Ulrich Investment Consultants

Please enjoy our 3rd Quarter Letter!

Why Interest Rates Matter Higher interest rates don’t just affect each of us that borrow, they have a large effect on government spending which can slow down the economy.

Interesting fact: There are now nearly 3x as many stock mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as there are listed American companies! Some eye-opening stats from a 2024 study by the MSCI World Index, which tracks financial markets throughout the world: 🔘 70% of global stock market value comes from US markets 🔘 All 10 of the world's most valuable companies are US-based 🔘 Yet less than 10% of listed companies worldwide are American (down from ~20% in the late 1990s) This shift reflects a changing landscape: 🔘 Fewer but larger US companies are dominating the markets 🔘 There's a rise of ETFs 🔘 Merger and acquisition activity has reduced the number of public companies As financial professionals, we understand navigating this evolving market can be challenging. But we can help you see through the clutter and design a strategy to pursue your financial goals. #StockMarket #Financial #Companies The Wall Street Journal, July 8, 2024. https://lnkd.in/gGxt77wM MSCI.com. https://lnkd.in/gFJeGtvy

Raising a child in 2023 could cost an average of $331,933 from the time a child is born to age 18, according to a 2023 study by Northwestern Mutual. Shocking, right? But here's the twist: Taking care of aging parents may be even more expensive. According to a CNN report from April 20, 2023, an assisted living facility can cost an average of $5,806 per month or roughly $70,000 per year. And then there is memory care, the fastest-growing sector of the senior housing market. On average, memory care costs just over $7,500 a month or $90,000 per year! What I tell people is to prepare ahead of time! Talk to your parents about their wishes and potential financial needs. Explore extended care solutions early on. Establish a financial strategy that’s flexible when it comes to medical and care expenses. A financial professional can help by showing how different scenarios can be supported. #SeniorCare #LongTermCare #FinancialStrategy NorthWesternMutual.com, September 26, 2023. https://lnkd.in/gMUGWxnf CNN.com, April 20, 2023. https://lnkd.in/g7WiarWA

Did you know that economic trends tend to have a more consistent relationship with market performance than who wins in November? As we approach the 2024 election, here's what you need to consider: 1️) As the chart shows, who sits in the Oval Office is only one factor in stock prices 2️) The stock market has fluctuated under the leadership of both parties 3️) The overall economic conditions tend to have an influence on the business environment Our take: Be prepared for some volatility as the election approaches. But don't let short-term price swings distract you from your long-term financial goals. #Election2024 #Financial #InvestmentStrategy #TaxPolicy

We hold them in our hearts. 23 years ago today, our nation witnessed unimaginable acts of violence. We remember the innocent lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward danger. May their memory be a lasting reminder of the strength that unites us in the face of darkness. ️ #NeverForget #PatriotDay #September11th

As summer winds down and college move-in day approaches, it's important to think beyond the dorm room essentials. Here are three key areas you might want to address before your student heads off to campus: 1️) Legal Authorizations: Once your child turns 18, they're legally an adult. Consider establishing a Power of Attorney (POA) if you want to continue to play a role in their healthcare and finances. Also, a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) authorization can help if you want access to their academic records. Having these documents in place may allow you to step in if needed. 2️) Allowance and Financial Responsibility: Have a candid conversation about budgeting and financial responsibility, including credit card use. Determine an appropriate budget, and don’t forget to decide whether they can continue to use your accounts for things like Amazon and Uber. 3️) Out-of-State Insurance Coverage: Review your health insurance plan and check to see if it covers your student's location. Explore renters insurance if they'll be living off-campus. If they're leaving their car at home, you might be eligible for a modified insurance rate. These are important topics to discuss as your children leave “the nest.” If you have any questions, please reach out. We can work with your legal professional to help your family get the appropriate documents in place. #CollegeBound #FinancialStrategy #ParentingTips