act was signed into law. The SECURE Act contains 29 provisions, encompassing many aspects of financial planning and retirement saving. Once treasury regulations are released, nuances in interpreting this new law will become clearer. Until then, individuals are left to interpret the law’s effects based on the language of the law itself.

This article will address what the SECURE Act entails and who it affects, as well as provide suggestions on how to plan for the changes that have been instituted.

Yorba Linda Lifestyle Magazine graciously invited us to share some year-end financial planning tips -- read all about it here:

www.lifestylepubs.com/YorbaLinda/2019/11/27/expert-tips-for-year-end-finances

For many investors, capital gains tax is among the more confusing financial topics. Yet a basic understanding of capital gains is key to building a financial plan that reflects your goals and needs. It’s important to be aware of the tax consequences of selling your personal assets, as doing so may significantly affect your tax return—and your financial picture as a whole.

What Is a Capital Asset?

Almost anything you own for personal or investment purposes may be considered a capital asset. 

Many people don’t understand the importance of establishing and maintaining an emergency fund until it’s too late. Are you financially prepared for a leaky roof? How about a broken-down car? If you lost your job, how long would you be able to support yourself and your family until you got a new one?

An emergency fund is money that you’ve set aside to be used in these critical situations, be it to handle a minor home repair or to pay for something more serious, like medical bills. Despite the importance of having an emergency fund, however, only 39 percent of Americans have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, according to a recent Bankrate report. Below are several steps to take to help you establish your own emergency fund.

When you decide how to get your Medicare coverage, you may choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and/or Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). There are specific times when you can sign up for these plans, or make changes to coverage you already have. You don’t need to sign up for Medicare each year. However, you have an opportunity annually to review your coverage and make any desired changes. The Medicare Open Enrollment period begins on October 15, 2019 and continues until December 7, 2019.

Learning to navigate the system can seem overwhelming at first. The following Basics of Medicare infographic may be helpful to you if you’re new to Medicare.