Stepp Up

If things are seeming more expensive, you're right. Costs are going up for many goods. What does it mean? What can we expect? Join Stepp & Rothwell Assistant Investment Officer Ross Lehman for the latest Stepp UP podcast, “Pricier at the Pump” as he discusses the realities hitting our wallets.

Medicare Fall Open Enrollment has begun. So many options. So many decisions. So little time. Join Health Insurance Strategist Chuck Adams and Stepp & Rothwell Managing Partner Ken Eaton as they guide us through the Medicare Maze.

Talk of school's in the air. And, in fact, in many communities, classes already have begun. For those paying for college or private schools, that can get pricey quickly. There is a way to save for education that presents some tax and other advantages. It's called a 529 Plan. Stepp & Rothwell Financial Advisor Bri Peck discusses the benefits of 529 Plans and similar opportunities to invest for education.

Stepp & Rothwell Managing Partner Ken Eaton and Stepp & Rothwell Associate Brooklyn Juday take a look at the world of cryptocurrencies.

The second of a two-part discussion about leadership with Gen. Tom Kolditz, PhD. He is the Founding Director of the Doerr Institute for Young Leaders at Rice University in Houston. This is the audio component of a presentation originally webcast in mid-May 2021 to the Stepp & Rothwell and Rice communities. The first of two parts is available at https://stepp-up.simplecast.com/episodes/a-leader-looks-at-leadership-part-one.

The first of a two-part discussion about leadership with Gen. Tom Kolditz, PhD. He is the Founding Director of the Doerr Institute for Young Leaders at Rice University in Houston. This is the audio component of a presentation originally webcast in mid-May 2021 to the Stepp & Rothwell and Rice communities. The second of two parts is available at https://stepp-up.simplecast.com/episodes/a-leader-looks-at-leadership-part-two.

Nearly three decades ago, Kathy Stepp and Howard Rothwell were pioneers. They started what was to become a highly successful fee-only financial-planning firm, one of the first of its kind in the country. Their business model – as innovative today as it was then – put the client's best interest in sharp focus, eliminating conflicts that historically arose from firms selling products along with advice. Growing any company is a challenge. That Kathy and Howard also are married adds an interesting twist. In this podcast, they share stories and insights from their years together in the business, in finance, as well as in their personal lives.

Stepp & Rothwell Managing Partner Ken Eaton discusses the tax realities of the two economic-stimulus payments made in 2020 and how to address them on your tax returns. He also looks at the current legislation regarding a possible third round of stimulus, as well as addresses other timely topics.

Tax season is upon us. By now you should have received all or most of your documents for preparing your personal returns. The IRS will start accepting them on Feb. 12 this year with April 15 the deadline. Join Stepp & Rothwell Principal Advisor Dan Shay as he discusses what you need in hand, and what you should consider, as you or your accountant prepare your tax return. He also explores some of the unique tax opportunities, expectations and realities brought on by the CARES Act.

First piggy bank? First credit card? It's never too early to teach children financial responsibility. Earning, saving, spending, giving, prioritizing, valuing, budgeting…they all play their part. Join founder Kathy Stepp as she discusses building a young person's financial literacy in Stepp & Rothwell's latest podcast, “Teach Your Children Well.”

We live in a most-generous nation. In 2019 -- the last year records were reported -- Americans gave nearly $450 billion to worthy causes. Much of that philanthropy occurred between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. The same will hold true now. It is NOT too late to make a difference. This episode, featuring Stepp & Rothwell Principal Advisor Todd Ericson and Truman Heartland Community Foundation President and CEO Phil Hanson, discusses giving and the personal, civic and economic benefits to your generosity. As well, with the CARES Act, there are unique giving opportunities that expire at the start of the new year. There is no better time to give than now.

Stepp & Rothwell Partner Amy Guerich discusses year-end opportunities to optimize finances and avoid missing important year-end deadlines. Included is discussion of special strategies related to COVID-19 and the CARES Act.

The elections loom. The market is gyrating. The economy is facing multiple challenges.  Will the elections make any difference? Not as much as you might think.From 1952 to today,  according to Forbes magazine, the stock market notched an average annual return of 10.6 percent while a Democrat was in the White House and 4.6 percent while a Republican was in office.The difference is almost totally because George W. Bush presided over two bear markets.  Presidential policies might provide headwinds or tailwinds. But other powerful forces are at work, including actions of central banks, other governments, global organizations, natural disasters and, perhaps most powerful of all, the business cycle. Over the long run, and regardless of which party is in power, the market always has grown. Our advice: Stay the course and invest based on your long-term personal goals. Ultimately, a well-designed, balanced portfolio will prove more valuable to you than any President.