Broker Check

415 Munson Avenue Suite 201 Traverse City, MI 49686

231-946-1722
rgarner@dgncpa.com
Avantax Client Portal

Blog

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

Thursday, February 2, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs.If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now...

Friday, January 27, 2023

We invite you to join us for a 2023 Economic Update presented Mark Eibel, CFA, Director, Client Investment Strategies.  Mark serves as a principal spokesman for Russell Investments’ investment process and...

Thursday, January 26, 2023

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...

Show All

Thursday, January 19, 2023

What does the bond market know that the Fed isn’t telling us?Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control. But in the table below, you can see that...

Thursday, January 19, 2023

As one year ends and another begins, you naturally think about the state of your business – what is working well, and what could improve in the future. When was the last time you thought about the state of your company’s...

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

Thursday, January 12, 2023

While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...

Monday, January 9, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.In this month’s market update video, Avantax Chief...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

January is International Wealth Mentality Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy.For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss their financial situation and aspirations...

Thursday, December 29, 2022

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...

Thursday, December 22, 2022

The financial markets are complex systems. They can move from one event to the next so quickly that it's hard to know what’s driving prices.For example, look at the roundtrip oil prices in the chart below.Oil prices surged to...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you a safe, happy, and beautiful Holiday season. May your celebrations include those you love, good times, and great memories.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there's little doubt that "the most wonderful time of the year" has arrived.For my family...

Friday, December 9, 2022

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.In this month’s market update video, Avantax Chief...

Thursday, December 8, 2022

View this month's planning video as host, Jason Allen, Life Insurance Sales Specialist at Avantax, discusses a key piece of a comprehensive, tax-smart plan - risk management and insurance. Watch Video

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude.So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...

Thursday, November 17, 2022

You may have heard the phrase “contrarian investing,” but did you know that one of the most reliable contrary indicators is individual investors?Retail investors often do the wrong thing at the wrong time. But this year,...

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

The midterm elections are underway. In many states, ballots have been delivered and, in several cases, already returned by Americans exercising one of the most sacred of their Constitutional rights.Election Day is always the Tuesday...

Monday, November 7, 2022

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.In this month’s market update video, Avantax Chief...

Thursday, November 3, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last...

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.But despite that skepticism, this...

Thursday, October 13, 2022

We measure the jobs market in many ways, but the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey or JOLTS report seems to be of particular interest to Fed Chair Jerome Powell.The JOLTS report tells the Fed how many job openings there are each...

Monday, October 10, 2022

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.In this month’s market update video host Austin Schaul,...

Thursday, October 6, 2022

View this month's planning video as host, Scott Walloch, Avantax Financial Planning Consultant discusses a key piece of a comprehensive, tax-smart retirement plan – Social Security. Watch Video

Thursday, September 29, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

Thursday, September 22, 2022

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...

Thursday, September 15, 2022

I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages these days about the economy. Some headlines say we’re already in a recession; some say one is looming. Others hint that we’ll avoid a recession and have a soft landing. It makes...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

In this month’s market update video, Avantax Chief Investment Officer, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®, provides a market update for September. He recaps market returns, discusses the economy, the Federal Reserve and our outlook for the...

Thursday, September 8, 2022

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs.If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now...

Thursday, August 18, 2022

"Where there's a will, there's a way." Sage advice that applies not only to our lives but to your estate strategy.When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Austin Schaul, CFA®, Head of Research at Avantax Planning PartnersSM, recaps July’s market returns and discusses the economy slowing in the second quarter, an outlook on...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

August 14th is National Financial Awareness Day, which is designed to encourage individuals and families to evaluate their finances and establish standards, goals, and a plan to build a solid financial future. View this...

Friday, August 5, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer of Avantax provides an update and discusses market returns, the economy and our views as the economy slows. Watch Video

Thursday, August 4, 2022

What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion.And this may be one of those times.Government reports are telling a rather bleak story about the economy. The headlines talk about high inflation, rising interest rates, and a...

Thursday, July 21, 2022

The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...

Thursday, July 14, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

Monday, July 11, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer of Avantax provides an update and discusses market returns, the Federal Reserve and our view on the risk of a recession as the economy slows....

Thursday, June 30, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Friday, June 24, 2022

At the risk of slowing economic growth, the Fed has driven short-term rates higher to rein in inflation. But it’s a tricky proposition.Raise rates too much, and you may trigger a recession. Don’t raise rates enough, and you...

Monday, June 20, 2022

Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.Goals still the same for 2022? Has...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer of Avantax provides an update and discusses market returns, the Federal Reserve and our view on the risk of a recession as the economy slows....

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Wednesday, May 18, 2022