LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE
NOVEMBER 2023

Hello,

 

As the end of November approaches, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. One thing many Americans won’t be thankful for, though, is our government’s rising debt burden. In the latest edition of Wealth Insights , President of XML Financial Group Curtis Congdon, CFP®, CRPC® shared his views on how high interest rates and growing deficits have contributed to America’s record debt level. As the interest bill on all that debt comes due, the government may have to answer some tough questions about the nation’s finances.

 

Individuals often have to answer tough questions about their own finances, too – especially as retirement approaches. In a recent blog post, we explored how answering “when” questions is a key part of retirement planning. Knowing when to start taking Social Security, when to begin taking withdrawals, and when to take the actual leap into retirement are all key factors to understand as you step away from the world of work.

 

Yet stepping away from work is about more than just money. For many of us, work isn’t just a means to make a living, but a source of purpose and pride. As you plan for retirement, then, it’s important to think about how you’ll be spending your newly found free time. In another blog post, we discussed the different stages retirement might involve , and how individuals can consider their non-monetary retirement needs.

 

Yesterday, XML Associate Wealth Advisor, Caleb Long , hosted a webinar with Evan Serton where they discussed the outlook of the commercial real estate market. A wide range of topics were discussed in this insightful webinar and a recording of the webinar is available for your viewing.

 

As always, if you have any questions about the information shared in the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

Best,

Eric

 

Eric Wightman
Senior Wealth Advisor, Partner   

XML Financial Group
www.XMLFG.com  
(O) 301.770.5234 x 6030

Wealth Insights: Debt &Deficit

 

In the most recent episode of Wealth Insights with XML President, Curtis Congdon, he discussed two crucial terms the federal government needs to address: the debt and the deficit. 

Blogs

Why “When” Is A Key Part Of Retirement Planning

 

When it comes to retirement planning, a lot of it boils down to one key word: when. When should you start taking Social Security? When should you begin taking withdrawals from different retirement accounts? And the big question: When do you want to retire? 

Knowing the answers to these “when” questions is a key part of effective retirement planning and it is something that can be difficult for many people.

 

Retirement Planning Is About More Than Money

 

Retirement is different for everyone and it may involve different stages of life, including travel, time with family, and quiet time at home. There are many considerations to factor in including how to spend time and money in retirement, how to ensure your life has purpose, and what legacy to leave behind. What these retirement considerations all have in common is that they don't involve money.

 

On-demand Webinar: Outlook for Commercial Real Estate

 

On November 16, we hosted a webinar about the role commercial real estate can play in an investment portfolio.  XML Associate Wealth Advisor, Caleb Long , and Evan Serton, Portfolio Specialist and Senior Vice President with Cohen &Steers, joined us to answer questions and to discuss the outlook for the global REIT market, geographic and sector opportunities, and the potential impact of current real estate trends.

XML Team News

Guest Speaker at FOWA

On October 25, XML CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein , spoke to over 300 students on the Entrepreneurial Skills Track at Hewlett Packard’s Future of Work Academy (FOWA ). FOWA is a program that offers students access to resources, industry leaders, and internship opportunities to be ready for jobs of the future. Brett shared his extensive background in private equity investing, how investing in private equity has changed over time and his view on its future.

Corporate Sponsor

XML was proud to be a corporate sponsor of the So What Else 2023 Gala that was held on November 3rd at the Lakewood Country Club. To find out more about So What Else and what you can do to help out, please visit their website .

News Feature

XML President Curtis Congdon CFP®, CRPC® , was recently featured in a USA TODAY article where he discussed the appeal of alternative investments amid rising interest rates and surging inflation. 

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.