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

In the push to go virtual and digitalize everything including work, scheduling, and banking, instead of technology making life easier, do you ever find yourself more stressed out?  You’re not alone. In a world of touchless payments, it’s easy to feel like people are indeed losing touch.  Don’t let that happen this Thanksgiving. Use the tips in the Wall Street Journal article below to manage your tech and still connect for those important conversations during the holiday. And most importantly, take time this weekend to savor all that you've accomplished this year. Gratitude is a very empowering trait that allows us to see and feel beyond the challenges of each day. Reach out to someone that may be alone ... remember that you are the difference. Enjoy the articles. Feel free to share with your connections. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend. Success in all your efforts, John

In today's financial markets risk is at the center of all investing. Whether it's a bond, ETF, stock, piece of art or of land, the inherit risk is the real issue.  Thirty years ago when I joined Merrill Lynch as new financial Advisor, the only concern I had was for the client's suitability for the investment and not real risk. Most clients then were long-term investors, pre-retirees and were focused on growth overtime.  Now, almost all of our clients are retired and seek wealth preservation and above average income. Typical asset allocation in stocks, bonds and cash as a strategy is not only ineffective but also carries much more risk now than ever before. Today, using 100% common stocks most with dividends and adding an institutional overlay, investors can actually reduce risk by the numbers not the stock selection. This is our core stratgey for our clients and can produce double digit income streams from their portfolios. Call me to discuss a strategy that has worked for decades. Success in all your efforts, John

Let me know and I'll send you the Ways & Means Committee's draft proposal, "Responsibly Funding Our Priorities" via email or US mail. The Committee's draft of the new tax proposals is making news. Highlights are focused on corporate taxes, high income earners, capital gains and the lifetime gift tax exemption. In order to fund the different programs for the "social safety net and climate policy" expenses, House Democrats are looking to raise $2 trillion to fund the $3.5 trillion needed for that agenda. Also, with your single or joint gross income I can run an "analysis" regarding these new proposals and you'll see how they might affect you. Success in all your efforts, John

The question this year has always been, is the magnitude of inflation that we are experiencing transitory or here to stay? It appears that many economists may be changing their consensus on inflation. Francis Scotland, Director of Global Macro Research at Brandywine Global recently stated: "The normalization of the world's major economic regions - at least in terms of real GDP levels - marks the end of the second phase and peak economic growth. The current trajectory should moderate, and growth should slow; what is ambiguous is by how much. Currently, markets seem priced for the middle road ... a soft landing."  Regardless of the market's direction, our covered call portfolio delivers in up, down or sideways markets. Success in all your efforts, John

Why do we work? It’s a core question that many people ask themselves daily. The most fortunate of us have found the sweet spot where their passion and career coincide. But for many, work in its simplest form is a way to pay the bills and provide for the people we love. This week brings good news on that front - US job openings soared to a record 10.1 million in June, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS. There are now more jobs available in the U.S. than there are workers to work them. And that means opportunity abounds for many to level up, and have more potential now than ever before to live, save or invest in their future. Check out the articles I've attached ... Success in all your efforts, John