Blog Archives - Retirement DNA

Special Update: Venezuela, Oil, and the Impact on Portfolios

Blog, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation…

2025 Year in Review: A Historic Market Year for Investors

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, News, Retirement Income Planning, Risk Management, Tax Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® 2025 was a historically strong year for markets despite the many events that took place along the way. The past year delivered no shortage of headlines including April's tariff announcements, ongoing developments…

3 Tax Planning Opportunities Before December 31

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Investment Planning, Retirement Income Planning, Tax Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® As 2025 draws to a close, investors face important decisions that could impact their tax situations and long-term financial plans. While financial planning is a year-round activity, many calendar deadlines for…

Monthly Market Update for November: Volatility Amid AI and Fed Uncertainty

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® In November, markets experienced a brief period of volatility that affected many asset classes. While major indices have delivered strong year-to-date returns across stocks, bonds, and international investments,…

Monthly Market Update for October

Blog, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The stock market continued its strong performance in October despite uncertainty from a government shutdown and renewed trade tensions with China early in the month. Many major indices reached new all-time highs…

Perspectives on the Gold Rally and Dollar Debasement

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® As many asset classes have reached new peaks, gold has also climbed over 60% this year to above $4,300 per ounce. This rally has captured headlines and prompted many investors to wonder if it is different from…

Retirement Planning: Social Security COLA and Portfolio Considerations

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Retirement Income Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® For retirees and those approaching retirement age, there is no goal more important than ensuring their savings will support a long retirement. This challenge has been compounded by inflation over the past several…

Quarterly Market Update for Q4 2025: Navigating Conflicting Signals

Blog, Business Owner Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Retirement Income Planning, Risk Management, Tax Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® Investors experience market swings as a normal part of investing, and this year has been no exception. While market declines - such as the tariff-driven sell-off - can be uncomfortable, they also create opportunities…

Understanding Fed Rate Cuts: A Guide for Long-Term Investors

Blog, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Retirement Income Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The famous investing principle "don't fight the Fed" was coined in the 1970s but has only grown in significance. The idea is simple: the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions can have important effects…

How to Navigate Fears of a Market Bubble