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What’s your New Year’s resolution? It’s typically a great time to reflect on changes you want or need to make in your life. Although it’s not easy to think about the possibility of your own failing health or that of someone you love, avoiding the topic isn’t the answer. It’s important to have a long term care plan in place, before you need it, to preserve your family’s assets and have more long term care options.

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone so that a court doesn’t end up making decisions about your assets and your heirs for you. By taking these steps now, you can help insure that your intentions will be followed and that provisions will be made for your loved ones when you are gone.

Making gift decisions while you’re shopping in a store can lead to overextending yourself. It’s called impulse buying, which often ends up costing money and spending time you just don’t have. This article gives you tips on how to take an organized approach to holiday shopping and actually enjoy it while staying within a reasonable budget.

Recapping Mid-August to Mid-November, our Strong Valley advisor team talks about how this has been a rough year for just about everyone, with a recap of worst starts for bonds and stocks, along with a review of what happened with home and used car prices. The team discusses inflation and the Federal Reserve Rate – where it’s been and indications of where it might go. The top 3 questions from clients are answered regarding FTX, a possible 2023 Recession, and ideas on timing to buy when you have cash on hand. We wrap up with predictions on inflation and the rate hike in the coming year.

One of the simplest options for nonprofits wishing to provide employees with access to a tax-advantaged retirement plan is the 403(b) arrangement, which can be attractive due to tax laws. Over the years, the tax laws have been amended to bring 403(b) plan features more into line with those of 401(k) plans, but this article discusses important differences that remain.

Supporting local community is important to us. As an organization, we get involved as volunteers and also with donations. Read about how Strong Valley is helping support the Buchanan High School Wrestling Team.

October was the welcome reversal of a difficult September. Strong Valley team members, Adam and Chris, recap the month of October and talk about key factors that caused the Market to rally, plus a discussion on the silver lining to rising rates.

Living beyond your means won’t bring happiness or satisfaction. It’s a common problem in our culture because we are bombarded by endless advertising encouraging consumption. Even financially successful people struggle with a sense of scarcity. If you feel that no matter how much money you earn is never enough, how do you make a plan? This article gives tips on how to face your financial fears.

Anchor your financial planning on how long your money needs to last. This article takes a look at two well-known tables for life expectancy managed by the Social Security Administration which gives you a point of reference when thinking about how much longer your money needs to last. Instead of fear of outliving your money, there is a way to incorporate that uncertainty into your financial plan.

World currency fluctuations mean more than calculating your travel costs. Exporters win or lose every time currency rates fluctuate, affecting corporations and your portfolio. Here’s a brief overview of how that may look in global markets, how a strong dollar may affect U.S. exports, and the pros and cons of international investing.