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Jump-Start Your Financial Plan For 2019!

What new goals are you trying to reach in 2019? Are you focusing on your physical health by joining a gym and cleaning up your diet? Are you throwing yourself into your career in order to earn a promotion? Or maybe, like millions of other people, you are using this year’s fresh start to find renewed motivation and make plans to get out of debt, save more, or reach a financial milestone such as purchasing a vacation home or retiring.

While setting goals can be a healthy way to focus on what matters in the new year, 80% of resolutions fail by February. (1) Your finances are too important to fail, so if you have dreams of making 2019 your best financial year yet, these 6 small but impactful steps will help you jump-start your financial plan and set a solid foundation for your financial life.

1. Create An Action Plan For Your Goals

Have you ever put your financial dreams in writing? Now is the time to do just that! Whether your dream is to save $100,000 in the next five years or fully fund your child’s college education, putting your thoughts on paper will help you turn your dreams into goals and your goals into a step-by-step plan. And since it will take time to reach your goals and plenty of obstacles will come up along the way, set attainable objectives and celebrate your progress.

Come up with deadlines to reach specific milestones on the way toward your overall goal. If you are trying to eliminate debt, for example, determine how much you will pay each month and what your subsequent debt amount will look like in six months, one year, or five years. It’s also important to use visual reminders to keep you on track and help you avoid discouragement. Whether you use a spreadsheet or a chart hung on your fridge door, measure your progress as time goes on, and remember that small steps add up to significant progress over time.

Be sure to reevaluate your goals frequently and make adjustments as needed. Having goals and an action plan to achieve your goals will give you perspective in your day-to-day decisions and help you prioritize your saving and spending.

2. Leverage Technology To Make Your Life Easier

Our lives are becoming increasingly busy, and it’s often the seemingly less important financial tasks that fall to the wayside. Thankfully, financial technology has come a long way. Take advantage of the tools available to streamline your financial life so you can devote your time and attention to the things that matter most.

Automating your bills and savings not only organizes your life but also has long-term benefits for your financial picture. Paying your bills automatically tends to improve your credit score, makes budgeting simpler, and can also make income tax preparation easier. Additionally, by automating your savings, you give yourself a chance to save before you can even touch the money.

If budgeting is your pain point, look for a budgeting platform that works for you, and don’t forget to talk to your financial professional to find out if they offer software that allows you to see all your accounts in one place so you can stay organized and track your progress toward your goals.

3. Eliminate Debt

It’s difficult to accumulate wealth and make progress toward your goals when you are paying high interest rates on things like credit cards, car loans, and student loans. Become relentless about reducing your debt and interest costs, and consolidate accounts where you can.

If you have a loan with a significantly higher interest rate than the others, you may want to work on paying off that one first. Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, try paying off the loan with the smallest balance first, no matter the interest rate, in order to gain some momentum. Use a debt calculator to calculate out how long it will take to pay off your debt, then build extra payments into your monthly budget so you aren’t tempted to spend that money elsewhere.

Creating an emergency fund can help you avoid accumulating more debt. By setting up a liquid, easily accessible savings account, you won’t have to rely on debt to cover those inevitable life expenses, such as home repairs or medical bills. Create this cash cushion by putting aside money from each paycheck until you have enough to cover approximately three to six months’ worth of living expenses. You will never regret having an emergency fund at the ready.

4. Invest With Purpose

Anyone can close their eyes and pick a random mix of mutual funds to invest in, but having a customized retirement plan based on your circumstances, goals, and risk level is what will get you from point A to point B. Asset allocation is the most critical investment decision you can make, especially in our current volatile market.

Work with a financial professional to determine your risk tolerance level and create an investment strategy that will give your portfolio a clear sense of purpose. It’s also critical to rebalance on occasion to ensure your portfolio is still aligned with your goals and time horizon.

5. Mitigate Risks

No matter how hard you work to create a foolproof financial plan, there will always be risks and roadblocks that have the potential to get you off course. Inflation will decrease your purchasing power, and rising healthcare costs can eat away at your nest egg. Unexpected early retirement could change the time frame of your goals, tax changes could throw a wrench into your planning, and the loss of a spouse could impact your standard of living. Speak with your advisor to find ways to protect yourself against these risks.

