5 Steps to take if you experience a data breach

In today’s high tech environment, it seems that data breaches are becoming a more common occurrence. There is not much you can do to eliminate data breaches from outside companies, but the good news is that this doesn’t need to lead to panic on your part. There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your information from further harm.

Fraud alert & credit check
- Call Experian credit bureau at 1(888)397-3742 to place a credit freeze and get a free credit report. Alternatively https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html can be used to place a fraud alert on your account and complete a credit check online.
- If you place a fraud alert at one credit reporting agency, they will automatically alert the other two agencies and the fraud alert is good for 1 year. Make a note of the date you place the alert, and you can renew it each year.
- You are entitled to a free credit check from any of the 3 major credit bureaus if your credit has been compromised. It is important to utilize your free check to assess the damages done during the data breach.
Notify companies and change passwords
- Notify any bank accounts, lenders, and other financial institutions you deal with of the situation to avoid further damages.
- Change your password for any online accounts at the companies where your data has been compromised. If you use the same password for other accounts, change those as well.
Criminal Reporting
- You may need to report the incident to local authorities if your specific credit was impacted. For instance, if someone stole your passport or drivers license.
- Complete the FTC’s Identity Theft Affidavit form at ftc.gov/complaint and print the form.
- File a police report at your local police station and keep the report copy with your FTC Affidavit secure for future use.
Save Copies
- Save copies of paperwork, signatures, and documents from all financial institutions related to the identity theft. It is important to have a well-documented paper trail for this issue.
Signs of Data Breach
- Continue watching for signs that your data has been compromised such as; withdrawals, collection notices, missing bills, account changes, declined checks, unfamiliar information in your accounts, compromised email and social media accounts, and any other irregularities with your personal accounts and data.

Taking a few simple and proactive steps after a data breach can help you avoid the headaches that come from identity theft and breathe easier knowing that you are protected.

Please note by using any of the links provided for your convenience, you will be leaving Fidelis Wealth Advisors website. The hyperlinks are to websites and servers maintained by third parties. We do not control, evaluate, endorse, or guarantee content found in those sites. Your use of such sites is at your own risk.

This blog is general communication being provided for informational purposes only. This information is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services. It is educational in nature and not to be taken as advice or a recommendation for any specific investment product or investment strategy. This does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision. Any investment or investment strategy mentioned may not be suitable for all investors or in their best interest. Statistical information, quotes, charts, references to articles or any other quoted statement or statements regarding market or other financial information is obtained from sources which we believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. All rights are reserved. No part of this blog including text, graphics, et al, may be reproduced or copied in any format, electronic, print, et al, without written consent from Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC. Fidelis Wealth Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Please be advised to consult with your investment advisor, attorney or tax professional before making any investment decisions.

Weekly Market Snapshot – June 28, 2019

Created by: Sam Tenney

This past weekly snapshot the stock market hit record highs again. This is the third time we’ve hit these highs in the past 18 months. As you know, at Fidelis Wealth we are taking a cautious approach to our stock exposure at this time for the following reasons:

Leading indicators are showing signs of global growth slowing as well as inflation expectations decreasing. ¹
Trade war impacting global economies, no real end in sight. Current news is a trade truce only, not a trade deal.
The primary buyers of stocks are companies themselves, with many companies issuing debt to finance these stock buy backs which means their balance sheets are deteriorating. ²
We are in late stages of this historically long economic cycle. ³
Long term interest rates have fallen drastically over the past 8 months (related to growth and inflation expectations falling) causing a yield curve inversion (short-term bonds pay a higher interest than long-term bonds). ⁴
US Stock valuations are high (price of stock is elevated compared to their earnings from a historical perspective). 5

As we list these concerns, we have positioned our clients managed accounts more defensively for the time being.

We recognize that the trade deal could materialize, and the current record economic expansion could continue. The Fed will likely lower rates later this month and again thereafter, which could continue to turbo charge stocks even higher. Earnings of companies are still relatively good albeit down from recent strong results. Given interest rates are falling and the Fed lowering short term rates, high quality stocks with higher yields could hold up at these or higher valuations as an alternative to lower yielding bonds. Although these scenarios could all happen, it is more likely that we will experience higher volatility (which means stock losses in the short-term).

