October marks the start of a fresh quarter — the last one of the year. Knowing you only have 3 months left in 2022, what are you feeling pressed to accomplish? Entrepreneur Michael Altshuler captured the familiar 4th-quarter feeling in this way: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.” Looking at the rest of this week in the markets: Wednesday - Mortgage Applications and FOMC Minutes Thursday - September's Consumer Price Index Friday - September's Retail Sales Now is a great time to connect if you’re in need of a strategy session heading into the year’s final stretch or if you have any questions about what’s on the horizon for 2023. Where could you use additional information, encouragement, or support? I can assist. Check out Forbes’ 2022 year-end checklist below for ideas and a list of investing do’s and don’ts. I’ve included some additional articles as well with important news from the financial world this week. Let me know what you think. Success in all your efforts, John

As the plethora of store displays and advertising materials make abundantly clear, it’s back-to-school shopping time. Although many are still happily in the throes of summer vacation, parents of school-age children can’t help but think about the upcoming school year. However, whether you have school-age children or not, you shouldn’t think that “back to school” doesn’t apply to you too. Whatever stage of life you’re in, the end of August should prompt some self-reflection on the state of your own education, investment related or otherwise. This could involve learning more about various economic indicators, or it could be identifying and filling in any lacunas in your knowledge that could be limiting your ability to take advantage of potential opportunities. I hope the articles included in this newsletter help you in this process of continual learning. Whatever your investment/financial education or situation, I’m here to help you make the best possible decisions for you and your family while giving you the tools to keep on learning. If something’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can discuss it. Have a great last couple of weeks of summer! Success in all your efforts, John

Last week, when the latest U.S. GDP numbers were announced, talk about the dreaded R-word — recession — got a little louder. Regardless of the “are we or aren’t we” discussion, you may be feeling the pressure of economic forces. With uncertainty being high, there has never been a better time to have a portfolio strategy in place and to execute on it with a trusted advisor. Our covered call strategy (the Power of Mapato) and our relationship are built for times like these. When you are worried about not having enough when times get tough, I can help you focus on the "components" of our strategy. These components can be assessed at any time and one can actually see how they are contributing to the portfolio.   This will also help you to tune out the “are we or aren’t we” talk, and instead focus on the now and the future.  Give me a call and we discuss how the strategy is producing well even in theses times. Success in all your efforts, John

Is now a good time for you? How you answer that question in 2022 is sounding more like how you answer the age-old phrase “Is the glass half-empty or half-full?” Your outlook on a situation can make all of the difference. Last week a measure of the “feel good” sentiment in the U.S. hit a surprising low. Apparently, households are the most depressed they have been since the University of Michigan began its long-running Consumer Sentiment index in the 1950s. Does this describe how you feel? If so, we definitely need to talk! Because those results deserve a reality check. Even in this environment, there are many ways to capitalize on opportunities available to you. And working together, we can find the upswing in a downturn. The articles below are a good start for ideas. Share with anyone you think might benefit as well.. Let’s connect and talk more about it. Success in all your efforts, John

Time has been described as many things: The great equalizer, precious, a commodity, a healer, and fleeting. But there’s one thing time is not: limitless.  The Wall Street Journal article below has an important message about how we can make the most of our time with our loved ones while we’re still here on this earth. The stress and uncertainty of the past few years in a pandemic has certainly strengthened many peoples’ resolve in that regard. What has it taught you? Has it spurred you to a new goal or prompted you to finally do that thing you’ve been putting off? Let’s talk about it and get a plan in place. Enjoy the article, along with some other timely financial news to inform and inspire your actions in the coming days. Success in all your efforts, John

It was in London's Exchange Alley that this downward trend called a "bear market" got its name. In the early 18th century there were bear skin traders who sold the their bear skins BEFORE they actually caught the bears ... something like "short selling" today. By definition, a bear market is a prolonged period of stock or index prices declining by at least 20% from its recent highs. Though the S&P 500 did fall a little over 20% on May 20, 2022 from its high in the first week of January, it didn't stay long. So, just like an experienced hiker knows, panicking is the worst thing you can do if you meet a bear in the woods (probabilities are very low). And it is the same in responding to a bear market. Although both are unexpected, having the Mapato Income & Growth portfolio is the best way to ensure you won’t get mauled — financially! Here are some articles I found interesting that I think you might enjoy as well. Let me know what you think. Success in all your efforts, John

Social media is filled with influencers — and 'finfluencers' — attempting to fascinate us with stories on how to make the most of our lives and finances.  But with Mother’s Day on May 8th, we’re reminded of the very first finfluencer in our lives — our mothers (or grandmothers, aunts, etc.).  Yes, you can thank your mother for some of your money habits, whether good or bad. A growing body of research including a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that mothers’ financial beliefs and behaviors have a profound effect on children's developing financial outcomes. Take a moment to consider the emotions and family stories that have influenced your personal relationship with money, and if you feel honored, share the valuable insights you’ve gained. I can add perspective as well to help discover what may be holding you back. Check out the articles below with more info and some great tips from moms and for moms this week. Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy. Success in all your efforts, John

Focus on your Portfolio's Objective Hello Nico, There is so much going on globally that it can be really tough to focus on the critical. Our focus for our clients here at The Naples Money Managers is reducing portfolio risk and increasing portfolio income both of which are crucial to a retiree's success. The truth is, many investors believe that their sole portfolio objective is growth over time and that the "buy and hold" strategy will always deliver. However, there are crucial components that are constantly being missed, such as: quantifying portfolio risk using the metric "Beta" creating an additional income stream taking action during all market cycle Success in all your efforts, John

Who hasn’t procrastinated filing their taxes? Now it seems the IRS is even pushing the deadline — in issuing your refund. Millions of taxpayers’ refunds are delayed this year, and the IRS has admitted that tax returns are piling up. The Forbes article below can tell you more about how this could affect you in the coming weeks. It’s really common to procrastinate about money tasks, especially if negative emotions are involved, but procrastination could cost you in the long run. That’s where I can help. Working together, we can prioritize your goals and break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Doing so turns intimidating deadlines into achievable, realistic goals — and increases your confidence as well. And who couldn’t use an extra dose of confidence this year? Check out the New York Times article for the science behind beating procrastination. I’ve included some additional articles for insight and advice as well. I’d love to hear what you think! Success in all your efforts, John

With the start of spring comes the annual desire to freshen up, breathe in new life, and clear out the winter gunk that piled up during the months stuck inside. And it couldn’t come with better timing, considering 2022’s bumpy economic start on the heels of the past two tumultuous years. Thankfully, the concept of spring cleaning works for much more than your dwelling - you can apply the same principles to refreshing your finances, habits, and relationships too. So where do you start? This year, try starting at the top - with your brain, as the New York Times article below suggests. It’s a fun approach to decluttering your mind as we enter this new season. And it can help you free up valuable time and space to pursue your interests, goals, and passions. The additional articles are worth a read as well - they include helpful tips and information to keep you informed this week. As always, reach out if you have any questions. Let’s keep in touch. Success in all your efforts, John