Trajan's Tactical Tips

A blog for everyday financial tips, Trajan news updates, and more

In N Out - Part 1
Estate Planning

The In-N-Out Burger Story: Proving the Power of Planning, Part I

In-N-Out has found a way to thrive in spite of family dysfunction, self-destructive behavior, untimely deaths, a limited gene pool, and leadership by the very young or the very old by necessity.

The In-N-Out story demonstrates the power of planning. Without such planning, the fast food chain we all know and love, would very likely not be what it is today.

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Moatiful Disney Two Paths
Investing

Disney’s Two Paths

We see two paths ahead for Disney: Either the company should compete head-to-head with Netflix using a consolidated streaming platform, or it should divest Hulu and ESPN to focus on the franchise content that makes it special. The company could be successful on either path, but trying to straddle both is not working.

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How strong will the next bull run be? February 2023 Market Review
Investing

February 2023 Market Review

Bear markets tend to be followed by a bull run, but when? With elevated geopolitical risk and limited access to credit growth as support in times of recession, it’s important for everyone to stay informed about these challenges – so we can be better prepared when faced with potential instability down the road. Read our February market review!

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Investing

Leaving Your Employer? You Have Options For Your 401(k)

When you leave your employer, carefully review the plan document of your 401(k) to determine if rolling it over is right for you. Depending on what’s best for your financial future and retirement planning goals, a rollover may or may not be necessary. Here’s what to consider!

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Springtime Is Clean Your Finances Time
Saving

Springtime Is Clean Your Finances Time

Springtime is a great time to review your finances so you can work toward financial independence. While many are organizing their closets and cleaning out drawers and garages, instead, clean up your finances using these ten tips.

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The Social Security Trust Fund’s Problem
Retirement Planning

The Social Security Trust Fund’s Problem

Initially designed for retired workers and survivors, the program’s funds depletion date is 2035. For Americans that will retire after 2035, the future of receiving their projected full retirement monthly benefit looks bleak. The Social Security Administration estimates the ability to pay 77% of promised benefits at that time. Here is Social Security’s present situation.

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Today’s rate increases have nothing on the 70’s
Investing

Finding Value In Bonds

In comparison to the rates seen in the 1970s, the most recent rises in interest rates still appear minimal. Despite this, these are the largest adjustments we have experienced in several decades and now, investors have a chance to take advantage of investment prospects that have been dormant in the debt market for over a decade. Here is how you could
maximize the rewards of this opportunity.

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Presley Graceland estate
Estate Planning

3 Lessons Learned From the Presley Trust

All too often, the death of a celebrity is a cautionary tale when it comes to getting our affairs in order. Priscilla Presley (Elvis’s ex-wife and Lisa Marie’s mom) already filed a lawsuit four days after she buried her daughter to remove Lisa Marie’s oldest daughter as trustee.

In Lisa Marie’s case, we can learn from some wise planning going back to Elvis, as well as some things that could have been done better.

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January 2023 Market Review
Investing

January 2023 Market Review

Buoyed by signs of declining inflation, a strong labor market, and steady GDP growth, risk assets rebounded from their 2022 capitulation, posting strong returns in January. With inflation being the driver of financial markets over the past four quarters, the $64 million question is “what lies ahead”? Read our market recap for January 2023 by CIO Udayan Mitra, CPA.

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Why you need an estate plan
Estate Planning

Why You Need An Estate Plan

No one wants to think about their own death, yet none of us will live forever. Creating an estate plan is an unpleasant but necessary part of being a responsible adult. We can’t know when our time is up, but we can control whether we help our loved ones or leave them with a financial mess.

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