Connecting the Dollars by Propel Financial Advisors

Midyear Market Insights Part 2: the Fed & the Economy

Midyear Market Insights Part 2: the Fed & the economy Connecting the Dollars Podcast Episode 50 Emily and Amanda discuss some major market themes in 2024. Next in our series: The Fed and the economy Inflation has fallen this year, with the most recent readings falling below expectations. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate keeps creeping up. The Fed has a dual mandate on inflation and employment: will the long-awaited rate cut happen soon? 
 
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Midyear Market Insights. Part 1: NVDA & AI

Emily and Amanda discuss some major market themes in 2024. First up: Nvidia and AI:
The returns in Nividia and other AI stocks have been astronomical this year. Emily & Amanda lay out how we, as financial advisors interpret and apply the news. They discuss:
-          Comparisons to the dot-com bubble and whether they’re warranted
-          Portfolio concentration and risk
-          Recognizing the feelings of FOMO that can lead to imprudent behaviors
 
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First Home Finances: Get your financial ducks in a row before buying a home

This week, Emily and Amanda dive into the current state of the housing market and what to consider before purchasing your first home. After discussing the impact of higher interest rates and rising home insurance costs, they cover five key considerations before taking the leap into real estate.
 
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Timeless Troubles: Tackling Five Ever-Present Personal Finance Challenges

This week, fellow advisor Danielle Woods joins the podcast. Danielle draws on her 26 years of experience as a financial advisor to discuss the five most common issues she sees clients struggle with. They are:
 
1. Focusing on an isolated issue rather than the whole picture.
2. Balancing paying off debt vs savings
3. Being proactive and speaking with your advisor before taking action
4. Preparing for death (legally and financially speaking)
5. Working on their budget
 
Additional resources:
 
During our discussion Danielle referenced a webinar that we hosted that goes through the elements of estate planning.
 
Navigating the Dark Cloud: Planning Before and After a Loved One's Death
 

Ten Tax Season Takeaways

In this episode, Emily and Amanda reflect on tax season 2024. When preparing tax returns, Emily and Amanda see recurring themes across clients. They discuss their top ten issues they saw taxpayers struggling with in 2024.
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Clearing Up the Fee-fusion

In this episode, Emily and Amanda discuss the different types of fees financial advisors charge for their services: from AUM (assets-under-management) to flat-fees to commissions. They also include a discussion around different types of hidden fees to look for. Emily and Amanda believe in being upfront and transparent about their fees.
Find additional resources at https://propelfinancialadvisors.com/connecting-the-dollars

Get to Know Your Advisor: Emily Agosto, CPA

Get to Know your Advisor: Emily Agosto, CPA Connecting the Dollars Podcast Episode 44 In this episode, we get to know advisor Emily Agosto better. Emily has extensive professional experience as an accountant, investment advisor and financial professional. Learn more about how she approaches her financial advising practice and why she enjoys it so much. 
 
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The Propel Experience

What It's Like to Work With Us Connecting the Dollars Podcast Episode 43 Emily and Amanda get into what it's like to work with a Propel financial advisor. They walk through the steps from the introductory phone call to an on-going relationship.
 
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Put a Ring on It? Evaluating a Stock for the Long-Term

In honor of Valentine's Day, Amanda and Emily discuss how to evaluate a stock for a long-term commitment.  They teach you: - Where to find sources of reliable information, and - The numbers to consider before buying any stock.
 
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Models vs Bespoke Portfolios

Amanda is joined by fellow advisor David Vaught, CFA, to discuss the pros and cons of model and bespoke portfolios.  
They delve into: Quantitative vs qualitative considerations in investment portfolios; How models impact the sales model that financial advisors and brokers use; and Whether or not models are something we can rely on based on their past performance.
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