June 2022 – By Tom C. Rueger, J.D., CFP^®

A recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive a monthly benefit when the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that the recipient’s “income and resources” fall below certain limits. Funds held in certain kinds of Trusts (Special Needs Trusts) can be used to supplement, but not replace, the basic support that Medicare and SSI can provide to a special needs person. If drafted properly, funds in a Special Needs Trust can be specifically excluded from consideration of the “income and resources” limit that determines the eligibility for SSI, thereby allowing a special needs person to receive Medicare and/or a monthly SSI benefit. In other words, a Special Needs Trust is a method to shelter assets to ensure that government support is not lost or forfeited.

April 2022 – Contributed by Vantage Financial

As of March 30, 2022, the Senate has begun to review the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022, which calls for multiple improvements revolving around saving for retirement.  The draft as of now calls for increases in catch up provisions in retirement accounts based off costs of living, increases based off inflation for qualified charitable distributions, reducing the excise tax imposed on those who miss their required minimum distributions, delaying the starting age for required minimum distributions, and other benefits pertaining to employer-sponsored retirement plans.

March 2022 – By Bob Veres

If there is one significant fallout that most economists expect to land on American consumers as a result of the war in Ukraine, it is higher gas prices.  Prices tend to reflect supply and demand, and if there are sanctions on Russia’s ability to export oil, that will reduce supply without any anticipated change in demand.  It is estimated that roughly 2.3 million barrels a day of Russia’s 4.6 million output flows to Western nations.

March 2022

We are all watching the many recent events which are impacting the markets.  The military conflict unfolding overseas triggered significant economic sanctions and have increased market volatility.  Additional impacts due to rising energy and food prices along with continued supply chain issues are likely. 

Volatility and risk are part of investing and can test an investor’s resolve.  Whether the source of the volatility is from geopolitical events, inflation, or even a global pandemic, we maintain the belief the best approach is to remain invested, diversified, and focused on the goals and the long-term horizon.  Although oftentimes our emotions are pushed and our fears fueled, staying tethered to a structured fundamental strategy while keeping our goals in mind is the very ballast that keeps us from tipping too far one way or another, leading us toward decisions that can shipwreck our plans.

Turbulent markets can often present opportunities to adjust the portfolio’s tactical exposure within specific sectors, allowing reallocation to favored spaces at attractive entry points.  Our research process includes discussions with experienced fund managers to review the investment outlook given current events and to identify areas with positive risk and reward attributes.     

The team at Vantage will continue to monitor and research as we look for opportunities created by the recent volatility.