As long-term investors, it is hard to “time the market”, thus we are still invested in the market based on your risk profile. We do feel it is prudent to take a slightly more defensive position currently. We are here to answer any questions and we thank you for your friendship and trust.

SOURCES

1. https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/insights/guide-to-the-markets/viewer

2. https://thesoundingline.com/dividends-and-buybacks-now-larger-than-total-reported-earnings-for-the-entire-sp-500/, pg. 45.

3. https://www.americanfunds.com/content/dam/cgc/shared-content/documents/reports/Outlook%202019%20Report_Capital%20Group.pdf.

4. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DGS30

5. Sherman Sheets June 28, 2019.

Ranch Hand Leadership Academy

In our continued support of the Castle Rock community Fidelis Wealth is proud to be a sponsor of Bell Mountain Ranch’s 2019 Ranch Hand Leadership Academy. About the program;

“The Ranch Hand Leadership Academy provides a leadership experience for Colorado youth with an opportunity to develop life skills and self-confidence. In a world that promotes idleness and disconnection, our youth staff works hard, understands responsibility and learns to connect with themselves and with each other.

We focus on the academy’s vision, core values, and expectations and begin to build a cohesive team that values people, sets goals, adjusts to circumstances, works through conflict, faces fear, solves problems, improves processes and celebrates successes.

Throughout the summer, the youth staff are coached individually and collectively to apply the lessons they learn on the ranch to improving their own lives. While they are working hard and having fun, situational experiences turn into practical education that will help them to better navigate their future.”

At Fidelis Wealth we believe in innovation and persistence. Supporting the integrity and work ethic of these youth by investing in the Ranch Hand Leadership Program makes our community and our world a little bit better.

“Investing in You!”

For more information, Visit the Ranch Hand Leadership Programs Facebook here

Weekly Market Snapshot – June 21, 2019

Created by: Sam Tenney

Fed Fund rate clashes with core consumer price index (CPI) rates. Core CPI rose just .1% month over month (M/M) clashing with target Fed Fund rate. Historically when this happens it signals monetary policy is too tight and the Fed will cut rates. Also, historically when the Fed cuts rates then another rate cut comes within 6 months 81% of the time. July predictions for a Fed rate cut of 25 basis points is priced into the market at 100% on 2-year treasuries. ¹
Low treasury yields may not pose a problem in such a low inflation environment and pending rate cuts could push equity markets even higher if market fundamentals remain solid. ²
S&P 500 reaches new all-time high of 2954.18, yet the American Accredited Individual Investors (AAII) association reports the highest number of bears to bulls the past 6 weeks, using equity exchange outflows and fund manager underinvestment in equity as statistically significant factors. ³
Tensions with Iran caused a small bump in oil prices on top of a $6 gain from $51.80 to $57.83 per barrel for June. Generally oil remains range bound to $65 per barrel spot price with no significant moves anticipated. ⁴
Gold is up 5% month over month.

SOURCES

1. “Weekly Market Recap.” Weekly Market Recap – J.P. Morgan Asset Management, JP Morgan Chase, 21 June 2019, am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/insights/weekly-market-recap.

2. Eric Basmajian, Seeking Alpha EPB Macro Research Weekly 6/21/2019.

3. Sherman Sheets June 21, 2019.

Weekly Market Snapshot – June 14, 2019

Created by: Sam Tenney

Globally the production and service industry fell below threshold levels for the first time since 2012 (threshold 50.0). ¹
Market breadth continues to support the bull market as advance/decline lines continue to push all-time highs. History tells us that market breadth has peaked 6–12 months ahead of major bear markets. ²
Fed fund futures show about a 15% chance of a cut at the June meeting and a 75% probability of a cut at the July meeting. The June meeting is scheduled for 6/18/19-6/19/19 and the July meeting will be 7/30/19-7/31/19. ³

SOURCES

1. “Weekly Market Recap.” Weekly Market Recap – J.P. Morgan Asset Management, JP Morgan Chase, 11 June 2019, am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/insights/weekly-market-recap.

