This week's reads feature: (1) A very American story about capitalism consuming our national preparedness and resiliency; (2) A piece by, James Stewart, a highly regarded financial reporter for the New York Times and who appears regularly on CNBC, tells his personal story of investing through the current market turmoil. He tells how he lost his disciplined approach to investing in the emotional turmoil of the coronavirus. His problem? He was doing it all himself. A less emotional financial advisor would have been helpful in implementing a strategy that suited his objectives.; (3) Tom Colicchio, award-winning restaurateur, Top Chef head judge, and food activist, tells the story of what it’s like to lay off nearly 300 employees—and how he wants us to rethink unchecked capitalism; (4) As coronavirus sweeps the globe, there is not a single Trilogy Evo Universal ventilator — developed with government funds — in the U.S. stockpile; and (5) The CARES Act makes it easier to gain access to retirement accounts in a pinch, but they're not likely to be your best source of emergency cash.

March marks a celebration of both Women’s History Month and Financial Literacy Month. As a financial advising firm majority-owned by women, this month should be right up our alley. March 2020, though, is like no other March most of us have ever experienced with incredible upheaval in people’s daily lives. For many, schools are closed and parents are searching for tools and resources to help teach their children. We decided to combine Women’s History Month, Financial Literacy, and the quest to find homeschooling resources. We hope some of these materials can help parents as they navigate the coming days at home with their children.

In an uncertain investment climate, some investors retreat to cash. After all, it doesn’t seem to go down in value when the rest of the market does. The certainty of that cash helps investors sleep at night.

This week's reads feature: (1) Charts showing what we've learned about sticking out bear markets, avoiding short-term losses, and not trying to time the market; (2) algorithmic trading leading to increased volatility in the markets; (3) an analysis of whether you should buy stocks now; (4) key personal finance questions in the age of coronavirus; (5) the dollar is on a tear and why that is troubling; and (6) a bonus article on NASA fixing a probe on Mars by hitting it with a shovel - Don't you wish every fix was this easy?

As you well know, the global economy is reeling thanks to the Covid-19 virus. Many of us are experiencing upheaval of our daily lives, lost jobs or wages, and children out of school and daycare. We are really encouraged by the outpouring of community and neighborly support we’ve witnessed, and we, as your financial advisors, are part of your community and are here to support you.

This week's reads feature the dangers of corporate debt exposed by the coronavirus, Cash App’s novel business model to grow its business by giving money away, obstacles to the success of the Fed’s recent monetary policy, Harvard Business Review’s study on the world-wide decline in democracy and its effect on free markets, and reaction to the U.S. airline industry’s request for a bailout.

This week's reads feature the economic effects of coronavirus, the oil impasse between Russia and Saudi Arabia, tax preparation (and why you might consider hiring a professional), and an interesting look at the collapse of WeWork's IPO.

Every Wednesday Propel shares some of our favorite reads from the week.

Congress passed the SECURE Act in December of 2019 with bipartisan support. It is supposed to promote increased retirement savings, but the most glaring change is the ACCELERATED TAX on inherited retirement accounts. Thought Estate Tax was only imposed on the most wealthy? Think again. Come enjoy refreshments and have a conversation about what this law means for you.

The SECURE ACT was signed into federal law on 12/20/19. Most provisions become effective 1/1/20. The primary purpose of this law is to make it easier for individuals and for employees and owners of small businesses to save for retirement. On one hand, it certainly does that, and we encourage all clients to speak with us about how this new law can benefit you. Unfortunately, like so many things, there is a downside. The downside is significant and may require savers and retirees to reconsider their estate planning, i.e. how they pass inherited assets to their families.