POTENTIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES DURING A DIFFICULT TIME
The stock market crash of 1987. The tech bubble in the early-2000s. The financial crisis of 2008. And now, the coronavirus pandemic.
What do all of these things have in common? They all involve sharp market downturns that end a bull market and trigger a bear market. For many investors, these events create anxiety and worry about the long-term ramifications.
These events all share something else in common. They offer potential opportunities.
In a difficult time like this, it can be hard to see opportunities, but they do exist. Of course, not all opportunities are right for everyone. Your strategy and decisions should be based on your specific needs, goals, and risks.
However, it’s possible that you could take action today to improve your financial future. Below are three examples of potential opportunities. A financial professional can help you determine the right course of action for your long-term strategy.
Tax-Loss Harvesting
If you have seen your portfolio suffer since late February, you are not alone. As recently as early February, we were still enjoying a strong economy. Between Friday, February 21, and Tuesday, March 16, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped by 35.87%. Since that low point, the market has recovered somewhat. However, the DJIA is still down 16.4% year-to-date.¹
If you are considering a change in strategy, you also may be able to take advantage of a potential tax deduction. A change in allocation may require you to sell assets that have declined in value. While realizing a loss is never a good outcome, you could qualify for a tax-loss deduction.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should realize losses simply for the tax deduction. Your decision should be guided by your long-term goals. A financial professional can help you determine how best to move forward.
Roth IRA Conversion
Do you hold a significant amount of retirement assets in a traditional IRA? One of the benefits of a traditional IRA is that you realize an upfront deduction for contributions. However, that also means that your future distributions are taxable as income.
You may prefer to use a Roth IRA, which allows you to take tax-free withdrawals in retirement, assuming you are 59 ½ or older, and the account is at least five years old. You can convert your traditional IRA into a Roth, and now could be the time to do so.
When you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, you pay income taxes on the converted amount. If you have seen a decline in your IRA over the past couple of months, you now have a reduced balance. That means the tax exposure from conversion would be lower today than it was two months ago.
It’s also possible that, like millions of Americans, you have been laid off, furloughed, or that you have accepted a pay cut. It’s possible that your income for 2020 will be lower than it has been in years past, which means you may be in a lower tax rate. Again, this could reduce your tax exposure in a Roth conversion.
Roth conversions aren’t right for everyone. However, if you have been considering one, this may be the right time.
Investing at Discounted Prices
It’s never a good idea to try and predict the market’s direction, especially in the short-term. Investment decisions should always be guided by long-term strategy and specific goals and needs.
However, there is no denying the fact that many assets are currently trading at prices substantially reduced from two months ago. If you have cash available to invest and have the risk tolerance to withstand potential volatility, this could be a good time to revisit your strategy.
It’s always wise to hold six to twelve months in liquid, risk-free emergency reserves, even if those accounts pay very little in interest. However, if you have other funds that aren’t needed for emergency reserves, you may want to consider how best to use them in the long-term. Investing at discounted prices may allow you to more fully participate in a future recovery.
As always, your decisions should be based on your unique needs, not generalized advice. Let’s talk about it and implement the right strategy for your goals. Contact us today at Oliver Asset Management. We can help you analyze your needs and goals and find the right opportunities. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
1https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&tbm=fin&sxsrf=ALeKk006ktaTHRuJ1MB-WYLuWkeqF7PpWw:1588177817109&q=INDEXSP:+.INX&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgecRowi3w8sc9YSntSWtOXmNU5eIKzsgvd80rySypFBLnYoOyeKW4uTj1c_UNDM0qi4t5FrHyevq5uEYEB1gp6Hn6RQAAItD1MEkAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPyP-0h47pAhXIWM0KHR3mBUQQlq4CMAB6BAgBEAE&biw=1536&bih=754&dpr=1.25#scso=_N6ypXpKOEYu2tAbp-I-oAQ1:0
Advisory services offered through Change Path, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. Change Path, LLC and Oliver Asset Management are unaffiliated entities. Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. 200
In today’s video, Rebecca asks an important question about retirement planning: With four different investment accounts- her 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, and individual account- she’s wondering which one she should withdraw from first when she retires next year and needs income.
Financial mistakes can happen at any age, but they can have a particularly significant impact in your 60s. In today’s episode, Frank discusses 5 common financial blunders to avoid during this pivotal decade.
In today’s mailbag episode, we’re answering a question from Bobby about Social Security. He plans to keep working for another two years but wonders if he should start taking his benefits now since he’s reached full retirement age. Is it a smart move, or could waiting be a better strategy?
We've got some financial changes that'll help you out and some new mindsets and mentalities that'll put you in the right direction as you go through the new year.
A listener recently reached out, sharing that their house feels like a constant money pit. They're dealing with one repair after another, and the cost and effort are leaving them frustrated. They’ve asked Frank if he thinks it would be a bad idea to sell the house and rent while they figure out their next move.
Why do you need a tax professional?
3 Differences Between Life Insurance and Roth IRAs
Are you saving for something big in the next few years, like a wedding or a down payment on a house? You might be wondering how to make your money work harder in the short term without taking on too much risk. In this video, Frank talks about products he calls “defined outcome investments,” which may offer higher yields than traditional CDs and bonds while providing downside protection. Whether you’re planning for something in the next 1 to 3 years, Frank explains how these products might help you balance risk and reward.
As you approach retirement, have you thought about how you’d like to spend your newfound free time? Maybe a part-time job or a side hustle is something that could appeal to you! Frank has been in this industry for a long time, so today he's going to share some of the most interesting side hustles he's seen some of his clients take on during retirement.
It’s the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees.
Advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Wealth, LLC and Oliver Asset Management are unaffiliated entities.
Licensed Insurance Professional. Respond and learn how financial products, including life insurance and annuities can be used in various planning strategies for retirement. The information contained herein is based on our understanding of current tax law. The tax and legislative information may be subject to change and different interpretations. We recommend that you seek professional tax advice for applicability to your personal situation.
*Testimonials are based on unique experiences from current clients and are not representative of all client experiences. Testimonials are unsolicited and clients received no compensation (cash or non-cash). Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Testimonials are encouraged and welcomed from all prospects and clients. Investment advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, a registered investment advisor. CreativeOne Wealth is not affiliated with Oliver Asset Management. Additional information about CreativeOne Wealth, LLC is available in its current disclosure documents, Form ADV, Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, and Client Relationship Summary report which are accessible online via the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, using CRD #281213.
Oliver Asset Management © 2023