This time is different and yet we will still get through it

While the current administration’s trade and fiscal policies are commendable – to narrow the trade and budget deficits and eventually strengthen the U.S. economy, their approach has been unprecedented and unconventional – roiling the financial markets. In almost every scenario we can imagine, we see heightened volatility and risks in the short-term (next three and […]

Trump and Tariffs Do Not Change Our Outlook

With talk of tariffs and trade wars commanding front-page headlines, it’s important for investorsto pause, take a breath and evaluate the events through a long-term lens. What are the actual,lasting impacts of tariffs on the United States and other countries? Will they outweigh otherfactors driving the growth of the world’s largest economy? And what happens […]

Social Security Fairness Act and Important Dates & Deadlines

Social Security Benefits Update The Social Security Fairness Act, which was recently passed in January 2025, eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change is expected to benefit nearly 2.5 million people in the U.S., particularly those who receive pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment, such as certain government jobs. […]

2024 Year-End Financial Checklist & Important Deadlines and Dates

As the holiday season draws near, we extend our gratitude to our valued clients, friends, and partners for their support. While the financial markets are beyond your control, the year-end checklist provided below offers 20 actionable steps that are well within your grasp. These actions, spanning from the pragmatic to the aspirational, have the potential […]

The Markets Don’t Care Who’s in Office

Many of us care deeply about which political party wins the presidential election but the stock market doesn’t. It mainly cares about corporate profits and over the past century, it hasn’t mattered who’s the president – profits grow. Presidents don’t have as much power as they would lead you to think they do because they […]

Homeowners Insurance Premiums May Be Topping Out

If you own a home, you may be unpleasantly surprised to see your insurance bill growing like a beanstalk. Homeowners nationwide saw a 20% increase from 2021 to 2023, and another 6% is predicted for 2024. Here in California, my bill rose 19% this year alone! What’s going on? The most expensive homes to insure […]

Ten signs you might be ready to retire.

Deciding when you’re ready to retire is a big decision, and it’s not just about reaching a certain age or financial milestone. Here are ten signs you might be ready. Ultimately, retirement readiness is a personal decision that involves a combination of financial preparedness, emotional readiness, and lifestyle considerations. It’s important to take the time […]

Empowering Seniors: Navigating Care Resources

Kevin Goulding shared his article, “How to Become an Educated Consumer of Elder Care,” a few years ago, providing valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of elder care. Recently, Kevin’s volunteer work as an Ombudsman with Senior Advocacy Services was spotlighted (near the bottom) in the Spring 2024 Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman […]

Quarterly Investment & Economic Review

Stocks across markets, styles, and market capitalizations Mutual funds and ETFs are less likely to lose money than individual stocks Good investments lead to good investor behavior, which in-turn often leads to better investment results. What we mean by that is, when you make an investment that you truly believe in and plan to hold […]

What your Elevation Wealth Partners team is enjoying

The Joy of Walking Food Tours: A Culinary Adventure – Ryan Kosakura, CFA, CFP Exploring new destinations through walking food tours is one of our favorite pastimes, whether we’re in unfamiliar cities or hidden gems closer to home. These tours immerse us in the local culture, history, and community through culinary experiences. We’ve taken walking […]