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Mosaic Weekly Article 5.23.2022
The headlines over the past week were all about rising costs and recessionary fears, as weaker than expected first quarter retail sector earnings trickled into our markets. Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot, all indicated...
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Market in a Minute: Climate Change
Climate action is front and center for both the Biden administration and many of the world’s largest companies. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look at the opportunities and obstacles in the race to a clean-energy future and...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 11/19/2021
A few short weeks ago, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell seemed to be a shoo-in for renomination to his current role as Chairman. However, the rumor mill is in full swing in Washington with grumblings that current Federal Reserve...
Read MoreMosaic Asset Partners Weekly Article 11/05/2021
Happy Friday! The monthly jobs report showed a much different picture from what we have been seeing and experiencing firsthand. The number of new jobs created totaled 531,000 in October, better than the estimates of 450,000. The...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/30/2021
Happy Halloween! No “tricks” were played on us from our financial markets this week as stocks closed at record highs fueled by broad and generally robust corporate earnings announcements. Two of the market’s biggest...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/22/2021
Another strong week of corporate earnings is now in the books and the upward trend remains intact. The one slight surprise could be that several of the high-flying tech and social media companies that had been leading the charge...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/15/2021
Apparently, we all need to just stay calm and carry on! The financial world was a sea of green this week as the 3rd quarter earnings season kicked into high gear. Corporate profits remain robust, even in the face of rising prices and...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/09/2021
Another successful Shred-It event is in the books! Thank you to everyone who made the time to stop out to see us. You can check out the pictures from the event by visiting our Facebook page. A deal has been reached on a short-term debt...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 09/24/2021
Volatility, supply chain issues, and “Fed speak” were dominant forces over the past week in our financial markets. It appeared that we were finally starting to see some real signs of a correction on Monday as the Dow Jones...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 09/17/2021
Another wild week is in the books. Tax talk dominated the second half of the week as the stock markets, in general, felt a bit weary. We also endured debt ceiling discussions, Fed officials and trading controversies, and confusion...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 08/27/2021
All three major stock indexes, the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the Nasdaq finished the week in positive territory. The proverbial “kicking of the can” down the road continues as Federal Reserve Chairman...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 08/15/2021
Are we finally starting to see some real consumer fatigue or are the Delta Covid variant concerns growing? These questions populated the headlines this week as retail sales dropped worse than expected for July and the homebuilder...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 08.20.2021
Are we finally starting to see some real consumer fatigue or are the Delta Covid variant concerns growing? These questions populated the headlines this week as retail sales dropped worse than expected for July and the homebuilder...
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The surprise for us all this week was that jobs are actually being filled, at least that what the monthly data is showing. For July, the unemployment rate dropped to COVID lows, while the number of new jobs being created grew above...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 07/23/2021
I was a little early in calling a vacation slow-down in the markets last week! After seeing a 2% drop on Monday, the markets rallied all week to close near the all-time highs. I guess the volatility game is not over for now after all....
