Derek W. Elftmann, APMA, CRPC

"There has been an important shift in the direction of market action over the last week or so and one where the underappreciated have suddenly sprung to life and are now exacting some revenge on the investors who have doubted (i.e., underweighted) their place within a portfolio.” - Anthony Saglimbene, Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist

A shift in market sentiment gives life to forgotten sectors Get more expert insights by reading the latest Weekly Market Perspectives.

There have been some reported glitches with the rollout of the new 2024-25 FAFSA form. If you’ve had issues filling out the application, know that you still have time before the June 30 deadline.

New FAFSA rules: How changes may affect your student’s financial aid eligibility Plan for college expenses with more confidence.

If you or your dependents have been in the hospital or had other significant medical or dental expenses, keep the receipts — they could help reduce your tax bill.

Selling stocks at a loss can offset the taxes you would pay on other investment gains. This strategy is one way to use the tax code to reduce the sting of an investment loss.

Want to reduce your taxable income? Contribute to your retirement account. This easy, straight forward tax strategy can be used by most workers. Plus, you'll be one step closer to reaching your retirement goals.

Charitable contributions can be tax deductible, and you don’t have to give cash. Donations of clothes, food, or household items, for example, can lower your tax bill.

If you have a high-deductible health plan, consider using a Health Savings Account. This account offers tax benefits for today and tomorrow:

1. Contributions offer an immediate tax deduction
2. Earnings grow tax-deferred
3. Withdrawals used to pay qualified medical expenses are tax-free

When did you last review the beneficiaries on your financial accounts? If it’s been a while, let’s review and ensure they still reflect your wishes

3 reasons to name beneficiaries in financial accounts As your life changes, the beneficiaries on your financial accounts may need to change too.

Despite short-term challenges, the market is resilient in the long run. If you’re feeling uncertain about your investment strategy, let’s connect.

6 historical reasons to stay the course Staying invested in a difficult market can be challenging.

Keep moving toward your goals one step at a time. We can work together to help you stay on track.

Are you holding elevated balances in your checking or saving account? If so, you may want to consider a higher-yielding cash investment, such as a money market fund or Treasury Bills. Let’s connect – we can determine the right cash investments for your situation.

Cash is back: Put your excess money to work Cash has returned as a viable investing opportunity.

Are you overweighted in investments that will be taxed in retirement? Let’s connect and we can evaluate your situation.

How tax diversification can help your assets last longer Tax diversification – explained.

One of the core investing strategies is “Buy low, sell high”, but investor behavior historically has done the opposite. Learn more about how market volatility has the potential to be a valuable asset.

From online phishing to lottery scams, learn about five common types of fraud and how to protect yourself and your family.

Common types of fraud Learn how to recognize red flags and protect against common types of fraud.

Unexpected taxes aren’t something you want affecting your retirement. Diversifying your assets can help optimize your retirement income and lessen tax impacts. Let’s talk about solutions that can help.

Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy discusses the stock gains and jump in bond yields after the unexpectedly strong January jobs report.

Economic Activity and Earnings Estimates Show Signs of Normalcy | Ameriprise Newsroom 02/07/2022 David Joy The blowout January jobs report came as a big surprise and sent bond yields soaring. With evidence that the Omicron variant had slowed economic activity recently, and following a 301,000 decline in the January ADP employment report, expectations for job gains in the January Labo...

Amid strong Q4 earnings, Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy discusses the mix of investor news as the Fed calls for higher interest rates.

Investors Recalibrate after a Tumultuous Start to the Year | Ameriprise Newsroom 01/31/2022 The S&P 500® index enjoyed its first positive week of the new year, and it took a powerful rally in its largest constituent on Friday to make it happen. Apple surged by 7 percent on Friday after reporting stronger than expected earnings, leading to a 2.4 percent overall gain in the index...

Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy discusses the post-Thanksgiving sell-off and new unknowns for the Fed and investors.

A Wave of Uncertainty Hits Markets as a New Virus Variant is Detected | Ameriprise Newsroom 11/29/2021 David Joy News of a new Covid strain of concern sent a wave of apprehension through markets on Friday. Worried that another winter of mobility restrictions could once again dramatically slow global economic activity, investors chose to dump stocks and seek the protection of safe haven ass...

Will home prices continue to rise or hit a breaking point? Ameriprise Financial Chief Economist Russell Price discusses key drivers.

Is housing in a bubble? The historically low supply of homes continues to drive strong prices, but will it continue?

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Supply chain issues are pushing shoppers to reconsider their timelines.

Don't wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping. Here's why you need to shop now. Start your holiday shopping early especially on harder-to-find items. Expect more shortages before Christmas and supply-chain distruptions.

This Veterans Day, we express our gratitude to all those who have served our country, including our friends, clients, family and colleagues. Thank for your service and sacrifice.

Approximately 70 million Americans will receive a 5.9% increase Social Security benefits in 2022 – the biggest increase in almost 40 years.

Social Security cost-of-living increase will boost benefits 5.9% in 2022 as inflation spikes Social Security payments are set to rise 5.9% in 2022 for 68 million retirees, disabled people and others. That's the most since 1982.

Are you one of the more than 48 million Americans providing unpaid care to an adult aged 50 and older? Learn how to minimize financial stress while also ensuring your loved ones age in comfort.

Caring for aging parents Help ensure your loved ones age in comfort while still protecting their estate – and your assets.

A record percentage of companies have exceeded Q3 earnings expectations. Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy discusses stock-price drivers.

Investors Have a Sharp Focus on Earnings this Week | Ameriprise Newsroom 10/25/2021 David Joy U.S. equities continued to shake off their September lethargy last week, on their way to establishing a new all-time high. The S&P 500® index climbed another 1.6 percent, bringing its October gain to 5.5 percent, more than erasing the 4.8 percent September decline, and leaving ...

What could help support stock prices through year-end and into 2022? Global Market Strategist Anthony Saglimbene discusses key factors.

Can stocks look through the Washington noise? A view of support for stock prices through year-end and into 2022 amid activity in Washington.

Unexpected life events can significantly impact your retirement finances. Together, we can set a flexible financial plan that protects you as much as possible from surprises.

Did you know that life insurance can do much more than provide your family with a death benefit when you pass away? Here are three more important benefits.

Why life insurance may be worth more than you think Life insurance solutions may be more accessibly and less costly than you think.

Wondering how to make good use of your dividends? I can help you evaluate your options.

Dividends: Take the cash or reinvest? Your advisor will help you determine how dividends fit into your investment strategy and cash situation.

Have you thought about preparing now for potential medical costs down the road? Here are three ways to start.

3 ways to prepare for future medical costs Planning for medical expenses — unexpected or not — is one of many important steps to help preserve your income and retirement savings.