6. Partner With A Financial Professional

Regardless of where you are in the planning process or what goals you have set for your financial life, we are here to support you, guide you, and help you navigate the challenges of life so you can attain your current and future financial needs. At Balboa Wealth Partners, our advisors specialize in overseeing your financial affairs and coordinating the day-to-day execution of your long-term financial plan, all with high-touch, responsive service. Let us help you jump-start your financial plan in 2019 by contacting me at 949-445-1465 or [email protected] to set up a no-obligation conversation.

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high- and ultra-high net-worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services provided by Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc, an Investment Adviser registered with the SEC.  Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Balboa Wealth Partners and its Investment Advisor Representatives are properly licensed or exempt from registration.

Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.

Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

____________

(1) https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail

Balboa Wealth Partners Welcomes Two Advisors!

Balboa Wealth Partners is growing! Not only are we passionate about offering the highest level of service to each and every client that comes our way, but we continually stretch ourselves and grow in our knowledge and experience. We believe our commitment to our values and our clients is what sets us apart. This is why we are excited to announce the addition of two new advisors who have extensive experience in financial planning for individuals, families, and business owners, and who bring relationships, expertise, and knowledge that will be a tremendous asset to our team and our clients.

Meet Jeremy

Jeremy Tate graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance and went on to become an investment advisor with Edward D. Jones. During his time there, he specialized in goal-based retirement planning and income and distribution planning. He then spent the next five years as a senior portfolio manager and partner of the Sierra Pacific Group at Morgan Stanley, where he managed portfolios for high-net-worth and ultra-high net-worth clients.

Jeremy’s background as an entrepreneur and business owner makes him uniquely qualified to work with business owners and their complex investment needs. He focuses his services and expertise on business owners and retirees seeking current income. Jeremy has been a public guest speaker at UCSD for their retirement association on Social Security planning, Medicare, and retirement planning. He currently resides in Del Mar, California.   

Meet Jerry

Jerry Zelko earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Azusa Pacific University and began his career as a financial advisor at PaineWebber/UBS. He was recruited to Wachovia/Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007 to operate a high-net-worth division within the firm. With the experience and knowledge gained from this experience, Jerry wanted to access more investment options and distance himself from the scandals of the big banks and the large Wall Street firms. As a result, he took the leap to become an independent financial advisor and partnered with Balboa Wealth Partners.

Jerry provides investment planning and wealth management services for successful families. His experience navigating through periods of major market shifts has helped him guide his clients toward achieving their goals. He believes individuals can improve their investment results by utilizing the same investment strategies and processes as institutional investors, such as endowments, foundations, and other large investment entities.

Away from work, Jerry enjoys international travel and has visited all 7 continents and over 50 countries. Jerry is an avid photographer, and he particularly enjoys practicing his photography skills when traveling. He is a passionate sports fan, enjoys playing softball, and is an ardent mountain biker. Jerry is a member of the Orange County Mensa chapter and has authored articles for local publications, including the OC METRO.

A New Partnership

We are proud to have Jeremy and Jerry on our team. By banding together, we can offer our clients additional services and increase the depth of value we offer to our clients. We believe this partnership will bear much fruit in the future and benefit all of those involved! If you would like to meet our new advisors or find out what Balboa Wealth Partners can do for your financial life, give me a call at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected].

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high- and ultra-high net-worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services provided by Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc, an Investment Adviser registered with the SEC.  Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Balboa Wealth Partners and its Investment Advisor Representatives are properly licensed or exempt from registration.

Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC. Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

What We Are Thankful For In 2018

Happy Thanksgiving from our team at Balboa Wealth Partners! We want to take a moment to thank you for being a part of our family. We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in our firm and we take our responsibility to you and your family very seriously.

Cultivating Gratitude This Season

The world we live in doesn’t lend itself well to gratitude. Outwardly, it may seem that there are few silver linings amidst all the headlines of political drama, international unrest, and natural disasters. While it’s easy to be distracted by all this noise, it’s important to take a step back and acknowledge the many things we have to be thankful for.

Family

Family probably tops the list for many of us, but in this season, I am reminded of how much family means to me and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who know, love, and support you.