2. https://www.mcoscillator.com/market_breadth_data/

3. “The Sherman Sheets.” 17 June 2019.

Notes: Manufacturing PMI is an equally weighted average of orders, stock, sales, delivery, and supply. Industrial output however is calculated based on a set year, currently 2012, and calculates the total output of manufacturing, mining, drilling, electricity and gas. It also calculates capacity and total possible capacity.

Fidelis Wealth Advisors is volunteering at the Ranch….

and its not mucking stalls.

Please consider signing your child up for a Money Basics mini-camp.

See the information below and click on the outside links to sign up. Great learning opportunity and all proceeds go to a wonderful non-profit.

ABOUT MONEY BASICS!

Our first priority in this mini-camp is to have fun! Campers will learn the value of money and how to protect it and grow it.

The experience will be very interactive with a lot of valuable learning packed into only 90 minutes! All proceeds will be donated to fund the Ranch Hand Leadership Academy, a non-profit program that runs every summer on the ranch. For more information on the Ranch Hand Leadership Academy, please visit yoloinc.org

Curriculum

How to keep more of the money you make!
Using a budget.
How not to make others rich!
Avoiding debt except to build credit.
Difference between credit & debit cards.
How to make money without working!
Investing, investment tools and interest.
Emotions, attitude and behavior & money.

Age

13 years old and up

Price

$29 for a 1-day, 1.5-hour mini-camp

Questions?

Click here to let us know!

Camp Dates and Registration

Select the Money Basics Mini-Camp session that work best for your camper. Every session runs from 12:30pm to 2pm.

CLICK ON THE DATE BELOW TO SIGN UP.

June 7, 12:30pm-2:00pm

June 14, 12:30pm-2:00pm

June 28, 12:30pm-2:00pm

July 12, 12:30pm-2:00pm

July 26, 12:30pm-2:00pm

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Sam Tenney

Hi, I’m Sam Tenney. I am a husband and a dad of three boys and three girls. I love spending time with my family, building my career, and playing sports. I played basketball at Heritage High School in Littleton, CO and coach my kids’ basketball teams.

As a young man, I watched my parents start a new business and admired their courage for doing so. I also saw the devastating results of credit card debt and developed not only a strong desire to gain more control over my own finances but a passion for helping others with this.

In 2000, I decided to follow in my parent’s footsteps and left the family business for the financial planning industry. After passing the CFP, I began to help many families with their finances, eventually starting Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Colorado-based Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in Castle Rock, CO. Learn more about money management on our website: https://fidelis-wealth.com/.

Lorie Jones

Hi, I’m Lorie Jones. I grew up on a small Ranch in McKinnon, Wyoming and come from a long legacy of Wyoming ranchers going back to my great-grandfather. I attended the University of Wyoming, eventually married and had five wonderful kids. I enjoy running marathons, hiking with my family and learning a variety of subjects.

With five kids, I noticed that my teenage boys had bottomless stomachs and entered the workforce to cover their grocery bill. I soon earned my insurance licenses, an MBA, and the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Now, I have a passion for helping people understand finance and learn how to use the system to achieve their goals throughout their lives, and I believe in the importance of teaching Money Basics to everyone. I work with Sam at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as a junior advisor.

It’s the season we all love again… tax season. In addition, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act goes into effect this year, and you may have already seen some changes as you prepare your 2018 tax return. While some of these changes are permanent, many are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025 (reverting to the 2017 tax code).

Below is an overview of how the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—arguably the largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code since the Ronald Reagan era—will affect you.

FIRST, A REMINDER

*****Make sure to upload your tax documents to your eWealth vault (especially your current, 2018 return)! This helps us integrate them into your financial plan and better plan for your future.*

Colorado Specific Tax Cut Update

If you claim the standard deduction on your federal taxes and do not itemize, you can take a deduction on your Colorado income tax return for your charitable contributions that exceed $500 for that tax year. This may become more common as many taxpayers will be taking the standard deduction. If you are charitably inclined, don’t miss this tax savings tip! Please speak with your CPA if this could apply to you.

