7.19.24

Despite a mixed quarter, stocks maintain their halftime lead

SEI Insights - July 12, 2024

Major global equity market indexes saw mixed performance in the second quarter of 2024, but ended the first half of the year in positive territory. In the U.S., the broad-market S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index garnered positive returns, bolstered largely by a rally concentrated in shares of a select few companies—but namely Nvidia—benefiting from artificial intelligence (AI).

READ MORE HERE

"How do I know when it's the right time to retire?" - T.H.

Wow, this is a tough one. The best answer is not necessarily a clear one: It depends. So what does that mean?

The decision to retire is a highly personal one that should have multiple considerations. Are you ready financially? Will your pension, retirement account, investments, Social Security, etc. provide adequate income for you if you’re no longer working? What will you do for healthcare coverage?

This is where your financial advisor can help. At Meriwether, we use robust retirement planning software to determine the success rate for meeting your financial goals, as well as steps that you can take to improve your financial outlook. It can provide peace of mind knowing that financial needs will be met once your working career comes to a close; or it might reveal that further financial progress is required in order to be comfortable in retirement.

Another consideration is your health and well-being. Is it becoming a physical or mental challenge to continue working? Will retirement improve your overall health and quality of life? For some of our clients, retirement doesn’t necessarily mean giving up work altogether. It could mean taking on a part-time job in a lower-stress field. Or it might mean engaging in volunteer opportunities in your church or community.

If you are married, we recommend discussing with your spouse how this decision will impact him or her. Are you both mentally prepared for a lifestyle change? How will you utilize your time now that a third or more of your day won’t be spent on the job?

As you can see, there’s a lot more to a retirement decision than just financial considerations. If you’re thinking about retirement, call us and schedule a meeting with your financial advisor to discuss. We consider it a privilege to help you.

Cristler joins Meriwether team

Meriwether is pleased to announce the addition of John Michael Cristler to its team.

Before joining Meriwether, John Michael worked for a local accounting and consulting firm, with a specific focus on the financial services industry. A native of Stonewall, he is a graduate of North Desoto High School and earned his bachelor of science degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University in 2022.

John Michael is training to be a financial advisor with Meriwether and will begin by supporting existing advisors and clients with special projects. John Michael resides in Ruston and will work primarily out of Meriwether’s Ruston office. Outside of work, John Michael enjoys fitness, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. He attends The Bridge Community Church in Ruston.

“We are thrilled John Michael has joined our team. He comes highly recommended and has already demonstrated he will add significant value to our clients through his thoughtfulness and insight,” said Jeremy Pendergrass, Meriwether president and financial advisor. “I have no doubt John Michael will grow to be an invaluable asset to our team and an exceptional advisor.”

Save the Date: Client Appreciation Event is Oct. 18

Referrals: The greatest compliment

It’s often said that referrals are the highest form of professional compliment. We certainly believe this to be true at Meriwether. Every day, we strive to provide exceptional client service, build relationships, and foster trust. We recognize that without you, the client, we might as well close our doors and go home.

If you believe that a friend or relative of yours can benefit from the services Meriwether provides, we ask that you please refer them to us. We would love to visit with them to determine if we are the right fit for their financial needs. More information about our services can be found at online at www.meriwether.com/services.

Thank you in advance, and it’s an honor and pleasure to serve you as our clients!

Disclosure: Meriwether Wealth and Planning is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

meriwether.com 1000 Broadway St., Minden, Louisiana 71055 318-377-1803

CONNECT WITH US