This monthly communication, “Financial Bullet Points,” will quickly and easily cover the main financial issues we see affecting the markets without being bogged down with a lot of details.
Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter; Prepared on November 20th, 2024
The Bullet Points for December are:
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- Elections: Now that the elections are over, we can look ahead to the upcoming “Trump Presidency/Economy.” Here’s what we can expect:
– Deregulation of the oil and gas industry
– A pro-business government
– Continued low tax rates
– Potentially higher inflation due to heavy import tariffs and a depreciation of the dollar
– Lower interest rates, which could lead to increased demand for and appreciation of real estate. - Time is Running Out: In last month’s bullet points and Episode 213 of our podcast, we discussed several year-end tax strategies to help you lower your taxes. If you are 73 or older this year, you must withdraw your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) or make donations through a Qualified Charitable Distribution by December 31st. There is very little time left, so please don’t procrastinate! If you have any questions after listening to or watching our 2024 Year-End Tax Planning program, feel free to contact our office.
- CD Alternatives: With CD rates falling, consider our Ultra-Conservative, actively managed fixed-income portfolio or our passively managed diversified dividend Real Estate Portfolio, both offering daily liquidity.
- Christmas spending and debt: As Christmas approaches, remember that Jesus is the true reason for the season, not consumerism. A NerdWallet survey found that 28% of credit card users are still paying off last year’s Christmas debt. Avoid this trap by sticking to a budget and staying out of debt. Also, be sure to check out our ‘Eight Money-Saving Ideas for Christmas’ from our November newsletter.
- Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
- Ep 214 – 12/3/24 – 2024 Year End Tax Planning
- Ep 215 – 12/17/24 – Teaching Children Good Money Habits
- Matthew 1:21 – She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
- Elections: Now that the elections are over, we can look ahead to the upcoming “Trump Presidency/Economy.” Here’s what we can expect:
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
Until next time, enjoy this holiday season with all the Christmas parties, lights, festivities and have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. Remember, Jesus is the real reason for the Season.
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
Senior Wealth Advisor & President
Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Christian Financial Advisors®