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 05/30/2021
WOW, it is already Memorial Day weekend, and we are quickly moving full speed ahead into summer. Vacations are planned, schools are winding down and the Cicadas are all around (in the Mid-Atlantic) reminding us that Mother Nature is...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 05/15/2021
The latest U.S. economic news comes in the form of Retail Sales. Retail Sales numbers, which measure purchases at stores, restaurants, and online shops, was flat month over month for April. On a positive note, specific sales from...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 05/07/2021
On Thursday, the weekly jobless claims data showed a drop below 500,000 over the past week in yet another sign that the labor market is returning to pre-pandemic levels. This is somewhat contradictory to what the April data showed us...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 04/16/2021
Another interesting week is in the books and as has been the case as of late, we have plenty to discuss. Our financial markets continue to steadily climb as earnings season has kicked off on a positive note. The continued...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 04/12/2021
It is amazing to see the renewed energy many are feeling knowing that there is, indeed, light at the end of our Covid tunnel. More and more “normal” spring activities are popping up, kids are returning to school, office...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 04/03/2021
Happy Easter! With Spring in the air and the budding promise of fresh beginnings coming, we all have much to appreciate and be thankful for. I hope you are able to spend quality time with those you love and care about! I was fortunate...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 03/13/2021
Happy Saturday, March 13th. WOW! It is hard to imagine that a year ago, the world and our lives as we knew it then, were about to go through a monumental change. What a ride we have all endured. As I write this, 13% of U.S. adults have...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 03/07/2021
Happy Sunday! I hope you have been able to get outside this weekend and take in some of the early signs of spring. Like the new beginnings that spring offers, I also see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Make no mistake,...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 02/26/2021
It is hard to believe March is already knocking on our door. We had a bit of a warm-up here in Baltimore this week which has certainly been refreshing. However, while time marches on, some things remain the same. Oh, the politics of it...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 02/19/2021
The winter weather we have seen this past week across much of our country has been crippling in many ways. A State like Texas simply is not prepared to handle the extreme cold, snow, and ice, that have hit much of the population hard...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 02/12/2021
I hope your weekend has started off well and you are taking some time to focus on things other than the pandemic, financial markets, and impeachment trial. I know I will be spending some quality time with my wife! I started to think...
Read MoreMosaic Asset Partners Weekly Article 02/05/2021
Happy Friday and welcome to February. 2021 is already moving along at a brisk pace for sure. After a few snow days here in Maryland, I for one am already looking forward to Spring. Or perhaps a nice warm vacation? One can only wish. We...
Read MoreSave on Taxes - Invest in an IRA
Although 2020 is now in the rearview mirror, you can still help lower your tax bill before you file by April 15th, 2021. The IRS allows qualifying individuals to contribute to a Traditional Individual Retirement Account(IRA) for the...
Read MoreMosaic Asset Partners Weekly Article 01.29.2021
It seems the focus this past week has been on the volatility creeping back into our markets. Specifically, on the erratic trading that has taken place among a handful of stocks including Gamestop, Bed Bath & Beyond and AMC...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 01/22/2021
And, we are off and running! President Biden and his new administration have come out of the gate with a flurry. As expected, several executive orders were signed in the first few hours of his Presidency amid little fanfare. Nearly all...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 01/15/2021
As we close out the first two weeks of 2021 and race towards inauguration day, there remains plenty to talk about. We have received many phone calls and emails from clients asking about our thoughts on our President-elect, the new...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 12/31/2020
We did it! We made it through. Now that 2020 is rapidly approaching the rearview mirror, it is time to look forward and begin to plan for what 2021 might bring. The reality is that as your trusted advisors we have already been looking...
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As we close out a shortened week, our Mosaic team would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and our best wishes for a healthy holiday season. We still have a little less than a week to go before we can officially...
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Will they, won’t they, or more precisely, when will they???? Those are the questions that we are asking ourselves. It’s not a matter of will we get a stimulus deal, but when? Simply put, the political talking heads are...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 12/04/2020
Welcome to December! We are finally in the home stretch of what has been a memorable 2020. At this point, I think we can all use a little holiday cheer. I for one have been happy to get into the “spirit” of things and from...
Read MoreThings to Know Before Buying a New Car
For most individuals, a new car purchase, can be one of the worst financial decisions they can make. From the time you sign the papers to when you drive it off the lot your purchase can depreciate roughly 20-30%. That’s a lot of...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 11/13/2020
Happy Friday the 13th! Seems fitting given the year and last few weeks we have all endured. Although our holidays will look and feel slightly different from years past, I for one am excited for the prospects of a more joyous and...
Read MoreShould You Buy that Warranty?
Just about each time you buy a product, from a cell phone to a new car, you are offered the opportunity to buy an extended warranty. Is buying the extended warranty a good idea? It might seem so in the moment. After all, you have a...