Friends

We live in a transient culture where many people change jobs and locations regularly, which can make it difficult to cultivate and maintain friendships. But no matter how busy we are or what life changes come our way, friendships are vital to our well-being. I am incredibly grateful for the community that surrounds me and I am privileged to count many of my clients as my friends as well.

Pursuing My Passions

I am so blessed to have found a career I feel so passionate about. I wake up every day excited about the people I get to work with and my role in helping them achieve their financial goals. Not everyone can say this about their jobs, so I don’t take this opportunity for granted!

We Are Thankful For You!

At Balboa Wealth Partners, we truly appreciate the long-lasting relationships we have with each of you and want to help you work towards your ideal financial future. We celebrate with you as you reach financial and personal milestones and become empowered to take control of your financial life. We care about your lives and want to minimize the stress and details that often accompany financial decisions so that you can focus on all the blessings in your life.

As we reflect on all we’re grateful for this year, we want to take a moment to thank you, our clients, for choosing Balboa Wealth Partners to guide you in your financial life. We look forward to supporting you and your family in the future!

What are you most thankful for? What successes and blessings has this past year brought for you? We’d love to hear your stories. Give me a call at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected].

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services offered through Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc. An SEC registered Investment Adviser.  Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC

Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

5 Unexpected Threats To Your Retirement Plan

There’s no doubt that there are plenty of things that could threaten your financial success. A personal tragedy could cost you everything you have, a natural disaster could destroy your home, and a recession could diminish your nest egg. While these events have the potential to wipe out your retirement savings, they are largely out of your control. The real dangers to your retirement plan are the little-known and often ignored threats that could cause you to lose what you have diligently worked for. Here are some ways you could run into retirement trouble:

1. Not Estimating Your Retirement Needs

If you’ve managed to amass a significant nest egg, you may be pretty proud of yourself. But even if you have half a million or a million dollars saved, it may not be enough. If you plan to retire in your early or mid-sixties, your retirement savings will need to carry you through 30 years or more. Not to mention, you will encounter additional expenses along the way, such as health care costs, home maintenance, and taxes.

The best way to avoid financial anxiety in retirement is to set up contingency funds to cover the unexpected and work with your financial professional to map out various retirement scenarios to see what your savings can handle. Then, find ways to maximize your savings to give yourself a cushion.

2. Neglecting To Create A Withdrawal Strategy

Just because you’ve worked hard to save for retirement and build up a nest egg doesn’t mean you can rest easy. Once you start tapping into your savings, you need to develop a strategy to withdraw your funds so they last the rest of your life, however long that may be.

Since you know that stocks have historically earned an average of 8% a year, you might assume that you can afford to withdraw 8% of the initial portfolio value (plus a little more for inflation each year). (1) But in reality, to protect against the uncertainty of the market, you may have to limit your withdrawals to 4% or less. (2) Since there is no simple, one-size-fits-all plan, you need to figure out what will work for you and your unique situation, taking various factors into account, such as time horizon, risk tolerance, asset allocation, and unexpected living expenses.

3. Putting All Your Eggs In One Basket

Diversification is one of the most talked about investment strategies for a reason: it protects your investments from market volatility. While you can’t eliminate risk from your portfolio entirely, you can cushion the blow if things go south. If you put too much of your money into one stock or even one sector of the economy, you put yourself in danger of losing your retirement savings.

Working with a professional, evaluate your portfolio’s current allocation to determine if it needs to be rebalanced or diversified. Look at the big picture of all your accounts, including employer-sponsored ones, and ensure you are diversified across the board.

4. Forgetting To Take Required Minimum Distributions

If you are 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA and employer-sponsored retirement accounts. It doesn’t matter if you need the money when you reach this age, you must still adhere to the RMD rules. What happens if you don’t follow through? The IRS will charge you an excess accumulation penalty of 50%! That can significantly harm your retirement savings amount.

As an example, if you are required to withdraw $5,000 and don’t, you will owe a whopping $2,500. That’s an unnecessary and avoidable loss. Depending on how much you have in an emergency fund, you may even be forced to use your retirement savings to pay the penalty, further damaging your future financials.

