How much do you know about the different coverage options?
 
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored group health plan.1
 
When you enroll in Medicare, you pay multiple premiums for multiple types of coverage (Parts A and B, as well as the Part D prescription drug plan). Unlike a group health plan, there are no caps on out-of-pocket costs and a risk that you might have to pay a hospital insurance deductible more than once per year. Original Medicare also does not cover some costs that many seniors would like to cover, such as dental and vision care expenses.2
  
This is why so many retirees decide to buy Medigap policies or enroll in comprehensive Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans—they recognize the shortcomings of original Medicare. The downside of Part C plans is that you are restricted to the doctors in their networks. Original Medicare allows you to choose any doctor that accepts Medicare (though it is smart to have a Medigap policy as well).
  
You can freely switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another in the open enrollment period; you can also enroll in one without having to go through underwriting. If you want to move from a Part C plan back into original Medicare, you may not be able to supplement Parts A and B with a Medigap plan right away because underwriting will be required.3
  
Whether you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time or considering a change in coverage, it is vital to understand these matters. If you have questions, visit Medicare.gov or ssa.gov/Medicare for more information.
 
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations
1. cnbc.com, August 26, 2020
2. medicare.gov, September 16, 2020
3. medicare.gov, September 16, 2020

A look at these securities, in light of the Federal Reserve’s new outlook.
 
This summer, the Federal Reserve made a key policy shift. It announced that it would focus on promoting job creation and tolerate a little more inflation along the way for the near future.
 
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell stated on August 27 that the central bank plans to now “seek to achieve inflation that averages 2 percent over time,” rather than proactively adjust short-term interest rates when inflation approaches that established target. So in the near term, 2% inflation may or may not compel the Fed to hike.1
 
Powell called this a “robust updating” of Fed strategy. Historically speaking, it is. As his predecessor, Janet Yellen, told The New York Times, “most of the Fed’s history has revolved around keeping inflation under control. This really does reflect a decisive recognition that we’re in a very different environment.”1
 
What could this change mean for investors? It may lead some to take a look at Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).
  
In the past, the Fed has raised short-term interest rates in times of declining unemployment, as a precaution against the possibility of the economy “overheating,” which may cause inflation. If the Fed takes the same precaution in this decade, households may seek investments with the potential to react to higher interest rates, and TIPS may be worth consideration.1
 
How do TIPS react to inflation? The principal amounts of TIPS adjust in response to variations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation changes. When the CPI increases, so do the principal of these securities. If the CPI falls, their principal reduces.2
 
TIPS pay a fixed rate of interest, paid every six months. The fixed interest rate applies to the adjusted principal so that interest payments can vary from one 6-month period to the next.2
 
The relationship between TIPS and the CPI can also affect what the bondholder earns when the securities mature. At that point, the bondholder receives either the adjusted principal or the original principal, whichever is greater.2
 
Just how are TIPS taxed? Interest income from TIPS is currently exempt from state and local taxes but subject to federal income tax. Adjustments in principal are taxed as interest in the year the adjustment occurs, even though the bondholder does not receive the principal adjustment until maturity. Individuals should consider their ability to pay the current taxes before investing.3
 
TIPS can be confusing, so you may want to consult with a financial professional who can guide you on how inflation-protected securities work. Also, remember, this article is for illustrative purposes only. Please contact a tax, legal, or accounting professional if you are concerned about how TIPS may influence your overall tax strategy.
  
We have seen low inflation recently, but inflation has crept higher during certain times in our history. The Consumer Price Index rose an average of 1.77% annually during the 10-year period ended December 31, 2019. During 1990-1999, however, it averaged 3.01% annually. Many remember the Seventies and Eighties when inflation was much higher than that.4
 
If you are concerned about inflation picking up and feel that short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS may be worth considering.
 
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations
1. New York Times, August 27, 2020
2. The Balance, February 1, 2020
3. U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 13, 2019
4. Statista, September 11, 2020

​
U.S. Markets

Stocks dropped in September as investors worried about stalled fiscal stimulus talks in Washington, the upcoming election, and new coronavirus cases in Europe.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which lagged this year slipped 2.28 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 3.92 percent and the Nasdaq Composite declined 5.16 percent.1
 
Tech Stocks Under Pressure

After a strong rally in August, investor sentiment quickly turned negative as technology stocks dragged down the overall market.

