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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J a n u a r y 2 0 15 • I NSIGH T | 25 what are the things we're really trying to accomplish?" Zuleger says. "And then secondly, we would be reviewing your overall asset allocation: Is our risk tolerance in line with the goals we are trying to accomplish?" One influencing factor on finances in the coming year could be energy prices and the rebound in hiring, he says. "Energy is going to be a big thing — what continues to happen overall at the pump," Zuleger says. "We're seeing more and more people going back to work, which hopefully puts more people at ease. ere are certainly risks at play as there always are, which is why we believe it's so important to have an overall game plan and long-term focus on anything you're doing." Josh Smith of Associated Financial says corporate earning is increasing and the U.S. economy appears to be doing well going into 2015, though it can depend on what happens overseas. "e U.S. can continue to support a weaker Europe and a weaker China through 2015, but most likely not past 2015," Smith says. "And what I mean by saying that is if Europe and China were to continue to slug along or be in a recessionary environment, particularly Europe, 2016 is when we could start to see the equity markets reflect that in valuations." Smith estimates 5 to 7 percent overall earnings growth, with a 2 percent dividend yield on top of that. "You could still be looking at a 7 to 9 percent type of return for 2015," Smith says. "Now, that's subject to any sort of major geopolitical event or things of that nature." People also have been asking about the Affordable Care Act and how it will impact their finances, Smith says, particularly if they're retiring before the age of 65 and have to fill the gap between an employer health plan and Medicare. Heling agreed that health care is top of mind for clients and it will impact finances and taxes. Rising medical costs and the effect they have in clients' retirement years, from the tax side of things to the cost of insurance, will impact the economy, Heling says. As employer mandates kick in during the next year — with large employers having to meet Affordable Care Act regulations this year and mid-size employers in 2016 — that will all impact the economy as well, Heling says. People underestimate the effect of the act on taxes; it's potentially huge, depending on whether a person's income remained the same or changed, which could impact whether or not they receive premium credits and the refund they were expecting. Another mistake people make generally with finances is not carrying a diverse enough portfolio, Zuleger says. "We need to have long-term growth within the portfolio, but we also need to be able to sleep at night as well," Zuleger says. "Finding that balance between fear and greed is the biggest challenge that we try to help people overcome." www.lptrust.com ASSET MANAGEMENT | WEALTH PLANNING | TRUST SERVICES Legacy clients benefit from the experience and intellectual capital of our highly regarded wealth management professionals, and our compelling analysis of risk, the economy and financial markets. Let us help you realize your vision for the future. Two Neenah Center Neenah, WI 920.967.5020 The right information in the right hands leads to exceptional results for your financial future. 14045_LPT_Insight_HalfAd_Mar2014_final.indd 1 2/19/14 2:56 PM