LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE
NOVEMBER 2022

Hello,

Although 2022 has been a rough year for capital markets, Q3 earnings results for companies in the S&P 500 have been a pleasant surprise. As of last Thursday, 450 of the 500 companies had reported their earnings for Q3, and 69% exceeded analysts’ expectations for the quarter. But why were so many analysts off-base in their projections? In a recent edition of “Wealth Insights,” XML President Curtis Congdon took a closer look at the historical correlation between the S&P 500 and the earnings per share (EPS) of the 500 companies on that index.

There is talk of a looming housing market correction. You may think that means a 10%–20% drop in prices (which is how we define a “correction” in capital markets), but as we explained in a recent blog post, the real estate market operates a bit differently. Elsewhere on our blog, we talked about navigating a different type of volatility: the emotional upheaval that occurs when a loved one passes and leaves behind a significant inheritance. 

We have reached the halfway point of Q4, which means the window is almost closed for any year-end tax or financial planning moves—but there’s still some time left before the end of the year. Charitable giving can be a great way to lower your tax bill while supporting the philanthropy of your choice, and we recently held a webinar on charitable planning. Senior Wealth Advisor Shawna Bieda, CFP® was joined by James Carpenter, CAP^®, ChFC^®, CLU^®, Vice President & Charitable Planning Consultant at Fidelity Charitable, and they discussed some key charitable giving strategies that you may want to consider to maximize your giving and minimize your taxable burden for the year. View the recording of this important discussion in our Webinar Library.

During this season of thankfulness, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family. From the XML family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Wealth Insights: 3Q22 Earnings

In this edition of Wealth Insights, XML President, Curtis Congdon, shares the historical correlation between the S&P 500 Index and the earnings per share (EPS) of the companies on the Index.

Blogs

What Does A Housing Market “Correction” Look Like?

In the capital markets, a correction refers to a 10%–20% drop in share prices, but the real estate market doesn’t define a correction quite as neatly. So what might a housing market correction look like in practical terms? And, just as important, what does it mean for homeowners?

Receiving A Large Inheritance?

Read This.

Receiving an inheritance requires navigating difficult emotions as you mourn the loss of a loved one—which means having a plan and a trusted advisor is even more crucial to securing your financial future. Read on to find out some of the steps you should consider when receiving an inheritance.

Webinars

Charitable Planning 2022

Earlier this week, Shawna Bieda, CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor hosted a webinar with James Carpenter, CAP®, ChFC®, CLU®, VP & Charitable Planning Consultant at Fidelity Charitable, to discuss everything you need to know about charitable planning for 2022. Click the link below to watch the replay.

XML Team News

XML is thrilled to announce we have been named to the inaugural list of Top RIA Firms in America by Forbes and SHOOK Research. It is an honor to be in the top 100 firms. We appreciate the commitment of our advisors to our client relationships through both prosperous and turbulent times. Click to see the full list of RIA firms here.

*Data as of December 31, 2021. Coverage period is 2021. America’s Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on data submitted by the participant, in-person, virtual or telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receive compensation from XML in exchange for its Registered Investment Advisor Firm placements or rankings, which are determined independently. Participation in this directory is limited to ranked firms; once placed on a ranking, firms may choose to pay fees to Forbes and Shook for premium listing features as indicated by highlighted names. XML paid no such fees. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor or firm and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Investors must carefully choose the right advisor or firm for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. 

Welcome to the Team, Caleb!

Please join us in welcoming Caleb Long to the team! Caleb recently joined XML as an Associate and will work out of our Rockville office. Caleb has over four years of experience servicing wealth management clients including ultra-high net worth individuals and families, as well as, foundations and endowments. Outside of work, you can find Caleb cheering on the Capitals or the Nationals, enjoying a Peloton workout, or volunteering.

In the News

Congratulations to XML CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein on being listed in the 2022 Top Financial Professionals in Bethesda Magazine! We appreciate the recognition by his peers. To learn more about the full list, please visit this link.**

**Bethesda Magazine sent a survey to hundreds of financial professionals in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. asking, “If you had a close friend or relative who needed financial planning advice, and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” The resulting list represents those who earned the greatest number of endorsements from their peers. The financial professional does not pay a fee to be included. This survey does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of the financial professional’s future performance. 

Mark Samson, Senior Partner at Samson Wealth Management Group, a division of XML Financial Group, recently spoke with Financial Advisor IQ about how clear and concise communication with clients throughout the process is essential. Mark's firm, Samson Wealth, merged with XML earlier this year, and he explained the benefits of the merger, along with the new tools and resources to which Samson’s clients will have access.

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.