The retreat in the technology sector gathered steam as the month wore on, sending the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite into correction territory over a three-day span following a recent record high. A correction is defined as a decline of at least 10 percent but not more than 20 percent from a recent high.2
 
A Few Bright Spots

The month did offer moments of optimism, however, that sparked brief rallies, such as an increase in merger and acquisition deals and further reported progress on a COVID-19 vaccine. However, concerns about the November election, the fading hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill, and an increase in European COVID-19 cases weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

As September came to a close, the market cut its losses, surging on the final two days of trading as legislators appeared to reopen fiscal stimulus talks.

Sector Scorecard

All 11 industry sectors were lower in September, with losses in Communication Services (−6.61 percent), Consumer Discretionary (−3.15 percent), Consumer Staples (−3.71 percent), Energy (−17.56 percent), Financials (−6.35 percent), Health Care (−3.87 percent), Industrials (−2.04 percent), Materials (−1.52 percent), Real Estate (−4.05 percent), Technology (−6.03 percent), and Utilities (−0.37 percent).3
 
 What Investors May Be Talking About in October

The housing sector has been a bright spot in a challenging year and has seen strong consumer demand thanks to historically low interest rates.
 
Home building and home sales have set new records in recent months, while home builder confidence is at an all-time high. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index posted a reading of 83 out of a possible 100 in September, well above its previous record high of 78.4,5
 
Housing accounts for 15 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, so investors may watch for the sector to retain its momentum in the fourth quarter and into 2021.6

​World Markets

International markets struggled amid more coronavirus cases in Europe and concerns over the tensions between the U.S. and China.

The MSCI-EAFE Index fell 2.20 percent in September.7
 
European markets were broadly weaker. France dropped 2.91 percent, Germany lost 1.43 percent, and the U.K. slipped 1.68 percent.8

Pacific Rim stocks were mixed as Australia fell 4.04 percent and Hong Kong declined 6.82 percent. Japan notched a solid gain, tacking on 9.68 percent.9

Indicators
​
Gross Domestic Product: The final reading of the second-quarter GDP showed an annualized decline of 31.4 percent.10

Employment: The unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 percent as employers added 1.4 million jobs in August.11

Retail Sales: Retail sales growth slowed in August, rising only 0.6 percent as the supplemental unemployment benefits expired at the end of July. The benefits helped buyers in prior months.12

Industrial Production: Industrial output rose 0.4 percent, below economists’ expectations of a 1 percent increase.13

Housing: Housing starts fell 5.1 percent after sharp gains in the previous three months. Single-family home starts increased by 4.1 percent, but the overall result was dragged down by a 22.7 percent decline in multi-family starts.14

Existing home sales rose 2.4 percent from July and were 10.5 percent higher than August of last year.15
Sales of new homes rose to their highest level in almost 14 years, posting a 4.8 percent increase from the previous month.16

Consumer Price Index: Consumer prices jumped 0.4 percent in August, led by the sharpest increase in the cost of used cars and trucks in more than 50 years. On a year-over-year basis, inflation rose 1.3 percent.17

Durable Goods Orders:  For the fourth straight month durable goods orders rose, increasing by 0.4 percent in August. New orders for nondefense capital goods, excluding aircraft, jumped 1.8 percent.18

The Fed

The Federal Reserve signaled that interest rates would likely not increase until 2023 following its two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that ended on September 16.19

Fed officials also stressed the importance of additional fiscal stimulus.19
​
Fed officials adjusted their outlook for unemployment, predicting it would average between 7 and 8 percent in the final three months of the year. Previously, Fed officials had expected unemployment of between 9 and 10 percent in the final calendar quarter of 2020.19

Gary G. Blom CRPC | Financial Advisor
Michael Howell MBA | Financial Advisor
Address: 3340 Tully Rd. Ste B4, Modesto, CA 95350
Website: www.blomandhowell.com
Office: (209) 857-5207 | Fax: (209) 857-5098
 
Know someone who could use information like this?
Please feel free to send us their contact information via phone or email.
(Don’t worry – we’ll request their permission before adding them to our mailing list.)

