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

Last week, the world changed. As we watch the horrifying events unfold in Ukraine and the political and economic fallout, it’s hard not to empathize with those in danger. Our beautiful world has been involved in aggression since its earliest days. From the end of the Second Boer War of 1902, the world has experienced about 33 major conflicts. Unfortunately, war has taken place in every year of the 20th century. At the end of 1902, the Dow Jones Industrial Average sat at 64.60. Now, some 120 years later the DJIA hoovers around 34,000. While our prayers are with those suffering, the financial markets have remained extremely efficient in digesting a myriad of economic and geopolitical data. Herein is the very reason for all the ups and downs in the stock market. On a minute by minute basis interest rates, international currencies, crude oil, gold and a host of constant inputs to the markets are evaluated by it and new prices are derived instantaneously. Remember ... the DJIA was formed on May 26, 1896 and continues to provide effective pricing for the 30 large publicly traded companies that make it up. It has always delivered over time! Success in all your efforts, John

This year has delivered above average market volatility along with a very interesting economy, that we believe, makes for strong market performance for income and growth opportunities for investors. Through all the economic, market and political turmoil that we've experienced since the 50's, there is a statistic for the S&P 500 index that is rather powerful. It shows that of the 63 "10-year rolling periods" since 1950, 61 of them have had positive market returns ... that's 96.8% of the time. Realizing that past performance doesn't secure future returns, such statistics help us as investors to look at our market and economic stability in a rational way. Enjoy the articles, and as always, I’d love to hear what you think. Let’s keep in touch. Success in all your efforts, John

If January is the month of resolutions, then February is when we start to see some action. By now, you probably already have a good idea which resolutions are taking root in your life and which have fallen by the wayside. But don’t lose heart if you’ve let a goal slip, there’s still plenty of time in 2022 to make a considerable impact on your health, investments and other goals. If you find you’re stuck in place or even headed in the wrong direction, surprisingly what’s needed right now isn’t huge sweeping changes but simply one small step - just one action pointed in a new direction to change your course. What do small steps look like? The Guardian article below has some great ideas, but it can be as simple as hitting reply or a phone call or considering our Enhanced Dividend portfolio that produces two streams of income. The articles below also give some excellent perspective on the recent market volatility. Mainly to relax and to focus on the why behind your long term investment strategy. I can help you reset, refocus, and stay on track. Can’t wait to hear from you! Success in all your efforts, John

With all the speculation around in 2022, including the effects of inflation and an ongoing pandemic, whether markets will continue to soar, along with predicting when the Fed may raise interest rates (and how many times), a quote from the late Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, comes to mind: “There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.” The idea of known unknowns is helpful in forming your investment portfolio strategy.  * What do we know already (known knowns)?  * Are we conscious of what we are not exploring (unknown unknowns)?  * What about biases and unconscious decisions (unknown knowns)? As this year unfolds and we move into a potentially volatile time in the economy, let’s work closely together, examining your goals and adjusting if needed as conditions change to keep you on track. Here are some insightful articles to get you started. I’d love to know what you think. Let’s keep in touch. Success in all your efforts, John

We’ve been through a lot in 2021 - more quarantining, hybrid work environments, ups and downs in the economy, the markets and some political uncertainty.  Chances are, you’ve been so busy adjusting to all the changes while also trying to hold onto family ties and traditions that you’ve had little time to relax and enjoy this special season.  Well, now is your time. Take it.  One of the most valuable things you can do in a busy season is to find moments of “me time.” Prioritizing wellness, including in your financial life, and taking time to set your strategy allows you to more generously show up for others and extend goodwill. So, go ahead, start the timer. Carve out a few minutes for yourself today. These articles have some great ideas on how, and I’d love to hear how it inspires you. Success in all your efforts, John