Our Insights - Page 9 of 15 - Patriot Investment Management Group

Plan Your Financial Future as You Do Your Health

November 15, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Just as your health changes over time, markets change even faster Ever hear the phrase, “your financial health?” A good way to appreciate planning your financial future is to see it as akin to maintaining your physical health. If you have a chance, read doctors Jerome Groopman and Pamela Hartzband’s excellent book, Your Medical Mind. The similarities between physical and financial health striking. The authors make the (to some) surprising statement that medicine is actually not an exact science. Financial

Social Security Gets Massive 5.9% Raise in 2022

November 1, 2021 by Patriot Investment

The largest cost-of-living-adjustment since 1982 impacts 90% of seniors On October 13th, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for tens of millions of Americans will increase in 2022. The press release stated the following: “Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in

Quarterly Market Commentary: Third Quarter 2021

October 12, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Markets Struggle In The Third Quarter Global equity markets had a mixed third quarter, but when the final Wall Street-bell rang on September 30th, global markets had not moved very much, despite the final month of the quarter which turned in dismal results. For the third quarter of 2021: The DJIA ended with a loss of 1.5%; The S&P 500 ended up 0.6%; The NASDAQ ended with a loss of 0.2%; and The Russell 2000 ended with a loss of

COVID-19 Causes College Enrollment to Shrink

October 4, 2021 by Patriot Investment

The debate about whether a college degree is worth the cost is heating up The disruptions from COVID-19 have completely changed the college experience for many, prompting prospective students to reexamine whether a college degree is worth it. And the latest enrollment figures show the greatest decline in a decade. Consider that the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center recently reported that overall college enrollment fell to 16.9 million students, down more than 600,000 students from a year ago. That one-year

Changing Jobs in 2021? You’re Like Most People

September 20, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Two employee-benefit actions to take before you accept that new job offer Are you considering changing jobs this year? If not, you’re in the minority. A survey conducted by Harris Poll found that the majority (52%) of U.S. workers are considering a job change this year – and 44% have real plans in place to make a change. Think about that. Picture your co-workers or your team. More than half are thinking about leaving. Of course there are many reasons

As Stock Markets Peak, Check Your Emotions

September 7, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Emotions often drive investors to make poor decisions and underperform Successful investing and overall fitness both often come down to discipline (and planning). Why aren’t you reaping the investment returns you read about in the financial press? Why aren’t you reaping the benefits of going to the gym? One obvious answer that you might not want to think about is this: your emotions get in the way. That’s what advisors (and personal trainers) are for – to help you stay

Summer is a Fantastic Season to Find a Planner

August 23, 2021 by Patriot Investment

But so is spring, winter and fall – know what to look for when searching You know you need to make a plan with your money – but when? The signs may well sit right in front of you, from your paycheck to your debt to your willingness to ask for professional help. If you haven’t started a financial plan, you’re not alone. A recent survey shows big disconnects between what Americans know they should do financially and what they

Think Your New House is a Fantastic Investment?

August 10, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Housing is rarely the best use of your money from an investment viewpoint Despite continued low mortgage rates and tales of bidding wars, multiple offers and all-cash closings above asking-price, would-be-home-purchasers should be cautious about putting too much money into real estate. While some might disagree, for a myriad of reasons, it’s not always a great investment and seldom has been. Owning your own home – or owning several homes – has long been the American dream. Your home may

Global Market Commentary: Second Quarter 2021

July 8, 2021 by Patriot Investment

Markets Perform Well in Second Quarter Global equity markets had a choppy second quarter, but when the final Wall Street-bell chimed on June 30th, global markets had turned in solid performance numbers on their way to new record highs. For the second quarter of 2021: The DJIA started the quarter at 33,153 and ended at 34,502 for a gain of 4.1%; The S&P 500 started the quarter at 4,020 and ended at 4,298 for a gain of 6.9%; NASDAQ started

Inflation Varies According to Your Age & Spending

July 8, 2021 by Patriot Investment

The headline Consumer Price Index is important only as a general gauge What will inflation be in the coming years? The real answer is that it varies according to your age and spending patterns. Inflation wallops someone with kids in college, and might be hardly noticeable to stay-at-home types. Recent inflation will stun someone looking for a used car, but might be a yawner for someone shopping for a new car. Inflation is a sustained increase in prices for general