One of the questions we are asked frequently at North Main Financial is how to navigate the endless increases in health insurance costs. There are a lot of variables that go in to determining that including your location, age, choice of plan, and current health condition just to name a few.

The year 2020 has thrown a lot of challenges our way. As we enter the half-way point of the year, the Presidential election will begin to heat up even more (if that’s even possible). We often receive questions about the effects a Presidential election may or may not have on a portfolio. There are a lot of ways to answer that question but here are a couple of things to think about.

One of the most foundational items, especially for young families, that we look at here is the insurmountable cost of planning for college. When planning for college, there are many factors that play a part in the decision-making process. Do you have more than one child; will you pay for some or all of their college expenses; what will the cost of college be in the future; the list goes on.

The last couple months have been extremely dynamic with nationwide closings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now beginning to see states re-open from an economic standpoint. So, what does that mean? Admittedly it is hard to figure that out at this point.

There have been several different dynamics we have observed, and of which we have lived, over the last 20 years since North Main Financial Group has been in business. We had the Internet boom, and then bubble, and then the bursting of the bubble at the end of the 1990s and into the early 2000s. We then had what some would describe as a real estate bubble happening from 2005 to about 2007.

It’s a new year, fresh start…and that includes finances! When the clock strikes 12 and the calendar flips over to a new year, it’s often a fresh start for many. While there are many resolutions and goals made, the start of a new year is always an interesting time both personally and professionally.

As we come to the end of the calendar year, we get busy baking, wrapping gifts, hanging lights, and celebrating with family and friends. However, this also provides a natural time to review your financial plans and give yourself a financial checkup if you will. While it may not be the kind of thing that tops your “to do” list, it is important.

I’ve been in this business for over 20 years and while there have been some good times, there have also been some rough patches. If you lived through the turmoil of 2008 – 2009 you know what I’m talking about. One thing that has been true is that there are no guarantees. In life or in the financial services industry.

It’s interesting to look back through the years and note the trends. There were things 20 years ago when I started that were in vogue that isn’t today. Conversely, there are things that we use every day that didn’t even exist 20 years ago. The iPhone, for example, is only 10 years old. Pretty amazing to think about since it’s so integrated into our lives.

Fall happens to be one of my favorite times of the year. The heat of the summer is finally starting to subside and of course, it’s the beginning of football season. I spend many weekends taking in college and professional football and as I watch the ups and downs of America’s game it got me thinking. From a strategic and thought process, football and finance have many parallels.