Osaic Wealth

02/10/2024

Exciting news! We're now at Ray and Copper with a brand-new website. Please check it out and let me know what you think?
Set up an appointment online and let's sit down and review your financials. Staying financially on course is important.

We are on a mission to revolutionize the way people live, work, and play. Our vision is to create a world where everyone has access to innovative products and services that enhance their lives.

01/30/2024

I’m sure you’ve heard that writing down your goals will give you a greater chance of success and doing it the S.M.A.R.T. way takes it to the next level! What are S.M.A.R.T. Goals? Let’s break it down:

Specific – Be crystal clear! Instead of saying, “I would like to save more money this year,” you should say: “I want to start saving more towards my retirement.”

Measurable – How much? Attach a real number to it. “I want to start saving $1,000 a month towards my retirement.”

Actionable – What steps will this take? “I will set up a direct deposit with my checking account to automatically transfer the money to my retirement account.”

Realistic – Dream big, be passionate but also practical. You need to believe that you can achieve this goal or it won’t seem worth it to try.

Time – How long will it take to reach your goal? 3 months, 6 months, a year? Set a deadline, visualize the finish line.

*BONUS Tip! Display your goals somewhere you can see them daily. It will be a reminder to keep you motivated!

When you use the S.M.A.R.T. method, it empowers you to make a clear plan, take control, and achieve your goals. Start using S.M.A.R.T. goals today! How do you set goals? Let me know or tag a friend who could use this!

01/18/2024

I was looking through some old letters that I sent out to my clients and good friends years ago and came across one containing an old Irish blessing. As I read it again, I had to share it here.

I wish you all the best and hope this sets the tone for your year.

May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two,
May the sun always shine on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
- Old Irish Blessing

01/15/2024

Among the numerous good qualities possessed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one that resonates in today’s world is his profound respect for others...including those who disagreed with him.

Take King and Malcolm X, for instance – they had a shared goal, but very different approaches. They disagreed but showed respect for each other.

In a time when disagreements are common, King's example reminds us to foster respect and curiosity for different views. Understanding opposing perspectives builds bridges, fostering empathy, love, and tolerance. No two people are going to agree on everything, but respect for each other can unite us.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr., let's carry forward his message of non-violence. "I think we have got to learn to disagree without being violently disagreeable." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He also said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Let's be like Dr. King, promoting respect in our families, communities, and country. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's honor his example by showing respect and empathy, even to those we disagree with.

01/12/2024

Looking back on 2023, all the ups and downs, expectations and reveals, I want to share with you what I consider some of the key lessons to carry into the New Year:

#1: Preparation Over Prediction Predicting the future is impossible. There are just too many variables to consider. In 2023, even experts couldn't foresee what was coming – at one point, 70% predicted a recession.1 So instead of acting on predictions, let's focus on planning. Prepare for market ups and downs, and we'll be ready to navigate any situation.

#2: Watch Out for Confirmation Bias Beware of falling into the trap of only seeing what confirms our beliefs. In 2023, some missed out on market gains because they were fixated on a looming recession. Being ready beats being right.

#3: Past ≠ Future Guarantee Just because something happened before doesn't mean it'll happen again. History is a guide, not a guarantee. Learn from it, but don't anchor your future solely on the past.

#4: Don't Anchor to the Present It's easy to think today is a blueprint for tomorrow. As we move from 2023 to 2024, remember that circumstances change. Stay flexible, keep planning, and be ready for whatever comes our way.

In a nutshell, 2023 taught us to be flexible because the future is not set in stone—it's more like clay.

Here's to shaping your future into exactly what you want it to be and a fantastic 2024!

12/29/2023

Before you write that check to charity, you might be able to give more (and save more on taxes) by donating publicly traded securities. When donating a security that has been held for more than a year, you can claim the fair market value – up to 30% of your adjusted gross income – on your taxes. And no capital gains taxes are owed.

Now, you might be saying, “But I like the company so it’s hard to give up the stock.” The good news is that wash-rules do not apply when the securities are donated. That means you are allowed to buy new shares of the same security after the donation. Buying at a higher rate could minimize future tax liability when sold later. This also works if your employer gifts you shares in the company stock. It also could be a good strategy if you are expecting year-end mutual fund distributions resulting in high capital gains.

Being smart about not just who you donate to but how you donate can make all the difference to your community and to your bottom line. But these strategies aren’t right for everyone. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to help!

12/27/2023

Happy New Year!

If you’re tired of the traditional noise makers and fireworks used to celebrate, why not change things up and embrace some unique traditions from around the world?

Take a cue from Brazil, where jumping over seven waves brings good luck and grants you a wish for each one!

Adopt the Colombian custom of carrying an empty suitcase around the block to usher in a new year filled with travel adventures.

