Inflation Update

June 2022 – Scott Rosenquist, CFA®

The consumer price index (CPI) for the month of May came in higher than expected. The headline number was up 8.6% over the last year showing the largest increase in decades as price increases were broad based with gas, food and shelter contributing the most. Investors were looking for signs of inflation peaking but will have to remain patient as economic conditions continue to tighten. The Federal Reserve has signaled several interest rate increases over the coming months while also starting to reduce the size of their balance sheet. This process will take time to filter through the economy although the market has anticipated this and reflected across several financial asset classes. The Federal Reserve meets this week and investors are looking to see if they act more aggressively than previously signaled to combat rising prices.

Continue reading →

Special Needs Trusts

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.

Continue reading →

The Battle Continues

Market Memo

May 2022 – By Kyle Rohrwasser

The war in Ukraine continues as governments look toward a slowing global economy with continued inflationary pressures. News outlets have decreased their war coverage, but the conflict and its economic impact remain real. European countries have seen rising energy prices and COVID lockdowns in China have added to supply chain woes. In the United States, we feel these effects domestically through rising food and gas costs mainly. Based on the rising value of the dollar to other currencies, it implies that we are in better shape than most other economies.

Continue reading →