2025 Q2 Newsletter
Current Economic Updates
Opportunity Awaits: Embrace the Future of Investing
The US stock market is facing increased volatility, with tech stocks hitting a two-year low due to concerns over fiscal and trade policies. However, some strategists, such as JPMorgan's David Lebovitz, see potential buying opportunities and remain optimistic about market stabilization and economic growth.
Source: The Wealth Advisor
Financial Trends, Opportunities & Strategies
Diversifying your Portfolio with Alternative Investments
Incorporating alternative investments into your portfolio can be a strategic way to diversify and potentially enhance returns while managing risk. Unlike traditional investments such as stocks and bonds, alternative investments include assets like hedge funds, structured investments, targeted-outcome ETFs, covered-call ETFs, private equity, private credit, real estate, commodities, and more. These assets often have a low correlation with the stock market, which means they can perform differently under various economic conditions, providing a buffer against market volatility. By carefully selecting alternative investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance, you can create a more resilient and balanced investment strategy.
Remember, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and consult with your financial advisor here to understand the complexities and risks involved in alternative investing. For a deeper look and helpful visuals, check out this article from JP Morgan.
Important Dates & Reminders
April
- (April 7th - 11th) America Saves Week
- An annual event promoting better saving habits. Things you can do to participate include setting financial goals, creating budgets, opening savings accounts, automating savings, and tracking progress.
- April 15th - Tax Day: Make sure you have your taxes filed or have filed for an extension.
- Individual Tax Returns Due for Tax Year 2024
- Individual Tax Return Extension Form Due for Tax Year 2024
- First Quarter 2024 Estimated Tax Payment Due
- Last Day to Make a 2024 IRA Contribution
- Last Day to Make a 2024 HSA Contribution
May
- Disability Insurance Awareness Month, observed in May, highlights the importance of protecting your income by ensuring you have financial security if illness or injury prevents you from working. If you have questions or concerns about this, now is the time to plan.
- May 29th - 529 Day
- 529 plans are state-sponsored investment plans that offer tax advantages for saving for college and other education expenses. Take the time to learn more about these plans and see if they may be right for you or your children.
June
- June 30th - FAFSA Deadline
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for students seeking financial assistance for college. Make sure to submit your application by June 30th, 2025, to ensure you don't miss out on potential financial aid opportunities.
LFG in the community
- Brian expanded his knowledge of retirement planning by obtaining the NAPA credential for Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) in January.
- Paul continued his role as president of the board of directors for the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, where they teach youth and adults from all over Milwaukee about sailing, teamwork, water safety, and other related life skills.
- Brian, Justin, Bridget, and Kelly showed their support by attending the fundraising comedy event for United Way of Ozaukee County.
- Brian and Justin took part in presenting finance 101 content for Personal Finance Classes at Port Washington High School in January.
- We had the opportunity to sponsor a group of Port Washington High School Students in their school-based enterprise car detailing business.
- Brian and Tracy generously offered their time to assist PWHS students with mock interviews for their Composition & Literature finals.
- Tracy raised money to deliver Valentine’s Day wellness gifts to all of the residents and staff members at Gables on the Pond assisted living facility. They were able to share the love to 76 people and make their Valentine’s Day extra special.
- Lake Financial Group attended and sponsored a booth at Edison Hall’s employee happy hour event as part of Port Washington’s Employee Appreciation Week. They brought a laser engraver and gave out custom engraved coasters and bottle openers to all who stopped by.
- Justin attended the First Trust Insight Forum, in Austin, Texas in January. During the conference he learned about investment strategies and heard from world renowned economist Brian Wesbury and First Trust’s Deputy Chief Economist Robert Stein, about the current state of the economy in the United States.
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