Read MoreWhat is a K Shaped Recovery?
What is a K Shaped Recovery? A K shaped recovery occurs when different parts of an economy recover at different rates. One part will soar to new highs, while the other part continues, on a downward trajectory. There is evidence that...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/30/2020
We are finally closing in on the last few days of what has been an “unprecedented” election season. Unprecedented is a word we have used often this year and if I never hear that term again, I will be elated. To be honest,...
Read MoreWeekly Article 10/23/2020
Finally, we were treated to a true “presidential” debate on Thursday evening. While I don’t believe it will change much as it pertains to the election, it certainly provided us all with a clearer view of where each...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/16/2020
The shifting winds of Washington continued to dominate the headlines this week. After the failed in-person presidential debate scheduled for last night, the respective candidates took to a town hall style meeting. From what I saw last...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 10/02/2020
Well, we expected a week full of fireworks and the “show” has not disappointed. Let’s start with what some might call a debate, but I think we all know it was far from that. My 3 teenage boys sat intently with me, not...
Read MoreAm I on track?
Am I on track? On track for what exactly, I would ask. To retire? To live comfortably? To provide for my family? These are a few of the questions we may ask ourselves daily. The answer? There is no simple answer. Life throws us...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 09/25/2020
Let me start this update with a quick moment to reflect upon the tremendous legacy that the late RBG will leave on this great country. She is not only the first woman but also the first Jewish person to lie in state at our...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 9/18/2020
We saw our first, live glimpse into our two presidential candidates and their respective platforms this week via separate “town hall” style gatherings. Clearly, there is a stark contrast in both messaging and delivery. From...
Read MoreWhere did the money go?
If you are like most people, you routinely get a paycheck, pay your bills, go through life for a few weeks, and at the end of the month, look at your bank account and wonder where the money went. You are not alone. Except for some...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 9/11/20
Our investment world continued to see more volatility this past week, led by the technology sector. As we noted previously, this type of trading activity has been expected and even welcomed. Next week will bring a fresh new wave of...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 9/4/20
Happy Labor Day! We hope you can safely connect with friends and family while enjoying the last days of summer. Personally, the coming of Fall is welcomed and one of my favorite seasons. Like the changing leaves ahead, our focus is on...
Read MoreWhy you should always consult with a financial advisor
Whenever we ask the question, “Why didn’t you seek help from us earlier?”, we often get the same answer, “I didn’t think I had enough money to consult a financial advisor”. Many Americans feel...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 8/28/20
Happy Friday! Summer is quickly coming to an end as the last full week of August brought its fair share of news-worthy headlines. As I write this, the market is looking to wrap up a very strong week with the Dow Index having now erased...
Read MoreMosaic Asset Article 8/14/20
The summer of 2020 is slowly fading into the sunset, in what has to be remembered as one long, bumpy bus ride. You know the one from our childhood days? The song keeps replaying in my head, “The wheels on the bus go round and...
Read MoreWhy the housing market is on FIRE!
Let’s be honest, the housing market isn’t only on fire, it’s insane. Many of our clients and friends have recently sold homes in a matter of days and for some it was just a few hours. The average home price in the U.S...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 7/31/2020
The world feels a bit more positive this week on many fronts. Vaccine trials are trending in a positive manner, additional stimulus measures appear to be on the way, and second quarter earnings continue to be better than expected. The...
Read MoreThe Importance of a Trusted Financial Advisor: When Life Throws You A Curve Ball
In December 2018, a week after I turned 50, I lost my husband to cancer. Eleven months later, in November 2019, I lost my dog to cancer. Four months later, in March 2020, my mom passed away after a long illness. Ok, I know, right now...
Read MoreJust have a child? Why you should start a 529 Plan
Congrats, you just had a child! Your life has just dramatically changed… Having a newborn is not an easy task. But what is easy is saving for your child’s future education. All parents want what’s best for their...