CA Insurance License #0C95684. Securities offered through SCF Securities, Inc. – Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Advisory Services offered through SCF Investment Advisors, Inc.
155 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93710 | (800) 955-2517 | Fax (559) 456-6109
SCF Securities, Inc. and Blom & Howell Financial Planning are independently owned and operated. www.scfsecurities.com​

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. The information herein has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service and should not be relied upon as such. All market indices discussed are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Indices do not incur management fees, costs, or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in indices. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is a market-cap weighted index composed of the common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The CBOE Volatility Index® (VIX®) is a key measure of market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by S&P 500 stock index option prices. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world's largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. The SSE Composite Index is an index of all stocks (A shares and B shares) that are traded at the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The CAC-40 Index is a narrow-based, modified capitalization-weighted index of 40 companies listed on the Paris Bourse. The FTSEurofirst 300 Index comprises the 300 largest companies ranked by market capitalization in the FTSE Developed Europe Index. The FTSE 100 Index is a share index of the 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange with the highest market capitalization. Established in January 1980, the All Ordinaries is the oldest index of shares in Australia. It is made up of the share prices for 500 of the largest companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The S&P/TSX Composite Index is an index of the stock (equity) prices of the largest companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) as measured by market capitalization. The Hang Seng Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted stock market index that is the main indicator of the overall market performance in Hong Kong. The FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of stocks comprises 50 companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange developed by Taiwan Stock Exchange in collaboration with FTSE. The MSCI World Index is a free-float weighted equity index that includes developed world markets and does not include emerging markets. The Mexican Stock Exchange, commonly known as Mexican Bolsa, Mexbol, or BMV, is the only stock exchange in Mexico. The U.S. Dollar Index measures the performance of the U.S. dollar against a basket of six currencies. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability, and differences in accounting standards. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. MarketingPro, Inc. is not affiliated with any person or firm that may be providing this information to you. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

CITATIONS:
1. The Wall Street Journal, September 30, 2020
2. MarketWatch.com, September 12, 2020
3. FastSet Research, September 30, 2020
4. CNBC.com, September 22, 2020
5. EyeOnHousing.com, September 16, 2020
6. Federation of American Scientists, October 2, 2019
7. MSCI.com, September 30, 2020
8. MSCI.com, September 30, 2020
9. MSCI.com, September 30, 2020
10. CNBC.com, September 30, 2020
11. The Wall Street Journal, September 4, 2020
12. The Wall Street Journal, September 16, 2020
13. The Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2020
14. CNBC.com, September 17, 2020
15. CNBC.com, September22, 2020
16. CNBC.com, September 24, 2020
17. CNBC.com, September 11, 2020
18. The Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2020
19. The Wall Street Journal, September 16, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about the housing market.
 
To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that to home builders.
 
Builder confidence in August jumped to an eye-popping 78 in August, according to the Housing Market Index courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders. To put that number in perspective, anything over 50 is considered positive.1
 
This past April, builder confidence plunged to 30 as the pandemic swept the nation. In August, the index hit the highest level in the 35-year history of the monthly series and matches the record set in December 1998.1
 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people transitioned to working from home at the beginning of the year. As 2020 wore on, and schools made plans to offer remote learning, many homes began to do triple duty as a space to live, work, and learn. With this in mind, the top requirements for buyers are hardly surprising: a home office, a garage, and greener backyards. In addition, record-low mortgage rates have made urban flight a reality for many.1,2
 
Remember, housing’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can average as high as 18 percent, making it a critical barometer to monitor.3
 
We understand that a home is often the biggest financial commitment many can make. That’s why when it comes to your most important financial decisions—like buying your first home— we’d love to help.
 
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations
1. CNBC.com, August 25, 2020
2. MarketWatch.com, August 25, 2020
3. NAHB.com, 2020

What the Fed’s new policy may mean for you.
 
Most recently, you may have read that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a change in how the Fed views inflation. In the past, the Fed said it would consider adjusting short-term rates when inflation approached 2 percent. But in light of 2020’s many challenges, the Fed’s new policy may allow inflation to run above 2 percent for a period of time before any shift in monetary policy is considered.1
 
For many, bonds are a critical component of their overall investment strategy. So any change in Fed policy regarding inflation may influence a portfolio. That's why it’s so important to understand that the market value of a bond will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. In other words, when interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds will typically fall.2
 
There’s no doubt this will be a subtle change for many. But for bond investors, the policy shift may indicate that the Fed has given itself more flexibility in the future.
 
