April 2024 Financial Bullet Points

Written by Bob Barber, Prepared on March 26th, 2024

The Bullet Points for April are:

1. 1. Inflation and Interest Rates. Markets are again consumed with inflation, the federal reserve, and the direction of interest rates. The consensus now is that it will be much later than sooner before rates go any lower. This is more bad news for real estate in many areas of the country where 85-90% of homes over the $500K range are barely selling, and the ones that do take many months, if not a year or more, just to get an offer. Most of the $500K plus buyers a few years ago have shifted to the $300K-$350K price range today, with mortgage rates nearly tripling from just a few years ago.
   2. AI Bubble. Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate the news in the stock markets, reminding us again of the dot com bubble of 1999, possibly worse this time. As always, we take a diversified approach to all the sectors of the markets following the guidelines of Ecclesiastes 11:2, which says, Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
   3. Real Estate Ownership Simplified.. Our diversified, Biblically responsible Real Estate portfolio is an easy way to own Real Estate without dealing with tenants, broken water heaters, or leaky roofs. As of 03/22/2024, the annualized Net Dividend Yield is 6.43% and is invested across many industries within the Real Estate sector. If interested, call our office.
   4. CD Interest Rates. Lock in those 5% plus CD rates NOW! Especially if you can get 5.25% to 5.5% or better at any bank for over 18 months. CD Rates like this may soon disappear, and banks know it by offering lower rates for longer periods. We are still in an inverted yield curve where shorter-term rates are higher than long-term rates.
   5. Gold and Silver. It’s important to know that there are no regulations for these precious metals. Unfortunately, this means that the market can be confusing and difficult to navigate. When buying physical gold, it’s essential to understand that dealers can set their own prices, leading to misunderstandings about how much gold you’re actually receiving. It’s important to note that dealers earn commissions and may use scare tactics to sell their products. They don’t have a legal duty to put your interests first, and they especially prey on the elderly and conservatives trying to protect their assets.
   6. April 15th is Tax Day. The infamous tax day is quickly coming, but don’t panic if you’re not ready to file. You can extend the tax return deadline to October 15th by submitting Form 4868 electronically or on paper by the filing deadline. Just make sure to pay your estimated taxes for 2023 by April 15th to avoid possible interest and stiff penalties later.
   7. Continuing Education. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are:
      • Biblical Viewpoints, Part 1 (April 9th)
      • Biblical Viewpoints, Part 2 (April 23rd)

      • Remember, we moved to releasing episodes every other week to give people more time between episodes to listen or watch. To tune in, search “Christian Financial Perspectives” on almost any podcast platform or YouTube.

      • Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

   8. Scriptures. Starting this month and every month going forward, I will have a few scriptures on stewardship. I have chosen two basic ones as the foundation.
      • Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it
      • Proverbs 13:1 – Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber, Founder & Owner
Christian Financial Advisors^®