Locke Advisory Services LLC

02/07/2021

GameStop, Reddit, and Market Mania: What You Need to Know

GameStop Rise & Fall: Extreme volatility with little fundamental change in its underlying business.

Here's what you need to know about recent market volatility triggered by

02/02/2021

Market Month: January 2021

Hope you enjoy this month's market summary!
https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=B35A26AE777CEA41DE3638FBE3BC46E5D1E5BF1E0E5CB540469EF3342B21EDD43145EAAD48C311365885CC1938879B6131356E3840AF3ADAC564163AD1CFC3D6EFDB6099E8613954E5C32748F241C7E8F67B5BE9D71F373700964BFE9F34825EE1C5D8591EABAAD03807737D4D7554D79363226E987D080054ADDA9F5310ABAAB1413A4AEF62BD03EABDCE60F1BAAAD3&platform=li

Stocks were mixed in January following the month's tumultuous events.

01/05/2021

Hey folks - With 21 million confirmed cases of COVID in the US, we have a huge number of people who have recovered from COVID walking around with convalescent plasma that could be vital to people fighting for their lives against COVID. If you have had COVID or know anyone who has had COVID, please donate plasma. My friend, former colleague and client, Fred Avila, has been fighting for his life for the last few days. Doctors struggled to find convalescent plasma. Fred is at Hoag hospital in Newport Beach, CA. If you are in Newport Beach and fit the bill, please donate. Where ever you are and if you have recovered from COVID, you could give someone the gift of life. Please help today.

12/08/2020

Breaking News: Cyber security firm, FireEye (ticker FEYE), today announced that it had been hacked, possibly by a government, leading to the theft of an arsenal of internal hacking tools typically reserved to privately test cyber defenses of their own clients. The hack of FireEye, a firm with business contracts across the national security space in the US and globally, is among the most significant breaches in recent memory. FireEye was down nearly 7% in after market trading.

This reminds us once again of the importance to be vigilant about our own cyber security. Beware!

12/08/2020

Elon Musk will love this: Tesla short sellers lost more than the US airline industry this year

According to a report by S3 Partners, short sellers of Tesla have lost more money this year than the US airline industry. $35 billion vs. $24.2 billion. No wonder Elon is smiling.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/04/investing/tesla-short-sellers-elon-musk/index.html

The incredible year for Tesla stock has created a bloodbath for those shorting its shares.

12/04/2020

Locke Advisory Services LLC's cover photo

12/04/2020

Locke Advisory Services LLC's cover photo

12/04/2020

Locke Advisory Services LLC

11/23/2020

6 Reasons to Work with a Financial Professional

Is it time to work with a financial professional?
https://www.lockeadvisoryservices.com/6-Reasons-to-Work-with-a-Financial-Professional.c9324.htm

Here are six reasons to work with a financial professional no matter what life stage you’re in.

11/12/2020

New College Cost Data for 2020-2021 School Year

For those looking to put kids through college in the next few years, it's great to see the inflationary cost of college cooling down a bit.

Find out how much college costs increased for the 2020-2021 school year.

11/01/2020

The Top Mistakes Millionaire Investors Regret Making

Top Mistakes Millionaire Investors Regret Making

The deVere Group, a Zurich-based financial advisory firm, queried millionaires on the biggest investing errors they made before they became clients. The survey included 752 investors with investable assets of more than $1 million in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australasia, Latin America and North America.

More than a third (35%) of investors cited not having sought advice, 38% said they leaned too heavily on historical returns and 21% cited a lack of diversification. The survey said a collection of other mistakes and ‘do not knows’ made up the remaining 6%.

CEO and Founder Nigel Green said "It is encouraging that seeking advice is deemed fundamental to success by millionaires, as it shows that DIY investing and not having a regularly reviewed plan is, typically, a path full of costly pitfalls".

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/the-top-mistakes-millionaire-investors-regret-making-58592.html?section=43&utm_source=FA+Subscribers&utm_campaign=790a7b1788-FAN_Top_Stories_OS33_Envestnet_103120&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6bebc79291-790a7b1788-235986161

A survey found that wealthy investors lament relying on guidance from historical returns.

