February Market Update

LPL Research Unveiled other than the historic volatility in gold and silver prices, the biggest news for markets in January may have been the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair.

January Market Update

LPL Research Unveiled Stocks had another strong year in 2025 as most market benchmarks enjoyed their third straight year of double-digit returns.

December Market Update

LPL Research Unveiled Stock investors were rewarded for staying the course in November as broad stock market averages recovered from a mid-month dip to end near record highs.

November Market Update

The last week of October delivered a flurry of impactful headlines across earnings, monetary policy, and geopolitics — each shaping the investment landscape as we head into year-end. Here are some key takeaways:

Navigating U.S. Government Shutdowns

🐢Navigating U.S. Government Shutdowns with Financial Clarity At Tortuga Financial, we believe true wealth is measured not just in assets, but in peace of mind. Government shutdowns may stir headlines and market ripples, but for those...

October Market Update

LPL Research has unveiled the October 1 deadline has passed, and the U.S. government has shut down.

Market Update

As summer winds down, the financial world remains focused primarily on the Federal Reserve (Fed).

Market Update

LPL Research recently unveiled Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations, their semi-annual report that recaps where markets and the economy have been over the first half of 2025.

Market Update

As June begins, markets continue to navigate a complex landscape shaped by trade policy shifts, an uncertain economic and earnings outlook, and bond market headwinds.

Market Update

The latest recovery is another reminder that periods of turmoil can often create opportunities.

Market Update

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March. Tariffs were the primary cause of the market jitters, although that uncertainty became too much for markets to shrug off once economic data started to weaken. 

Market Update

As spring approaches and the weather warms, the U.S. economy has begun to cool.

Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting

Update: On February 18,  the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas lifted a preliminary injunction that prevented the federal government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act.

Market Update

The new month brings two major market-moving stories to digest. First is the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) by Chinese startup DeepSeek.

The Illusion of Stock Market Timing

When it comes to investing in the stock market, there are few topics that generate as much debate as market timing.

Market Update

Stocks had another very strong year in 2024. In fact, 2024 marked the first time the S&P 500 has enjoyed a +20% gain in back-to-back years since 1997–98.

Market Update

Solid gains for stocks gave investors a November to remember.

Market Update

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris thanks to strong performance in key swing states that gave him 277 electoral votes to 224 for Harris.

Happy National Checklist Day

If you were ever wondering about the concept of a checklist and how it began, then we can enlighten you.

Market Update

Finally! For the first time in more than four years, on September 18, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates.

Market Update

With fall upon us and students back in classrooms, it seems like a good time to reflect on the various tests that the U.S. economy and stock market have passed recently.

LPL Financial Anniversary

Recently, we celebrated our 14-year anniversary affiliated with LPL Financial. 

Market Update

Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically.

Market Update

Stocks finished the first half of the year the same way they started — with solid gains.

Market Update

April showers brought May flowers as markets placed greater importance on economic growth and corporate profits than the “higher for longer” interest rate messages from the Federal Reserve (Fed).

National Turtle Day

Today we celebrate National Turtle Day, which occurs annually on May 23rd.  National Turtle Day is important because it raises awareness about the conservation and protection of turtles and their habitats.

Market Update

After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away."

Market Update

The first quarter is in the books, and it was an excellent one for stocks.

Going on Vacation

I'm embarking on a legitimate vacation in the near future and will be attempting to unplug for a few days and enjoy some one-on-one time with Zoe, currently in 9th grade.

Market Update

As spring approaches, the weather is starting to warm up. For the stock market, the temperature has been rising for a while now.

Market Update

Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.”

Market Update

Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the year.

Market Update

Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner.

Market Update

The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for.

Happy National Checklist Day

If you were ever wondering about the concept of a checklist and how it began, then we can enlighten you. The story starts with the Boeing B-17, also known as the 'Flying Fortress', a four-engine heavy bomber developed in the 1930s for the U

Market Update

The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary.

