MeansBlog
Navigating the Markets and Maintaining Your Financial Plan in an Election Year
By: Jamie Stone, CFP®, ChFC®, Chief Planning Officer As we move forward in this important presidential election year, many of you may be wondering–or even worrying–about how political events could impact your investment portfolio and overall financial plan. It’s natural to be concerned, especially when significant elections often bring market … Continued
Market Review and Outlook
By: Karen Oeser, CFA®, CFEI® Last week, the markets fell across the board, with the S&P 500 losing 2.1%, on fears that the economy might be headed into a recession. The manufacturing sector reported its fourth consecutive contraction, while the labor market demonstrated unexpected weakness, adding only 114,000 jobs, rather … Continued
Securing Tomorrow Today
By: Karen Holyoke, Shareholder, Eaton Peabody Essential Documents and Storage Tips Being able to easily locate certain important documents can be a life saver for your loved ones in the event of your incapacity or passing, making a difficult situation less stressful for them to navigate. Just what are the … Continued
Navigating Record Markets and Future “Risks”: 2024 Investment Strategies
Market performance in the first quarter of 2024 defied expectations. Following a strong 24% gain in 2023, the S&P surprised investors with a robust 10% increase for the quarter. The market’s strong start in Q1 is historically significant as there have only been four times since 2000 that the index … Continued
2024 Winter Update
By: Erin Barry, CEO It is hard to believe that we are over a month and a half into 2024! One of my personal goals for the year is to keep you, our valued clients and friends, informed about our firm’s operations, goals, and philosophies. February marks my 5th year … Continued
“Part of success is preparation on purpose”- Jim Rohn
It’s that time of year again, a time when we turn the calendar and welcome a new year. It’s a time when we take a few moments to reflect on all that transpired over the year that just passed, and a time where we start to think about what we’d … Continued
Perspectives 2023/2024
The Gift of Giving: Year-End Charitable Strategies
As the end of the year draws closer and the holiday season approaches, our thoughts often turn to generosity and gratitude. Year-end giving is not only a way to spread joy and hope, but also a strategic opportunity to align your philanthropic goals with your financial well-being. Let’s explore the … Continued
Welcome Mike and Bruce!
This month, we welcomed not one, but two, new hires to the team! Mike Maberry Mike Maberry is a new Relationship Manager in our Bangor, Maine, office. Mike came to Means after working for almost 15 years in the higher education industry, most recently at Husson University. Mike grew up … Continued
Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
It’s hard to read the news lately without hearing something about Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, by definition, is computer technology which, when combined with ever increasing computing speed and efficiency, search engine capabilities and virtually unlimited data, enables simulated functionality commonly associated with intelligent beings. In its simplest form, artificial … Continued
Insurance Planning
June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day, which for most people probably ranks up there with other June holidays like National Prune Day (June 15) or National Parchment Day (also June 28). But insurance and insurance planning are an important, yet often overlooked, part of everyone’s overall financial plan. Having … Continued
The Value of Working with a Registered Investment Advisor
When it comes to managing one’s wealth, the guidance and expertise of a registered investment advisor (RIA) can be invaluable. Here, we will outline some of the key benefits of working with an RIA: Fiduciary Duty and Client-Centric Approach Unlike certain financial professionals who may prioritize their own commissions or … Continued
