Retirement Seminar Invitation - November 19th, 2009
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Jeff Green, founder of Green Financial Group, is inviting people to attend a presentation on November 19th at the Westlake Club in Houston, Texas. The presentation from 11:30AM-1PM will discuss retirement income, the economic recovery, inflation, the credit crisis, and the capital markets outlook. Those interested can RSVP to Carady Pacheco at 713-244-3030 or by email.
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Retirement Seminar Invitation - November 10th, 2009
Jeff Green, founder of Green Financial Group, invites people to attend a presentation on November 10th at 11:30 AM at the Crowne Plaza Downtown hotel. The presentation will discuss retirement topics such as whether people will have enough retirement income, the current economic recovery and what it means, how inflation may affect spending power, the stability of investment firms and savings safety, and a capital markets overview. Those interested can RSVP to Carady Pacheco by phone or email.
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Communication letter for guest speaker 1
The document is a letter from a student group leader to an associate editor inviting them to speak at a seminar on addressing learning gaps through a three-pronged method. The seminar is a major requirement for the students' Special Topics 3 class and will take place on October 4th. The student requests the editor's participation as a guest speaker to share their knowledge with education participants. The letter is signed by the student group leader and noted by the assistant professor of the class.
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The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
The new year began with some political drama, as last-minute negotiations attempted to avert sending the nation over the "fiscal cliff." Technically, we actually did go over the cliff, however briefly, as a host of tax provisions and automatic spending cuts took effect at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2012.
Time Running Out for Large Gifts in 2012
Currently, the exemptions for federal gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax are at historic highs, and the gift, estate, and GST tax rates are at historic lows. But, in 2013, the exemptions are scheduled to substantially decrease, and the tax rates are scheduled to substantially increase. This raises the question of whether 2012 might be a good time to make large gifts that take advantage of the current large exemptions while they are still available.
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Retirement Seminar Invitation - November 10th, 2009
Jeff Green, founder of Green Financial Group, invites people to attend a presentation on November 10th at 11:30 AM at the Crowne Plaza Downtown hotel. The presentation will discuss retirement topics such as whether people will have enough retirement income, the current economic recovery and what it means, how inflation may affect spending power, the stability of investment firms and savings safety, and a capital markets overview. Those interested can RSVP to Carady Pacheco by phone or email.
Retirement Presentation
I hope you are free on August 12th to join me for a presentation that is really different. Topics of discussion are specific to retirement.
Spending less-than-you-make
Tommy Greer argues that the timeless principle of spending less than you make should be applied at all levels of government and society. Both political parties share blame for failing to balance budgets and reduce deficits. The current situation may only change during a crisis. Greer advocates starting with basic budgeting that cuts spending to balance budgets, raises taxes to fund surpluses, and uses surpluses to pay down debt.
Soirée clôture 7e_édition EJCAM
La Soirée de Clôture de l’EJCAM est un projet événementiel organisé par des étudiants de Master 2 de l’École de Journalisme et de
Communication d’Aix-Marseille. Il s’agit, au cours d’une soirée, de mettre en avant les compétences des étudiants de l’EJCAM auprès
de spécialistes du journalisme, de la communication et de la médiation numérique. Cette soirée est également l’occasion de réunir
toute l’équipe pédagogique de l’école et les professionnels qui ont collaboré avec les étudiants. La soirée de clôture va permettre de terminer
l’année en beauté en mêlant professionnalisme, convivialité et festivité.
Communication letter for guest speaker 1
The document is a letter from a student group leader to an associate editor inviting them to speak at a seminar on addressing learning gaps through a three-pronged method. The seminar is a major requirement for the students' Special Topics 3 class and will take place on October 4th. The student requests the editor's participation as a guest speaker to share their knowledge with education participants. The letter is signed by the student group leader and noted by the assistant professor of the class.
