When comparing portfolio returns to benchmarks like the S&P 500, it’s crucial to ensure a proper match in asset composition. The coefficient of determination (R²) measures how well a benchmark fits your portfolio—an R² of 0.70 or higher suggests a good match. However, no single metric should drive decisions. At Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, our research team uses tools like R² to guide informed, holistic financial planning. Connect with an advisor to learn more.

Technology now makes up about 32% of the S&P 500, highlighting its dominance in the U.S. economy and markets. In 2024, strong demand for AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing fueled growth for firms like NVIDIA and Microsoft. However, this concentration poses risks—tech’s heavy influence can create volatility and distort the index's representation of the broader economy. Investors should review their diversification and risk exposure with an advisor.

For self-employed individuals and small business owners, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer powerful, tax-advantaged retirement savings beyond traditional IRAs. SEP IRAs are simpler to set up and ideal for businesses with employees, while Solo 401(k)s allow higher contributions and catch-up options for owners with no employees. Each has unique rules and benefits—consult a Whitaker-Myers advisor to choose the best fit for your retirement goals.

The new year can fill you with a sense of hope and expectation.  There are new goals to reach and new challenges to tackle.  Something...

For many individuals with investments in the market and other securities, the state of the economy is critically important. But what...

What is Mean Reversion? Mean reversion is a financial concept that describes the tendency of a stock or index price to return to its...

The IRS recently announced the changes to the retirement contribution limits for 2025  for the various retirement account types.  To...

So many terms in the financial industry  seem mysterious and confusing, and some even sound completely made up.  The Backdoor Roth IRA...

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers named top fifty RIA by ETF.com

Annuities “You get an annuity; you get an annuity, you get an annuity, and in fact… everyone gets an ANNUITY!”   It's not a common phrase...

After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans have won control of the Senate. For half...

The Efficient Market Hypothesis  (EMH) The efficient market hypothesis (EMH) is a theory that suggests that share prices accurately...

How to think about the Presidential Election as it relates to my investment portfolio

What is a Fee-Based Advisor? When looking for the right financial advisor , several questions should be at the top of anyone’s mind ....

I’ve inherited an IRA… now what do I do? Inherited IRAs can seem overwhelming when the time comes to inherit one. It seems...

Moving our intentionality discussion further, think about this - intentionality without purpose is essentially misdirection. As discussed...

Saving for Retirement Many people have an opportunity to save for retirement through an employer-sponsored 401(k). This is a great way...

For most companies, the 4th quarter of the year is an essential time for registering for benefits.  According to the Bureau of Labor...

Grant Jennings joins Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers

From conversations I’ve had, most investors have a firm grasp of why stocks move up and down (because of market trends, economy, or...