The first quarter of 2024 turned out to be a positive one for investors, with most major market indices posting healthy gains in the quarter. The S&P 500, a broad measure of the U.S. stock market, rose by approximately 10.6% during this 90-day period. It was a great start to the year and a continuation of the powerful rally that closed 2023. Small-cap stocks, often considered riskier investments, did not fare quite as well but did show promise later in the quarter. The Russell 2000 Index, which tracks the performance of small-capitalization companies, rallied by 5.2% from the start of the ..read more

Estate planning is not merely about the distribution of assets; it’s about ensuring that your legacy is preserved according to your wishes. One crucial aspect of estate planning often overlooked is managing beneficiaries. Whether it’s a retirement account, life insurance policy, or investment portfolio, properly designating beneficiaries is essential. However, the importance of this task is often underestimated, and it’s easy to forget to review and update beneficiaries regularly, typically only addressing it during significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or inherita ..read more

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are among the most common financial instruments for investors seeking diversification. Many investors are familiar with mutual funds through their 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts, which typically offer a selection of such funds as investment options. However, fewer know about the benefits offered by their ETF cousins, which have seen their popularity explode in recent years. Over 115 million individual investors owned US mutual funds alone at the close of 2022, according to the Investment Company Institute. Their popularity stems from th ..read more

We are thrilled to share two insightful radio interviews with you featuring our Co-Chief Investment Officer, Mike Kauffelt, on the WJAS GD Morning Show with Darryl Grandy and Greg Maxwell. In these interviews, Mike delves into a range of topics, offering valuable insights into the world of finance and investment. The two interviews below cover: Our Founder’s Legacy: Mike Kauffelt kicks off these engaging interviews by paying homage to the visionary founder of Bill Few Associates. Discover the principles and values that have guided our firm’s success, and gain a deeper understanding of the lega ..read more

On this National Financial Awareness Day, we embrace the opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of financial literacy and planning. In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, being financially prepared is more critical than ever. Understanding your financial situation, setting clear objectives, and developing a well-structured financial plan are essential components of financial security. Our team of expert financial advisors understands the significance of building a secure financial future, and they are celebrating this Financial Awareness Day by providing you with a few quic ..read more

The title of this summer update applies to how the financial markets have started 2023 and my investigation into AI (artificial intelligence, smart software you can talk with).  The good news is the financial markets have performed well year to date (YTD), much better than all the hype of recession, inflation and economic woes.  The bad news, at least for me, was the less than stellar performance of AI when I needed it most: helping me to write updates like this!  Trying to respect your summertime, I will keep this quarterly update brief. Despite most of the gloomy economic news ..read more

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of those seeking to defraud others. From phishing emails to socially engineered attacks, scammers have a myriad of ways to line their pockets with your money. In very sophisticated ways, a scam can be launched using email, phone, and social media platforms that can elude even the hyper vigilant. Psychological and emotionally manipulative messaging is employed to cloud the target’s judgement. And then after the crime is perpetuated, the scammer’s means of extortion are often untraceable.  It is important to stay as aware as possible of all communica ..read more

As we head into the new year, it’s an opportune time to reflect on your financial journey this past year and set the stage for a prosperous 2024. A financial checkup is a crucial step in ensuring that your financial planning goals align with your current situation and future aspirations. At Bill Few Associates, our experienced financial advisors understand the importance of strategic planning, and we’re here to guide you through the process of assessing your financial goals for the new year. This is the perfect opportunity to talk through any life changes or new goals that may have come up or ..read more

In my updates, I usually find an investment theme that I want to present to you and then attempt to write about it in an educational and fun way.  Given that the internet and cable TV are chock-full of financial reporting these days, there is better use for your time and mine than just repeating the same stories.  However, a few different ideas have been percolating (think old-fashioned coffee pot) in my mind over the past several months, so I am going to briefly cover several of them rather than taking a deeper dive into one topic. Where’s my 26%? Hard to believe, but the ..read more

Congratulations, you’re married! All that time spent on wedding planning has finally paid off. Once a couple gets married and begins embarking on their exciting journey together, it’s important to lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future. One of the key aspects of a successful marriage is effective financial planning, and having an experienced financial professional by your side during these early stages of financial planning and on can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore some essential financial planning tips for newlyweds to help them achieve their shared goa ..read more