Blog

You're Invited -PASSing the Baton: 2026 Investment Outlook

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, January 9, 2026

If you haven't attended one of these quarterly meetings before, give it a try. Kezia Samuels does a fantastic job of explaining complicated issues with down to earth language.As we leave 2025 behind, it is time to reflect on the...

We continually strive to keep you informed about key market and economic developments. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan explain why markets remain narrow and how key tailwinds may broaden growth. With the economy and...

I like to keep you informed about key market and economic developments. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan explain why markets remain narrow and how key tailwinds may broaden growth. With the economy and earnings at...

We continually strive to keep you informed about key market and economic developments. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share how diversification, staying invested, and a long-term view can help you stay balanced in...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share how diversification, staying invested, and a long-term view can help you stay balanced in...

I always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan give us reasons for optimism and caution during this year’s football season, regardless of who you...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share that trade deals are reducing policy uncertainty, easing trade war fears, and lifting the S&P...

It has been a volatile year so far, with multiple uncertainties. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan, in his first update since Liberation Day, share what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and what AssetMark thinks...

Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan, give his May update. He'll share what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and what AssetMark thinks investors need to keep doing. Watch Video  If you have questions from this update...

You’re Invited - Markets & Tariffs: The Bottom Line

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Join us for our Q1 2025 review, a 30-minute insightful and interactive discussion to help you cut through the noise during this time of uncertainty and increased market volatility. Our discussion will focus on: An overview of the...

I always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan reinforce that while recent changes are creating a lot of noise, expect continued volatility and...

You’re Invited - Market Volatility: Navigating Tariffs and Policy Uncertainty

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Join AssetMark’s investment leaders for a timely and interactivesession to answer questions on how policy uncertainty, recession fears, and sticky inflation are impacting markets and investor sentiment. Topics include: • Potential...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Here is a quick video regarding the current volatility in markets and administration policies. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan...

The Trump administration’s import tariffs have the potential to lower economic growth and increase inflation, but as discussions continue, distinguishing between noise and actual implementation details is crucial. This special edition...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear Christian Chan share his insights on strong consumer growth, cooling inflation, and steady interest rates Watch Video If you...

You’re Invited - MARK to Markets: 2025 Outlook: Headwinds and Tailwinds

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Thursday, January 16, 2025

After a strong year in markets in 2024, what will 2025 hold for investors? Join us as we go behind the headlines and explore what the market may be missing as we look toward 2025. Gain insights into: 2024 Market Review: Which top...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear Chrisitan Chan share AssetMark’s 2025 outlook, with thoughts on growth, inflation, and interest rates, plus asset classes to...

With the election over, what might we expect in the New Year? Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan’s touch on a tailwind about the U.S. consumer, and a headwind regarding inflation. Watch Video If you have questions...

Money Lessons We’re Thankful For: Passing Down the Gift of Financial Wisdom

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

As we gather for Thanksgiving and reflect on what we're thankful for, I often think about the invaluable money lessons I've learned from family. I hope to continue these lessons and pass them on to my clients and their families. This...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan’s up-to-the minute insights on the 2024 election, including key talking points to help your clients...

Election day is almost upon us in what could be one of the closest elections in U.S. history. What are the candidate's policies from an economic perspective, and how do they potentially impact investors? Our latest edition of On the...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his insights on the recent market fluctuations. Watch Video If you have questions from this...

2024 Quarter 3 Webinar 10/25 @ 10am PT: What Comes After the Big Fed Rate Cuts?

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, October 11, 2024

After the Fed’s long-awaited interest rate cuts, stocks hit record highs while mortgage rates fell. Join us to hear our investment team's perspective on what’s in store for the economy and financial markets at this pivotal time. This...

The Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate by 0.5% at their September 2024 meeting. The start of a rate-cutting cycle is a sign that the period of unusually high inflation is likely over. In this special edition of "On The Mark,"...

Important Changes to the Social Security Login Process: What You Need to Know

Diane Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, September 13, 2024

If you manage your Social Security benefits online, it’s important to be aware of the upcoming changes to the login process. Starting this fall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is transitioning to a new, more secure login...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. As market volatility has increased lately, this short video may be helpful. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his insights on...

Navigating Market Volatility

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

In light of recent market volatility, I wanted to pass on this helpful, quick video. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his insights on the recent market fluctuations. Watch Video If you have questions from this...

CrowdStrike Outage: Increase in Targeted Phishing Attempts

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

You’re likely familiar with the name “CrowdStrike” after the chaos caused by a faulty update recently. Given that the incident is being heralded as "the largest IT outage in history," we wanted to briefly overview the "CrowdStrike...

You’re Invited - 2024 Mid-Year Review: Continued Strength or Cracks Ahead?

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, July 5, 2024

Join us to hear what's on the AssetMark investment team's radar for the second half of 2024. The discussion will address key questions at the top of investors' minds, including: Review of markets in the first half of 2024 Can the U.S....

