Blog
Earnings Season: What Investors Can Take Away from Corporate Reports
September 26, 2019
Publicly traded companies are required to report their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. Earnings season is the often-turbulent period when most companies disclose their successes and failures. U.S. companies included in the S&P 500 index suffered year-over-year earnings declines in the first two quarters of 2019.1 Rising wages and higher material…
Balancing 401(k) and HSA Contributions
September 26, 2019
If you have the opportunity to contribute to both a 401(k) and a health savings account (HSA), you may wonder how best to take advantage of them. Determining how much to contribute to each type of plan will require some careful thought and strategic planning. Understand the tax benefits A traditional, non-Roth 401(k) allows you…
Key Estate Planning Documents
September 26, 2019
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are: a durable power of attorney, advance medical directives, a will, and a…
Market Strategies: Three Ways to Play Defense in Your Stock Portfolio
August 28, 2019
Defensive investment strategies share a common goal—to help a portfolio better weather an economic downturn and/or bouts of market volatility. But there are some key differences, including the specific criteria by which particular stocks are selected. If you are nearing retirement or just have a more conservative risk tolerance, one of these defensive strategies may…
Social Security: Shoring Up America’s Safety Net
August 28, 2019
Ever since a legal secretary named Ida May Fuller received the first Social Security retirement check in 1940, Americans have been counting on Social Security to provide much needed retirement income. For many older Americans, Social Security is their main source of guaranteed retirement income—income that continues throughout their lifetimes and is indexed for inflation…
Real Estate Investing 101
August 28, 2019
Historically low mortgage interest rates and rising home values are just a couple of reasons why investors may be drawn to real estate investing. Not only does real estate have the potential to provide a steady income stream, but it can help diversify an investment portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation. If you…
Symphony Financial Planning to Sponsor Upcoming Art Events
August 16, 2019
Financial planning firm is a sponsor for the Davis Arts Center’s annual studio tour and holiday sale. DAVIS, California—August 17, 2019—Symphony Financial Planning is proud to be a sponsor for two of the Davis Arts Center’s most beloved events: the Davis Art Studio Tour and the annual Holiday Sale. Symphony Financial Planning has sponsored both…
Is It Time to Declare Your Financial Independence?
June 27, 2019
No matter how much money you have or which life stage you’re in, becoming financially independent starts with a dream. Your dream might be to finally pay off the mountain of debt you’ve accumulated, or to stop relying on someone else for financial support. Or perhaps your dream is to retire early so you can…
Have you checked your tax withholding lately?
June 27, 2019
If you were unpleasantly surprised by the amount of tax you owed or the amount of your tax refund when you filed your 2018 tax return, it may be time to check your withholding. It may also be time if there are changes in your life or financial situation that affect your tax liability. For…
Should You Invest Internationally?
June 27, 2019
Investing in foreign stocks provides access to a world of opportunities outside the United States, which may help boost returns and manage risk in your portfolio. However, it’s important to understand the unique risk/return characteristics of foreign investments before sending a portion of your money overseas. Reasons to go abroad Here are some of the…