The Fitzgerald Group

What's better—a 30-year or 15-year fixed-rate home mortgage? The answer may surprise you.

Comparing Mortgage Terms Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

You work hard for your money, and every available dollar needs to be saved, invested, and put to work in order for you to reach your big financial goals.

But there are plenty of everyday costs, fees, and downright money-wasters that siphon off those dollars!

By being cognizant and getting these under control, your financial future will be brighter!

👇
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

People who think they can't afford whole life insurance often overestimate the cost. Now, new types of policies can put this valuable protection within reach.

Financial well-being for everyone: Affordable whole life New types of policies put whole life protection within reach and make the application process simpler than ever.

No matter who you are and where you are on your investment journey, you absolutely can make a huge positive impact on your finances!

If you have need help or have any questions, please schedule with me below.
👇
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

The Consumer Price Index has shown low inflation since '09. Are your prices rising faster?

Historical Inflation This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

The dangers of interrupting compounding.⚠️✋📈
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEMuUDzm5R8

In this short video, Joseph Fitzgerald talks about the dangers of interrupting compounding and understanding the difference between interrupted and non-interrupted compounding when it comes to your investments.

If you have questions, please reach out:

- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation👇
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

The dangers of interrupting compounding. In this short video, Joseph Fitzgerald talks about the dangers of interrupting compounding and understanding the difference between interrupted and non-inter...

Where will your retirement income come from? Do you know all the choices available?

Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k) This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).

🔒📈 An irrevocable trust can be a game changer for estate planning, locking in your assets to not only secure your legacy but also organize your taxable estate.

Reach out to discuss how this powerful tool can provide tax efficiencies and peace of mind for your future!
👇
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

Stocks rallied in May as investors welcomed upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs of a Goldilocks economy - not too hot, not too cold. The Dow crossed 40,000 for the first time after cooler inflation data raised hopes for a potential rate adjustment.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2024 Stocks rose in May as investors cheered upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs that the economy was still strong while not overheating.

The federal estate tax exemption sunsets in 2025. Learn more about what to do to make the most of the higher threshold. Read more now.

Are You Prepared for an Estate Tax Sunset? The federal estate tax exemption sunsets in 2025. Learn more about what to do to make the most of the higher threshold.

Last month's incoming jobs and inflation data revealed the economy isn’t slowing down as much as anticipated, indicating it’s less likely the Fed will drop their benchmark interest rate this summer. According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, there is just a 4.4% probability of an interest rate adjustment at the FOMC’s June 11-12 meeting.

Earlier this year, the Fed predicted three quarter-point rate cuts by the end of 2024. However, the tone has changed to a "higher for longer" approach as the Fed looks for sustainable inflation and economic data consistent with its goals.

Goldman Sachs now predicts the first rate cut of the year to occur in September, although they still anticipate two rate cuts by the end of the year. However, 60% of economists polled see only one rate cut on the horizon.

Since July 2023, the federal funds target rate has maintained at 5.25% to 5.5%.

Source:
https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html

For a small business, the loss of a key person could cause financial hardship.

Protecting Your Business from the Loss of a Key Person Business owners may be able to protect themselves from the financial consequences of losing a key employee.

What should be looking for when hiring a financial planner, advisor, or any professionals?

This list is a good start!

Of course, I'd love to compete for your business and earn your trust, so please reach out whenever you're ready or if you just have questions.

***
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

Whether you are already retired or just starting to prepare, take a look at your home. Is rightsizing the right decision?

Rightsizing for Retirement What does your home really cost?

May brought the sixth winning month in seven for the market’s major benchmarks.

For the month, Wall Street’s three major indices performed as follows:

The Dow +2.3%
S&P 500 +4.8%
Nasdaq +6.88%

All three indices set records for the month of May; the Dow had its best May performance since 2020, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq haven’t had a better May showing since 2003.

***
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/30/stock-market-today-live-updates.html

This video asks the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.

Retirement and Quality of Life Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.

Dear clients and friends,

In an effort to better serve you, I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification, a designation that meets a lofty standard in the financial planning community.

This accomplishment comes after rigorous coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a steadfast commitment to adhering to the highest ethical standards set by the CFP Board.

In fact, as the time of this writing, only 98,883 financial professionals in the U.S. are certified CFPs®, with only 3,780 in New Jersey and just 5,257 in the entire state of New York, representing just a fraction of the total financial planners and advisors in the country.*

The CFP® certification brings on a focus on several key areas that can benefit you including retirement planning, estate planning, tax management, insurance, and investment strategies. This holistic approach ensures that I am well-equipped to help you navigate complex financial landscapes and make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

To all my clients, I am excited to bring this enhanced level of expertise to our meetings and to continue helping you achieve your financial dreams with even greater precision and foresight.

Thank you for your continued trust in me, your business, and, of course, your friendship.

Best regards,

Joseph Fitzgerald
CFP® RICP®

***
#2024-174272 Exp. O5/2026
Source: https://www.cfp.net/knowledge/reports-and-statistics/professional-demographics

Are Millennials' expectations way out of whack when it comes to the price tag for happiness? 🏷️

Or are the rest of us setting the cost of happiness too low?! ⬇️

***
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

Mortgage lenders consider many personal factors when deciding whether you can afford a home.

How Much Home Can I Afford? With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

May’s highly anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) release revealed that prices rose 0.3% in April according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a 12-month basis, the same Consumer Price Index rose 3.4%, a slight respite from volatile inflation numbers in months prior.

For comparison, the CPI rose 0.4% a month earlier in March, while March’s annually adjusted CPI was 3.5%.

Core inflation – which strips away volatile food and energy prices – rose 3.6% in April, down from a 3.8% price hike in March.

In April, prices for shelter and gasoline climbed the most, accounting for 70% of the total monthly increase. The food index remained unchanged, while the food away from home index actually dropped marginally. Medical care, car insurance, apparel, and personal care items also got more expensive in April.

***
Source: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/

For many, retirement starts a new phase of life. Are you getting prepared for your new phase?

Saving for Retirement This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

Saving for college doesn’t have to be as complicated as college itself.

Saving for College 101 Here’s a crash course on saving for college.

Did you know that 24% of U.S. households have a Roth IRA?*

This investment tool offers tax-optimized growth and withdrawals, making it a savvy choice for retirement savings.

However, like any investment vehicle, there are some drawbacks and conditions you should understand.

So, is a Roth IRA right for you? Or are there better options?

Let's talk about it.
👇
- Joseph Fitzgerald, CFP® RICP®
📲 (973) 963-5114
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.fitzgeraldwealthgroup.com
🗓️ Schedule a consultation
http://bit.ly/ScheduleJoeFitzgerald

*Source: Investment Company Institute, 2022

Teens might not have much money, but it's important for them to be responsible with the cash they do have.

Money matters: Why it pays to be financially responsible

According to the most recent Labor Department report, new payrolls increased by only 175,000 in April, a far cry from the 240,000 new hires predicted by Dow Jones estimates.

The largest job gains in April were in the fields of health care (+56,000), social assistance (+31,000), transportation and warehousing (+22,000), and retail (+20,000).