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his insights on current economy and market trends. Watch Video If you have questions from...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his thoughts about growth, inflation, and interest rate expectations. Watch Video If you have...

You’re Invited - Markets Spring Forward: Breaking Down Record Highs

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Join Kezia Samuel, Deputy Chief Investment Strategist, and Sara Paulson, Central Divisional Sales Leader, for our first-quarter market review. In this webinar, AssetMark’s investment team will discuss: What are record highs in stock...

Does who is sitting in the White House influence markets? According to Kezia Samuels, Deputy Chief Investment Strategist with AssetMark, it may. Still, there are many other factors, such as the actions of foreign leaders, interest...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his thoughts about the big-picture factors that drive market performance: growth, inflation,...

Put this on your immediate to-do list!

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, March 22, 2024

As I prioritize the security of your financial well-being, I strongly recommend considering a credit freeze as an additional protection against potential identity theft and fraud. Protecting your financial well-being in this day and...

As markets hit new highs, there's fear of missing out (FOMO) on further upside potential. But on the flip side, there is also fear of losing it all (FOLIA) if markets are at a peak and could see a potential correction.  In this...

Slam The Scam - Avoid Government Imposter Scams

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Thursday, March 7, 2024

National Slam the Scam Day, designated by the Social Security's Office of the Inspector General, aims to heighten awareness about the persistent threat of government imposter scams proliferating across the United States. This year,...

Investing in HERstory - Three Capital Women of Finance

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Sunday, March 3, 2024

It's Women's History Month! To celebrate, I wanted to dive into the inspiring journeys of three women financial trailblazers who have transformed the investing world.  I thank these fine ladies for making it easier for me to...

The US equity markets, as measured by the S&P 500, reached all-time highs in January 2024. In this edition of "On the Mark," Christian Chan, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, discusses how these highs are consistent with a growing...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information.  Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his insights regarding: Surprisingly strong Q4 economic growth Soft landing still...

Important Information: Tax Document Delivery for the 2023 Filing Year

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Monday, February 5, 2024

As the 2023 tax season approaches, I want to ensure you are well informed and prepared for the upcoming filing year. The official commencement of the tax season is set for January 23 this year, and it can prove advantageous to gather...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his three key takeaways from 2024.  Watch Video If you have questions from...

You’re Invited - New Year, Quality Resolutions

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, January 12, 2024

Join Kezia Samuel, VP of Investment Consulting, and Phillip Manning, Sr. Regional Consultant, for our fourth-quarter market review. In this webinar, AssetMark’s investment team will discuss a review of the 2023 markets, how...

Economic Outlook: 2023 – a year of great rizz and pretty good returns. While we expect some sort of economic slowdown in 2024, we believe the long-term outlook for core assets like stocks and bonds remains good.

2023 stands in sharp contrast to 2022 and is a perfect example that markets are never obvious, let alone predictable. In this edition of "On The Mark," Kezia Samuel, CFA, CAIA, Vice President of AssetMark, discusses the three...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share some holiday cheer about recent market rebounds, plus insights featuring: Inflation...

Holiday Cyber-Security Prep Work: Safeguarding Your Finances During the Holiday Season

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, November 17, 2023

It's time to prepare! During the holiday season, identity theft and cyberattacks tend to rise significantly. According to the FBI, cyberattacks increase by 60% during the holiday season. It is essential to be prepared to protect your...

2023 Pocket Tax Guide

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

As we head towards the end of 2023, you may find this handy quick reference guide that outlines key tax information for 2023 helpful! If you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out. 2023 Pocket Tax Guide

You’re Invited - Fall Update: How to Prepare for a Cooler Climate Ahead

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Join Kezia Samuel, VP of Investment Consulting, and Matthew Liamero, Regional Director, for our third-quarter market review.

Important Medicare enrollment dates and details

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Sunday, October 15, 2023

It’s Medicare open enrollment time. Depending on your circumstances, this may be the only time to update your Medicare coverage, so it’s essential to dedicate some time to review and make appropriate selections for your...

The Israel/Hamas war is a terrible human tragedy and may escalate in the coming weeks. Christian Chan, CFA, Chief Investment Officer for AssetMark, Inc., shares how, despite the human tragedy of this war, the investment impact on US...

The possible government shutdown will add to the wall of worry. However, it does not equate to another government default potential. In this special edition of "On The Mark," Kezia Samuel, CFA, CAIA, Vice President, discusses the...

This interest rate hiking cycle aims to lower economic growth, eventually lowering inflation. While the end of the cycle implies an economic slowdown (and maybe a recession), it also implies an end to a period of very high inflation....

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information.  Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his outlook on: Growth is really good right now: The Atlanta Fed’s GDP...

Join us on Friday, July 28 at 10am PT / 1pm ET to gain insights about the current state of the economy and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions after the formal presentation.This quarterly market discussion will...

