Year: 2022

Changed Jobs? What Are Your 401(k) Options?

Each year, millions of Americans retire or change jobs.  In fact, due to the tight labor market in 2022, Americans have more leverage than in the past with approximately 65% of workers currently looking for alternative opportunities.  Regardless of the reason for your employment transition, do not forget about your old employer-sponsored 401(k)’s. According to […]

Declare July 5th as YOUR Financial Independence Day!

Yesterday we celebrated the 4th of July (Independence Day) as a nation. It is a great time to remember the sacrifices Americans made to free themselves from British rule and set America on a course to become the greatest nation on earth. For weekly insights, follow The Welch Group every Tuesday morning on WBRC Fox […]

Rising Interest Rates: Your Best Financial Moves Now

So far this year, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates three times for a total of 1.75%. The Fed is widely expected to raise rates as much as 0.75% in their July meeting plus more rate hikes are likely throughout the year. Why? They are trying to avoid runaway inflation by tamping down the […]

Making Sense of Your 401(k) Options

For most participating in a company 401(k) plan, it can be difficult to confidently create a portfolio that aligns with one’s financial goals and objectives. The challenges vary from the confusion around expenses to the limited menu of stock and bond mutual fund options; not to mention the illusion of diversification. So how do you […]

2022: The Perfect Storm for Emotional Investment Mistakes

Investors with broader stock and bond market index exposure are experiencing unusual amounts of pain in 2022. As of today, the indexes are down approximately 16% and 15% respectively. While the correction in the broader stock market after a 12-year bull run is not surprising, the poor bond market performance is. Investors are accustomed to […]

How to Transfer Wealth to the Next Generation

how to transfer wealth to the next generation

By The Welch Group One of the goals we have as parents is to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation. Common ways we do this are through our family recipes, heirlooms, and words of wisdom, but another important way is by protecting assets. But how can you ensure you’re leaving the most you […]

Continuing Education and Student Aid

Whether you’re the parent of a high-school student who is beginning their college application process or considering going back to school as an adult, the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first, and one of the most important steps in the process of continuing your education. With the FAFSA deadline for the 2021-2022 […]

Going on Vacation? Tips to Protect Your Home

feet dangling from a dock above the ocean at sunset

As Mayor for the City of Mountain Brook, I get calls and notices when we have the occasional home burglary. And as an owner of a financial advisory company, I see the monetary and emotional toll a home burglary has on the victim. As summer rolls in and we head into the vacation season, here […]

Retirement Planning Checkup: Don’t Overlook These Items

While focusing most of our time and effort on the intricate details of financial planning, it’s also important not to overlook the big picture: financial planning concepts that are vital for long-term success.  Below are some big picture items I find lacking in retirement plans. Follow The Welch Group every Tuesday morning on WBRC Fox […]

How to Recession-Proof Your Portfolio

A recession is defined as a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. Well, we just had our first negative GDP quarter, and there is much speculation that our next quarter will also be negative…a recession. The stock market has […]