Navigating divorce is like riding an emotional rollercoaster, but it's also a significant financial transaction. As you untangle the threads of your emotional life, you're also disentangling your financial partnership.

2023 stands in sharp contrast to 2022. In 2022, stocks and bonds declined by double digits. Investor sentiment suggested more of the same for 2023. In contrast, the US economy continued to grow, supported by a resilient consumer. Consumers' spending spree included shopping, travel as well as shelling out big dollars for events like the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. As the economy surprised for the better, so did the markets.

2023 is a perfect example that markets are never

obvious, let alone predictable. In this edition, we take three market trends that reversed sharply from 2022 and some lessons from Taylor Swift as we reflect on her success.

In our journey towards building sustainable wealth, it's crucial to also nurture a sense of gratitude for the financial blessings we have. Practicing gratitude not only enhances our emotional well-being but also positively impacts our financial decisions.

In honor of Thanksgiving, let’s bring some science into the art of gratitude! Did you know...

Scary headlines, recessions, and bear markets all have negative connotations and create fear in the minds of investors. Fear drives emotions, which can lead to investment mistakes. Moving out of the market at the wrong time can cause long-term damage to portfolio values.

Once again, the dysfunction in Congress could lead to a government shutdown if a deal is not reached by September 30, 2023. For many, this may be confusing, as we just went through another debacle earlier this year.

2022 felt very different, and the 60/40 portfolio tumbled as we saw markets move together with high inflation and the Federal Reserve raising rates at a very fast pace. Historically, periods of extreme inflation are the worst for 60/40 portfolios.

The clock is ticking on US debt ceiling negotiations. Treasury Secretary Yellen informed Congress that cash balances are estimated to run out by early June, the so- called X-date. With the deadline fast approaching, markets are sending signals about investor concerns. Treasury bills with maturity dates in mid-summer are seeing higher yields.While there is no playbook on how this showdown will unfold, sadly, this is not our first rodeo either.