Braeburn Wealth Management

12/18/2025

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

10/24/2025

Our team is growing!
Welcome Amanda Lemmen and Logan Metcalf to the Braeburn Wealth Management family.

03/07/2025

If you’ve been investing for a while, you know the market has a way of shaking people out—only to climb higher in the long run. The chart above is a great reminder of that. Over the past eight years, the S&P 500 has seen multiple corrections, some as deep as 35%. Yet, every single time, the market recovered and pushed to new highs.

Right now, we’re in another volatile stretch, with tariffs making headlines and sending stocks on a rollercoaster ride. New trade restrictions and retaliatory measures are stirring up uncertainty, and investors are reacting the way they always do—by selling first and asking questions later. But if history tells us anything, it’s that these pullbacks tend to be temporary.

Look at the past corrections on the chart. The 35% drop in 2020 felt like the end of the world at the time, but it turned into one of the fastest recoveries ever. Even the more recent 6.6% dip, while frustrating, is nothing compared to what we've seen before. If you zoom out, the long-term trend is still up.
Markets don’t like uncertainty, and tariffs are definitely fueling some of that. But for long-term investors, moments like these are often opportunities, not reasons to panic. The key is to stay focused on the bigger picture and not let short-term noise throw you off course.

09/18/2024

In March of 2022, the Fed began its mission to combat lofty levels of inflation by raising interest rates at an aggressive pace unseen in decades. In fact, between March of 2022 and July of 2023, the Fed raised interest rates 11 times! Many forget that the Fed had interest rates floating around zero at the start of 2022. As of this writing, interest rates are hovering between 5.25% and 5.50%.

Currently, it appears the Fed has gained control on the rampant rise of inflation. In fact, inflation eased in August to a new three-year low, setting the scene for the anticipated decision to start lowering interest rates. Many may wonder, what does that mean for the stock market? Let’s take a look at what the past has to say.

History has shown that the S&P 500 has a variety of market responses after interest rates start to decline. Economic conditions have a relative influence on the market’s response to this news. In the early 2000s, the Fed started cutting rates in response to the bursting of the dot-com bubble and a slowing economy. Although initially the market reaction following this decision was not ideal, it did set up a strong bull market between 2003 and 2007. The S&P 500 gained roughly 103% in that time span.

In 2019 (Pre-COVID Economic Softening), the FED cut rates three times to combat slowing global growth and trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 reacted positively to these rate cuts, continuing to hit new highs in the second half of the year and adding 24.36% in growth right before the start of the COVID pandemic.

So, although the market’s immediate short-term reaction to rate cuts depends on multiple economic variables, history has shown that the long-term positive trajectory of the S&P 500 prevails.

*Photo by Alexander Grey

In March of 2022, the Fed began its mission to combat lofty levels of inflation by raising interest rates at an aggressive pace unseen in decades. In fact…

06/18/2024

Please Note:

The US Stock Market, Fidelity Investments, and Braeburn Wealth Management will be closed Wednesday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

We will reopen Thursday, June 20th at 8am.

Please feel free to leave us a voicemail or send an email with your needs, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible on Thursday.

Thank you!

05/09/2024

Investing in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offers a myriad of benefits for investors of all levels. First and foremost, ETFs provide instant diversification by pooling together a basket of securities, spanning various sectors, industries, or asset classes. This diversification helps mitigate risk by spreading investments across multiple holdings, shielding investors from the impact of volatility in any single stock or sector.
Furthermore, ETFs offer flexibility and accessibility. With thousands of ETFs available covering different investment strategies and asset classes, investors can easily tailor their portfolios to meet their specific goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, ETFs trade on stock exchanges like individual stocks, allowing investors to buy and sell shares throughout the trading day at market prices. This liquidity ensures investors can quickly enter or exit positions as needed, providing greater control over their investment decisions.
Finally, cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage of ETF investing. Compared to actively managed mutual funds, ETFs typically have lower expense ratios due to their passive management style. This means investors pay lower fees, allowing more of their investment returns to compound over time.

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04/11/2024

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to bloom, it's the perfect time to dust off your investment portfolio and give it the refreshing clean it deserves. Just like tidying up your living space, spring cleaning your investments involves reevaluating, organizing, and decluttering to ensure optimal performance and alignment with your financial goals.

Start by reviewing each investment in your portfolio with a discerning eye. Are there any underperforming assets that no longer serve your long-term objectives? It may be time to prune those investments and reallocate your resources into more promising opportunities.

Next, take a closer look at your asset allocation. Does your portfolio still maintain a healthy balance between stocks, bonds, and other asset classes? Rebalancing may be necessary to restore equilibrium and mitigate risk.