10/14/2020

Quarterly Market Review: July-September 2020

Hope you enjoy this quarter's market review! There will be plenty of political noise from both sides between now and the elections which will probably cause the markets to be volatile. The market has historically performed well during both Republican and Democrat presidencies. Try not to get caught up in short-term volatility and be sure to have an investment strategy based on short & long-term time horizons suitable for your life goals, career and retirement plans.
https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=4DC968EC90318398AD38AA8212A5198EBEF51E6CB0119DC20D932C2CB414EDB052D7F47C6BB113018FC2BB06F538855FAF18CAC32F08C1FE9C808607048E43CFE0C82128A608CF25482DB6A806BDAEEA538A4F41467343B03F839494608CFC33CC63A44DA8545100A0D97A8FF82950F5F0C9D25ED7C62C714EB40B4B44B44B2A193CD4F3361E74922E4B10220213D6D2&platform=li

See what the markets did in Q3 2020 in our latest market video.

09/01/2020

Market Month: August 2020

While the economy continues to heal, the stock market is riding to all time highs. Caution ahead. Enjoy the August Market Month!

Stock market indexes reach record highs in August on hopes of a virus vaccine.

08/18/2020

Women Outpace Men in Degrees Earned (Sep)

Women Outpace Men in Degrees Earned (Sep)

Women attained more educational degrees than men at every level during the 2019-2020 academic year.

08/14/2020

IRS List of Tax Scams to Watch Out For

Scammers are more clever and enticing than ever. It's important to be vigilant anytime but now more than ever. Be alert, don't be fooled!

Protect yourself from scammers at tax time by following these IRS tips.

08/12/2020

Market Month: July 2020

Please enjoy the July Market Month! Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can assist.
https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=A65814E3CE5BD736AA0FD834C45058E71746289B18AB9F45634B319DFCF8C1290B8A66F842D34161C7C9CD679439F49098E8417577689733D967073BEA7810E9A1B2C1B81951CA835B69A9D563B043AE9CE18CF2829DA4ADC863FB8C6574FEC736FE9765DE269C06D791239756479A1F38B9CFEAB327E463C3763E7028AEB3C3CD0019C4478F80C235E74624B48031B6&platform=li

Stocks posted July gains despite gloomy economic news.

06/07/2020

Market Month: May 2020

Enjoy the May market month. Please let me know if I can assist!

https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=C1FF39A21EB23C8C4D29DFFC4CF255007816DFFD6FEBC0B8CB1C040B8CDBE6AEFD013B8C154F96709EFE928EE5ADEEFE8679E32C7932945910EADD89E5A63D9149FF4A1E640535AA8C21BFC89919E3E7766CA6CBF8A515778D2DA80535CC3693136158D0B659C56081914C764545FADB107EA4CE83BA80C350A4DBEAC1F8C484B646D57F393B1D3F300E5339F46324F6&platform=li

Investors, buoyed by the gradual opening of the economy, turned to stocks, driving values higher in May.

05/14/2020

The use of electronic currency has been rising rapidly over the last few years (Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, etc.). COVID-19 could be the final death knell of physical currency. Does anyone really want to exchange bills, coins and checks anymore in the COVID-19 era and aftermath? Could governments around the world save billions by downsizing currency printing and stamping? #currency #trading #markets #investing

05/01/2020

Market Month: April 2020

Please enjoy the Market Month for April!

https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=2150947A0270A56B5C08018EB2A92534B505475B50D13E192AD2BC1296971BAF68B7C31F2282FC5C5A27B5497F0A99F87A2F5B2866ADE4B7B034055F838BF29A777EFDFEE62944D2114F69526DCEDEA7D19A20597A3151B55423626E1E5EF9CB7B6FA2E3C97472AA3F5B670C8140EEBA&platform=li

Stocks rebounded despite somber economic news.