But, what does that mean for the outlook for the bond market as a whole? It’s unclear. However, lower levels of unemployment in recent years have not led to higher inflation. This new phenomenon runs counter to the Phillips curve, a concept which states that inflation and unemployment have a stable and inverse relationship. With this data in mind and the changes announced by Chairman Powell, it could be argued that the Fed believes the relationship between unemployment and inflation has changed.3
 
Keep in mind that if an investor sells a bond before maturity, it may be worth more or less than the initial purchase price. By holding a bond to maturity, an investor will receive the interest payments due plus your original principal, barring default by the issuer. Investments seeking to achieve higher yields also involve a higher degree of risk.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations.
1. Schwab.com, August 27, 2020
2. Asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.
3. Investopedia.com, May 19, 2019

Looking ahead can help you conquer these unique obstacles.
 
When it comes to retirement, some women face obstacles that can make saving for retirement a challenge. Women typically earn less than their male counterparts and often take time out of the workforce to care for children or other family members. Added to the fact that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.1
 
Despite these challenges, there are a lot of reasons to be hopeful.2
 
Review your existing situation. Do you want to spend your years traveling together, or do you envision staying closer to home? Are you seeing yourself moving to a retirement community, or do you want to live as independently as you can? Sit down with your spouse, if you’re married, to discuss your visions for retirement.
 
You can't see if you're on track for your goals if you haven't defined them. And if you find you’re falling short of where you want to be, you can work together to strategize about how you can either get to where you want to go or to adjust your strategy so that it fits your existing situation.1
 
Get creative. These challenges don’t have to stop you from saving for retirement if you’re willing to get creative. If you plan to or have taken off time from the workforce, try and increase your contributions to your retirement accounts while you are working. If you’re staying home while your spouse works, you may be able to contribute to an individual retirement account.3
 
Under the SECURE Act, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account and other retirement plans in most circumstances.  Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxes as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Under the CARES Act, the 10% penalty may be waived in 2020. Traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, depending on your adjusted gross income.
 
If you’re caregiving for an elderly relative, there are ways to be paid for your time. According to AARP, the Veteran’s Administration or Medicaid may be a potential source of income. Working with a professional who has expertise in this field can help you navigate the complicated medical structure while also helping you earn income for work that you’re doing.3
 
Get involved. One of the best things you can do is to get involved in conversations about finances. Many women undervalue their knowledge in this area and having regular conversations with your spouse, family, and financial professional can help ensure that you always know where things stand.3
 
While women may face additional challenges, careful preparation with your financial professional may help you to live a fulfilling retirement.
  
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
  
Citations
1. CNBC.com, March 6, 2020
2. Entrepreneur.com, August 13, 2020
3. MarketWatch.com, March 6, 2020

​
U.S. Markets
Stock prices surged in August as investors cheered positive news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and welcomed a month-long succession of upbeat economic data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 7.57 percent, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index climbed 7.01 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite soared 9.59 percent.1
 
Solid Foundation  
The month’s foundation was set by a series of strong economic reports, including an increase in manufacturing activity, better-than-anticipated factory orders, and a lessening of new jobless claims.2,3,4
 
Notching Highs
The S&P 500 index finally broke through resistance, ending the third week of August at a record high and completing the fastest bear market recovery in history. The Nasdaq Composite, having set multiple record highs during the same week, also ended the month at a record high.5,6

Strong Close to the Month
The final full week of trading was remarkable. Investors were encouraged by news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and a report suggesting U.S. and China negotiators had met to discuss trade issues. Stocks pushed higher still following announcement of the Fed’s inflation policy shift, suggesting that interest rates may remain low for longer than expected.
 
Sector Scorecard
The majority of industry sectors closed higher in August, with gains in Communication Services (+12.02 percent), Consumer Discretionary (+11.48 percent), Consumer Staples (+4.95 percent), Financials (+5.62 percent), Health Care (+2.11 percent), Industrials (+9.98 percent), Materials (+4.89 percent), Real Estate (+1.81 percent), and Technology (+16.62 percent). Energy (-1.27 percent) and Utilities (-2.28 percent) lost ground.7
 
What Investors May Be Talking About in September
The election season is moving into high gear as November draws near. Will uncertainty about the elections be reflected in the stock market?

Since 1992, the S&P 500 has lost an average of 2 percent in the three months leading up to the presidential election but has been higher 43 percent of the time.8

Keep in mind that the 2 percent average includes the 20 percent drop prior to the 2008 election that was the result of the ongoing credit crisis.9
​
While past performance is no guarantee of future results, the lesson may be evident: Prepare for some short-term volatility, without losing sight of your overall investment strategy.

If you have a son or daughter graduating from college next year, remind them to try and build an emergency fund. Those with the least seniority can be the first to be laid off in the workplace, and sometimes that first job after college doesn’t work out.

