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    Analyzing Portfolio Risk Has Never Been Easier

    SmartRisk Has Been Updated! While market swings and economic downturns are a normal part of investing, the recent market volatility has caused many investors to feel uneasy and make impulsive decisions. That is why we've made major changes to our SmartRisk™ software. The newly updated SmartRisk software makes it easier to show your clients and prospects their downside exposure prior to the next significant downturn. Use the software to estimate their potential loss, and prepare clients ahead of time for situations that are likely to create behavioral mistakes. With these software changes, you can help your clients better prepare for the next market dip and avoid panicking.
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    Risk

    FinPlan Friday: Are You Using Quality Risk Metrics?

    Better Risk Discussions The current market volatility is a good reminder about the importance of making a good estimation of the downside risk that is inherent in our clients’ portfolios. Using quality risk metrics allows advisors and clients to practice and prepare for a down market, so the client isn't tempted to pull their investments when the market gets rough. Learn more about how to have better risk discussions in our FinPlan Friday conversation with Joe.
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    Risk

    FinPlan Friday: Debt in Down Markets

    Down Markets and Debt While some experts will insist that debt in retirement is never beneficial, debt can have a positive impact on a retirement strategy at times. During a market dip, debt can help retirees avoid tapping into their portfolio, which needs time to recover. Additionally, if a retiree is planning on making a large purchase, there can be significant tax benefits by financing. Learn more about debt in down markets in our FinPlan Friday conversation with Joe.
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    In The News

    FinPlan Friday: Tax Techniques for Down Markets

    Planning Options in a Down Market Now that we’re in a bear market, there are a few techniques advisors can use to alleviate the burden on clients. Roth conversions are going to be particularly valuable because the funds will recover tax-free. Doing Roth conversions can spread out the tax liability earlier in retirement. Right now, there are no required minimum distributions under current rules for Roth IRAs, so it’s a good time to consider accelerating off Roth IRA and Roth conversions. Learn more about the best tax techniques for down markets in our FinPlan Friday discussion with Joe.
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    In The News

    Hidden Value: Are Your Clients Buckled Up for Market Chaos?

    This week, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, discusses market volatility and how the right conversations about market risk can help your clients see the full picture and avoid making rash decisions in his Hidden Value column for ThinkAdvisor.
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    Risk

    Find Hidden Yardage with SmartRisk

    "Hidden Yardage" Successful football coaches often rely on a simple statistical measure of performance known as “hidden yardage”. Simply put, it is the yardage provided by solid special teams play and execution that ultimately impacts field position. In statistical terms, if a team scores on special teams, historically they win over 70% of the time. If a team starts inside their own 20 yard line, they have a 12% chance of a touchdown. That percentage increases to 25% at the 50 yard line and so on. Clearly, hidden yardage offers an interesting metric for performance analysis and overall success. If you start every drive at midfield, it’s hard not to win.
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    Risk

    What October Swoon?

    An Opportunity for a SmartRiskTM Assessment October has taken its lumps over the years with recurring discussions of the “October effect.” Perceptions, based on significant events like the “Black Monday” sessions in 1929 and 1987, have led investors to believe that historically, October tends toward negative returns more so than other months of the year. Statistically, over the long term, the October effect has not held true, indicating the bias is a largely a psychological one, but it remains a common moniker within the market, nonetheless.
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