News & Insights

We are proud to announce that West Financial Services is celebrating 40 years in business! During this time, we have developed many enduring relationships with you, our clients. It has been a privilege to work with you over these 40 years to help you meet your individual goals.

During the depths of the pandemic, work from home businesses were, undoubtedly, huge beneficiaries of consumer demand for their services and products. First-order thinking was rewarded during this period, as investments into these stocks appreciated handsomely. While we experienced some uprooting of our lives and the impact of rapid change, West Financial was also brainstorming ways to intelligently invest in long-term COVID-winners.

There is much talk today that we may be headed for another recession. Our latest management letter, “Fishing for Confidence at Jackson Hole” includes a discussion of how the Federal Reserve, in an attempt to tamp down inflation, may create some unwanted economic side effects. Namely, higher interest rates, slower growth, and softer labor market conditions. The media is constantly bombarding us with this news.

This has been a difficult year for stock and bond investors. After several years of above average performance, the broad based market index returns have been negative this year, reducing portfolio values relative to where they started the year.

In our first article (see Understanding Your Credit Score - Part I), we discussed credit reporting and what activities impact your credit score. We pick up from there with more information on how to potentially improve your credit score, the importance of reviewing your credit report, and how (and why) to freeze your credit.

As summer winds down and back to school ads ramp up, things are a little different at our house. Our daughter is off to college. Once she made her school choice official, her gleeful plans for dorm décor and collegiate life began, while I agonized over other matters. Was there enough in the 529 plan? How do we go from contribution to distribution mode?

When you hear the word, “millennial,” what first comes to mind for many is a generation of entitled, social media addicted, avocado toast lovers who worship at the shrine of Starbucks. But, in truth like prior generations, millennials have a great capacity to learn from others and put structure to their wants and needs.

Financial advisors are known to wear many hats. In years like 2022, I find myself practicing psychology as much as financial and investment planning. Money is emotional, and when stocks and bonds are falling in price it invokes a lot of stress and anxiety.

What, exactly does your credit score mean? Briefly, a credit score is a number used to predict how likely you are to pay your bills, or make loan payments on time. It is a three digit number, typically between 300 and 850, with the higher score associated with better credit terms.

Well… the stock market finally pulled back. After three years of fantastic performance, the market is down so far this year. In times of uncertainty and market volatility, some may be inclined to react and need guidance or reassurance based on their situation, history, and current economic data.