Davis Financial

12/08/2025

06/30/2020

Everyday at dinner, Taylor and I share what we're grateful for. Lately there's been a lot of gratitude surrounding the fact we're both still working (and that we get to work together now). It's not something either of us take for granted these days. We're some of the lucky ones.

One thing this period as shed light on for me is the concept of income volatility. A lot of advisors talk about risk with respect to investments, but not enough consider the whole picture. For people early in their careers, one's ability to earn an income is the most valuable "asset" in the total wealth portfolio. Some people's income is just more volatile than others.

Someone with a government job and someone who's income is tied to the stock market have very different levels of inherent risk in their portfolio even before you consider investments.

These are some of the small things we're looking at that make a big difference when it comes to being appropriately positioned for what the future might hold.

-Paul

06/23/2020

Paul here. This is a photo I took three years ago somewhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Roanoke and Afton, VA. At the time it was my single longest ride. And one of the slowest. Turns out a steel touring bike loaded with five days of supplies doesn't climb particularly well. This was day one. 130 miles. 14,000ft of continuous climbing and descending - not a single flat mile all day.

Turbulence like that can get exhausting. Sure, you get the highs of moments like this- 3,000ft views of hazy Virginia dusk are something special- but after awhile there was a moment at each low point when I'd look at the climb ahead and wonder if the ride was ever going to end. Perspective is alway important in long journeys. This wasn't a sprint and it wasn't even a race. I was in it for the long haul and every up and down was just part of the journey.

For investors, and especially younger or long term investors, this perspective is vital. The stock market rises and it falls; it's all part of the journey. If you're in need of some perspective or you're just looking for someone to point you in the right direction, let's talk. It's a scary world out there right now, but taking control of your financial journey doesn't have to be. We're here.

03/25/2020

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers and he used to say that in times of crisis, children should draw comfort by "looking for the helpers." That may be good advice for children, but we're the adults now. That means it's our turn to be a helper. And so, we sacrifice by delaying the pursuit of economic growth for the temporary practice of limiting our social interactions. This small inconvenience may save millions of lives worldwide, but it is also having profoundly negative effects on the US and global economies. I recorded this video to share my thoughts on the economy, market volatility and what to do next.

03/18/2020

Here are my thoughts about the Coronavirus and the recent stock market sell-off. Feel free to share this video with others if you think they might find it helpful. The message focuses on 3 ideas: 1) This is not a repeat of 2008, 2) Volatility will continue, and 3) We are exploring opportunities for tax-loss harvesting, Roth IRA conversions, portfolio rebalancing, and retirement income strategies.

12/11/2019

Hindsight is 2020, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. We get so much value out of our relationship with LPL and our research department's view of the markets in 2020 brings a look of clarity to these uncertain times. While the outlook is mixed, the U.S. economy is still exhibiting some positive fundamentals despite trade uncertainty and slowing global growth. Now's as good a time as any to reach out for some guidance. Call us if you have questions.

12/06/2019

With December 31st fast approaching, it's time for clients over 70 1/2 to take their Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, from their IRAs. Did you know you can possibly reduce your taxes and Medicare premiums by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution instead?

Givers and getters can benefit from this charitable giving tax strategy by donating their RMDs, but there are several rules that you need to follow.

12/05/2019

What's your family's mission? Paul's latest article talks about how you could use a donor advised fund to teach your kids about generosity and come together around something greater than yourselves.

I’m a teacher at heart. When we talk about a hope for a better future, it has to include teaching the next generation.