Butcher Financial, LLC

Are major changes ahead for your estate strategy? With National Estate Planning Awareness Week just around the corner, it's the perfect time to examine your legacy strategy more closely, especially since some changes may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 increased estate tax exemptions, but unless Congress acts, these changes expire at the end of 2025, according to a 2024 report from the Tax Foundation. Here's what you need to know: 2024 Exemption: $13.61M for individuals, $27.22M for couples. Post-2025: The exemption amount will revert to 2017 levels (adjusted for inflation). Why Act Now? With potential changes on the horizon, taking a proactive approach may put you in a better position to manage your estate in 2026 and beyond. Everyone should consider creating an estate strategy. A financial professional can monitor the landscape of estate law and keep you updated on the status of potential changes! #nationalestateplanningweek #estatestrategy #financialguidance

The latest inflation data presents a mixed picture for consumers. Overall, inflation dropped to 2.4% in September, marking a significant decrease. However, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, remains elevated at 3.3%. While consumers saw relief at the gas pump with prices falling 4.1%, they faced increased costs at the grocery store, where prices rose by 0.4%. This gradual easing suggests the economy is finding balance. However, it's crucial to remember that personal financial strategies should adapt to changing economic conditions. Diversifying income sources and staying informed remain key to navigating these shifts. #Inflation #EconomicTrends #FinancialPreparation https://lnkd.in/eT4izivU

Are you someone who owns an S&P 500 index fund? Perhaps it is part of your company-sponsored retirement plan. Keep this in mind: The S&P 500 has changed since 2023, with large-cap technology stocks playing a larger role in index performance. In fact, technology and financial stocks make up roughly 40% of the S&P 500, up from less than 15% in 2023, according to a July 2024 report in the Wall Street Journal. Tech stocks alone represent about 30% of the index! Other Insights for the WSJ report: Increased Sensitivity: The index is now more sensitive to interest rates due to its tech and financial stock concentration. Global Correlation: There's a higher correlation with other global indexes, which some investors may be overlooking. Implications for Diversification: The S&P 500 offers some diversification, but it may be more limited at this point. Remember, diversification is an approach to help manage, but not eliminate, investment risk if security prices decline. Past Performance: The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. If the S&P 500 is part of your investment strategy, you may want to take a closer look at the index. Connect with us if you need help. #MagnificentSeven #financialprofessional

The Social Security Administration just announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025. What does this mean for beneficiaries? 1️⃣ Average monthly retirement benefits will increase by about $50. 2️⃣ This is the lowest COLA since 2021, reflecting slowing inflation. 3️⃣ Over 72.5 million Americans will see this increase in their benefits. While this adjustment helps maintain purchasing power, it reminds us that relying solely on Social Security may not be enough for a comfortable retirement. Diversifying income sources and looking ahead remain crucial strategies. #SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #COLA2025 https://lnkd.in/eGSyAwdN

Medicare Open Enrollment is here! Key Dates: Start: October 15, 2024 End: December 7, 2024 This annual window is your opportunity to: Review Your Coverage: Ensure your current plan still meets your needs. Compare Plans: Explore new options that might offer better benefits or lower costs. Make Changes for 2025: Adjust your plan to better suit your health and financial situation. Did You Know? Medicare Advantage Plans: These often include extra benefits like vision, dental, and wellness programs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Prescription Drug Plans: Even if you don't take many medications now, enrolling in a Part D plan can protect you from high costs in the future. Medigap Policies: These supplemental plans can help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Questions about Medicare and your financial plan? Let's chat. We're here to help you navigate your options and ensure your healthcare coverage aligns with your financial goals. #FinancialFriday #MedicareEnrollment #Retirement #HealthCoverage #SeniorCare

Are You Doing These to Protect Your Identity? In today's digital age, identity theft is a major threat. Take a moment to check if you're taking these steps to help safeguard your personal and financial info: Freeze your credit: Prevent unauthorized access to your credit report by freezing your credit Don’t let your mail sit uncollected for too long. Don’t give thieves time to steal sensitive documents from your mailbox. Consider shredding documents with personal information. A household shredder can be used on documents with personally identifiable information. Opt out of prescreened credit offers: Manage the risk of fraud. Use unique passwords: Don’t use the same password for your accounts. Bypass the PIN at the gas pump. Use your zip code instead of your PIN, if possible. Safe disposal of digital devices. Properly disposing of old digital devices is a key–but often overlooked–part of identity theft. Consider identity theft protection services for added security. If you suspect identity theft, watch for signs like unexpected bills or loan denials. The next step to consider is placing fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit reports. Protecting your identity is crucial for financial health. Stay vigilant and implement these measures. If you have concerns, reach out. We're here to help provide you with information that can help improve your personal finances. #IdentityTheft #PersonalFinance #WealthPreservation #CyberSecurity

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month! In this increasingly digital world, protecting your online presence is CRITICAL! Are you doing all the following: Using strong, unique passwords—and considering a password manager Consider asking the credit bureaus to help monitor and/or freeze access to your credit Enabling two-factor authentication where available Staying alert for phishing attempts and scams Keeping software up-to-date Can you check the box for each of these? Staying safe and taking precautions can help put you in a better position in the event of a cyber attack. #CyberSecurityAwareness #StaySafeOnline

Q3 saw a Fed-fueled rally, but what's next? Our Quarterly Market Insights for October explores the latest economic indicators and what investors may be talking about in Q4. #InterestRates #StockMarket #FederalReserve https://lnkd.in/emKuG6qM

#NationalBreastCancerAwarenessMonth Some shocking statistics: Breast cancer is a reality for 1 in 8 women in the U.S., making it the most common cancer among women worldwide, according to a 2024 report by the American Cancer Society. A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. every two minutes. As you read this, someone is hearing their results and starting their cancer journey. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women. But there’s hope on the horizon. The American Cancer Society reported in 2024 that over the last 44 years, we’ve seen a 58% decrease in breast cancer mortality rates due to early detection and treatment advances. These are not just numbers. They represent our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. As leaders in the financial sector, we are uniquely positioned to contribute. We can make a difference by: Donating to organizations that fund critical research, support services, and awareness campaigns. Participating in fundraising events like charity runs, walks, or rides that raise funds for breast cancer research and care. Volunteering at local breast cancer clinics, organizations, or events. This month, don't just wear pink ribbons. Let's all do something! #MakeADifference #SupportTheFight

Can you check the box next to each of the following financial strategies? Schedule regular financial check-ups. Create and monitor an approach for education expenses. Develop and update an estate strategy to prepare for the transfer of your assets. Evaluate your insurance coverage so that you might be better positioned for unexpected life events. Given that October is #FinancialPlanningMonth, and we all face challenges in preparing for our financial future, these are some important considerations to keep in mind. Creating a financial strategy isn't just for the wealthy—it's for everyone who wants to prepare for the future. Whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement, there's always room to improve your financial health. #FinancialPlanningMonth #FinancialLiteracy