LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE
JANUARY 2024

Hello,

 

Happy New Year! As we welcome the start of 2024, we do so with excitement for the opportunity of the year ahead. Opportunity comes in many forms, and we are always happy to explore all of the possibilities with you, so let’s make sure to have a conversation and update your financial plan to be ready for whatever 2024 has in store.

 

We’ve already started the year quickly, and recently held our 2024 Markets Outlook Webinar which you can watch on-demand here . In this webinar, XML President Curtis Congdon, CFP, CRPC , is joined by Meera Pandit, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan to discuss some of the best ideas and thoughts for what we may expect as the year progresses. While the world continually changes from the predictions that are initially imaginable, thinking about all of the possibilities can provide a great framework for eventually knowing when an opportunity is present. 

 

While we’re busy thinking about the opportunities available for you and in your best interest, it’s also important to remember that others may have less admirable “opportunity” in mind. Here is a poignant example identifying some of those risks: Today Show - Andy Cohen.   Your data protection and privacy are of even greater importance to us with scams continually on the rise. These scams have also become more sophisticated and pervasive, and one way to better protect yourself is to stay informed. Take a look at this article to see another example of how scammers are targeting retirees: XML Blog - Social Security Scam.

 

In an age of electronic communications and now digital currencies, it is always a good idea to think twice about online exposure or transactions. Areas of excitement and emotion are particularly ripe picking for those with malintent. The popularity of Bitcoin encapsulates these qualities, and we wanted to share more information about the recent news surrounding Bitcoin with this excellent summary by Curtis again: Bitcoin ETF SEC Approval.

 

We look forward to another successful year with you. As always, if you have any questions about the information shared in the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

Best,

Brett

 

Brett Shane Bernstein, CFP ^®
CEO and Co-founder   

XML Financial Group
www.XMLFG.com  
(O) 301.770.5234 x 2030

Wealth Insights: SEC Approval

 

In the most recent episode of Wealth Insights with XML President, Curtis Congdon, CFP®, CRPC® , he shares more information about the recent news surrounding Bitcoin with this excellent summary on Bitcoin ETF SEC Approval.

Blogs

Andy Cohen Recounts Ordeal of Losing Money in Elaborate Scam

 

Andy Cohen recently fell prey to an elaborate scamming scheme that saw money being wired out of his bank account. All too often, we become trusting of emails and phone numbers that appear to be from credible sources. But as Andy details, anyone can fall prey to these scams and it's best to be as diligent as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

Scammers Are Targeting Social Security Recipients

 

 

In 2022, to help Social Security recipients keep pace with historic inflation rates and an economic downturn, the Social Security Administration approved a major cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security benefits. The 8.7% increase is the largest we’ve seen in over 40 years—and naturally, scammers are hard at work trying to take that money from Social Security recipients.

On-demand Webinar: 2024 Markets Outlook

 

On January 17 , Curtis Congdon, CFP®, CRPC® , President of XML Financial Group, hosted a must-see webinar featuring insights and perspectives from a seasoned veteran of the capital markets: Meera Pandit, Executive Director and Global Market Strategist at JP Morgan, where they spoke about the current market condition and what may lie ahead in 2024.

XML Team News

Welcome Vidya White!

We would like to wish a warm welcome to Vidya White to the XML family. Vidya joins XML as a Client Service Associate and brings with her over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and in various roles. Please join us in welcoming Vidya to the team!

News Feature

XML CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein CFP® , was featured in a number of different news features over the past month. In the first piece by Citywire , Brett gave insights on how RIAs can attract and hire young talent. In a world reshaped by the pandemic. Brett highlighted the changing priorities of young professionals—seeking balance, a supportive culture and a clear growth path— and emphasized the power of clear communication, showcasing the importance of aligning values, vision and culture.

 

In the second piece, Brett discussed how supporting client needs goes beyond financial planning expertise. XML Financial Group utilizes several tools daily that provide value to clients and assist in their needs and this was documented in an Investment News article.

 

Lastly, Brett offered his take on how to approach financial advisors who are in cognitive decline in a recent Financial Advisor Magazine  article. With an aging population, Brett recommends treating advisors the same as clients are treated – that includes starting early and finding a
solution that works for everyone.

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.

 

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