SFA Newsletter Q2 2018

Hard to believe we’re half way through 2018 already!  It’s been a much bumpier ride than 2017, as the markets return to a more “normal” state of volatility.  Many of you have asked about the effect of the “trade war” with China and others, so we’ve included an article explaining how the markets, with strong […]

2018 Second Quarter Market Update

The U.S. equity markets suffered a small setback in the first quarter, but the second quarter brought us back into positive territory. International stocks are not faring quite so well. Both the developed international and emerging economies finished in negative territory for the quarter. What’s going on? There appear to be several forces fighting for […]

Portland Upcoming Road Construction

We hope you have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July celebration! Please note that our office will be closed Wednesday, July 4th in observance of the holiday. We will resume our regular business hours on Thursday, July 5th. We also want to make sure you are all aware of the upcoming road construction/closures scheduled […]

SFA Newsletter Q1 2018

Even though some parts of the country are still getting hammered by winter weather, the promise of spring is in the air. It’s great to consider a fresh start as it warms up and the first glimpses of green appear. Nine years ago, the spring was marked by a market plunge and an economic crisis […]

2018 First Quarter Market Update

It was a long time in coming, but volatility made a notable comeback in the first quarter of 2018 Is the bull market finally over?  For the first time in nine calendar quarters, the U.S. investment markets delivered a negative overall return.   With the combination of both stock and bond returns in negative territory […]

Be Aware of 1099 Revisions

Many of you have called with questions regarding when you will receive your 1099’s for 2017. In an effort to keep you informed with the latest information, please see the below notices we received from SEI and TD Ameritrade. Be aware, custodians may send up to five correction cycles of 1099’s (see schedule below). This is an […]

SFA Newsletter Q4 2017

We hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday season! Now that we are settling into a new year, we encourage you to avoid getting caught up in the media hype that tends to inundate us, especially as the so-called “pundits” try to predict what 2018 will bring.  We hope these articles will help you […]

2017 Year-End Update

The bull market continued for another year, causing market indices to soar to new heights over and over again.  Just about everything gained in 2017.  Looking at large cap U.S. stocks, the widely-quoted S&P 500 index gained nearly 20% in calendar 2017. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index finished up 28%.  International stocks also participating in […]

7 Smart Money Moves to Make Before Year-End

Judith Ward Nov. 7, 2017 The end of the year is a good time to evaluate your finances in preparation for that looming April 17 tax deadline. Before getting caught up in the holiday bustle, get a head start with these seven tips. Shutterstock Contribute to, or open, a 529 college savings plan. You have until […]