Thursday, June 30, 2016

What is the Federal Reserve System?

Our financial planning team in St Louis often gets questions from our clients about the Federal Reserve System (simply known as "the Fed") and how it can affect their investing and saving strategy.  Understanding what the Fed is, and how this central banking system of the United States operates, can help you work towards achieving your financial goals.  The financial advisor team at Bogetto and Associates want to provide you some historical information about the Fed and how it manages interest rates in the United States.


History of the Fed


The Fed was created on December 23rd, 1913 in response to several financial panics that occurred in the early 20th century.  The need for a centralized monetary system caused the creation of the Federal Reserve System.  The primary motivation for creating the Federal Reserve System was to address banking panics. Other purposes are stated in the Federal Reserve Act, such as "to furnish an elastic currency, to afford means of re-discounting commercial paper, to establish a more effective supervision of banking in the United States, and for other purposes".  Before the founding of the Federal Reserve System, the United States underwent several financial crises. A particularly severe crisis in 1907 led Congress to enact the Federal Reserve Act in 1913. Today the Federal Reserve System has responsibilities in addition to ensuring the stability of the financial system.

So what does the Fed really do?


The Fed has several functions to include:

  • Addressing banking panics
  • Serves as the Central Bank of the United States
  • Supervise and regulate banking institutions
  • Protect the credit rights of consumers
  • Manage the nation's money supply
  • Moderate long-term interest rates
  • Strengthen the US standing in the world economy
The structure of the Fed is comprised of a Board of 7 Governors who are appointed by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the Senate for 14 year terms.  This board oversees 12 District Reserve Banks and sets national monetary policy.  It also regulates the US banking system.



So how does the Fed affect my financial planning?


The Federal Reserve System implements monetary policy largely by targeting the federal funds rate. This is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans of federal funds, which are the reserves held by banks at the Fed. This rate is actually determined by the market and is not explicitly mandated by the Fed. The Fed therefore tries to align the effective federal funds rate with the targeted rate by adding or subtracting from the money supply through open market operations. The Federal Reserve System usually adjusts the federal funds rate target by 0.25% or 0.50% at a time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_System#/media/

The effect of increasing or decreasing the federal funds rate has a ripple effect.  In general, the lower the rate, the lower a bank can charge interest on loans such as mortgages, and credit cards.  It costs less to borrow money and provides consumers with access to money to spend immediately.  When consumers pay less for a house or car loan, they have more money to invest or save.  Businesses can also benefit, as it allows them capitol for new equipment or hiring new employees.

If the federal funds rate is higher, then consumers won't have as much disposable income, and banks may make fewer loans.  Businesses may also contract and the demand for goods and services may help to lower inflation.

It's important to keep an eye on what the Fed is doing with the federal fund rate, as it can affect your decision on where to put your investments or savings.  Different financial products may be affected (either positive or negative), and your decision on where to find your highest rate of return my change.  

Let Bogetto and Associates help you figure out what the Fed's effect on your financial goals may be.


Hiring a professional financial advisor firm can make a big difference in working towards achieving your financial goals.  We look at what the Fed is doing and can offer you advice on what financial products may fit best for working toward achieving your goals.  If you have further questions on the Fed or want to know how interest rates affect your investments or savings, please give us a call!

Sources:

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



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Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

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Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.

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Thursday, June 23, 2016

How to create a budget

Creating and keeping to a budget is one of the most important things you can do to help you toward reaching your financial goals.  At Bogetto & Associates, our financial planner team works with clients constantly to help them plan, save, and invest to work towards achieving the financial goals that they want to reach.  If you can create a budget that is both realistic and achievable, you can quickly identify how to put aside money towards your financial future.  Here are some ideas to help you create a budget:

Take a 6 month look at your spending


Start creating a budget by taking a look back at your spending over the past 6 months.  Questions you can ask yourself:

  • Was your spending the same each month?
  • If it was different, why?
    • Vacations?
    • Gifts?
    • Big Purchases?
    • Higher utilities?


Figure out what is a fixed expense vs a variable expense

  • Be honest with yourself!
  • Don't create a fictitious budget that you know you can't keep
  • Is it an expense that is truly needed, or just entertainment?

Decide what money is left over for saving

  •  If this number is zero, then it may be time to reassess your entertainment and "fun" expenses.
  • Decide on what is really important to you from these categories and trim down.
  • If you like to go out to eat for example, consider a "budget night" and eat in.
  • If you buy that fancy Latte every morning, consider the cost!


Have discipline - stick to the plan


Stick to your new budget and don't let old habits ruin your plan.  Once you have an "impulse buy", the floodgates can open for more reckless spending.  Re-consider the larger purchases such as a new designer handbag, the latest golf clubs, or upgrading your vehicle.  You can however program in rewards for your discipline...if you stay disciplined and stick to your budget and savings plan, the that double caramel macchiato will be that much more delicious knowing you earned it from your hard work!