Finally, use this opportunity to reassess your investment strategy and long-term objectives. Have there been any significant life changes or shifts in the market landscape that necessitate adjustments to your approach? By staying proactive and adaptable, you can ensure that your investment portfolio remains resilient and primed for growth, even as the seasons change.

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03/19/2024

Certificate of Deposits (CDs) can offer a host of benefits to investors seeking stability and guaranteed returns in a shifting economic environment. During periods of declining interest rates, here are some advantages of investing in CDs:

1. Locked-In Rates: CDs provide a fixed interest rate for the duration of the term, shielding investors from fluctuations in interest rates. By locking in a high rate before rates decline further, investors can secure a stable source of income and maximize their returns over the CD's term.

2. Preservation of Capital: With CDs, the principal amount is protected, offering a secure haven for investors' funds. Even as interest rates decrease, investors can rest assured that their initial investment will remain intact, mitigating the risk of capital loss associated with other investment vehicles.

3. Predictable Returns: Unlike other investments tied to market performance, CDs offer predictable returns based on the specified interest rate. This predictability can be advantageous for investors seeking steady income streams or those looking to meet specific financial goals with certainty.

4. Diversification of Portfolio: Incorporating CDs into a diversified investment portfolio can enhance overall risk management. Amidst market volatility or economic uncertainty, the stability and reliability of CDs can serve as a counterbalance to more volatile assets, providing a buffer against downturns.

5. Flexible Terms: CDs come in various terms ranging from a few months to several years, allowing investors to tailor their investment strategy to their individual financial needs and objectives. Shorter-term CDs provide liquidity for near-term expenses, while longer-term CDs offer higher rates for those with a longer investment horizon.

6. Risk Mitigation: In times of economic uncertainty or market turbulence, CDs offer a safe harbor for investors wary of taking on additional risk. By allocating a portion of their portfolio to CDs, investors can safeguard their assets and preserve wealth, even in challenging economic conditions.

7. FDIC or NCUA Insurance: CDs offered by banks or credit unions are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to certain limits. This insurance provides an extra layer of protection for investors, offering peace of mind knowing their deposits are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

In summary, investing in CDs can provide investors with a range of benefits, including stable returns, capital preservation, and risk mitigation. By incorporating CDs into their investment strategy, investors can navigate changing market conditions with confidence and achieve their financial objectives with greater certainty.

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03/13/2024

Investing in your 20s offers a plethora of advantages that can significantly impact your financial future. Let's delve deeper into these reasons:

More Recovery Time: Starting early gives you a cushion of time to recover from any losses you may incur. Young investors have the advantage of being able to ride out market fluctuations and downturns without facing immediate financial consequences. This resilience allows them to stay invested and potentially benefit from market rebounds.

Time Value of Money: The concept of compounding returns emphasizes the importance of investing early. By reinvesting your earnings, you not only earn returns on your initial investment, but also on the accumulated earnings. This snowball effect can lead to substantial growth over time, especially when investments have decades to mature.

Secured Future: Early investments act as a safety net for unforeseen expenses and emergencies. Instead of relying on loans or assistance from others, individuals with established investment portfolios can tap into their assets to cover financial needs. This financial independence fosters a sense of security and stability, ensuring a smoother journey through life's ups and downs.

In summary, the benefits of investing in your 20s extend beyond financial gains. It instills a sense of discipline, fosters independence, and sets the stage for a more secure and prosperous future. While starting later in life is still beneficial, there's no denying the advantages of getting a head start on your investment journey.

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02/23/2024

Most people know the importance of investing. But do you know how to invest wisely? That’s a little more difficult. Here are 5 tips on how to be a wise investor:
1. Understand the concept of risk. All investments have risks, but keep in mind this rule of thumb: invest for need before you invest for greed. Determine your needs and goals and what kind of return you will need to accomplish them.
2. Create a financial plan. While there is no one-size-fits-all plan, most good plans contain your goals, your current financial situation, your needs, and the steps you intend to take to fill those needs and reach those goals.
3. Learn more about your retirement savings plan if you have one. For many Americans, most investing is done in the form of a retirement savings plan. But studies show that many don’t know what is in their 401(k), what their options are, which investments they’ve selected, or how much risk they are taking on. Be sure to take the time to understand how your retirement plan works and what you’re trying to accomplish with it.
4. Talk to your family about your investments. Investing doesn’t just affect you – it affects your entire family. This is especially true between spouses and partners. Discuss your investments so you both understand the path you are on and how can make wise decisions together.
5. Consider hiring a qualified, experienced financial advisor to help you. All these steps are simple to understand but can be difficult to follow. And these points barely scratch the surface of investing. When choosing a financial advisor, you should take your time, shop around, and do your due diligence. Different advisors have different levels of experience, specialization, and even competence.

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