5. Premature Loss Of A Spouse

Losing your spouse is devastating, regardless of when it happens. But losing a spouse during the final years of their career can be dangerous for the surviving spouse’s financial plan. Furthermore, retirement and long-term care costs may increase without a spouse to share costs and provide care. Depending on pension benefits selected, a spouse’s pension may not pay out to the surviving spouse in the event of his or her death. An early death may also decrease the spousal Social Security benefits the surviving spouse receives, leaving him or her with little income.

It’s critical for both spouses to be actively involved in the planning process to avoid a setback if this tragedy occurs. Take the time to consider benefits for the surviving spouse, such as life insurance. Wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations should be reviewed to ensure both spouses are protected financially. You should also create a pension and Social Security strategy to optimize the benefit for the surviving spouse. Examine multiple scenarios and make sure that you are taken care of no matter what happens.

Create An Action Plan

Retirement planning can be complicated and stressful due to the many unpredictable factors that go along with it. However, by understanding some of the risks and common roadblocks you can experience, you can plan ahead for the unexpected and reduce the chances that your retirement plan will fail.

At Balboa Wealth Partners, our goal is to guide you to financial success and help you navigate the challenges of life. With our comprehensive planning process, we can help you prepare for life’s expected and unexpected circumstances. If you think your retirement plan needs a second look, call me today at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected].

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services offered through Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc. An SEC registered Investment Adviser.  Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC. Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

________

(1) http://www.simplestockinvesting.com/SP500-historical-real-total-returns.htm

(2) http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/09/your-money/some-new-math-for-the-4-percent-retirement-rule.html?_r=0

How To Teach Your Kids About Money

Becoming a parent is a life-changing event, and there are numerous things we want to teach our children to become independent and successful adults. As a society, we are excelling in some areas of parenting, but falling behind in others. In a recent National Financial Capabilities Study, only 24% of Millennials (age 23-35) were able to answer the first three financial literacy questions correctly, and a mere 8% answered them all correctly. (1)

Most parents agree that we need to do a better job teaching our kids about money. Last year, T Rowe Price reported that 80% of parents didn’t think schools were doing enough to teach kids about financial matters. (2) However, parents cannot abdicate all responsibility to the schools. Raising children and teaching them to navigate the world is first and foremost a parent’s responsibility, and it’s easier to start when they’re young than try to catch-up when they are teenagers.

Practice What You Preach

The first step in teaching your kids about finances is letting them watch you make financial decisions and modeling what you want them to learn. The same T Rowe Price study mentioned above found that 69% of parents are very/extremely concerned about setting a good financial example for their kids. The vast majority, eight out of ten, feel that they are setting a good financial example, but two-thirds also admit to doing things that wouldn’t qualify as setting a good example.

A significant 40% said that when it comes to talking to their kids about finances, it’s “Do as I say, not as I do.” Anyone who has raised kids knows that won’t cut it. The first step in teaching your kids about money is simple: Show them.  

Start The Conversation

Sometimes a silent model isn’t quite enough, and some areas of personal finance aren’t very visible. That is why it is critical to talk to your kids about finances. Unfortunately, talking about money is a long-standing cultural taboo. A 2013 study found that 63% of Americans would rather share their body weight with co-workers than their bank account balance. (3) Often this reluctance to discuss financial matters spills over into the home as well.

Forty-nine percent of the parents in the T Rowe Price study said they rarely or never discuss family finances with their children. Eighteen percent admitted to being very/extremely reluctant to discuss financial matters with their kids, and 72% of parents experience at least some reluctance to having such a discussion. Many parents even say they would rather discuss drugs or sex with their kids than money. (4)

But how are kids going to learn about money if you avoid talking to them about it, as 41% of T Rowe Price respondents admitted to doing? Most parents don’t expect their kids to understand the dangers of drugs just because they have never seen their parents shoot up. Some things require more in-depth discussion and openness, and finances are one of them. And if you set the precedent of being open about finances when they are young, hopefully they will still come to your for advice or assistance when they get older.

Let Them Try

For financial understanding to truly sink in, you need to get your kids involved. Learning theory and research have consistently shown that the more active a learning experience is, the greater the learning gains and retention. (5) Most people have to do something to really learn it.