Quick Tip 


If you find that you are someone who loves to spend money on nice things and never seem to have a handle on day to day finances, the consider reading "Stop acting Rich: and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire" by Thomas J. Stanley.  

Our financial professionals at Bogetto & Associates are here to help.  If we can offer advice or further suggestions on how to start a budget and associated savings or investing plan, give us a call!  We listen to our clients and can offer you many options to work towards achieving the financial goals that YOU want.

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

Follow Us



Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.

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Location: St. Louis, MO 63127, USA

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Meet Ben Bogetto!

Bogetto & Associates has a talented team of financial professionals in St Louis to help you plan for your Financial Health...Now & Tomorrow.  In this week's blog, we want to feature team member, Benjamin Bogetto!



Meet Ben Bogetto



Ben is proud to be a Saint Louis native; growing up in Kirkwood and attending Kirkwood public schools from Kindergarten through High School. His college studies led him to Indiana University where he achieved a BM, and furthered his passion for culture, music, & athletics. After returning to Saint Louis, Ben joined his father, Peter, in helping American families realize and work towards achieving their financial goals based around a healthy financial plan. In his free time Ben enjoys attending Saint Louis sporting games and various social and arts events around the city, playing softball, hockey, and golf with friends, and visiting his nephews, Jacob and Benjamin, in Indianapolis.

Q & A with Ben


Q: Where did you grow up?  
A: I grew up  in Kirkwood, Missouri.  I'm a proud native of St Louis!

Ben & girlfriend Lindsey

Q:  Where did you go to school and how did you get into Financial Planning?

A:   I'm a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington with a Bachelor's degree in Music.  I joined our family business and was taught financial planning from a very young age, although I did not realize it at the time. I wish that I could say it was a fascination with the markets or finance, but in reality it wasn’t. When I realized the positive impact that my father’s financial advice had on helping hard working American families, it seemed like a great career; to be able to help people with their most important life decisions.



Q:  What is your favorite sport to watch and who is your favorite sports team?

A:  I'm an avid sports fan and like just about any type of sporting event.  I do love baseball and I'm a BIG St Louis Cardinals fan.  I also watch football and have been a Ram's fan as well.  I follow the Blues, and enjoy basketball and golf.


Q:  Do you have pets?  If so, what kind of pet and what is their name?

A:  I have a cat whose name is Lumen.  Shes an 8 year old perma-kitten Siamese mix that was rescued from a storage unit by the Lumiere Casino!

Lumen
Q:  What was the last book you read that you enjoyed?

A:  "Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation". So much of their music is well known, as well as their falling out. How it all started as a group of kids at prep school to becoming one of the historically greatest bands of all time is a fascinating story. It’s just seems nuts how they, among others, transformed rock music in that time period.


Q:  What advice would you give folks coming out of College today?

A:  Develop a plan to start systematically saving, assess their short term goals and devise a plan to work toward achieving them. Most people think that they cannot save while they are paying off student loans. A systematic way of saving, even if it’s only $20 a week, teaches discipline, accountability, and makes “want” purchases that more rewarding.

At a Cardinals game with the nephews!

Q:  What do you like to do when you are not working?

A:  I like to stay active and competitive. I play men’s softball with my childhood friends, golf, poker, sporting events, dining out at the local independent restaurants and various art and music events in St. Louis.  I also love to spend time with my nephews Jacob and Benjamin.

Ben with nephews Jacob and Benjamin








Q:  What Music do you enjoy the most?

A:  Anything from classical orchestral and opera to modern hip hop, R & B, and electronic music. Having a broad music spectrum helps me not get tired of what’s constantly played on the radio, and helps me learn to appreciate things that I may not have given a second chance. Try going from Puccini to Jay-Z, it transitions seamlessly.

Q.  What do you like the most about helping people with their financial future?

 A.  When the client is working and accumulating assets life is often up and down, with highs and lows. We have to keep things flexible, but still keep our eye on the final target. The planning process can be tedious and mentally exhausting for the clients. But I’d have to say that the most rewarding part has to be watching the retirees enjoy themselves. I love calling a client who is recently retired and they reply with “I’m great, can I call you back? I just got to the art studio or I’m out on the golf course!”


Contact Ben Bogetto 

ben@bogettoandassociates.com



 

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

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Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.



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Thursday, June 9, 2016

Planning for your Children's College Future

College tuition continues to climb and putting aside money for your children’s educational future is extremely important.  Saving for your children’s college fund may seem daunting, but don’t wait too long to start planning.   The financial advisor team at Bogetto &Associates can work with you to provide options for your children’s college years and help you work toward achieving financial goals to meet the tuition needed for college.  We can suggest possible saving and investment strategies that can help you start working toward meeting college tuition costs.


