fortitude-financial-group

February 2023 Market Update

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:05:13 GMT

LOOKING FORWARD:

We are watching four risks: geopolitics, domestic politics, demographics, and the Federal Reserve.

The first three help determine where rates need to be to combat inflation pressures. As job growth continues and wages remain constant, the price of goods continues to reduce. Earnings of banks and insurance companies have been a telltale sign of the state of the economy. We are sowing the seeds for a more productive market. I’m not sold on a recession at all this year; the signs just aren’t there.

For January, the S&P 500 was up 5.3% YTD:

This was aided by the belief that a slowing economy and softening inflation allows the Federal Reserve to be less intent on raising rates. Small businesses and companies have been responsive for most of the job growth in the United States during and after the pandemic. As inflation declines, the markets should head higher. I expect the markets to rise overall by 12% by year end.

Take Note:

The optimist sees bubbles and thinks champagne, while the pessimist thinks Alka-Seltzer.

Sometimes investing seems easy; sometimes the right decisions are hard to make.

How to determine where to put your money is the challenge.

It is a great time to diversify your portfolio to begin the year. Be sure to call/email to set up a conference call or in person meeting.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

Spending Your Time Wisely

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 18:31:33 GMT

Are you making the most of your time?

I will admit, I am not a tool guy meaning my father never taught me to fix things with tools in the garage at home. It was not his skill set either.

My wife did grow up learning to be useful tools. It would be unwise for me to try to fix our plumbing, repair of the sprinklers, mess under the hood of a car or put an IKEA desk together. As that is my weakness.

This will not be using my time and wisely. However finding in the right professional to do a task I am unequipped to do would be wise.

If you are unskilled or untrained in the markets and investing find an investment professional who can guide you.

I will spend my time monitoring and growing your investments.

So you can spend your time wisely doing what you do best.

Sink, Float or Swim

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:18:01 GMT

Are you Sinking, Floating or Swimming?

As part of my Q&A with those meeting with me death becomes a hot topic.

Many admit they owe on a mortgage, cars, student loans, and credit cards. I encouraged him to create a debt snowball title by Dave Ramsey.

Living life as a financial slave to others is not indicative of financial freedom. I have met many people who are drowning in debt, sinking. I suggest they focus, denied themselves, once in pleasures until they begin to float above the waterline. Think about this “live like no one else so late or you can live like no one else.

“Someone wrote the rich invest their money and spend what is left while the poor spend their money and invest what is left."

Are you sinking, floating or swimming?

I am reaching out of hand to pull you to safety.

When Lightning Strikes

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 18:04:07 GMT

Here at the Tampa Bay lightning playoff game where fans anticipate players to play as a team, every player has a role to play.

Every coach has a responsibility to teach players proper technique and mechanics the fans want to see a unified team effort.

Strong on defense, crisp on offense

Put those pucks in the net

The same goes for your investment professional.

Find a pro on your team who knows his role, is properly trained experienced and looking out for your success.

Do you want lightning to strike finding the right investment professional? Strike with a solid portfolio?

Reap the rewards of scoring in your retirement goals.

Go Bolts.

Is it in your best interest?

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 18:01:21 GMT

In today’s world have to be careful.

Sales people across all lines of business are trained to show you what product they are offering; sometimes whether it fits what you need or not.

Their company is putting all their eggs in their sales basket of ability.

Not saying you don’t need or want the product they are selling.

Just ask yourself, is it in your best interest?

In the world of investing and retirement, there are those who work for a single company sometimes called captive agents.

They are limited in scope in how they assist the consumer…you.

So you may be at their mercy.
Will their product solve your main objective?

Does it fulfill a piece of your investment or retirement puzzle?

If you are not sure, seek out the independent professional advisor whose focus is solely on you.

With no allegiance to any particular company, receiving unbiased guidance puts your best interest at the forefront.

Who is looking out for you?

…Reach out if we can help.

Are You Satisfied?

Fri, 20 May 2022 18:20:36 GMT

Are you a satisfied customer?

We are all customers of multiple businesses.

We frequent restaurants, gyms, hotels, airlines, grocery stores, malls, doctors and dentists and investment professionals.

They all want to know how your experience was. Call were you treated with respect? Did you find the right product? We’re all your questions answered? Would you return again? Would you refer someone to them?

Are you a satisfied customer?

With humility I am honored to say the feedback we received from our clients is extraordinary. We have a long lasting relationship with many of our clients. We receive 6 to 8 referrals from clients each month. And lots of repeat business.

We want to exceed our client so presentations so you are more than satisfied.

Are you staying calm in this chaotic world?

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 01:42:30 GMT

Staying Calm In Chaos

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the world had been on edge. The political, economic consequences, and human tragedy are worrisome.

One thing that can help when you feel worried and helpless is to identify and take small, concrete steps to create positive results.

Call us to review your portfolio: we look to diversify your investments if needed to help reduce risk and renew your confidence in your long-term goals.

I’m here to talk about any concerns you have.

Just Say No! To making rash decisions

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 01:42:30 GMT

Don't Make Rash Decisions!

For people, 2022 has gotten off to a rocky start. Living amid continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty can challenge even the most steadfast of temperaments.

Do not let the fear of the unknown inspire you to make rash decisions you will later regret. When stability is threatened, it just feels better to do something, anything, doesn’t it? Even if that may be the wrong thing, unfortunately.

A wise strategy is not to spontaneously act, but practice pause. Take time to assess and plan your next move. A well-structured portfolio may be able to withstand whatever comes your way.

Take care, and let’s connect soon.

The idea of known unknowns is helpful in forming your financial strategy.

What do we know already (known knowns)?
Are we conscious of what we are not exploring (unknown unknowns)?
What about biases and unconscious decisions (unknown knowns)?

As this year unfolds and we move into a potentially volatile time in the economy, let’s work closely together, examining your goals and adjusting if needed as conditions change to keep you on track.

Here are some insightful articles to get you started. I’d love to know what you think. Let’s keep in touch.

Retiring from the Florida retirement system

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 01:42:30 GMT

Rethinking Florida Retirement System

It’s been 25, 30, 35+ years.

You are ready to go!

Your mind is dreaming of travel, grandkids and time with your spouse.

But wait what about the financial stuff?

Your pension, the FRS Investment Plan, Drop Funds, Bencor sick/vacation days, 403B, 457, Roth IRA.

Where does it all go to?

Who is coordinating these headaches for you…

Certainly not yourself. I hope.

Turn to an independent investment profession with 25 years serving those from the FRS.

-Avoid the pitfalls some make and walk into these years of retirement bliss with confidence in your Financial or investment decisions.

Ask yourself what an investment professional can do for you…

…Reach out if we can help.

I’m Robert Lee Thanks for watching

And remember, Relationships matter