LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE
FEBRUARY 2022

Hello,

Thirty trillion dollars. We may think we understand how much money that is, but the human brain is actually not wired to fully comprehend a number that size. In a recent edition of Wealth Insights, XML President Curtis Congdon discussed America’s national debt and shared a visual representation of $30 trillion to demonstrate just how much we owe—and to whom. 

In our recent blog posts, we focused on factors that could affect your retirement planning strategy. First, we discussed the possibility that The SECURE ACT 2.0 could pass in 2022, which could mean big changes for enrollment in employer-sponsored plans and RMDs. And with concerns about inflation continuing to mount, we took a closer look at some strategies you may wish to consider to proactively plan for rising inflation in retirement. 

Finally, Women’s History Month is just around the corner, and our upcoming webinar is all about empowering women—both inside and outside the world of investing. On March 16, Sharon Abbey (Wealth Advisor, XML) will host a discussion between Jennifer Prosser (Market Strategist, Goldman Sachs Asset Management) and Michelle Cooper JD, MBA (Partner & Director, XML-W). Jennifer and Michelle will discuss “womenomics”: how empowering women can create financial and economic success for everyone. You don’t want to miss this discussion, so make sure you register!

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

Wealth Insights: 30 Trillion Dollars

In this week's edition of Wealth Insights, XML President Curtis Congdon shares his insights on the seemingly never-ending accumulation in the US gross national debt. For a look at what this debt means for America, who owns the debt, and a shocking visual graphic as to how much debt 30 trillion dollars is, click the link below to watch the video. 

Blogs

The SECURE Act 2.0 Could Pass In 2022. What Does It Mean?

Big changes for enrollment in employer-sponsored plans and RMDs could just be some of the major changes to take place if The SECURE ACT 2.0 passes in 2022. Read on to find out what other changes could take place.

Planning For Inflation In Retirement

Inflationary pressures can come from any number of sources and at any time. While you may not be able to predict or control rising inflation, you can still take steps to insulate your retirement savings from its effects. Click the link below to find out how.

Upcoming Webinar

Womenomics: The Importance of Empowering Women

On March 16, Sharon Abbey (Wealth Advisor, XML Financial Group) will be joined by Jennifer Prosser (Market Strategist at Goldman Sachs Asset Management) and Michelle Cooper JD, MBA (Partner & Director of XML-W) for a must-see conversation on empowering women investors. Structured as an open discussion, the topics covered in this webinar will include:

• How women can improve their confidence as investors
• Closing the gender gap
• The impact of COVID-19 on the gender gap in the workforce and investing
• Making your financial dreams into realities

XML Team News

Spotlight in ETF.com

With so many ETFs out there, it can be difficult to sort through them all to try and find one or a few that fits your investing profile. In a recent piece on ETF.com, they polled advisors to ask them about a fund they would recommend right now. XML's CIO & Co-Founder Rob Kantor was one of the advisors polled and you can read his thoughts behind the fund he chose and his rationale for choosing it.

CNBC Market Zone

The oil and gas markets have been on a tear since September and this run has continued as evidenced by higher oil prices despite output issues with OPEC. XML's Senior Wealth Advisor and Partner, Eric Wightman was recently mentioned on CNBC's Market Zone (clip above) and the clip offers his reasoning for these higher commodity prices. 

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.