Fourth Quarter 2022
2022 market commentary
2023 perspectives to consider
Last year’s market predictions
RMD and contribution changes
Valentine date ideas
First Quarter 2021
- We have a new team member!
- Market review
- The perils of trying to time the stock market
- Thinking about college? Conversation with a (former) student affairs dean
- COVID-friendly adventures
Update from the IFS Team
Dear Clients,
Spring has arrived, and with it comes sunshine, new growth, and a sense of hope. We anticipate the impact of Covid decreasing in our daily lives, and some of you may already be feeling that! We look forward to hearing about your summer adventures, whatever they may be.
New Team Member: We are pleased to announce a new addition to our team, Megan Miller. Megan joins us from the accounting world and will be a valuable asset to our firm as her role develops. Read below for more information on Megan.
Market Review: By the end of the first quarter, global markets had turned in some very solid performance numbers on their way to new record highs. The themes that drove the markets in the first quarter were positive economic data, the passing of another stimulus package, and more COVID vaccines being distributed worldwide. Although stocks did well, bond markets had a tough first quarter due to higher interest rates.
What’s to come: While we do not have a crystal ball :), due to the above-average gains in stocks over the last few years and relatively high current valuations, we would not be surprised to see a short-term stock market correction in the near future, especially if the newly opened economy experiences some growing pains. Keep in mind that while attempting to “time” the markets is never a good long-term strategy (see the article linked below that quantifies the perils of trying to time the market), we will be taking advantage of the next market drop by rebalancing the portfolios to “Buy Low & Sell High” in increments over time. We are not relying on our ability to predict future market swings, only taking advantage of the ups and downs along the way.
Below we’ve included an in-depth market report and an upcoming webinar around college planning hosted by Julia Surtshin. We recently met with Julia, who works with parents and students, to choose the right college. She may be a great resource for you or someone you know looking at college options. There is also a list of some upcoming fun activities for you to check out.
Thank you for allowing us to partner with you on your journey,
The IFS Team
New Team Member Spotlight:
Megan Miller
Megan joined our team in March of 2021 after excelling in corporate compliance and accounting roles since 2007. Her experience has spanned various fields including banking, real estate development, and the nonprofit sector. Megan loves to solve complex and multilayered problems and enjoys finding creative ways to support others and strengthen efficiency. Her patience and determination provide many opportunities to find nuanced solutions to whatever challenges confront her. She will manage several roles at IFS including compliance, administration, client service, and bookkeeping.
Megan lives with her husband Matt and their beautiful 5-year-old daughter, Ellen Joy, in McMinnville. She is an active leader of two local nonprofits and is an avid reader. Most Sunday afternoons will find Megan, Matt, and Ellen Joy enjoying time outdoors at the scenic Oregon Coast.
The Perils of Trying to Time the Stock Market
Bank of America recently put real numbers into quantifying just how much money investors might lose (or not gain) by trying to time the ups and downs of the market
Thinking about College?
Conversation with a (Former) Student Affairs Dean
What do people really mean when they talk about college culture? How can one learn about college culture? What’s so important about first-year programs?
If you’ve wondered about any of these questions, come hear Dr. Anne Witchner, former Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Carnegie Mellon University share her thoughts about understanding college campus culture, first-year programs, and the importance of finding “fit”.
Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 5:30 pm PT. Cost: FREE
COVID-Friendly Adventures
Capacity is limited with some of these, so planning ahead is encouraged.
- Urban Adventure Quest – interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a three-hour sightseeing tour of Portland.
- Dinner Detective – interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show is NOW PLAYING Masked, Socially Distanced, and Reduced Capacities at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown.
- 2021 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival – The beauty of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is back for all to enjoy safely for the 2021 tulip season. Mar 19- May 2.
- Stream a Live Theatre Production – “The Last Five Years” A musical love story by Jason Robert Brown presented by Broadway Rose Theatre. Streaming April 23-May 16.
Recent Newsletters
Third Quarter 2022
Encouragement in hard times
Market commentary
Markets in perspective
Be healthier and live longer
Pumpkin patches in Portland area
Second Quarter 2022
Market review
Meet the “unluckiest” investor
Seven habits that lead to happiness in old age
What’s happening
Market Volatility
Thoughts to encourage
Previous periods of volatility and decline
Peace, clarity, and confidence
Time-tested wisdom