Understanding "Sequestration"
Sequestration refers to $1.2 trillion in automatic, across-the-board spending cuts to federal agencies from 2013 to 2021 split evenly between defense and nondefense programs. Congress created sequestration in 2011 to address the debt ceiling, with the goal of replacing the cuts, but failed to do so. The cuts will reduce defense spending by 8% and nondefense by 5-6%, excluding Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and payments to providers by more than 2%. In addition to potential layoffs, all federal agencies will implement cost-saving measures beginning March 1st.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
The new year began with some political drama, as last-minute negotiations attempted to avert sending the nation over the "fiscal cliff." Technically, we actually did go over the cliff, however briefly, as a host of tax provisions and automatic spending cuts took effect at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2012.
Time Running Out for Large Gifts in 2012
Currently, the exemptions for federal gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax are at historic highs, and the gift, estate, and GST tax rates are at historic lows. But, in 2013, the exemptions are scheduled to substantially decrease, and the tax rates are scheduled to substantially increase. This raises the question of whether 2012 might be a good time to make large gifts that take advantage of the current large exemptions while they are still available.
The "Fiscal Cliff"
What is the "fiscal cliff"? It's the term being used by many to describe the unique combination of tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. The ominous term reflects the belief by some that, taken together, higher taxes and decreased spending at the levels prescribed have the potential to derail the economy. Whether we do indeed step off the cliff at the end of the year, and what exactly that will mean for the economy, depends on several factors.
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The S&P 500 has failed to hold gains above 1366 on two occasions recently, suggesting downside potential in the near term. The author expects the S&P 500 to decline to test its 38.2% retracement level between 1330-1320 in the coming week before finding support and rebounding from this area, marking the near term bottom of this correction. The document provides contact information for Jeffrey Green of Green Financial Group and notes that any opinions expressed are those of Mr. Green.
Market Update
Equity markets “caught a bid” on Tuesday, but this is still all just movement characteristic of a consolidation pattern.
New 401(k) Plan Disclosure Rules
Background
As 401(k) plans have become more popular, plan participants have become increasingly responsible for making their own retirement savings decisions. The Department of Labor (DOL) has become concerned that participants in self-directed 401(k) plans (those that allow participants to direct the investment of their own accounts) might not have access to, or might not be considering, information critical to making informed decisions about the management of their accounts--particularly information on investment choices, fees, and expenses.
Fed Policy Outlook – Changes On The Way
The Federal Open Market Committee will meet on Tuesday to set monetary policy. The Fed is widely expected to leave short-term interest rates unchanged and the wording of the economic assessment should be largely the same as in the previous statement. However, we could see another round of asset purchases or some changes to the Fed’s communications.
Debt Story
Loan growth plays a key role in economic expansion. Simply put: no loan growth, no economic growth. However, there’s a downside. Debt doesn’t matter until it does. Debt has played a key part in the economic downturn and in the gradual recovery. Europe’s sovereign debt crisis has continued to escalate, with no easy way out. In the U.S., the government has borrowed more, but the markets have not punished it for doing so. There’s no sign that that is going to change anytime soon.
Market Update: November 14, 2011
A positive sign that has come as a result of the back and forth action in the markets over the past couple of weeks is the emergence of a triangle pattern in the S&P 500 (SPX). A triangle pattern, in and of itself, is neither a bullish pattern nor a bearish pattern until the pattern has completed.
Super Committee To The Rescue
Faster than a speeding tortoise, more powerful than suntan lotion, unable to leap small objects in a single bound – the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (aka “the super committee”) is stumbling toward its November 23 deadline.
Feeling Better
Two clouds hung over the financial markets in the late summer: worries about a European financial crisis and concerns that the U.S. economy might be tipping back into recession. Real GDP rose at a 2.5% annual rate in the advance estimate for 3Q11, which should put to rest fears that the U.S. economy has already entered recession. However, there are still some important uncertainties in the growth outlook for 2012. European leaders dodged a bullet last week, with the agreement on Greek debt (failure would have triggered a more immediate crisis). However, they did not put a number of problems to bed completely. So, how long will the good feelings last?
Fed Outlook – More Asset Purchases?
The Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed’s policymaking arm, will meet on November 2-3. Clearly, there are some differences of opinion among senior Fed officials regarding the appropriate path for monetary policy. However, the dissenters (those wanting to do less) are a small minority. The FOMC will come together with a somewhat less troublesome near-term economic outlook (no recession in the near term), but there are more concerns about growth in 2012.