04/01/2020

www.uschamber.com

The CARES Act provides substantial resources for individuals and small businesses. Here are a few small business resources to check out:

US Chamber Small Business Guide
https://lnkd.in/eHSzGxW

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Application
https://lnkd.in/ewARR7a

US Department of Treasury Coronavirus Assistance
https://lnkd.in/g7VatME

03/22/2020

An Emergency Fund is a great asset to have during these unprecedented times. If you don't have one as part of your financial planning, consider building one as soon as we recover from this crisis. It's not a matter of if you'll need it, its a matter of when, how much and the right type of asset. #financialplanning

03/19/2020

For the many fortunate folks out there who will continue to work through this crisis or who are fine financially, please spend any money received from the government at a local small business! Our local business community and employees need our help now so they will be there with us when all this passes in the next few weeks/months.

03/17/2020

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to cause historic uncertainty in nearly every aspect of our lives. Today, the American Red Cross announced a blood shortage as the Coronavirus crisis has led to massive blood donation cancellations. Please consider going online or calling the American Red Cross to make arrangements as soon as you feel comfortable venturing out. In the meantime, please stay healthy!

03/12/2020

During market downturns, many believe that "everyone" is "selling". In fact, for every transaction, many forget there is a buyer AND a seller, otherwise, a transaction would not occur. So even during these "sell-offs", there are an even number of buyers and sellers. So what is actually happening? When one investor sells when the market is down 25% and another investor buys when the market is down 25%, its the difference between selling low and buying low. This may sound simple and obvious, but many seem to think there are only "sellers" during a "sell-off". History shows and may likely continue to show, that those who are buying or holding during market downturns instead of selling, may very well be the winners over the long term. It's a good idea to stick to a sound, long-term investment strategy during market downturns. Let's hope calm and rationality prevail.

02/25/2020

So far, our clients are receiving refunds in about 7-10 days for federal and 2-3 weeks for Virginia. #taxrefund

02/21/2020

Due Date Approaches for 2019 Federal Income Tax Returns

Tax filing season is here again. If you haven't done so already, you'll want to start pulling things together — that includes getting your hands on a copy of your 2018 tax return and gathering W-2s, 1099s, and deduction records. You'll need these records whether you're preparing your own return or paying someone else to prepare your tax return for you.

Don't procrastinate

The filing deadline for individuals is generally Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

#taxes #taxfiling

02/10/2020

When I started Locke Advisory Services 3 years ago, I identified 2 critical areas that I believed would be vital for my firm’s growth and success. First, a relentless focus on my clients to serve their best interests and do whatever it takes for them to be delighted with my services. I view my client experience as an investment not only in our future relationship, but also in future clients that I hope will eventually be referred. Second, a relentless focus on technical proficiency in my space as a CPA/PFS and CFP®. The volume of information in investment management, financial planning, tax planning and tax preparation is wide, deep, complex and ever changing. Choosing an area of focus and maintaining technical proficiency is imperative for delivery of the highest possible level of client service.

I am pleased with business progress so far and excited about the future. From 2018 to 2019, my business nearly doubled and from Q1 2019 to Q1 2020, business has more than doubled. I am proud to say I haven’t lost a single client in 3 years and continue to grow my umbrella of services for existing clients and welcome new clients. I can’t express enough gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of my clients. Without them, I have no business and I remind myself of that every day.

Art Locke, CPA/PFS, CFP®
President & CEO

01/22/2020

Tips for Targeting Your Retirement Savings Goal (Feb)

With the start of a new year, its a great time to think about your financial planning and retirement goals. Enjoy and please don't hesitate to reach out if I can help!

https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/webresourcesview/ContentView.aspx?iplf=ai&iptc=296346&wcKey=8B9F9E24A278108B94C2CA98EFA514C2C03992622E1170854EC9D5AE22D9B23ACEDF6592A3188564EAA21D6982197CA4&platform=li

What if you're saving as much as you can, but still feel that your retirement savings goal is out of reach? As with many of life's toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details.

