Front Street Financial

05/12/2026

Most people think that the big free agent market is in the NFL, NBA or MLB, however we disagree. It's actually in the financial advisory world. We are honored to have officially signed Michael Johnson to join us here at Front Street Financial! Mike joins us from Fulton Bank, recently passed his series 65 exam, and eager to get to work.

As you're thinking of retirement planning and investing, please reach out and see how we can help you in that progress.

04/30/2026

The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?

Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?

03/19/2026

Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.

Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.

02/18/2026

Leaving Your Lasting Legacy

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

01/28/2026

Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?

When should you take your Social Security benefit?

11/25/2025

Retirement Accounts When You Change Your Job
This video explores what to do with retirement accounts when you move on from your job.

This video explores what to do with retirement accounts when you move on from your job.

08/27/2025

Your DNA Test
A Detailed Needs Analysis (DNA) can be a simple way to care for loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.

A Detailed Needs Analysis (DNA) can be a simple way to care for loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.

07/03/2025

The second quarter of 2025 ended on a high note as both the NASDAQ and the S&P 500 reached all-time highs. The market was able to recover losses from early April and continue to push higher after the volatility of Liberation Day, tariff uncertainty, continued geopolitical unrest and inconsistent but positive economic data informing the Federal Reserve's stance on short-term rates.
As we enter the second half of 2025, the potential for continued volatility exists. July 9th is the deadline for trade related deals to be made before reverting to Liberation Day levels. With deals announced with the UK, China and now Vietnam, the market is acting as if more deals with major trading partners will be announced before the deadline (this has already been hinted at, but countries have not been announced). Tariff policy clarity would provide a tailwind for equities, but if agreements cannot be reached, increased volatility and significant downside risk to the equity market could be the end result. Global tensions will also play a major role in how the second half of the year unfolds. With US/Iranian tensions calming down and a potential ceasefire in Israel/Gaza, oil prices have given up much of their gains, which is good for the consumer going forward. If these events continue to improve, it would be yet another tailwind for equity markets.
Finally, the direction of interest rates remains the largest topic of conversation. The Federal Reserve continued to maintain a "wait and see" approach to any future interest rate cuts and the bond market exhibited movements in both directions trying to anticipate the timing and number of future interest rate decisions. The fear of tariff induced inflation continues to dampen expectations of a rate cut in the near term as economic data has been relatively good. The Federal Reserve is trying to balance the continued strength of a resilient US economy/labor market to date with inflation expectations made less clear by the ever-changing tariff policy debate. Come July 9th, if more trade agreements are announced and economic data continues to exhibit strength, expectations are for one, if not two, rate cuts by the end of the year. As you can see, there are many moving parts to gauge over the next six months.
As always, we are here to address any concerns you may have and thank you for your continued trust in us. Feel free to call us if you have any questions and we wish you and your families a blessed 4th of July!

04/21/2025

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

When it comes to personal finance, those who delay can sabotage themselves. Time works against them rather than for them. Don’t let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals.

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

04/07/2025

The first quarter of 2025 began with an extension of the two-year rally in equities that pushed valuations to record highs. This was driven primarily by positive economic data regarding inflation, the potential for Federal Reserve rate cuts and the overall health of the economy. These tailwinds to the market faded as high valuations and uncertain trade and tariff policies finally gave way to increased volatility, the fear of recession and the reduction of corporate earnings estimates. Resulting investment sentiment drove bond prices higher as investors looked for safety as the market corrected.

This flight to safety was only compounded when the level of tariffs announced on April 2, 2025, were significantly higher than the market had anticipated. These tariffs are viewed as not only reciprocal, but punitive. As equities continued to price in the cost of higher tariffs on earnings, we saw stock market indexes move significantly lower and bond prices continued their rise as investors actively looked for safe havens.

Where do we go from here? Given our portfolio composition, we have tried to mitigate these wild market swings. We continue to maintain short-term fixed income positioning and remain focused on quality dividend paying companies who lead in their industry. We consider this positioning to be defensive, but not completely insulated from the volatility we have witnessed. We expect this volatility to continue in the near term and will look for opportunities to adjust allocation as warranted. In market uncertainty, it is important to remember your long-term goals and avoid emotional responses to short term market movements. As always, we appreciate your business and are here to discuss any concerns you may have. Thanks for your trust in us!