Timely Emails

The “Tar Pit”…that’s what I call the trap that the web and social media sets for me every second of the day. You know what I’m talking about, like when your phone buzzes with a new text message and you pick it up to read, then you see a breaking news story, which leads you to a Facebook post, that leads you to Reels because you see a funny dog video, scroll, scroll, scroll… then one hour later you realize what you’ve done. Besides just wasting a lot of time, the add-on negative effect is a terrible reduction in attention…

Have you noticed Mom or Dad showing signs of decline? Are you worried about your elderly uncle (or other relative or friend) living at home by himself? You’re not alone. Many of us will find ourselves making care decisions for our parents or other beloved elders. It’s not an easy place to be because it’s hard to see them struggle to live independently. While I can’t make the process any easier for you, I hope I can offer some guidance on your journey. Like many of you, Heather and I are working members of the “sandwich generation.” This group consists…

A new deal finally put the debt ceiling issue to rest (for now, anyway), and stocks are rallying. Are we on the brink of a new bull market? Before we attempt to answer this question let’s pause for announcements. If you are looking for a sign: In other headlines…..Carmichael Creel Investments (originally Carmichael Capital, Inc.) is celebrating our 30th business anniversary! Click the link HERE to read an article (with great photos of young Art and Claude!) written by the Downtown Franklin Association. Now back to the original question: Are we on the brink of a new bull market? We…

Markets are doing their thing again, so let’s discuss. Markets tumbled, heading into negative territory, and then bounced back. And then promptly fell again.1 We’re witnessing a whipsaw pattern of uncertainty. Is this weird? Not really. These things happen pretty regularly when investors get jittery. Let’s talk about what’s going on. But before we do, how about a dog picture: This is Pepper. He was our first bulldog. Pepper lived a long and happy life and never worried about inflation or markets. He was too busy laying in someone’s lap, napping the day away. When awake, he loved to drool…

I have spent my entire career in the financial services industry. Along the way, I have interacted with many financial advisors and clients. One thing I have learned is that our industry tends to make financial products and concepts too complicated. Often times, this leads to a lack of direction and poor decisions made by savers and investors. So in an effort to follow Albert Einstein’s advice, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler,” let’s discuss language and the impact the words we use might impact our financial futures. But before we get to the serious stuff, here’s…

Here is a important message with information concerning your retirement savings accounts. Exciting right?! I know reading about laws and regulations is last on your “to do” list, right below getting a root canal… but if you are saving for, transitioning to, or living in retirement, these changes can be beneficial. So I’m going make it quick and easy for you. But first let’s pause for a dog picture. This is Ham. He is our four year old English Bulldog. He doesn’t care about retirement. He only thinks about food, playing tug-a-war, and napping. Now back to the serious part…….