The S&P 500's nearly 17% year-to-date total return masks the uneven and narrow market participation. With a slowing economy and ongoing high inflation, equity markets could prove more challenging in the second half of the year.In this...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan share his mid-year outlook on:Growth: Slowing down, but not falling down due to three...

After an eventful first half of the year, many investors are worried about a potential recession, and for a good reason. Recessions have real-world impacts on people’s financial security and well-being. In this edition of "On The...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his latest updates on the debt ceiling agreement.  Watch...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his perspective regarding the debt ceiling and its...

Join Kezia Samuel, VP of Investment Consulting, and Anthony Huynh, SVP, Western Divisional Sales and Consulting, for our first-quarter market review. In this webinar, AssetMark’s investment team will discuss the economy,...

What is financial fitness? We are all familiar with the term physical fitness, and if pressed for a definition, we might define it in terms of our strength and health level. When it comes to an explanation of financial fitness, the...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his latest updates: The Fed’s Message: Our...

Over the last two weeks, the banking system experienced stress not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Yesterday, the Fed raised the Fed Funds Rate by 0.25%. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the resilience of the banking system...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his latest updates: Inflation: Markets are finally...

The FDIC took over Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank last week.In this special edition of “On the Mark,” Christian Chan, SVP, Chief Investment Officer, discusses why this happened, how the government acted and what...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his latest updates: Inflation: Markets are finally...

Investors put the economy on recession watch when the Fed started its “higher in a hurry” push with short-term interest rates in mid-2022.After the 10-year/2-year Treasury curve inverted in July 2022, it was “all...

On January 19, the US government reached its legal $31.4 trillion (T) debt limit1. Given the size of the debt, many investors are concerned about how this will impact the US economy and the markets. In this edition of “On The...

We always strive to keep you updated on important market and economic information. Take 2 minutes now to hear AssetMark Chief Investment Officer, Christian Chan, share his latest updates: Big Picture: Inflation trending...

Last year was an exceptional year, and not in a good way. There was no shortage of worries during the year from COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and the most central story of all: inflation and interest rates.In this edition of "On The Mark...

Join us on Friday, January 27 at 10am PT / 1pm ET to gain insights about the current state of the economy and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions after the formal presentation.This quarterly market discussion will...

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

AssetMark’s experts review the markets and economy for last quarter and year-to-date. They also will review recent Fed actions, inflation, and the possibility of recession, as well as the investment implications for stocks and...

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...

With last week’s spike in volatility and the resulting flood of dismal financial headlines, making the right investment decisions can be challenging. To help provide context and clarity, we’re hosting an exclusive 30 minute...

Investing seems easy when markets rally and are generally calm. It’s during the more tumultuous periods of a market cycle when investing is hard. How an investor confronts the challenge of downturns determines the outcome and...

We strive to keep you updated on the latest financial updates and information. Record high inflation and negative economic growth, as measured by US GDP growth, have fueled recession fears. The bond market is similarly flashing...

Join Kezia Samuel, VP of Client Portfolio Management, and Dylan Schlott, Senior Regional Consultant, for our second quarter market review.You’ll gain insights about the current state of the economy and will have an opportunity to...

"Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," according to legendary investor Warren Buffett. Please reach out if you feel a bit queasy about today's markets. The best medicine may be a dose of reassurance.

Warren Buffett on Volatility

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Monday, March 14, 2022

If you’re concerned about today’s market volatility, you might take some comfort from one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. “I would tell them don’t watch the market closely,” said the Oracle of Omaha.

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what...

If you’re worried about the financial markets, please reach out. I understand that current events can be a bit overwhelming, and you may feel the need to be proactive. But remember, we created your financial strategy based on your goals, ti

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched...

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...

Have you ever heard the Wall Street expression, "markets climb a wall of worry?"It's the idea that financial markets are constantly on edge. Traders fret about how long a market rally can continue before it runs into trouble. Worry...

It has been a busy two months since we moved to Nevada. Moving our home and my business has taken a huge effort. Going from a 2800 square foot home to a 1250 square foot condo was definitely a challenge. However, we got rid of a lot of...

Will your retirement dreams match your reality?That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else?For more than 30 years, the Employee...

Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? And will the...

I.R.S. Delays Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines

Diane L. Woodward, CFP®, RICP®

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

This year we’re celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. In 1920, women fought for the right to vote. In 1974, single and divorced women were finally able to secure a credit card without needing a male...

Presidents Day is upon us. It's time to celebrate Washington's birthday and celebrate the founding of our nation. Washington said, "Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." This Presidents Day, I hope you take a moment...

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on Friday, February 12, 2021.1In light of the December...

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...

I am honored and excited to announce that I have been awarded the 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager award – that makes eight years! Only 7% of East Bay wealth managers considered earned this award. By earning this honor, Five Star...