World Markets
Markets overseas generally trended higher with the MSCI-EAFE Index rising 4.98 percent in August.10

European markets rose in hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine and another round of economic stimulus. Major markets ended higher, with France gaining 3.42 percent and Germany advancing 5.13 percent. The U.K. lagged a bit, tacking on just 0.70 percent.11
​
Pacific Rim stocks turned higher, with Australia picking up 2.24 percent and Hong Kong climbing 2.37 percent. Japan had a strong showing, adding 6.59 percent.12

Indicators
Gross Domestic Product: Second-quarter GDP contraction was revised from 32.9 percent to 31.7 percent.13

Employment: The labor market continued to improve, albeit at a slower pace. Employers added 1.8 million jobs in July, and the unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent.14

Retail Sales: Consumer spending rose a lower-than-expected 1.2 percent in July. Slower sales of electronics and appliances were offset by an increase in restaurant and bar sales.15

Industrial Production: Output by the nation’s manufacturers, miners, and utilities rose 3.0 percent. To put that number in perspective, industrial production hit 8.4 percent in February.16

Housing: Housing starts surged in July, increasing by 22.6 percent.17
Existing home sales soared 24.7 percent, representing the biggest monthly gain since 1968, when tracking of existing home sales began.18
New home sales jumped by 13.9 percent, reaching their highest level in over 13 years.19

Consumer Price Index: Prices of consumer goods rose 0.6 percent in July, with gasoline prices contributing to the increase.20

​Durable Goods Orders:  Orders for products designed to last three years or longer gained 11.3 percent, rising for the third consecutive month, as defense aircraft and motor vehicle orders led the way.21

The Fed
Minutes from July’s meeting were released on August 19.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) appeared to favor more monetary accommodation, though Fed officials were unclear as to the timing or triggers for taking further policy action.
​
In a prepared statement, the FOMC said, “The path of the economy would depend significantly on the course of the virus.”

In addition, FOMC members believe that the “...ongoing public health crisis would weigh heavily on economic activity, employment, and inflation in the near term...” causing members to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to ¼ percent.22

Gary G. Blom CRPC | Financial Advisor
Michael Howell MBA | Financial Advisor
Address: 3340 Tully Rd. Ste B4, Modesto, CA 95350
Website: www.blomandhowell.com
Office: (209) 857-5207 | Fax: (209) 857-5098
 
Know someone who could use information like this?
Please feel free to send us their contact information via phone or email. (Don’t worry – we’ll request their permission before adding them to our mailing list.)

CA Insurance License #0C95684. Securities offered through SCF Securities, Inc. – Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Advisory Services offered through SCF Investment Advisors, Inc.
155 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93710 | (800) 955-2517 | Fax (559) 456-6109
SCF Securities, Inc. and Blom & Howell Financial Planning are independently owned and operated. www.scfsecurities.com​

​CITATIONS:
1. The Wall Street Journal, August 31, 2020
2. Barrons.com, August 6, 2020
3. MarketWatch, August 3, 2020
4. MarketWatch, August 27, 2020
5. The Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2020
6. The Wall Street Journal, August 31, 2020
7. FastSet Research, August 31, 2020
8. CNBC.com, August 10, 2020
9. CNBC.com, August 10, 2020
10. MSCI.com, August 31, 2020
11. MSCI.com, August 31, 2020
12. MSCI.com, August 31, 2020
13. CNBC.com, August 27, 2020
14. The Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2020
15. CNBC.com, August 14, 2020
16. APNews.com, August 14, 2020
17. CNBC.com, August 18, 2020
18. The Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2020
19. FoxBusiness.com, August 25, 2020
20. The Wall Street Journal, August 12, 2020
21. The Wall Street Journal, August 26, 2020
22. The Wall Street Journal, August 19, 2020

It’s never too late to start.
 
The hardest part is getting started. Even though more than half of U.S. households have some form of investment in the stock market, many new parents may still find that creating a financial strategy is the last thing on their minds. And who can blame them? After all, new parents have a million concerns to keep in mind on top of any unexpected financial pressure that may arise. But for young families with discretionary income, creating a financial strategy may be easier than they realize.1
 
Remember that investing involves risk, and the return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. Investment opportunities should take into consideration your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
   
What’s your end goal? What expenses do you anticipate in 5, 10, or even 15 years from now? These can be tough questions to answer while raising a family.
 