01/16/2020

Annual Market Review 2019

Please enjoy this 2019 Annual Market Review!

https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/kt/htmlnl.aspx/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=C2E2108379F0DB9476BD536B7F6992E38FB95C5E29CE5DC27B4C2D8823C65077E062F7FE07EEB7E23728F8419B51E5AC1F85FC2B0F8CA4BF046AB9DF929AF00086C821DD0391CEB0A06BBE97C3AB9232DAF28E5926CEA2643B8BC00D09FBB6229F76934A5401F8945D7BFDA566C24503&pvt=DE9940BEB5342BB2E598F146E937C36BD59C47D3250758E0FF39CC8FC5EFCF8DA2BB658AFFB8227B2C31B933ECE57D235ACD27AFE1B9ED8490997C3AECC79DCF3F63D0E10A6F240C1DEFA6B6981FCA61

Our annual market video recaps 2019 and looks at what might drive the markets in 2020.

11/20/2019

Macy's Data Breach Sees Customer Payment Details Stolen

Macy's reveals consumer personal data breach from Dec 7 through Dec 15. You should be vigilant in protecting your personal information and detecting potential misuse.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/372068/macys-data-breach-sees-customer-payment-details-stolen

Hackers gained access to customer personal information and payment details for a week.

11/18/2019

Broadridge Advisor Solutions

In addition to an identify theft protection service, here are a few ways to protect yourself against identify theft.

https://www.forefieldkt.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=6DE210AC860CA5D2A45EAD5C61A81C5D75658FB774E3D4382DFC7FC75D6460D0A7F83493DD512EC0A6437651CA1C7788D594050EA485F749BE11D4EF5DC78335F2D8172BF2277535410DB569D150813B3E7DDEC2724DC7D07078E8FA782E6C6B961C1D56480FCBBFB44F4A4C821B9795

There are steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft.

11/18/2019

www.forefieldkt.com

Should you sign up for an "Identify Theft Protection Service"? First, the name is a bit misleading. The services are really monitoring and recovery services as there's no one service that can safeguard all your personal information. However, an identify theft protection service may be a good option and many companies are starting to offer them as part of their benefits package.
https://www.forefieldkt.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=3F2E07253D9F56312079898E1A088FD088566654DE2314EEB64F2D10C31F706A2EABDCFD7CCCFA7FFAA518007EEFEDC54B53E63D282EF098BFE156958FF31C992B6B13C3B45422B21654430DC7A999AF5E44DB47E2FCABBAA0161DC948EF1C8A66DE54B66A80F8743FABA5BEF42CB616

11/16/2019

Partying Is A Way Of Life At These 10 Colleges

Thinking about where your young adult should attend college? Given the strong academic reputation of some of the schools on this list, maybe beer and alcohol consumption should NOT be on the list of concerns over which college to choose?! Regardless, let's all drink responsibly! Please note that beer and alcohol are not included on the list of qualified education expenses. :)

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/top-10-party-colleges-of-2019-50947.html?section=219&page=10

At many of these schools, students spend a lot of time drinking and living the "Greek Life."

11/07/2019

Could a Health Savings Account Help Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?

An HSA could be a great way to mitigate health-care cost concerns during retirement.

http://www.forefieldkt.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=E3B6CF8F7DAF46397A5F783D7A5CDC207CFDFBF387EDA3B37DB15BD5649F45EF47648BEDFBCFE4FAABA6C277832F0F9BC40BFFA5920E9C72510F5DF8475475039A3915335E51119CAAF9DD9684FC9C5F7FCCBBC9B99FF264CF481678A9A7D852F6E0EBA359AAD2DA37E1FF8CBC2389EE&platform=li

Find out how a health savings account could help strengthen your retirement plan.

11/02/2019

Market Month: October 2019

October Market Summary

https://www.forefieldkt.com/kt/HtmlNL.aspx?pvw=1A34AF90F6EE10360F21AB3C8F960F16E0456868EE6726B47B610E61634F073B498189841B6CDD24C991068220A53EDAE61B145F00D4D9F4BFE6F1A4AC4F721102CB9B22DFD7F0F31BFD496ADE546119461544CF074E137DFCDF548B0748232E6A0AAAE216C49CF38C89CF39F01EEC1E&platform=li

Despite signs of slowing economic growth, stocks climbed higher in October.