Blog

The IRS has officially released the updated retirement contribution limits for 2026. No seismic shifts, but a few meaningful tweaks that could help you save a bit more for the future. Let’s break it down… 🏦 Individual Retirement...

In September, the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates for the first time in months. 📉 But what does this really mean for everyday financial decisions? In this video, Todd breaks down what the Fed is, why it made this move,...

“Adjusted for inflation” may sound like a throwaway phrase, but when you see it in action, it can change your perspective. Take a few examples: Investment losses: Since 1978, taxpayers have been allowed to deduct up to $3,000 in...

Hardly a day goes by without someone saying, “I’m holding off until the Fed changes interest rates.”But here’s the truth: the financial “dominoes” don’t always fall the way you expect. If the Fed adjusts rates following its September...

Medicare can feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this video, we sit down with Kevin Leinum, Medicare Insurance Agent with Capstone Services, to answer some of the most common Medicare questions — from enrollment...

Medicare is made up of different parts, each designed to help cover specific health care services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Part A and Part B benefits through Original Medicare—the traditional fee-for-service program...

When Warren Buffett said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful,” he wasn’t just offering investing advice—he was championing a mindset. One that resists the pull of emotion, crowds, and headlines....

We’re halfway through 2025, and markets have already delivered their share of surprises. In this mid-year review, we take a closer look at what’s been driving performance, how investors are reacting, and what history can teach us about...

No more passing them on the sidewalk. No more stashing a few in your loafers. And definitely no more tossing them into a wishing well. That’s because the U.S. Treasury has announced it will stop producing the penny, with the last new...

When people think about retirement, the first thing that comes to mind is usually finances: savings, income streams, Social Security, withdrawal strategies. But a fulfilling retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about meaning. Here...

In this quick market update, we discuss how the recent rally has erased many of this year’s earlier losses and how we’re using this opportunity to reduce risk and thoughtfully rebalance portfolios. We cover key shifts in our...

The Social Security Board of Trustees recently announced that the trust fund is projected to pay full benefits through 2035. After that, many headlines suggest the system will be “depleted” — but that language is misleading. 💡 What...

It’s easy to underestimate just how massive and complex our tax system has become. From the 9,300+ words in the first tax law to today’s 10,000-section tax code—and 40 million IRS calls during a single filing season—the scale is...

A recent survey found that 75% of current workers plan to continue working for pay after they retire.¹ That raises an important question:How will working impact Social Security benefits? To answer that, let’s break it down into three...

You’ve probably heard the expression, “Watch what people do, not what they say.” That’s especially relevant right now when it comes to the economic outlook. Lately, the word “recession” has been thrown around so often that it can feel...

In this quick update, we walk through a few important adjustments we made during our Q1 portfolio review. These include modest shifts in our stock exposure, a small increase to gold, and a move toward shorter-term bonds. While these...

Tariffs are back in the spotlight — and they’re stirring up conversations around trade, inflation, and market volatility. In this video, we break down what tariffs are, why they’re being used more aggressively in U.S. trade policy, and...

Forget the Fed frenzy and take a timeout from tariff talk—what's really scrambling the markets lately? Egg prices. After peaking at a record-breaking $8.17 per dozen in early March, egg prices are finally trending lower, with...

Social Security has been a part of retirement planning since 1935, but how well do you really understand it? Here are 9 surprising facts that might change the way you think about this important program! 1️ The Social Security trust...

Great news for public employees! 🎉 The Social Security Fairness Act has officially repealed WEP and GPO, meaning teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public sector workers may now receive higher Social Security benefits....

In 2024, we all felt the impact of inflation—just in different ways. For some, it showed up at the grocery store. For others, it was in higher travel costs or dining out expenses. That’s bPreview Websiteecause our personal spending...

As the year wraps up, we’re taking a look at how the economy, market trends, and post-election policies are shaping investment strategies. The U.S. economy remains strong, with resilient consumer spending and moderating inflation,...

This November, we hosted our first-ever Thanksgiving Basket Assembly Event, and the outpouring of generosity from our clients and community was truly inspiring. Thanks to the incredible contributions of so many, we raised over $4,000...

The Federal Reserve approved its second consecutive interest rate cut following its November meeting, telling investors that it’s continuing its push to “right-size monetary policy.” The benchmark Fed funds rate has a target range of...

As we approach 2025, it’s important to be aware of the upcoming changes to Medicare, particularly if you rely on Medicare Part B for your healthcare coverage. While some of these changes are expected, others might have a greater impact...

A recent survey found that 18% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 36% are not confident.1 In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older...

In the playground, when all the kids jumped on one side of the teeter-totter, it rarely ended well. In investing, when all the investors move to one side of a trade, it can suggest that an uptick in market volatility is on the horizon...

The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Wall Street knew a change was coming, but the Fed Chair hid the details until the end. At its September meeting, the Fed cut short-term interest rates by 0.50%, which unsettled some who thought Fed officials would be more cautious with...

