Here is our December 2017 Monthly review. If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format.
In our post, here and here we discuss the Medicare Means testing levels, both historic and what we are faced with in 2018.
Due to the faster lower Tiers of income, the Social Security Administration has casted a wider net for all of us.
Here are the new levels, again from our post AND in even GREATER details in our Q1 2018 Newsletter.
A life event change may create relief – Life events not limited to the following-
Marriage
Divorce/Annulment
Death of Your Spouse
Work Stoppage
Work Reduction
Loss of Income-Producing Property
Loss of Pension Income
Employer Settlement Payment
Please see our Q1 2018 Newsletter for detailed instructions on how to get relief from these faster grabbing surcharges.
Personal Spring Cleaning in the Winter
Personal Reminder Email Tip
In our post mid-month here we discussed cleaning your emails to lower the Tidal Wave of daily emails.
After almost four weeks we are down to a trickle.
What was most interesting were the different experiences of who was up front and nice about the “Unsubscribe” request and who was down right dirty about letting us off their list. Surprised and disappointed with some companies.
Capital Market Comments
VIX – Fear Index Goes into Hibernation
We initially wrote in our Newsletter article and Blog post here, the VIX went to sleep … after another few closes below 10, we are coining it “Hibernation”
From 1990 to 2016 this Fear index closed below 10 a total of 9 times. During the year 2017, it has closed below that level 52 times and counting !!
Wow … Hibernation!
Interest Rate Increases
Just few years ago, with former FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) chair Ben Bernanke running the show, a miscalculated mention of a pending interest rate increase threw the Capital Markets into a tail spin – and that was just a mention of one small .25% increase. WOW-
When the history books are written on this period of time, FOMC members “Listening” to markets may be prominent, and possible reason for success.
In 2017, the FOMC raised rates 3 times with very little market disruption. They are on record for 3 more in 2018. The best part of this, market participants are not throwing a hissy fit and seem to be welcoming the increases.
Today, we think NOT increasing the rates as forecasted would cause more harm than increasing – exactly the opposite of just a few years ago. Way to pivot FOMC officials.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial advisor prior to investing!
Background
The is the vocal portion of J.K. Financial, Inc. a Dallas Texas Based Fee Only Total Wealth Financial Planning Firm. Founded by John Kvale, a Dallas Texas Fee only Financial Planner and Total Wealth Manager.
$treet-¢ents 
December 2017 Podcast Video, Financial Planning and Capital Market Update- By John Kvale
Here is our December 2017 Monthly review. If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format.
December 2017 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
You have been IRMMAAtized – Options for Relief
In our post, here and here we discuss the Medicare Means testing levels, both historic and what we are faced with in 2018.
Due to the faster lower Tiers of income, the Social Security Administration has casted a wider net for all of us.
Here are the new levels, again from our post AND in even GREATER details in our Q1 2018 Newsletter.
A life event change may create relief – Life events not limited to the following-
Please see our Q1 2018 Newsletter for detailed instructions on how to get relief from these faster grabbing surcharges.
Personal Spring Cleaning in the Winter
Personal Reminder Email Tip
In our post mid-month here we discussed cleaning your emails to lower the Tidal Wave of daily emails.
After almost four weeks we are down to a trickle.
What was most interesting were the different experiences of who was up front and nice about the “Unsubscribe” request and who was down right dirty about letting us off their list. Surprised and disappointed with some companies.
Capital Market Comments
VIX – Fear Index Goes into Hibernation
We initially wrote in our Newsletter article and Blog post here, the VIX went to sleep … after another few closes below 10, we are coining it “Hibernation”
From 1990 to 2016 this Fear index closed below 10 a total of 9 times. During the year 2017, it has closed below that level 52 times and counting !!
Wow … Hibernation!
Interest Rate Increases
Just few years ago, with former FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) chair Ben Bernanke running the show, a miscalculated mention of a pending interest rate increase threw the Capital Markets into a tail spin – and that was just a mention of one small .25% increase. WOW-
In 2017, the FOMC raised rates 3 times with very little market disruption. They are on record for 3 more in 2018. The best part of this, market participants are not throwing a hissy fit and seem to be welcoming the increases.
Today, we think NOT increasing the rates as forecasted would cause more harm than increasing – exactly the opposite of just a few years ago. Way to pivot FOMC officials.
Happy New Year!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
www.jkfinancialinc.com
www.street-cents.com
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