Inflation

Have you felt the negativity as of late? If you’ve flipped on the TV or browsed the world-wide web at any point recently, it’s impossible to miss. News headlines swarm with warnings of an economic free fall, yet it’s not mirroring what’s happening in today’s reality.

The U.S. economy is full of contradictions, and it’s set the stage for the unique landscape we find ourselves in today.

Some say we’ve already entered one, but the reality is, we won’t truly know if we’re in a recession until it’s already happening.

From the prices you’re paying at the grocery store to the news headlines circulating daily, it’s probably difficult to ignore the pool of inflation you’re floating in right now. However, don’t let fear and greed get the best of you.

We are experiencing a variety of unique factors that affect our economy today. And, while you might think these areas produce undependable data in the realm of retirement planning, that’s not always the case when it comes to making long-term decisions, specifically in regard to your income strategy.

Today’s economic climate is continually being compared to the 1970s. Inflation, high gas prices, supply shortages, etc. seem to set the scene for a modernized 70s replay, but while times were tough back then, the decade still produced a chapter of optimism.

Financial blogger Ben Carlson always poses interesting points when it comes to navigating smart investment moves in today’s world. Here, you’ll find a list of questions worth considering in the midst of market volatility, plus a few light-hearted thoughts thrown in for fun.

It’s not just you, today’s economic landscape feels chaotic for many. While news headlines certainly heighten the fear, the reality is, numerous investors are experiencing major losses, and it all draws back two years ago.

Do you have a plethora of financial fears on your plate at the moment? Amongst uncertainty of today’s economic climate plus geopolitical conflict, it’s easy to find yourself battling a new financial frustration daily.

Today’s inflation is causing a domino effect. To combat steep prices, the Fed is slowly raising interest rates, and as a result, we’re seeing low bond fund returns. All this being said, you might wonder, how far could it go?

Despite an overall healthy economy, you might be wondering: Why is today’s market outlook telling a different story? The volatility we’ve seen draws down to a multitude of factors, and understanding those can help you gain more clarity on how they impact your retirement portfolio.

Plain and simple, the laws of risk and reward are off. A five-year treasury shows the exact same yield as a 10-year treasury, and it’s not making much sense to investors.