More than 71 million Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2025, based on the Q3 inflation data so far. In other words, the COLA will raise the average benefit by $48 to $1,968 a...

We're thrilled to share that our very own Yesenia Beckmann, co-founder of Well-Traveled Wealth, was recently featured on the WomenShare podcast, a platform celebrating women in financial services. In this inspiring episode, Yesenia...

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...

In this quick video, Todd dives into Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks from Jackson Hole. He’s shifting the Fed’s focus from battling inflation to supporting employment, signaling that rate cuts could be on the way! Listen in...

In this video, we review the strong performance of the stock market in the first half of 2024, driven largely by tech stocks and minimal volatility. We also discuss historical trends and what they might suggest for the rest of this...

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate. Some households "live it up" and spend more than they anticipate...

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 38% and is expected to reach 82 million in...

For many older adults, finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures in retirement. And what better place to take in America's splendor than one of our over 400 National Park Service sites? For over a century,...

The 2024 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was recently released, and it provides an illuminating look at the current state of retirement preparations and mindsets across the country. While the...

I don’t know about you, but every time I see headlines that say, “Top 10 Reasons” or “How Much Do You Need,” I click on it. So when I saw the CNBC article, “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire comfortably in these 10 U.S. States...

As we inch closer to the second half of 2024, I’ll give you three reasons to be optimistic about the outlook for the financial markets. We have an election on the horizon, so you’ll likely hear mixed messages about the economy’s...

This months video delves into the latest 2024 annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, examining the financial outlook for Social Security and Medicare. While Social Security trust funds are now projected to remain...

In honor of Administrative Professionals Day this month, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on Emily, our exceptional Office Manager. Emily is the backbone of our team, tirelessly ensuring that our day-to-day operations run...

Let's start this one with the conclusion: Stick with your investment strategy, and don’t let outside influences like the Fed get in your way. Following the Fed these days is like watching an endless point in a tennis match. The...

In this video, we delve into the historical patterns of market movements during election years, shedding light on the factors that drive volatility and growth. From analyzing the market's response to Democratic and Republican National...

In Panama, amidst the serene waters and lush countryside, Todd embarked on a fishing trip this month, a chance to reconnect with nature and family. These images capture more than mere catches—they reflect the essence of our firm's...

Economists describe a Goldilocks economy as one that’s not too hot and not too cold; it’s just right. And 2024 is starting to feel just right. When the Fed started to raise short-term interest rates in early 2022 to rein in inflation,...

When you see hypothetical examples of stock market performance, the illustrations often use average annual returns of between 8% and 10%. But how often does the stock market return between 8% and 10%? Only four times in the past 76...

Prepare for a seamless transition into retirement with expert advice from Todd Beckmann. In this informative video, discover three essential steps to take when you're nearing retirement. Empower yourself with the knowledge needed to...

📈 Quarterly Portfolio Update: In this concise 1-2 minute video, Todd highlights the strategic changes made in client portfolios this quarter. Covering key adjustments such as overweighting US stocks,...

In our latest video, Todd shares valuable tips to help you breeze through tax season with confidence. From staying organized to maximizing deductions and credits, each tip is tailored to simplify your tax filing process and maximize...

This month, your dedicated team at WTW had the privilege of attending the annual ASCEND conference hosted by Kestra Financial in the tranquil surroundings of Indian Wells, California. This event was a remarkable opportunity for us to...

A huge congratulations to Yesenia for not only conquering the Carlsbad Marathon but doing so with remarkable finesse, crossing the finish line in an incredible 3 hours and 45 minutes! 🏅 Her journey over the past 4.5 months,...

📈 Dive into 2024 with Todd as he unpacks key investor buzz: US economy resilience, potential rate cuts, and election impact. Gain insights on economic trends, FOMC's policy hints, and market behavior during election years....

Join Todd as he takes you through key market highlights of 2023. From a strong start to notable year-end growth. Discover the insights and strategies for long-term success. Watch the recap now!

Cheers to a Year of Success and Prosperity! 🌟 We gathered for a festive annual holiday dinner to toast to the achievements of 2023 and eagerly anticipate the opportunities that 2024 holds. It was a joyous occasion filled with...

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start thinking...

Stay informed about the latest changes to Medicare in 2024! In this video, we break down the recent announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn about the 5.9% increase in Medicare Part B premiums,...

In our last quarter's video, we delved into the narrow trajectory of this year's market rally, prompting us to strategically adjust our investment positions. We seized the opportunity to lock in gains from select holdings, reducing our...

After a surprisingly strong start to the year for the S&P 500, the third quarter saw disappointing returns for a variety of asset classes. Stocks and bonds suffered losses, while commodities were a rare bright spot. And of course,...

Exciting news alert: the 2024 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is here! In this quick video, we'll break down what this means for the wallets of current retirees and why it's important. As we navigate through the...

Trade confirmations are kind of like receipts for the investments we buy or sell on your behalf. But honestly, they don't give you the full picture. They don't explain the reasons behind why we made those trades or what we were...