Read MoreHow Covid-19 is impacting the college search and application process
The college search and application process will be an interesting experience for students and parents alike this fall. Many prospective students will only be able to “tour” the colleges they are interested in online which...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 7/17/2020
We are now halfway through the memorable summer of 2020 and I am wondering; how are you doing? It’s important to ask this question not only of ourselves, but of our family, friends and neighbors. As the cases here in Maryland and...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 7/2/2020
Happy 4th of July! Our Mosaic team would like to wish you and your families a wonderful and safe holiday. Our office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Holiday and we also will enjoy a long weekend ourselves. I...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 6/26/2020
The volatility in our markets is back, alive and well! Just when we thought things were calming a bit, we get a rise in new Covid cases, a fallback on the easing of restrictions in some states hit the hardest by Covid, and more...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 6/19/2020
Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there! I hope each and every one of you enjoys your special day and finds something fun to do! I always appreciate this time of year as we reach the “peak” of our daylight...
Read MoreHow I became a Financial Planner
From a young age I knew I had a passion for helping people. Although, one thing was certain, I was not going to be a doctor. I was never a fan of hospitals or doctors’ offices. I’m not truly sure where I found my passion...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 6/5/2020
It was an interesting week in the U.S. and in the financial markets. If you read the headlines and watch TV, it almost feels like the Coronavirus Pandemic is a really bad dream. Clearly, our great country is going through a lot of...
Read MoreSaving vs. Investing – What is the right choice for me?
Simple – BOTH. While they may sound similar in nature, they are actually very different from one another. It’s really a risk vs. reward discussion and what your comfort levels are with each. When I think of savings,...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 5/29/2020
Let me start by wishing all of the wonderful Mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day! I know in my house we will be celebrating the one who has held us all together and accountable over the last few months. This has been no...
Read MoreSocially Responsible Investments: What does it mean?
There’s a trend that’s becoming more main stream and as a result we are seeing changes in investor behavior. It’s called socially responsible investing. So, what exactly is socially responsible investing? Well, you...
Read MoreThe Snowball Effect
The best way to tackle any large task, whether its building a wall or paying off a mountain of debt, is to mentally break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. It’s very easy to overwhelm yourself by only focusing on the end...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 5/16/2020
We are finally seeing some consistent late spring weather here in Maryland and it has been nice to enjoy our outdoor freedom. Hopefully you have been able to enjoy some fresh air this week as well. It’s hard to believe we are...
Read MoreAre target date mutual funds an appropriate investment for me?
Target date mutual funds have become a popular option within many 401(K), 403(B), and other similar retirement plans. In the simplest of terms, Target Date Mutual Funds attempt to match an individuals’ expected retirement age...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 5/9/2020
Let me start by wishing all of the wonderful Mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day! I know in my house we will be celebrating the one who has held us all together and accountable over the last few months. This has been no...
Read More401k, 403b, and IRAs
Simply put, they are all vehicles for you to save for retirement. Although they each are different in their own ways, they all benefit from some type of tax advantage. 401k & 403b All you primarily need to know is that a 401k is used...
Read MoreMosaic Weekly Article 5/1/2020
I’ve learned a few things this week. We are all tired of each other, ready to move on and the stock market just doesn’t care! Being “locked up” is simply not in our nature. We are meant to be free. We are...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy
Financial literacy levels among U.S. citizens is concerningly low. Nearly 2/3rds of Americans exhibit low levels of basic financial knowledge. In a recent survey by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, nearly 61% of participants...
Read MoreCares Act - Federal Student Loan Relief
How your Federal student loans are affected under the Cares Act Under the Cares Act, Congress signed in to law broad relief for federal student loan borrowers. If you are currently in repayment mode, your payments will automatically...
Read MoreStimulus Check
So, you’ve received $1,200 from the government: what should you do with it? Support yourself and your family. This is the whole reason you received this stimulus check in the first place. When bad times come around, the...
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