How does this work with kids? For one, try letting them divide their allowance into different categories, set short-term and long-term goals, and helping them understand what things are worth. Give your 5-year-old some money to buy something at the store so they learn the value of different items and realize that in order to obtain something (a toy), they have to exchange it with something else (money). You may try letting your 10-year-old figure out the cost of the new video game he wants, plus tax, and help him save up his allowance for it. Let your teenager buy her back-to-school clothes on her own with a set amount of money.

Don’t be afraid to let them make mistakes either. Sometimes learning the hard way is the best way to grow, and it’s better for them to learn those lessons when they are young and the consequences aren’t as severe.

Getting Started

Imparting financial wisdom to your kids is a challenging process that takes years. So, if you don’t feel like you’re doing an adequate job of teaching your kids about money, you’re not alone. Even if you are doing a good job, you probably agree with the 77% of the T Rowe Price survey parents who said that they wished there were more resources available to help them teach their kids about financial matters.

Here at Balboa Wealth Partners, we believe that every child can learn critical financial lessons at a young age that will set them up for future success. We want to provide you with the tools to help you on this journey. To set up a meeting, contact me at 949-445-1465 or [email protected]. Together we can make sure that this next generation enters adulthood with the knowledge necessary to build a secure financial foundation for their bright futures.

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services offered through Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc. An SEC registered Investment Adviser.  Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC

Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

_______

(1) http://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/a738b9_b453bb8368e248f1bc546bb257ad0d2e.pdf

(2) https://corporate.troweprice.com/Money-Confident-Kids/images/emk/2015-PKM-Report-2015-FINAL.pdf

(3) http://www.countryfinancialsecurityblog.com/cfsi-april-2013/

(4) http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/06/11/parents-would-rather-talk-with-their-kids-about-sex-than-money/

(5) http://www.joe.org/joe/1994august/a6.php

Our Mid-Year 2018 Economic Update

Believe it or not, we are halfway through 2018! As we reach this mid-year mark, let’s take a look at what our economy has been up to. After a stellar 2017, 2018 has brought a fair share of ups and downs, market volatility, trade uncertainty, and record unemployment numbers. However, as most individual Americans see it, things are looking up. Here’s a bird’s-eye view of our economy as we reach the mid-year mark of 2018.

Confidence Is Up

Consumer sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan, remains above average, with June increasing to 99.3 points as compared to an average of 86.33 points since 1952. (1) The Consumer Confidence Survey found that consumers’ assessment of current conditions has reached a 17-year high. They also found increases in consumer confidence from April to May in every category, including people’s present situation and expectations. (2)

Business confidence is also up, both in manufacturing and non-manufacturing, according to the national Institute for Supply Management. (3)

The Stock Market Is Up (And Down)

Following the calm upward trajectory of 2017, stocks made impressive gains in January, only to shake investors awake in the following months. February was the most volatile month we have seen since 1996. (4) In fact, just the first quarter of this year saw five weeks that posted bigger declines than the worst week of 2017 and four weeks with greater increases than any week in 2017. (5)

Though things seem shaky compared to 2017, it’s important to note that the volatility that we are experiencing is not an anomaly, but rather within normal range. By the end of May, 2018 would have ranked as the 12th most volatile year out of the last half-century. (6)

Even with the renewal of volatility, stocks continue to trend higher. The S&P 500 is up 3.94% so far this year. (7)Small companies, which are less dependent on international trade, have fared particularly well recently. The Russell 2000 Index, which tracks smaller companies, is up 9.56% so far this year. (8)

Trade Risks Are Up

As mentioned above, international trade has moved front and center on the economic stage. Early in the year, the current administration decided to impose a 25% tax on steel imports and a 10% tax on aluminum imports. (9) While China responded with countermeasures, US allies were originally exempt. However, in May, the exemptions expired. Some countries, such as South Korea, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, have negotiated quotas, or volume limits, to replace the tariffs. The European Union and Mexico immediately stated that they would impose countermeasures or tariffs of their own. (10)

June’s G7 meeting ended on a sour note as the US made clear their dissatisfaction with current trade agreements. The US hopes to renegotiate trade deals to make them more favorable, but whether the move will work or spiral into an economically damaging trade war remains to be seen. (11)

Unemployment Is Down

Another thing that continues to go down is unemployment, which dropped to 3.8% in May (the lowest level since April 2000). (12) Black and Latino unemployment, in particular, has reached record lows. (13) Initial jobless claims have hit their lowest levels in the last 50 years. (14) Employers also surpassed expectations in May by creating an additional 223,000 jobs.