Positive Changes

Standard deductions nearly double to $24,000 for couples, $12,000 for singles, and $18,000 for household heads.
Child tax credit doubles to $2,000 for each dependent under age 17. The income phase-out limit starts at $200,000 for singles and $400,000 for married filing jointly, thus the credit will be available to far more families.
The phase-out of itemized deductions for Upper-income individuals has been eliminated under the new law.
The new law includes a change that allows the use of 529 college savings plan for tuition for elementary and secondary education (up to a $10,000 limit per student per year, tax free). However, the state of Colorado does not consider withdrawals for Elementary and Secondary education to be qualified withdrawals, and will charge the 10% penalty on these distributions. Each state is different, so we recommend you speak to your accountant before making any decisions regarding your 529 distributions.
The individual lifetime estate (inheritance) and gift tax exemption doubles to almost $11 million, which means fewer estates will be subject to this tax (at least until 2025).
The law keeps seven tax brackets, but with different rates and break points. For example, not only is the top individual rate lowered from 39.6% to 37%, but that rate kicks in at a higher income level. And, note that whatever new bracket you fall into, more of your taxable income will be hit with lower rates than before.

Rate	Single	Married Filing Jointly	Head of Household
10%	$0-$9,524	$0-$19,049	$0-$13,599
12%	$9,525-$38,699	$19,050-$77,399	$13,600-$51,799
22%	$38,700-$82,499	$77,400-$164,999	$51,800-$82,499
24%	$82,500-$156,999	$165,000-$314,999	$82,500-$157,499
32%	$157,000-$199,999	$315,000-$399,999	$157,500-$199,999
35%	$200,000-$499,999	$400,000-$599,999	$200,000-$499,999
37%	Over $500,000	$600,000 and up	$500,000 and up

Negative Changes

Home mortgage interest can only be deducted on up to $750,000 on NEW (new mortgage after December 15, 2017) primary and secondary residences (down from $1M previously).* The $1M limit may still apply if you refinance later if certain conditions apply.
Residential property taxes and income/sales taxes are limited to deductions up to a $10,000 cap (it was unlimited before).
The deduction for interest paid on certain types of home equity line of credit (HELOC) is suspended. If the HELOC was used for original indebtedness or for home improvements, then interest deduction is still allowed.
Write offs for all miscellaneous deductions (with a 2% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) threshold) were eliminated. Employee business expenses, brokerage fees, and tax prep costs to name a few.
Personal exemptions for individual tax filers and their dependents are repealed.
Under the new tax bill, the tax deduction for alimony payments post-2018 is eliminated, and recipients no longer need to treat alimony received as taxable income.
Elimination of the Roth Conversions “Do- Overs” – this mean you cannot change your mind and unwind a Roth conversion via a recharacterization. Previous to the new law, recharacterization was a nice planning strategy.

Business Impacts

Business tax rate is reduced to 21% for C-Corporations. S-Corp, LLC’s, and sole proprietors may be eligible for a new 20% qualified business income deduction.
There is a new incentive in the form of lower taxes for businesses that repatriate assets from foreign countries back to the USA.
Section 179 (accelerated depreciation) is almost doubled, from the 2017 amount of $510,000 to $1,000,000 for 2018. Also, enhancements were made to Bonus depreciation.
Elimination of the deduction for business entertainment expenses. Also, all meal expenses are now limited to a 50% deduction (previously some business meal expense could be written off 100%).
The corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is eliminated.

Overall, the law should mean a lower tax bill and simpler filing for millions of Americans. How much you can expect to save depends on your particular circumstances. We recommend you consult with your tax advisor to learn how you are personally affected by these tax cuts and how to take advantage of planning opportunities that will affect your financial planning.

In November we had a Christmas Party in conjunction with a Service Project. We “Adopted” a Marine unit in Okinawa, Japan, providing 40 service men and women with holiday care packages.

When we asked for your help, we were overwhelmed by your giving spirit! We were able to put together 40 Care Packages because of YOU! Your generosity and kindness gave these Marines a brighter holiday – thank you!

We had a great group of volunteers who helped put the packages together and wrote personal Christmas messages to the Marines. Combine that with lots of food, smiling faces, and a visit from Rudolph, and you have a great night!