Establishing your investments’ goal or goals is one of the many ways your financial professional can help. Before your first meeting, jot down all the financial questions you can think of – no matter how silly they may seem to you. These answers can help define your family’s short-term and long-range financial goals.  
  
Once you start, try not to stop. If you have already started investing, congratulations may be in order! In getting an early start, you have taken advantage of a powerful financial asset: time. However, don’t overlook the power of consistency. For some, consistent investing may be the most realistic pathway to pursuing their financial goals.
 
For those who haven’t started, that’s okay too. Remember, it doesn’t always take a lump sum to begin. Even auto-depositing $100 a month into an account is a step toward your family’s goals. And who knows? As your family’s circumstances change, you may be able to contribute even more over time.
 
There is no “one way.” The point is that there isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all solution for young families that are looking to invest in their future. Financial professionals also know this and can help craft a strategy suited to your risk tolerance, goals, and financial situation.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations.
1. PewResearch.org, March 25, 2020

It depends on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
 
"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.
 
So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they need to retire comfortably."1
 
$1.9 million is the number, according to a nationwide survey of 1,000 employed 401(k) participants by a well-known financial services company. In 2019, the same survey reported the number was $1.7 million. But this year's pandemic increased the total by $200,000.2
 
Is $1.9 million a realistic figure for retirement? It's hard to say. The survey didn't ask participants how they arrived at that figure or what information they used to draw that conclusion.
 
Determining how much money you need in retirement is a process. It shouldn't be a number that you pull out of thin air.
 
The process should include looking at your current financial situation and developing an approach based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The process should take into consideration all your potential sources of retirement income, and also may project what your income would look like each year in retirement.
 
A significant figure like $1.9 million does little good if you're uncertain what it means for your retirement years. We can help you develop a retirement strategy and show you investment ideas designed to help you pursue the retirement of your dreams.
 
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations.
1. FoxBusiness.com, August 4, 2020
2. Pressroom.aboutshwab.com, August 4, 2020

In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law. It was designed to help Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.1
 
The new law offered investors a financial break. It gave people the option to skip required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)-style plans in 2020. (Original owners of Roth IRAs never have to take RMDs from those accounts.)2,3
 
Keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax legal and accounting professionals before modifying your RMD strategy. 
 
Some investors were left wanting. People who took some or all of their 2020 RMDs in January were initially prohibited from putting that money back – but lawmakers helped amend that rule.
 
The Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) recently expanded the terms of 2020 RMD relief. Now, 2020 RMDs taken from January 1 to June 30 may be fully or partly restored without penalty, and the deadline for doing so has been extended to August 31.3
       
The fine print about this is important, especially if you take your RMD in increments or have an inherited IRA in your financial picture.  
    
Do you usually spread your IRA RMD out across the year? Then you may have a chance to restore the RMD amount to your IRA in the same way. In 2020, the I.R.S. is characterizing each redeposit of RMD assets as a tax-free rollover. Normally, you can only make this type of rollover once every 12 months, but the I.R.S. is lifting that restriction for 2020.3
 
Do you have an inherited IRA? In June, the I.R.S. issued guidance stating that the 2020 RMD waivers also apply to inherited traditional and Roth IRAs. RMDs from inherited IRAs taken in the first half of 2020 may be fully or partly redeposited with no penalties by August 31. The 10-year rule to empty an inherited IRA is still in place, but if an IRA owner passes away in 2020, then the 10-year drawdown of that IRA begins in 2021.2,3
 
A surviving spouse of the IRA owner, disabled or chronically ill individuals, individuals who are not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner, and child of the IRA owner who has not reached the age of majority may have other minimum distribution requirements.
    
Incidentally, RMDs are still required this year from traditional pension plans (sometimes called defined benefit plans). The CARES Act does not permit such RMDs to be redeposited this year.3
  
A rule about early distributions from retirement accounts has also been relaxed. In 2020, account owners younger than 59½ have a chance to take a distribution of up to $100,000 from their retirement plan or IRA without the 10% early withdrawal penalty that normally applies. The withdrawn amount is still taxable, though.4
 
The CARES Act is a 335-page law, and some of its provisions and passages remain open to interpretation. A financial professional may be able to provide you with up-to-date information about the new rules.
 
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
 
Citations.
1 - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), April 10, 2020
2 - Forbes.com, March 30, 2020
3 - TheStreet, July 15, 2020
4 – Forbes.com, July 6, 2020