---
title: XML | August 2022 Newsletter
image: https://info.xmlfg.com/hubfs/xml-nl-meta.png
---

Although capital markets have rallied in the last month, many experts still believe we are in a bear market, while others believe a recession is inevitable in the near future.

| Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest finance insights LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE AUGUST 2022  Hello,   Although capital markets have rallied in the last month, many experts still believe we are in a bear market, and some believe a recession is inevitable in the near future. Naturally, these market conditions have many people worried about their retirement savings. Social Security plays a major role in retirement planning, but many savers are unfamiliar with all the complexities and nuances of Social Security income in retirement. On September 20 at 12 PM EST, we are holding a webinar to answer some of the most frequently-asked questions about Social Security. If you or someone else you know have questions regarding social security, we encourage you to register for this insightful webinar.   In the meantime, we also recently shared a blog post with important tips that can help you take the right steps now to protect your retirement and your financial future. We explored the most common money mistakes people make that can jeopardize their retirement plans and shared some best practices retirement savers should adopt in order to avoid these pitfalls.   It is never too early to prepare for your long-term financial future, but many investors are primarily concerned with getting through the rest of this year. Bob Collins (Co-CIO and Managing Director of Collins Investment Group) recently hosted a webinar with Fidelity’s Anu Gaggar, CFA®, FRM and Scott Wren of Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Anu and Scott recapped how capital markets performed through the first half of 2022, and the two industry veterans shared their outlook for what might be in store the rest of the year. If you were unable to attend the webinar or you’d like to watch it again, you can view a recording of the event.   As always, if you have any questions about the information shared in the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.   XML Financial Group   Social Security FAQs   On September 20 at 12 PM, we are hosting a must-see webinar to answer your most pressing questions about Social Security. Tyler J. De Haan, MPA, MS, CFP®, ChFC®, Director of the Knowledge Hub at Principal Global Investors, will join XML’s Senior Wealth Advisor, Lauren O’Brien, CFP®, CPA, for what figures to be an insightful discussion about the ins and outs of Social Security. Join us to get answers to questions such as: How do I maximize my Social Security benefits? What is the Earnings Test and how does it work? Can I take a spousal benefit and defer my own benefit until later? Will Social Security still be an option when my kids reach retirement age? REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR Blogs       Avoid These Retirement-Killing Money Mistakes Planning for retirement can seem daunting, so it’s no surprise that a recent EBRI survey found that planning for retirement makes 58% of retirement savers feel stressed. In this blog, you'll learn about how to avoid a few common money mistakes many people tend to make. READ MORE On-Demand Webinar       WATCH THE WEBINAR RECORDING XML Team News       Pictured left to right: Jason Klopman (Senior Wealth Advisor), James O’Donnell (2022 Summer Intern), Radley Ellenbogen (former 2018 Summer Intern, Associate Wealth Advisor), and Pete Deoudes (Director of Marketing). XML Internship Program Many thanks to James O’Donnell for completing his summer internship! James was able to experience the day-to-day of a Wealth Advisor, Operations Associate, and how we market for XML. We wish James well as he evaluates his future prospects after graduation from Maryland’s Smith School of Business in 2024. Good luck James!     In the News XML CEO and Co-Founder, Brett Bernstein offered his insights in two recent Financial Advisor IQ articles. In the first article, Brett addresses the firm's strategy for implementing client testimonials for future marketing purposes. In the second piece, Brett shares the top financial advice question he is currently getting from clients and prospects.  XML Senior Wealth Advisor and Partner, Eric Wightman, offers perspective on recession fears in this Wall Street Journal article: Tech Stocks Are Back in the Market’s Driver’s Seat.     You're Invited: Sip and Shop On August 27th from 2 PM–6 PM, join Michelle Cooper (Partner & Director of XML-W - Women, Wealth & Wellness) at Alice + Olivia in Georgetown for an afternoon of Shopping With A Purpose. Event attendees will receive a 10% discount on their purchases, and an additional 10% of all proceeds will go to So What Else, a nonprofit organization that XML CEO & Co-Founder, Brett Bernstein, currently chairs.     Welcome to the team, Shawna! Please join us in welcoming Shawna Bieda to the team! Shawna is a Senior Wealth Advisor who brings over 20 years of experience to our growing team. She will be based out of our Bethesda office and currently calls Lake Share, Maryland home.  This communication is for information and educational purposes only. This is not a recommendation for the sale or investment in any product or strategy nor should it be perceived as individual advice. Information presented has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and does not represent all available data necessary for making investment decisions. Economic and market forecasts presented herein reflect a series of assumptions and judgments as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. Forecasts do not consider the specific investment objectives, restrictions, tax and financial situation or other needs of an individual. Actual data will vary and may not be reflected here. Accordingly, these forecasts should be viewed as merely representative of a broad range of possible outcomes. The opinion expressed by this individual is based on facts and circumstances known at this time, is subject to change and does not reflect the opinions of all financial professionals of XML. XML Financial Group   One Preserve Parkway, Suite 120 \| Rockville, MD 20852 \| 301-770-5234   6901 Rockledge Drive #730 \| Bethesda, MD 20817 \| 301-915-9630   7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120 East \| Falls Church, VA 22043 \| 703-790-5999   500 Office Center Drive, Suite 103 \| Fort Washington, PA 19034 \| 215-693-5000   208 S. Ridge Street, P.O. Box 3813 \| Breckenridge, CO 80424 \| 970-668-5701   See important disclosures XML Financial Group, One Preserve Parkway, Suite 120, Rockville, MD 20852, USA, 301-770-5234 |
| --- |

 Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=6887386&fmt=gif)