No Recession, At Least For Now
Later this month, the government will release the advance estimate of 3Q11 GDP growth. There are uncertainties in that estimate – inventories and foreign trade make up a relatively small part of the economy, but account for much of the quarterly variation in GDP growth. We already have a good idea regarding the “meat and potatoes” of that report. Consumer spending and business fixed investment expanded further in the third quarter, suggesting no recession in the near term. However, the economic outlook for 2012 is a lot less clear.
The Economic Outlook – In A Holding Pattern
Recent economic figures have been consistent with the view of lackluster-to-moderate growth in the near term – not a recession, although the risk of a renewed downturn remains. Whether the U.S. slips back into recession depends on a number of factors: gasoline prices, developments in Europe, and policies that may or may not come out of Washington, D.C.
The Economic Outlook – In A Holding Pattern
The economic outlook remains lackluster with moderate growth expected in the near term and the risk of renewed recession depending on factors like gas prices, developments in Europe, and government policies. Recessions caused by financial crises are more severe and prolonged than typical downturns. While recent economic data is consistent with moderate growth, consumer spending has weakened due to higher food and energy costs reducing real income growth. Lower gas prices may provide more consumer spending boost later if sustained. The job market recovery is slow as seen in past recessions, with businesses reluctant to hire without sustained increased demand. The consumer outlook is mixed with spending not falling sharply but real income growth slowing.
Policy Conundrums
In the last few months, some have taken to calling the current economic period, “the Lesser Depression” (instead of “the Great Recession”). There’s no precise definition of “a depression” (and as it is, the definition of “a recession” is rather vague). Most economists would say a depression is a lengthy period of elevated unemployment. That’s exactly what we may be staring out now. Monetary and fiscal policy could provide further support for growth, but there’s a lot of resistance.
S&P Downgrades U.S. Debt
S&P downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to AA+ based on their view that the recent fiscal plan agreed to by Congress and the administration will not stabilize the country's medium-term debt dynamics. The outlook on the long-term rating is negative and S&P could further lower the rating if debt trajectories are higher than currently expected. While the downgrade may lead to higher borrowing costs, its effects are uncertain and the US debt is still considered safe. Secondary impacts through related markets like money market funds and banks' agency debt holdings could be significant.
The Debt Ceiling and the Road Ahead
The document discusses the potential impacts of the U.S. reaching its debt ceiling and not reaching an agreement to raise it. It notes that failure to raise the debt ceiling could lead to default on Treasury securities, damage the country's credit rating, increase borrowing costs, and force the Treasury to prioritize which bills to pay. It outlines various deadlines and payments in August, including for Social Security benefits, military pay, and Treasury debt, that could be impacted by failure to raise the debt ceiling. The outlook for reaching an agreement is unclear as various proposals have been discussed but none have gained full bipartisan support.
A Fate Worse Than Debt?
Is there a fate worse than debt? If there is, it seems to be not dealing with the debt. When there is too much leverage in the system, there is always a risk that things go wrong quickly and unexpectedly. Ken Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart have an op-ed piece on Bloomberg today about the debt overhang and its implications for economic growth. They are among the few commentators who have been consistently correct about the path of the financial crisis, probably because they are among the few who have studied the actual data.
The Debt Ceiling Crisis
The document discusses the debt ceiling crisis in the US. It notes that credit rating agencies have threatened to downgrade US debt if the ceiling is not raised. While markets have not reacted strongly yet, failure to raise the ceiling could cause serious financial problems. The crisis is largely manufactured for political reasons rather than being about long term budget issues, which will still need addressing. Failure to pay obligations due to not raising the ceiling would have severe unintended consequences.
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More from Jeff Green
The "Fiscal Cliff"
What is the "fiscal cliff"? It's the term being used by many to describe the unique combination of tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. The ominous term reflects the belief by some that, taken together, higher taxes and decreased spending at the levels prescribed have the potential to derail the economy. Whether we do indeed step off the cliff at the end of the year, and what exactly that will mean for the economy, depends on several factors.
