Join Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught as they explore the dynamic shifts in the economy and provide valuable lessons for investors moving forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Economic Predictions vs. Reality: Throughout 2024, many anticipated a recession that never fully materialized. Over time, it became evident that the economy was more resilient than expected, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges in predicting market conditions. International vs. Domestic Stocks: The U.S. stock market outperformed international markets significantly in 2024. Many portfolios unknowingly held significant international exposure, emphasizing the importance of understanding where your investments lie. Tech Dominance & Diversification: While tech stocks continued to attract attention, sectors such as financials and industrials also showed strong performance. This underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to capture gains from various market segments. Tune in to gain more insights and make informed decisions for your financial future. We’re here to help you navigate your path to achieving your financial goals.

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss how our 2024 resolutions shaped up and set our sights on new goals for 2025. Here are three key takeaways: Accountability Matters: Amanda found that setting a reading goal and using Goodreads for tracking helped her stay on course. This method, she notes, can spill over into financial goals – having accountability can make a huge difference. Self-Care & Boundaries: Emily shared how prioritizing self-care allowed her to handle the stress of tax season better, and made her more present and grounded. Setting clear boundaries at work (and home) can translate into a healthier, more balanced life. Evaluate & Adapt: If you're falling short of your financial savings goal or any other goal, don't stress. Adjust and find a balance that lets you live fully while still working towards your objectives. Incremental changes, automated savings, and celebrating small victories are key. We invite our listeners to share their New Year's resolutions with us. Let's make 2025 a year of growth, both personally and financially.

Major life events are great times to get personalized financial advice. Emily & Amanda believe that ongoing quality financial advice can have a greater impact than merely seeking advice for one-off events. There is a big difference between getting the advice and actually implementing it.

Holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, it's also a time where we see a significant increase in financial frauds. Emily & Amanda discuss some common frauds they see when working with clients. They also provide tips on how to prevent and stop them in advance. We wish you a joyous, scam-free holiday with your family and friends.

It's Halloween season, so Emily & Amanda take this opportunity to discuss personal finances of one of their favorite scary movie tropes - haunted houses. Topics Covered: Inspection and appraisal, Check your insurance coverage, What if your spouse is the one to inherit? and Lessons from The Shining!