Affirming your Financial Foundation for 2024

Following our January conversation about starting the year with strong financial health, we invite you to keep the momentum going with Crestwood Advisors. As your life and goals evolve, so should your financial strategy. Let’s take this opportunity to deepen our collaboration, ensuring your financial plans are as dynamic and forward-looking as you are.

Focus on What Matters to You:
• Thinking about a big purchase or investment? Let’s plan it together.
• Experiencing changes in your life priorities, like family or health? Your financial plan should reflect these.
• Considering adjustments in your family or living situation? We’re here to guide you.
• Approaching a significant birthday or milestone? Let’s make sure you’re prepared.

Strengthen Your Financial Base:
• Review your emergency fund to ensure it’s sufficient.
• Maximize your retirement contributions, based on this year’s limits.
• Explore the best tax strategies for your situation, including Roth contributions.
• Consider other savings options, like HSAs and brokerage accounts, for long-term benefits.

Family and Future Planning:
• Need help with family financial goals, like buying a home or saving for college? We can help.
• Estate planning is crucial, especially with changing tax laws. Let’s discuss how to best secure your legacy.

At Crestwood Advisors, we’re more than just advisors; we’re partners in your financial journey. Building on our earlier insights, we’re here to support, guide, and empower you as you navigate through 2024 and beyond. Whether you’re refining your goals, boosting your savings, or planning for your family’s future, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or for further discussion. Let’s work together to make this year one of growth, security, and financial well-being.

Crestwood Advisors Named to WealthManagement.com’s RIA Edge 100 List for 2024

Crestwood Advisors is pleased to announce it has been recognized by WealthManagement.com in its prestigious RIA Edge 100 list. This list showcases RIA firms reinvesting in their businesses, maintaining a high level of client service and achieving intentional growth.

As a growing advisory firm committed to client success, this acknowledgment underscores the team’s dedication to delivering exceptional wealth management services and guiding clients through their financial journeys.

Access the full ranking by clicking here. Crestwood did not pay a fee to appear on the published list.

Please view Crestwood Advisors’ list of important disclosures regarding awards and recognitions here.

 

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About Crestwood Advisors

Crestwood Advisors is an independent, fee-only, wealth management firm with over $5.3 billion in assets under management. Founded in 2003, Crestwood Advisors provides investment management with financial planning strategies to help high-net-worth individuals and families identify and prioritize their goals and build sustainable wealth so that they may enjoy more financially secure and purposeful lives. For more information, please visit https://www.crestwoodadvisors.com.

March Economic Update: Don’t Mix Politics and Investing

As we approach Election Day, investors are increasingly nervous about the outcome of the November Presidential election.  Political anxiety is high and rising as the country seems more divided than ever.

Fortunately, we have a long history of stock market returns which includes either government control by one political party or a divided government.  The below chart shows S&P 500 Index returns by calendar year dating back to the 1940s:

The main takeaway is that shifts in power between Republicans and Democrats show little effect on investment results. Market returns have been healthy during Republican (+12.9%), Democrat (+9.3%) and divided governments (+8.3%).  These positive outcomes are an important reminder that staying invested regardless of the outcome of elections is the wisest investment strategy. We understand that political angst is a concern, but we emphasize that the U.S. economy and stock market are driven by market fundamentals which so far this year are supportive of continued growth.

Capital Markets

In February, most major equity indices finished higher. The All-Country World Index (ACWI) was up +4.3%, the S&P 500 grew +5.3%, the EAFE gained +1.8% and Emerging market equities rose +4.8%. U.S. Small caps rebounded after a rough January, finishing up +5.7%. Bonds yields rose, pushing down returns for U.S. Bond Aggregate which fell -1.4%. Treasuries yields moved higher across the curve, with the 2-year yield reaching 4.57% and the 10-year yield at 4.19%.