Sweetgum Labs

09/27/2024

Deeply saddened to announce that Christian Hastings passed away this week.

He was a great man and friend to all. He will be missed.

Christian P. Hastings, 59, of Newtown PA, quietly passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 with his loving wife by his side. Born in Trenton, NJ Christian spent his childhood in Miami, FL and eventually moved to Pennington, NJ. He was a graduate of Hopewell Valley High School and then from Rider U...

07/13/2024

Attention Small Business owners!

As of May 2024, more than 25 states have proposed legislation to require retirement plans for small businesses, and 10 states already have active plans.

Although the details vary from state to state, most are requiring businesses with 5 employees or more to offer a retirement benefit to their employees.
Businesses can choose to use the state-managed program, which is usually a payroll-deduction Roth IRA, or purchase a qualifying alternative privately. Either way, a decision must be made that affects employees

About half of affected businesses are choosing a private option, and among those that use the state plans, many later change their minds.
The retirement landscape has changed drastically for small businesses, and most can afford a much better benefit than they imagined.

As a small to mid size business owner-know and understand your options before you have no options.
Stay on Offense.

As a sole proprietor or a small/mid size business owner, here are the benefits for 2024:

The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,000, up from $22,500. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $7,000, up from $6,500.

04/23/2024

The VIX is In

The VIX index is based off trading activity in options linked to the S&P 500. It’s considered Wall Street’s “fear gauge.”
Trade activity regarding this index is at a 6 year high.
Not a coincidence year to date, the VIX is up 50%.

“Trees don’t grow to the sky”

Reevaluate exit strategies for shorter term investments. Topics include: wanting to make real estate moves using stock proceeds (when rates drop), home additions, buying a new vehicle (when rates drop), weddings, family trips and more.

Inflation will continue to be a major concern. As will the price of oil I mentioned months ago.

Interest rate are not as predictable as your goals and dreams.
Don’t get whipsawed.

02/07/2024

"FORE! Are You Ready to Tee Up Your Finances?"

Picture this: you're standing on the green, ready to take a swing at your long-term financial goals. Just like in golf, personal finance requires strategic thinking, discipline, and a whole lot of patience.

12/07/2023

Chris & John Baranauskas give a year-end market & economic commentary. Plus they discuss simple steps you can do to protect from the unknowns.

11/29/2023

74% is too high!

At a time when many companies are boosting retirement plan benefits to attract and retain employees in a tight labor market, 74% of small businesses still do not offer a retirement plan for their employees, according to survey data published by ShareBuilder.

10/10/2023

Quick car line convo about interest rates this morning…reminds of the ole’ saying.

“The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.”

10/05/2023

🚨 Attention business owners 🚨

Are you comfortable managing group benefits: health/life/disability coverage?

Do you offer a 401k? Would you like to but not sure how? Are you still making changes with physical hardcopy?

Do you know if cash flow is adequate to weather a rainy day or a prolonged storm? Are you struggling to retain employees?

Are you prepared to transition your business or preparing a partner for retirement?

Reach out to see how you stack up. The SGL team has over 50 years of combined experience helping small business optimize productivity.

https://sweetgumlabs.na.chilipiper.com/book/me/john-baranauskas

Introductions are always complimentary.

09/20/2023

The proverbial 2 foot putt.

It’s not always that easy.

To manage your own money and afford the dreams you want for today and tomorrow.
To retire and not run out of money- you need to be knowledgeable on the following:

-Qualified and non qualified accounts
-Long and short term cap gains taxes
-Income and interest taxes
-Exit strategies
-Non correlated mkt exposure
-Simultaneous optimization
-Maximizing retirement contributions
-Economic influence on the market
-World events
-Politics
-Budgets
-20 or so other topics

In my 30+ years working as an advisor, I can tell you this- Google and a cocktail, is not the way to manage your financial goals and dreams.

From my view, the order of importance, hasn’t changed much.
Family, Health, Finances, Taxes, and Legal.
Most of us aren’t doctors, accountants, or attorney’s. But, many think they are money managers.

08/01/2023

Will oil become the party pooper?

When you look at the current S&P returns - high fives are a flying.
Inflation is down, investment returns up, and cash yields are getting some love.

That said, personal debt is growing at record dollars and rates.
Those 12 month -zero % credit cards, are now charging 23%.
The retail worlds of food and clothing, are still requiring a deep reach in the pocket.
Government bond yields are still inverted (not a good thing).

All said- we can’t lose sight of the one topic that can alleviate or exacerbate any economic condition- the cost to “fill it up”.

05/22/2023

When Dreams come True

To quote Bill Murray- “Cinderella Story- out of nowhere.
It’s in the hole. IT’S IN THE HOLE!”

Thanks Michael,

You showed that by being grounded, humble and committed- great things can happen.

https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/37702837/pga-club-pro-michael-block-posts-first-ace-pga-championship

PGA club pro Michael Block's dream week at the 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club continued Sunday when he aced the par-3, 151-yard 15th hole, sending fans into a frenzy at the Rochester, New York, course.

03/23/2023

Covering the check engine light with duct tape is not a good idea for your car and it's certainly not for your finances. Some stuff is happening and Chris and John share their perspective.