What Does the Supreme Court Ruling on the Health-Care Reform Law Mean for You?
On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in a landmark decision, that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the provision that most Americans carry health insurance or pay a penalty, is constitutional.
Europe and The Summer of Uncertainty
It's no secret that what's happening in Europe is driving financial markets worldwide. Even if you have a sound asset allocation strategy and a well-diversified portfolio, it's hard to ignore the fact that this summer seems to have the potential for turbulence. Markets dislike uncertainty, and at this point uncertainty is high, particularly in advance of the June 17 elections scheduled in Greece.
Market Update: May 2012
The S&P 500 has failed to hold gains above 1366 on two occasions recently, suggesting downside potential in the near term. The author expects the S&P 500 to decline to test its 38.2% retracement level between 1330-1320 in the coming week before finding support and rebounding from this area, marking the near term bottom of this correction. The document provides contact information for Jeffrey Green of Green Financial Group and notes that any opinions expressed are those of Mr. Green.
Market Update
Equity markets “caught a bid” on Tuesday, but this is still all just movement characteristic of a consolidation pattern.
New 401(k) Plan Disclosure Rules
Background
As 401(k) plans have become more popular, plan participants have become increasingly responsible for making their own retirement savings decisions. The Department of Labor (DOL) has become concerned that participants in self-directed 401(k) plans (those that allow participants to direct the investment of their own accounts) might not have access to, or might not be considering, information critical to making informed decisions about the management of their accounts--particularly information on investment choices, fees, and expenses.
Fed Policy Outlook – Changes On The Way
The Federal Open Market Committee will meet on Tuesday to set monetary policy. The Fed is widely expected to leave short-term interest rates unchanged and the wording of the economic assessment should be largely the same as in the previous statement. However, we could see another round of asset purchases or some changes to the Fed’s communications.
Debt Story
Loan growth plays a key role in economic expansion. Simply put: no loan growth, no economic growth. However, there’s a downside. Debt doesn’t matter until it does. Debt has played a key part in the economic downturn and in the gradual recovery. Europe’s sovereign debt crisis has continued to escalate, with no easy way out. In the U.S., the government has borrowed more, but the markets have not punished it for doing so. There’s no sign that that is going to change anytime soon.
Market Update: November 14, 2011
A positive sign that has come as a result of the back and forth action in the markets over the past couple of weeks is the emergence of a triangle pattern in the S&P 500 (SPX). A triangle pattern, in and of itself, is neither a bullish pattern nor a bearish pattern until the pattern has completed.
Super Committee To The Rescue
Faster than a speeding tortoise, more powerful than suntan lotion, unable to leap small objects in a single bound – the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (aka “the super committee”) is stumbling toward its November 23 deadline.
Feeling Better
Two clouds hung over the financial markets in the late summer: worries about a European financial crisis and concerns that the U.S. economy might be tipping back into recession. Real GDP rose at a 2.5% annual rate in the advance estimate for 3Q11, which should put to rest fears that the U.S. economy has already entered recession. However, there are still some important uncertainties in the growth outlook for 2012. European leaders dodged a bullet last week, with the agreement on Greek debt (failure would have triggered a more immediate crisis). However, they did not put a number of problems to bed completely. So, how long will the good feelings last?
Fed Outlook – More Asset Purchases?
The Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed’s policymaking arm, will meet on November 2-3. Clearly, there are some differences of opinion among senior Fed officials regarding the appropriate path for monetary policy. However, the dissenters (those wanting to do less) are a small minority. The FOMC will come together with a somewhat less troublesome near-term economic outlook (no recession in the near term), but there are more concerns about growth in 2012.
No Recession, At Least For Now
Later this month, the government will release the advance estimate of 3Q11 GDP growth. There are uncertainties in that estimate – inventories and foreign trade make up a relatively small part of the economy, but account for much of the quarterly variation in GDP growth. We already have a good idea regarding the “meat and potatoes” of that report. Consumer spending and business fixed investment expanded further in the third quarter, suggesting no recession in the near term. However, the economic outlook for 2012 is a lot less clear.