Market Update

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult.

13 Year Anniversary & A New Financial Planning Tool

Today marks our 13-year anniversary affiliated with LPL Financial. 

Market Update

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead.

Market Update

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking...

Market Update

June 7, 2023Dear Valued Client,Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like...

Market Update

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year.

Market Update

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system.

SVB Collapse

LPL Financial’s Chief Investment Officer wrote a letter explaining last week’s bank issues.  Please see below:

Going on Vacation!

We will have limited availability starting Monday, March 20, 2023 through Tuesday, March 28, 2023.  The office will be open and fully staffed on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Company Rebrand

This week has marked an important milestone for our company.

Market Update

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months.

Market Update

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead.

Secure Act 2.0 and Contribution Changes

Here’s a summary of Secure 2.0 passed by Congress and changes the IRS made to contribution limits for 2023.  If you like robust reading packed with financial details, then this is for you and you can contact us if you have any questions. 

Market Update

January 4, 2023 The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given the market’s continued instability during 2022 and a resulting tough period for stock and bond

Market Update

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance.

Market Update

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month.

Market Update

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.

Market Volatility & Office Updates

This year’s financial market volatility has been repugnant to say the least.  We’ve seen unprecedented declines in both the stock and bond markets, with little place to hide. 

Market Update

Dear Valued Clients, Here’s a summary of current financial talking points gathered by LPL Financial Research. If you like robust reading packed with financial data, then this is for you. If not, click elsewhere...

It's the Little Things

While on a recent business development trip, I was thrilled to find an elusive watermelon radish in a dinner salad. Seeing and consuming this bitter treat brought me great joy.  Why?  It’s simple.  They are...

Mid Year Market Update

Dear Valued Investor,Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon. But the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate what lies ahead. So far, this year hasn’t...

Market Update

To our Valued Clients,As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only...

Market Update

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Market Update

Announcement

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Market Update

Client Letter

February Client Letter

Market Volatility Client Letter

January Client Letter

December Client Letter

November Client Letter

To our valued clients: The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the...

October Client Letter

To our valued clients: One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now,...

September Client Letter

To our valued clients: The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of...

August Client Letter

To our valued clients, Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to...

July Client Letter

To our valued clients, In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound...

June Client Letter

To our valued clients, As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover...

Going on Vacation!

To Our Valued Clients: We will have limited availability Thursday May 27, 2021 through Tuesday June 1, 2021, and will be back in office on Wednesday June 2, 2021. If you should need any financial transactions executed, please let us...

May Client Letter

To our valued clients, As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May...

April Client Letter

“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom and...

March Client Letter

March 4, 2021 It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today than it was a year ago....

February 2021 Client Letter

February 9, 2021 “In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put...

January 2021 Client Letter

January 7, 2021 Happy New Year! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. However, it’s difficult to put 2020 completely behind us just yet because the COVID-19 pandemic still presents a significant...

December Client Letter

To our valued clients, this letter is prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Mike Maynes and Kim Summas As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to...

November Client Letter

To our valued clients, this letter is prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Mike Maynes and Kim Summas Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United...

October Client Letter

To our valued clients, this letter is prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Mike Maynes and Kim Summas Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and...

September Client Letter

September 8, 2020, To our valued clients, this letter is prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Mike Maynes and Kim Summas Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like...

Client Letter

February 28, 2020 To our valued clients. This letter was prepared by LPL to address the recent events. “The stock market takes an escalator up, and an elevator down,” is a classic Wall Street saying. The last week has sure...

Market Update

February 6, 2020 To our valued clients: The start of 2020 has brought increased stock market volatility. The uncharacteristically calm market environment we experienced for much of the past four months was bound to end, but identifying...

Elevate your Travel Experience

Dear Clients, Like many of you, I have the desire to travel and see world, one incredible journey at a time. In recent years, I’ve spent many hours researching airline award charts, as well as following several internet...