Things are especially looking up for those that earn the least. Recent reports show that those earning the lowest wages are the ones who are seeing the highest percentage of increases in earnings. (15)

The Economy Is Keeping Up

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was up 2.3% in the first quarter of 2018. While that is lower than we saw in 2017, it still exceeded expectations. Cheaper commodity prices and reduced corporate taxes helped to drive the growth. (16)

First quarter spending was down, at its lowest rate in 5 years. However, with a still-tightening labor market and the large fiscal stimulus, analysts do not expect low spending to be a pervasive problem. (17) In fact, spending has already begun to pick up as we draw closer to summer. (18)

What Does The Fed Say?

The Federal Reserve has raised rates twice so far this year to 1.75%-2% and is anticipating two more rate hikes before we reach 2019. The new Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, stated in June that the economy has strengthened significantly since 2008. He believes it is approaching a “normal” level where it will not need the Fed to be as active in encouraging economic activity. Overall, he is optimistic, believing the economic outlook for the US is good with a strong economy, strong labor market, and strong growth. (19)

What Does This Mean For Your Money?

While things are looking up as a whole, it’s important to make sure your own personal financial situation is following suit. If you have questions about the state of the economy or want to make sure your portfolio is set up to give you a smooth and direct path toward financial independence, call me at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected].

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

Advisory services offered through Balboa Wealth Partners, Inc. An SEC registered Investment Adviser.  Securities offered through Chalice Capital Partners, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC

Balboa offers advisory services independent of Chalice.  Neither firm is affiliated.

____________

(1) https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/consumer-confidence

(2) https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm

(3) https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/insights/content/market-perspective

(4) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-march-19-2018/

(5) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-march-26-2018/

(6) http://flemingwatson.com/volatility/

(7) http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/sandp/

(8) http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/russell/

(9) http://fortune.com/2018/03/02/trump-trade-war-tariff-smoot-hawley/

(10) https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/trump-administration-will-put-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-and-the-eu.html

(11) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-june-11-2018/

(12) https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/insights/content/market-perspective

(13) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-june-4-2018/

(14) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-april-30-2018/

(15) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-june-4-2018/

(16) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-april-30-2018/

(17) http://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/market-commentary/weekly-market-commentary-april-30-2018/

(18) https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/insights/content/market-perspective

(19) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/13/us/politics/federal-reserve-raises-interest-rates.html

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Why I am Passionate About Being a Financial Advisor

By Jeff Gilbert

So many people find themselves stuck in a career they aren’t passionate about or enjoy. In fact, two-thirds of people are disengaged with their job. I feel incredibly fortunate that I have a career I love and that I look forward to going into the office every day.

There are a few reasons why I am passionate about being an advisor.

1. Using My Knowledge

It’s incredibly fulfilling having the ability to apply nearly three decades of experience as an advisor and executive level manager to build a registered investment advisory firm that does business the right way for our clients and advisors. As I continue my education, I enjoy applying what I’ve learned to benefit those I serve.

2. Seeing Improvement

It’s incredible seeing people’s lives improve because of the financial decisions they make, as well as witnessing the growing sense of confidence that follows. One thing I love about being a financial advisor is having the ability to help others pursue not only their financial goals but also instilling confidence for their future.

3. Helping People

I’m happy when I can help clients achieve their short and long-term goals, worry less about their finances, and sleep well at night. Ultimately, helping clients work toward their financial independence enables me to work toward my career goals and feel satisfied and accomplished each day.

4. Building Close Relationships

Being a trusted advisor whose clients consider me as part of their family is the ultimate compliment. While people may work with a few professionals, like a CPA, lawyer, or doctor, none have the same type of impact as a financial advisor. Often, I serve as a friend, confidant, and advisor for life. The advisor relationship typically stretches through multiple generations, too. Additionally, the entrepreneurial spirit we all have contributes to how we build a business based on personal relationships.