The Economic Outlook – In A Holding Pattern
Recent economic figures have been consistent with the view of lackluster-to-moderate growth in the near term – not a recession, although the risk of a renewed downturn remains. Whether the U.S. slips back into recession depends on a number of factors: gasoline prices, developments in Europe, and policies that may or may not come out of Washington, D.C.
The Economic Outlook – In A Holding Pattern
The economic outlook remains lackluster with moderate growth expected in the near term and the risk of renewed recession depending on factors like gas prices, developments in Europe, and government policies. Recessions caused by financial crises are more severe and prolonged than typical downturns. While recent economic data is consistent with moderate growth, consumer spending has weakened due to higher food and energy costs reducing real income growth. Lower gas prices may provide more consumer spending boost later if sustained. The job market recovery is slow as seen in past recessions, with businesses reluctant to hire without sustained increased demand. The consumer outlook is mixed with spending not falling sharply but real income growth slowing.
Policy Conundrums
In the last few months, some have taken to calling the current economic period, “the Lesser Depression” (instead of “the Great Recession”). There’s no precise definition of “a depression” (and as it is, the definition of “a recession” is rather vague). Most economists would say a depression is a lengthy period of elevated unemployment. That’s exactly what we may be staring out now. Monetary and fiscal policy could provide further support for growth, but there’s a lot of resistance.
S&P Downgrades U.S. Debt
S&P downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to AA+ based on their view that the recent fiscal plan agreed to by Congress and the administration will not stabilize the country's medium-term debt dynamics. The outlook on the long-term rating is negative and S&P could further lower the rating if debt trajectories are higher than currently expected. While the downgrade may lead to higher borrowing costs, its effects are uncertain and the US debt is still considered safe. Secondary impacts through related markets like money market funds and banks' agency debt holdings could be significant.
The Debt Ceiling and the Road Ahead
The document discusses the potential impacts of the U.S. reaching its debt ceiling and not reaching an agreement to raise it. It notes that failure to raise the debt ceiling could lead to default on Treasury securities, damage the country's credit rating, increase borrowing costs, and force the Treasury to prioritize which bills to pay. It outlines various deadlines and payments in August, including for Social Security benefits, military pay, and Treasury debt, that could be impacted by failure to raise the debt ceiling. The outlook for reaching an agreement is unclear as various proposals have been discussed but none have gained full bipartisan support.
A Fate Worse Than Debt?
Is there a fate worse than debt? If there is, it seems to be not dealing with the debt. When there is too much leverage in the system, there is always a risk that things go wrong quickly and unexpectedly. Ken Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart have an op-ed piece on Bloomberg today about the debt overhang and its implications for economic growth. They are among the few commentators who have been consistently correct about the path of the financial crisis, probably because they are among the few who have studied the actual data.
The Debt Ceiling Crisis
The document discusses the debt ceiling crisis in the US. It notes that credit rating agencies have threatened to downgrade US debt if the ceiling is not raised. While markets have not reacted strongly yet, failure to raise the ceiling could cause serious financial problems. The crisis is largely manufactured for political reasons rather than being about long term budget issues, which will still need addressing. Failure to pay obligations due to not raising the ceiling would have severe unintended consequences.
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Retirement Seminar Invitation - November 19th, 2009
- 1. JEFF GREEN Founder You’re Invited….. I hope you are free on November 19th to join me for a presentation that is really different. Topics of discussion are specific to retirement. Such as: Retirement Income‐ Will you have enough? Economic Recovery‐ Where are we in the recovery and what does it mean to you? Inflation‐ How will the stimulus plan affect your spending power? Credit Crisis‐ Is your investment firm stable? Are your savings safe? Capital Markets Overview‐ Where do we go from here? Please R.S.V.P. to Carady Pacheco at 713‐244‐3030 or carady.pacheco@raymondjames.com When: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH, 2009 11:30 AM Where: THE WESTLAKE CLUB 6363 Woodway, Suite 870 I Houston, TX 77057 713‐244‐3030 l Cell: 713‐553‐0728 l Fax: 713‐513‐5669 l jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com l greenfinancialgrp.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Jeff Green is a financial advisor with, and offers securities through, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. BP is not affiliated with nor endorses RJFS.