On this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, Stock buybacks and dividends peaked in the first quarter of 2020. Since then, the amount of capital returned to shareholders has declined every quarter as companies have retained more capital and focused on paying down debt accumulated during the recession. The question is: Will buyback and dividend activity recover to pre-pandemic levels or will there be a shift in corporate strategy to focus on financial stability over returning capital to shareholders?

Also, Some government programs that were put in place to address the economic challenges resulting from the pandemic have been highly promoted, while others are little known and have been largely underutilized. Households and businesses should conduct a review to see if there is additional assistance available that will allow them to bounce back from the pandemic faster and help to undo the damage from the past 18 months.

And, With inflation increasing, many manufacturers and retailers are going back to their old playbook, which may include raising prices, offering fewer discounts, and of course shrinking the size of their packaging. Smaller packaging makes the price per unit higher even though the list price is the same. The goal is to take advantage of consumers who are not paying close attention to the price and quantity of their purchases. This makes it even more important that consumers monitor their purchases and their prices when making buying decisions.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- The IRS and State tax agencies appear to be more active in sending out tax notices recently. This may be yet another sign of things returning to normal as more and more people get vaccinated.

Chase attended a virtual conference on sustainable investment strategies. This continues to be an area that is capturing investor interest but, as with most new areas, there is little agreement as to how these strategies should be defined. This makes for a very fluid landscape as definitions, strategies, and metrics for measurement are constantly changing.

Don’t forget about the Harlan D. Wood Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament that is scheduled for early September. Please mark your calendars if you will be able to attend.

Date: Friday, September 10th, 2021

Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course

7000 Alameda Drive

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Time: 12:30 pm shotgun start with a dinner to follow

All profits go to cancer research and education. You can help by attending the tournament or donating. Not golfing? Bring friends and attend the BBQ.

Chase Armer's book- Financial Planning Insights is now available at:

store.bookbaby.com/book/financial-…anning-insights

www.amazon.com/Financial-Plannin…1586894022&sr=8-1

To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

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