OUTLOOK 2020

To Our Valued Clients, Outlook 2020 offers investments insights and market guidance through the end of 2020. If you would like a hard copy or PDF please contact us at info@maynesim.com. Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future...

Happy Thanksgiving

We wish you and your family an exceptional Thanksgiving holiday. We also would like to say "thanks" for a great relationship. Sincerely, Mike and Kim

MARKET UPDATE

November 12, 2019 To Our Valued Clients, please find the November client letter prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Sincerely, Mike and Kim Turning the calendar from October to November...

MARKET UPDATE

October 4, 2019 Dear Valued Investor: Summer has turned to fall, and there’s already a little chill in the air. Three-quarters of the year is behind us now, and both stock and bond markets have had a strong year so far, although...

Hurricane Dorian

Dear Valued Clients & Friends, We have implemented our Hurricane Plan effective immediately. Before, during, and after the storm, our virtual receptionist will be answering our office calls from 8:00AM to 8:00PM Eastern Standard Time....

MARKET UPDATE

Below is the June letter prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Sincerely, Mike and Kim

MARKET UPDATE

July 15, 2019 To Our Valued Clients: Below is the July letter prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Sincerely, Mike and Kim U.S. leadership on the world stage remains in focus. We...

Going on Vacation!

To Our Valued Clients: We will have limited availability the week of July 1st through July 5th and will be back in office on Monday July 8th. Should you need anything during this time please email us at either Mike@maynesim.com or...

MARKET UPDATE

To Our Valued Clients: Below is the June letter prepared by LPL to keep you updated and informed with the current market and economy. Sincerely, Mike and Kim Trade tensions have interrupted an unusually calm year in U.S. stocks. In May...

MARKET UPDATE

Dear Valued Investor: If it seems like the financial markets have been off to an unusually strong start to the year—you are correct. The S&P 500 Index has risen for four consecutive months, resulting in the strongest start to a...

MARKET UPDATE

Dear Clients, This is a letter prepared by LPL to help you understand what is going on in the markets and with the economy. Sincerely, Mike and Kim

MARKET UPDATE

Dear Valued Investor: The S&P 500 Index has staged an impressive rally after nearly entering a bear market December 24, with U.S. stocks notching their best start to a year since 1991. Stocks have climbed the “wall of...

Happy Anniversary! 8 Year Affiliation with LPL

Today marks our 8 year anniversary LPL Financial affiliation. There are so many things that have shaped the last eight years of my practice. Please take a look below of what we've learned, what we've done, and how we are improving our...

Luna's Lessons: Our Redtail Wags For You

At Maynes IM, we are always looking for ways to improve the client experience and recently we invested in a tool that makes our tails wag furiously. The tool is called Redtail. Redtail is software which provides us the ability to...

Luna's Lessons: Our Sounding Board Process

All too often, we have seen first-hand clients who are going through or have recently gone through a challenging divorce. Helping them organize their newly-single financial situation and ultimately charting a course for retirement is...

Luna's Lessons: How to manage your FOMO

FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out From time to time we are asked about “hot” investments. They come in many forms, such as trendy stocks, new industries, commodities, or even currency. Clients are looking for the green light to...

Time Is Your Friend

A look at the potential of compounding and early, steady investing. Time may be the greatest asset for the young investor. While some people may frantically try to catch up onretirement saving after age 50, you have the chance to...

"Why should I choose a CFP®?

"Why should I choose a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and how can they help me?” Although many professionals call themselves "financial planners", Certified Financial Planner™ professionals have completed extensive...

5 Key Facts About the NEW Tax Bill

5 Key Facts About the New Tax Bill __________ The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) represents “the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years.”1 For millions of Americans and businesses...

How Do I Take Retirement Income & Where Should It Come From?

One of the most frequent questions we are asked by clients approaching retirement is, “How do I take retirement income and where should it come from?” It’s an extremely common question and let me tell you why. In the...