In the past few years, we've witnessed substantial changes regarding inherited IRAs. These changes have given rise to a lot of confusion, especially when it comes to the required distributions from these accounts. To help you...

As we step into the second half of the year, we find it the perfect opportunity to bring you up-to-date with some important insights on the market and economy in 2023. Our aim is to keep you well-informed and equipped with the latest...

Silicon Valley Bank Failure

Todd Beckmann, CFP®, MSBA-FTP, RICP®

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

On March 10, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate (FDIC) officially took over Silicon Valley Bank to protect depositors and marking the end to a bank that has been in business for four decades. This has brought about many questions...

Recap on a Turbulent 2022 and WTW's Outlook for 2023

Todd Beckmann, CFP®, MSBA-FTP, RICP®

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Are you wondering what happened in the market and economy in 2022?What is WTW's outlook going into 2023? Listen in to hear our Co-Founder, Todd Beckmann, and Financial Advisor, Arlene Dimitian, discuss what took place in 2022 and...

We were happy to have Dale Entrekin join us for a discussion on the current state of the housing market. In addition, he discussed the current interest rate environment and its impact on the housing market.Dale has been in the mortgage...

As economic growth cools and inflation heats up, we are hearing more about recessions. Let’s talk recession and what’s happening with the latest GDP report.

Lofty prices and higher mortgage rates are beginning to shake the foundation of the single-family housing market. Are we headed for a 2008-style correction? Read our latest blog for our take on what’s next.

This month marks the 4th anniversary of Well-Traveled Wealth. We want to thank all of our clients for their continued trust and loyalty. Click on the video to hear our founders share some of the highlights that have happened over...

Stock and bond markets have had a wild ride. What’s driving this recent volatility and what’s an investor to do? Read our latest blog for a back-to-basics playbook for volatile markets.

A bruising first quarter for stocks and bonds begs the question: Are markets signaling a recession in 2022, or a downshifting from the torrid growth of 2021? We continue to be in the downshifting camp. Read on for more.

The Fed has entered one of the most-difficult phases of its pandemic response as it begins to dial back stimulus measures even before the full effects of its policies are felt and amid new risks. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for...

With her positive but realistic outlook on life, and a joyful laugh to match, Claudia Herrera helps her clients navigate or plan against any challenging situation in life. From amassing wealth in your 40’s, to keeping an active...

It’s time to get back out and do a little traveling and experience the world again. (sort of). As we start to enter the 2021 holiday season, a lot of people are anxious to travel, particularly to see family. It’s difficult...

We were privileged to have Fanny Pacheco join us via Zoom for a discussion on Medicare Basics. Fanny is a Medicare Partner at PB Individual Insurance. PB Individual Insurance provides personalized services helping clients compare their...

Meet Yesenia Beckmann of Well-Traveled Wealth

SD Voyager

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Beckmann. Hi Yesenia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you...

We were thrilled to have Anne Wenger with us to talk about estate planning during our last webinar. Estate planning can bring up some difficult conversations, but is a vital part of any financial plan. We stress the importance of an...

WTW Turns 3!

Todd and Yesenia Beckmann

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

After almost a decade of working for a large investment firm, the goals of that organization and what we felt was best for our clients, began to diverge. It was at this time, in May of 2018, that Well-Traveled Wealth was founded. We...

San Diego, CA December 10th, 2020 - Today we are excited to announce that Todd Beckmann, Partner and Financial Advisor at Well-Traveled Wealth, has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. About Well-Traveled Wealth...

San Diego, CA — Well-Traveled Wealth is excited to announce the addition of a new team member, Emily Joyce. She joins the Well-Traveled Wealth staff as the Office Manager/Client Care Specialist, coming to the firm with nearly two...

A Message from Arlene

Arlene Dimitian

Thursday, May 21, 2020

With all of the changes that we are facing in our day to day lives, I wanted to take a moment to provide you with a brief message. Please watch the short message below.

Well-Traveled Wealth Turns 2!

Yesenia Beckmann

Saturday, May 2, 2020

This week marks the Two Year Anniversary of Well-Traveled Wealth.

Weathering Market Downturns

Todd Beckmann

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Five questions to help you maintain perspective Staying calm amid market turmoil is not easy, especially when the financial headlines are blaringwords such as panic and collapse. Your first instinct may be to abandon the markets, but...

At Well-Traveled Wealth we believe that the best investment strategies come down to the ability to stick with it. It is tempting to want to react to the ups and downs of the stock market, but ultimately this will yield disastrous...

Diversification can feel dissapointing

San Diego, CA July 8th, 2019 – The Advisors at Well-Traveled Wealth are committed to continually expanding their education in an effort to offer the best possible guidance to their clients. Today we are excited to announce that...

SAN DIEGO, CA – May 20, 2019 Well-Traveled Wealth announces the addition of two accomplished financial advisors. Arlene Dimitian and Claudia Herrera join the San Diego wealth management firm, founded by Todd and Yesenia Beckmann,...