Part of the reason I think the markets will be slightly higher, is due to 2024 being a Presidential Election year, which historically shows positive returns for the markets.

The sitting President will do everything they can to not allow a recession to form in 2024 ahead of his re-Election. How can they do that you ask, one way could be to put a little pressure on the Federal Reserve to Add Liquidity to the markets, Aggressively cut Federal Funds Rate, which will keep investors excited for the future, and markets in rally mode.

In 2024, the volatility will come from Mediocre Economic Data causing markets to rise with anticipation Fed Funds Rate will be cut, followed by Medicore Earnings Announcements with Lowered Forward Guidance by companies, causing the markets to decline.

Lowered Future Expectations by companies will worry investors that current stock prices can't justify Lowered Future Expectations, causing a market sell-off.

So, WHAT DO I DO YOU ASK, keep investing in Pre-Tax accounts, especially if you are in a 30%-40% Tax Bracket, like 401Ks, Solo 401Ks, SEP & Simple IRAs, sit in Cash / Money Market Funds & collect your 4.75%+ yield, and Very Slowly Buy Stocks Fitting Within Your Risk Profile on market declines.

Negative Markets create Opportunity, although at the time, it seems very uncomfortable to Buy!

If you are looking to Earn Additional Income from your portfolio this year, look into a strategy called "Selling Covered Call Options".

This strategy can be a great source used to create Income from Stocks you already own.

For Stock ideas, Contact Me and I Will Evaluate Your Risk Profile.

Your 401K limit is $23,000 if under 50, $30,500 if over 50 years old.

For individual business owners, Solo 401K contributions in 2023 increased to $69,000 or $76,500 if age 50 or over.

Solo 401K contributions are based net- income from Self-Employment (i.e. you can't contribute more than you make).

The fees you will pay a Financial Advisor generally depend on how much money you are asking the Advisor to manage & whether part of those investment dollars include your 401K.

Try to avoid dealing with Financial Sales People who only want to charge you Commissions or try and Sell you A-share Mutual Funds.