Enjoy this week's edition of the Planner's Beta
Beta (n) - climber's jargon that designates information about a climb This digest's purpose is to share observations, ideas, and treasures found this week which you may also find insightful. Sharing does not mean it's an endorsement. I am endorsing the pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
Something Fun
Why You Desperately Want to Jump in a Lake (Outside Magazine) - I grew up swimming. Spending summer in my grandparent's pool or swimming for the high school swim team includes some of my fondest memories. But you know one of the most remarkable things since sliced bread? Jumping into an alpine lake after a long, hot day of hiking. I found my infatuation of swimming in mountain lakes when I ventured west from my home in Indiana to maintain trails in Northern California with AmeriCorps. Jumping into ice-cold water steals your breath away, and after jumping in, you want to get out as quickly as possible. Your survival instinct kicks in after being submerged, and getting to shore becomes your only focus. After emerging from the freezing lake, you feel completely reinvigorated. This podcast from Outdoor Magazine explores the therapeutic benefits of swimming, and it reminded me of my affection for alpine lakes.
Something about Investing
One of the most productive things you can do for your portfolio is to remain calm when the financial markets turn choppy. We know from scientific research that behavior can be the biggest challenge to ensuring economic success over the long haul. When we become emotional about the markets, our actions will often conflict with the long-term strategy of our investing plan. Take this concise assessment to learn how your emotions might be playing into your investor-related decision making.
Something about Economics
How the COVID-19 pandemic is changing Americans' spending habits (The Economist) - Here are some fascinating data points regarding household spending through the crisis. It appears we went on a big spending splurge in anticipation of lock downs in late February. And now, in April, spending is down across all categories, including groceries. Economists, policymakers, and investors will be looking at this kind of data to understand how households are fairing. A silver lining is we may be able to find some toilet paper and SPAM at the local grocery store now.
Something about Pursuit Planning and Investments, LLC
Have a six-figure household income, and still wonder where all the money goes? Research shows wealth accumulators know their budget inside and out, and they can state where all their spending goes. I help households build, track, and maintain their budgets in light of their ever-changing goals and challenges. I help them understand what a reasonable budget looks like, and how to live to it. I serve clients by assisting them in navigating their financial planning decisions to help them live their life's pursuits. A budget is a core to the process. Learn more about the common questions my clients ask.
Something about the Economy
America should be ready for 18 months of shutdowns in 'long, hard road' ahead, warns the Fed's Neel Kashkari (MarketWatch) - This is not a comforting headline, but we need to be realistic with ourselves. A quick rebound to the economy is looking less and less likely. Absent a surprise vaccine or therapy to treat COVID-19 successfully, we are looking at at least 18 months of coming in and out of some form of reduced economic activity. Furthermore, we, as a nation, face some tough decisions ahead. Do we open the economy up at the risk of our health? Or do we risk livelihoods for our health? It is quite a dilemma. For now, policymakers in Washington DC are mulling over the fourth round of stimulus initiatives. There are growing expectations Congress will allot more recovery funds to businesses and individuals to help aid the economy during these trying times.
What does this mean for us, individuals? We all face challenges at this time. And for many, financial stress is going to grow. Starting today on getting your economic house in order would be prudent. If you are fortunate to have work, be saving cash in an emergency fund if you have not already. An emergency fund should include, at a minimum, three to six months of your necessary expenses. If you are already in a tight spot and are looking for a starting point to understand possible financial relief options, visit Pursuit Planning and Investments, LLC's, COVID-19 relief options checklist.
Have something on your mind? Schedule a free call with Nate.
Pursuit Planning and Investments, LLC is an Investment Adviser registered with the State of Oregon. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication's conclusions. Past results do not guarantee future results. Please contact us at 971-803-5948 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions. Additionally, we recommend you compare any account reports from PPI with the account statements from your Custodian. Please notify us if you do not receive statements from your Custodian on at least a quarterly basis. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, www.planyourpursuit.com. This disclosure brochure, or a summary of material changes made, is also provided to our clients on an annual basis.