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Are We Recklessly Optimistic?

Since the beginning of 2022, we have had to endure a significant double-digit market downturn. This has, unsurprisingly, created a lot of worry and doubt in many of our clients. It is important to us that we are never cavalier about the emotions of our clients because we understand that these market lows can feel painful in the moment. However, …

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In Hindsight: Let History Be Your Guide

There has been recent tumult in the markets, and I am sure you have noticed. We are hearing reports of “runaway inflation” and “a 2008 style recession.” Nevermind the fact that predictions of these events are more common than dandelions in the springtime. Remember all the times and events that caused panic and fear? Let’s take this opportunity to go …

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Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful

Among many great quotable statements, one of my favorites from Warren Buffet is to be “fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” The second part of that quote is what truly separates good investors from bad. When the markets are down and we face uncertainty in the economy, it is easy to be fearful and pessimistic. …

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Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My!

Inflation, The Fed, Recession, Oh My!The fearmongers in the media are out in numbers and they want you to be afraid, very afraid! I will remind you that much of the fear being promoted is overstated. Just like the Lion’s, Tiger’s, and Bear’s fearful chant from the Wizard of Oz was overstated as well. Remember that Dorothy and company only …

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Spring 2022 Newsletter

Strategic Planning Group’s newest Spring 2022 Newsletter is here! Enjoy articles from our CEO and President, Ryan Craner, as well as from advisors, John Park, Tom Craner, and Alex Craner. Who is in the mood for some delicious, homemade banana bread? Enjoy a recipe from one of our employee’s, Heather Cunningham. Strategic Planning Group is growing. We are always excited …

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Separating The Signal From The Noise

What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor?The answer: an important one. While the value of such a relationship is hard to quantify, the intangible benefits may be long-lasting. There are certain investors who turn to a financial professional with one goal in mind: the “alpha” objective of beating the market. But even Wall Street’s brightest …

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Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes

How do you picture your Future?Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider.What do you absolutely need to accomplish?If you could only get four or five things done …

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How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

Between 30 percent and 60 percent of taxable property has an inflated assessment, which may lead to higher property tax bills. Moreover, typically fewer than 5 percent of taxpayers dispute their assessment.¹ For homeowners who think their local government may have assessed their property’s value too high, there are ways to appeal and potentially win a lower assessment, which may …

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Balance

Throughout the world’s cultures and religions, the concept of balance is one of the most prominent. From the metaphysical yin and yang in eastern beliefs to the more corporeal day and night in Judeo-Christian theology, balance is prominent for a good reason. The brilliant scholars and philosophers of humanity’s past understood that there exists a balance in all things. We …

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I Cannot Wait to Retire!

I can’t help it; at the ripe ‘ole age of 36, I dream about retirement most days. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. I’m fortunate to earn a living in a field I enjoy so much. Honestly, I feel the need to pinch myself on occasion. There is no way I should enjoy work this much, but …