The Role We Serve

As the founder of Balboa Wealth Partners, my passion is to listen to and truly understand what is important to you. Beyond helping you invest, my team and I care deeply about helping you reach your short and long-term goals.

I am dedicated to delivering a collaborative client experience that empowers and guides families to reaching a greater purpose for their wealth. I hope that my deep industry expertise, holistic wealth management services, and innovative technology will provide my clients the confidence to achieve their financial aspirations and manage the wealth they have amassed.

If you are looking for a financial partner who focuses on your unique needs and wealth goals, I invite you to contact me for a chat. I am always open to meet new people and see how I may be able to help. Whether you’ve already started planning for the future or have yet to put strategies in place, I encourage you to reach out to me today for a no-obligation conversation to see how I may be able to help you. Give me a call at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected]. Or, you can take the first step now by completing a complimentary risk assessment here.

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he has worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

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What We Do and How We Can Help

Many people think that only those who have mismanaged their money are stressed about finances. However, even the most successful and hard-working families can lack confidence in their financial future.

With nearly three decades of experience serving high net worth families, we understand the stress and concern that can come with facing financial decisions. After working hard throughout your career to build your wealth, you want to make sure it works hard for you in return when you retire and when you leave a legacy. We’re here to help.

What We Do

Balboa Wealth Partners brings together top quality asset management and client service in a boutique setting designed specifically for discerning clients and the advisors who care for them.

We provide personalized plans designed to match your needs and goals. Serving as your financial stewards, our team of advisors work with you to plan for your future while managing and preserving your wealth.

With a diverse team of experienced professionals who maintain a high-touch and personalized experience, we seek to serve as our clients’ most trusted financial consultant and help them make smart decisions with their money. By having a dedicated team of experts on your side, we hope you can feel more confident as you navigate life’s challenges and planning opportunities.

Who We Serve

We specialize in serving high and ultra-high net worth families and 401(k) retirement plans. Our client base is quite diverse in terms of profession, location, and background, but they share a common thread: they appreciate the level of service and care our advisors provide.

The need for successful families to choose between quality advice and quality care has become all too common in today’s wealth management marketplace. An institutional money manager knows what to do with your money but does not take a personal interest in you and your family. While your advisor cares deeply about you and your circumstances, they may not truly know how to manage the wealth your family has amassed.

High net worth individuals have unique needs and require specialized strategies. That’s why they need an advisor they can trust. At Balboa Wealth Partners, the needs of our clients come first. Our clients want a partner who values them, understands the importance of what they have built and demand a person who cares about them and their needs.

Our advisors specialize in overseeing your financial affairs and coordinating the day to day execution of your long term financial plans. We deliver high-touch, responsive service strategically paired with access to institutional caliber investment expertise in a way that eliminates conflicts, reduces fees, and opens the doors to truly comprehensive planning and reporting.

It’s for these reasons and others that we believe clients choose to work with us. They understand that we strive to understand their individual needs and have the capacity to deliver. Ultimately, it’s the relationship and service that differentiates us. Through our services and personalized care, we hope clients can sleep more soundly at night and not worry about their finances.

Working with Us

We believe clients to choose us because they enjoy working with us and they trust our advice. We are genuinely passionate about our clients’ future and financial success. We take pride in the significant role we play in their lives, and we don’t take this responsibility lightly.

Our aim is to deliver uncompromised advice, exceptional investment expertise and outstanding service to our clients. Our intentional approach can support sound investment and financial strategies and help you pursue your goals.

Are you looking for a financial partner you can trust to objectively guide you toward your goals and help you navigate your financial life? We’d love to talk and see how we can help you. Give me a call at 949-445-1465 or email me at [email protected]. Or, you can take the first step now by completing a complimentary risk assessment here.

About Jeff

Jeff Gilbert is the founder and CEO of Balboa Wealth Partners, a holistic financial management firm dedicated to providing clients guidance today for tomorrow’s success. With nearly three decades of industry experience, he was worked as both an advisor and executive level manager, partnering with and serving a diverse range of clients. Specializing in serving high and ultra-high net worth families, Jeff aims to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term goals, and to worry less about their finances and more on their passions in life. Based in Orange County, he works with clients throughout Southern California, as well as Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or email [email protected].