News From the Control Tower:

It may be true that history repeats itself, but future versions tend to get better at disguising themselves from their predecessors. At Propel, we’ve been through the ups and downs of the market roller coaster quite a few times. For that reason, we are good at maintaining a level head when the markets seem awful, but we also know to be skeptical when markets seem too good to be true. Our job is to hang out somewhere in the middle, not overreacting one way or the other. The purpose of this blogpost is two-fold: 1) to remind our more experienced clients of the similarities and differences between the current environment and market cycles of yesteryear, and 2) to cultivate our newer investor generation’s critical eye toward market behavior.

Saving money is a challenge for most people. In our experience, those with the most success set an intention around their spending. Then they create a plan that automates the savings so you don't have to think about it. Why save? Increased savings provides greater flexibility in your life, reduces stress by providing security for you and your loved ones, and increases your ability to give. Where to start? First, identify your money personality. Understanding your relationship with money can better focus your approach to adjusting your financial behavior. Recognize that changing habits around money takes dedication and time. Be patient with yourself and recognize that things won't change overnight. Savings strategies are never one-size-fits-all. Implement one or two from the list below and see how your life changes. That may provide you with the inspiration to try even more.

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: (1) Everything Screams Inflation (2) Policymakers Used to Ignore Child Care. Then Came the Pandemic. (3) Credit-Card Debt Keeps Falling. Banks Are On Edge. (4) Man Who Is Paralyzed Communicates By Imagining Handwriting (5) Did money problems stress you out during the pandemic? Financial therapy might be the answer

Financial advice is not one size fits all. To get a better idea of what advice is best for you, it’s helpful to figure out your individual money personality. Financial success is linked more to behavior than income. We have clients earning $40,000 per year and amassing significant savings accounts. In contrast, for people born wealthy, 7 in 10 families will lose their fortune by the second generation, and 90% lose it by the third. (Source: Marketwatch)

The news recently reports dismal economic numbers. At the same time, they report record gains for the stock market. What is going on?

The irony of COVID happening in the year 2020 has not been lost on me. If we could ever hope to benefit from hindsight, that time is certainly now. While we have all spent years complaining about our daily grind, we suddenly miss it terribly; and the choices we once took for granted seem like luxuries. (I know that I am going through serious movie theater withdrawal.) Alas, changes must be made, and we humans have an incredible history of adaptability. I have been a financial advisor for more than 20 years, and I know there are positives even during tough times like these. From conversations with clients, friends, and family these past weeks, I would say that priorities have shifted. Most are missing family, some are cooking more, and many are recognizing that their personal finances cannot survive on autopilot. When I sat down to write this article, I immediately went to the thesaurus to look up alternatives to the word “plan.” Some people, like me, are natural planners. They make lists; they thrive on routine; they worry about what they may have missed. Others, quite literally, avoid any reference to the word. This article is for the latter group…and you know who you are.

Propel Financial Advisors works with you to determine the best investment approach for your IRA rollover. We work with our clients to craft personalized investment portfolios; you get a custom fit. We keep up with the markets and investment strategies so you can spend your time on what matters to you. We stay in regular contact with you and are always available.

March marks a celebration of both Women’s History Month and Financial Literacy Month. As a financial advising firm majority-owned by women, this month should be right up our alley. March 2020, though, is like no other March most of us have ever experienced with incredible upheaval in people’s daily lives. For many, schools are closed and parents are searching for tools and resources to help teach their children. We decided to combine Women’s History Month, Financial Literacy, and the quest to find homeschooling resources. We hope some of these materials can help parents as they navigate the coming days at home with their children.

This week's reads feature the dangers of corporate debt exposed by the coronavirus, Cash App’s novel business model to grow its business by giving money away, obstacles to the success of the Fed’s recent monetary policy, Harvard Business Review’s study on the world-wide decline in democracy and its effect on free markets, and reaction to the U.S. airline industry’s request for a bailout.