In Ireland, the tradition of banging loaves of bread against walls promises a year of health and prosperity.

The Philippines' consider round objects as a charm for wealth – wear polka dots, carry coins, and indulge in round foods for good fortune.

Lastly, in Latin America, the symbolic act of throwing a bucket of water out of a window represents cleansing and renewal, providing the perfect fresh start.

Here’s to wishing you a happy New Year filled with prosperity, health, and good luck!

12/26/2023

As the end of the year approaches, are you financially ready for the upcoming year? For many, end-of-year planning tends to happen in January, if it happens at all.

As you begin your planning process, here are a few things to consider:

Budget: Now is the time to review your budget. Compare your budgeted expenses to actual expenses. Are there any adjustments that need to be made? Did you overspend or come in under budget?

Emergency Fund: Do you have an emergency fund setup? If not, now is the time to plan how to build that up. I recommend having at least three months’ worth of living expenses saved. One thing I’ve learned as an adult is that life will throw surprises at you regularly. Those surprises are not always good ones, and they rarely come at a good time. Having an emergency fund ready to go can relieve some of the stress that bad surprises add to life.

Continuing Education: Another thing I’ve learned in my life is that learning should never stop. Set some goals for what you would like to learn over the next year. Whether you want to hone an existing skill or learn a new one, I believe everyone should strive to improve themselves and their skills on a regular basis. There are many skills you can pick up that have little to no cost. However, if there is going to be a cost involved, be sure to plan for that, too.

We’ve all heard the famous Benjamin Franklin quote, “By failing to plan, you are planning to fail.” Well, let’s all commit to planning for a successful 2024. If there is anything I can do to help you reach your success, please reach out and let me know.

12/23/2023

Picture this. You’re sitting in your favorite spot on the couch, the game is on TV, you’ve got your favorite snack…life is good. Suddenly, you remember that errand you were supposed to get done that afternoon. You look at the clock and realize you’ve got 15 minutes before the store closes and begin the debate of whether you can make it or not.

The end of the year is approaching quickly; we’re in the final 15 minutes. You may begin thinking about changes to your financial plan or that money you’ve been meaning to put to work for you.

Well, don’t worry, we’ll stay open for you. 😊

If you have any last-minute financial discussions that you’d like to have, give us a call.

12/21/2023

I talk a lot about planning for retirement financially. But I’d like to talk about something that is arguably just as important to be thinking about. Leaving your legacy.

What usually comes to mind when discussing a legacy is estate planning – the planning of what physical assets will be left to beneficiaries. But legacy planning is so much more than that. Picture it as crafting a precious gift, something that will bring comfort and joy to those who follow in your footsteps. Legacy goes beyond just finances; it's about passing on the cherished pieces of your life, the things that hold deep meaning to you. Think about the love you've shared, the lessons you've learned, the beauty in your favorite memories, and the values you hold dear.

Your legacy is about leaving a gentle touch on the people in your life, your community, and even the country, making them a little brighter and better for having known you. It encompasses the impact of your career and the warmth of your relationships. It's a reflection of your life, not just in words, but in the positive ripples of change you leave behind. If you’re ready to plan the legacy you want to leave I’ll be happy to help you; just give me a call and let’s chat.

12/20/2023

This time of year, we see a boost in giving in our communities. We’re fortunate to live in an area where so many people want to help others. But with so many options, I thought I’d share some ideas for ways to spread cheer this holiday season.

• Random Acts of Kindness – it’s always fun to surprise someone with a nice gesture! Give a small gift to a coworker, help a neighbor with a project, or offer to pay it forward for a random person’s coffee while you’re out running errands.

• Volunteer Your Time – Anything helps, especially your time. Even if you spend just an hour volunteering, it makes a difference. Plenty of places are looking for extra hands to help others. Local food banks, dog shelters, and senior community centers, for example, would be happy to have you. You can even volunteer virtually!

• Donate – Many shelters are taking clothes donations for the winter season as well as toys, books, toiletries, etc. Take some time and look through what you have and donate some items you’re no longer using or pick up a few extra items while out shopping. Reach out to your local shelter, food bank, or toy drive for a list of things they need.

These are all ways you can make a difference and brighten someone’s day, including yours! It’s not about the size of the giving but the spirit of helping those less fortunate. This season, let’s spread joy and give!

12/18/2023

If you are reading any business news, you probably saw that Charlie Munger died.

He was a great investor, philanthropist, and businessman. In honor of him, here are a few of his quotes that are my favorite:

“I realized that if I just avoid all the folly, maybe I can get an advantage without being good at anything.”

“To the man with only a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.”

“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time – None. Zero.”

And finally…

“The big money is not in the buying or selling, but in the waiting.”