Many of you have also asked to learn more about the unit and see pictures from that night. Check out all of that information below, as well as pictures from the unit and that night. Enjoy, and thank you again for your generosity!

Operation Christmas Spirit 2018

Where did the CARE PACKAGES Go?

Care packages were sent to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, based out of Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan.

Known as the “Firebirds,” Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 is an aviation support unit of the United States Marine Corps’ 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Their motto is “COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE.”

Marine Wing Support Squadron 172’s goal is Sustained Unit Readiness, which is translated to supporting day-to-day operations and contingencies ranging from humanitarian assistance to high intensity conflict.

The 40 Care Packages were sent to the Communications Unit of the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172.

Exciting news from Fidelis Wealth Advisors, Plus a Holiday Message!
We have ended 2018 on a high note, with Sam Tenney and Lorie Jones adding some major accomplishments to their resume.

• After spending over 400 hours studying, Lorie has passed the CFP® Exam ination and is now a Certified Financial Planner! While the exam is a big part of becoming certified, (and only 61% that take the test pass) there are additional requirements, including Education courses in each of the six financial planning core subject areas, three years of Experience working with clients, and adherence to the Standards of Conduct for Certified Financial Planners. With such a big goal realized, Lorie isn’t sure what she is going to do with all that free time she has now!

• Sam was awarded the 2018 Five Star Wealth Manager Award for the Denver Area! It’s a great honor, and he will be mentioned in 5280: The Denver Magazine and the Wall Street Journal with other outstanding Denver-area wealth managers.

Please join us in congratulating them both for these amazing accomplishments!

A holiday message from Sam
The holiday season and end of the year is upon us, and as we look forward to a new year I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate our friendship and experiences together. I truly enjoy meeting with each of you one-on-one! It is such a pleasure learning from you, and working with you to understand your goals, desires, and dreams.

We all have unique situations and circumstances that make our lives challenging, exciting, and meaningful – sometimes all at the same time. It has been a relatively challenging year from an investment perspective, and we are looking forward to turning a fresh page in 2019.

We have many reasons to be optimistic about the future – personally, with our families, and as a country. We live in a world with unlimited opportunity; technology, science, education, and innovation have given us the ability to do more and become more. I believe that our happiness and fulfillment in life come by following certain principles including: hard work; being humble and teachable; actively planning and implementing our plan; and increasingly important today, listening to the still small voice within us to discern the agendas of others, and whether they are aligned with our own values.

Please consider these questions: What are your most important values? And what is the right path for you and your family to reach your goals?

As we start the new year, let us set ourselves on the right path and do the things that matter most to us! This will help weed out all the false, negative, or competing agendas we see, hear, and scroll through each day. And we are here to help you find that balance – at Fidelis Wealth Advisors, your agenda is our agenda.

May God bless you all this holiday season and Happy New Year!

We have exciting news… our very own Samuel Tenney, CFP®, AIF®, has won the 2018 Five Star Wealth Manager Award for the Denver area!

WHO IS FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL? Five Star Professional conducts market research to define and promote professional excellence in the professions we serve. The Five Star designation assists consumers in selecting a service professional that other consumers say provides exceptional client satisfaction and service.They join forces with city and regional magazines to publish their research to consumers and promote Five Star-designated professionals in more than 45 cities across the United States.

To receive the Five Star Wealth Manager award, a wealth manager must satisfy 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria that are associated with wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients. Factors taken into account include assets under management and client retention rate. Candidates also undergo a thorough regulatory and complaint review.
Five Star Professional:

Conducts comprehensive research
Recognizes service professionals
Partners with leading city/regional magazines
Helps award winners gain the recognition they deserve

(you can see more details on the criteria HERE).

Sam will be recognized in the November issue of the 5280: The Denver Magazine and ColoradoBiz magazine as an outstanding Denver-area wealth managers. Sam will also be featured in the Wall Street Journal in early 2019.

It is a great honor, and we are extremely proud of Sam and his dedication to excellence for our clients.

YouTube Video on Sam and the award: https://lnkd.in/g8tug5M

Online Profile: https://fivestarprofessional.com/Spotlights/30112?access=039d6226f4f4e81180f0bc764e103828