First, Create a Savings Plan and stick to it.
Consider saving for your children’s future education soon after they are born.   The sooner you start putting money away for their college, the less stressful it will be as those years approach.  Do some research on how much your children’s education will cost and then discuss a savings strategy with a financial professional to ensure you have enough when the time comes.



Determine how much money will be you need for college.
College tuition can vary greatly from school to school.  Ivy League college tuition can be in the $50,000+ range per year, while state university tuition can be as low as $6000 per year.  (http://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/tuition-fees-sector-state-over-time).  Deciding on the amount of money you expect to pay each year will drive your saving and investing strategy.


Have a mixture of savings and investing as part of your strategy
If you begin planning for your children’s college fund early, time is on your side.  You can consider a regular savings plan where you contribute on a routine basis, and also invest in longer term products that may have a larger return than a bank savings account will provide.  Give us a call and we can give you advice on investment products that can help you work towards your financial goals.



Consider looking at Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
Most High Schools today have student financial aid advisors that can help you apply for financial aid.  When thinking about your college requirements, check with these experts to see how this may help bridge any gap between your savings/investment plans for college tuition.  For more info about Financial Aid, go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/


If you don’t qualify for financial aid, help may be found via a variety of scholarships, grants and other awards.  When visiting potential colleges, make sure to stop into the student financial aid office to learn what is available at a particular school.   Scholarships are gifts that don’t need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.
There are also Grant options that are based upon financial need.  A Grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid unless you withdraw from school.   For more info about Grants and scholarships, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships


Bogetto & Associates can help you plan for college
If you have children who are planning to go to college, it’s important that you talk to a financial advisor as soon as possible.  Our team at Bogetto & Associates will listen to your goals for saving for your children’s college tuition and we can provide you options toward working to achieve those goals.   Let our experience make the difference in your financial future…now and for tomorrow!

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

Follow Us



Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.

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Location: St. Louis, MO 63127, USA

Friday, June 3, 2016

Tips for Newlyweds and their Financial Planning

If you have just gotten married, it's one of the most exciting times of your life.  One area that may or may not be at the top of your mind during the period after your wedding is how to plan for your financial future together.  This is a great time to consider getting some financial help and our team of financial advisors in St Louis may be able to assist you.  We have put together some tips and ideas for you to think about once the honeymoon is over!




Start talking about finances immediately


The first step toward effective financial planning is to talk with each other about finances.  There are many things that can be talked about, and acknowledging the importance of money should be put on the table.  If you are marrying early in life, there may be financial challenges like student debt, the cost of the wedding or honeymoon, credit card debt, and career planning.  Putting off talking about money issues can be a recipe for future disaster.

Get a Joint Bank Account


You can keep your accounts separate, but it's probably a better idea to establish a joint banking account for shared household expenses.  This will also help you build a joint savings strategy and begin working toward financial security in the future.  This joint account will also help you with estate planning, as you can easily designate that the money is this account will pass to your spouse in the case of death.

Discuss credit cards


Each spouse probably has some kind of credit debt that they accrued before getting married.  You should look at these cards shortly after the wedding to look at the terms of each credit card.  If you have multiple cards, examine the ones that have the best terms (travel points, cash back, annual fees), and consolidate the balance to the card(s) with the best offers/APR.  Close other cards once you have paid off the balance, but do it carefully.  Canceling cards can hurt your credit score so do some research on this before closing any accounts.



Talk about your lifestyles and rein in your spending if needed


Sometimes when people get married, they need to also merge their lifestyles as well as their finances. If a couple had income discrepancies before the marriage, there may need to be some compromises in lifestyle.  Luxury meals, vacations, and expensive hobbies need to be considered and your spending habits may need to change.  Set a joint budget and stick to it.  As part of the budget, consider earmarking income for savings and investments.

Look at your new tax situation


Early after the wedding, you should adjust the withholding allowances you claim on your W-4 form. Your employer can then calculate and adjust the amount of income tax to withhold from your paycheck.  If your spouse isn’t working, for instance, you can add an allowance. Visit the Internal Revenue Service to figure out how many allowances you’re due. If both of you are working, add up all of the allowances you’re entitled to, then divide the total between you and your spouse. Use the W-4 instructions to make sure you are not over or under withholding.

Bogetto & Associates can help you with your post wedding financial planning!


As newlyweds, you probably have your hands full with a great deal going on in your life.  If we can help you with ideas and advice on how to plan for your financial future as a couple, give us a call. Our experienced financial advisor team will listen to you and provide you with your options toward achieving your financial goals.  Congratulations on your wedding and we wish you a long future together!

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

Follow Us



Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.

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Location: St. Louis, MO 63127, USA
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