The Markets
 

Believe it or not, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new high this month. In 2002, one might have thought that the indices that climbed so high though February 2000 would take much longer to exceed those gains. Many of the more well known indices have already met or exceeded expected growth forecasts for 2006.

The upside to the recent market gains is the time of year. Not always, but quite frequently, the markets see stronger months as the year comes to a close. During the last few years, the markets have received much of their annual gains in November and December.

The downside is the lingering question- Are the markets over heated? As usual, the answer to this question may rely on the results of the holiday shopping season. With personal debt increasing and housing values on the decline, many are concerned that the consumer may reduce their holiday spending. Hopefully reduced oil and gas prices will help to increase the consumer's cash flow as the shopping season begins.

Follow the link for additional market information from LPL. Also available through the link is the Independent Investor. The stock market is only one piece of a sound financial plan. This month's Independent Investor discusses the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and its implications on your retirement and college savings plans.

Research Publications 

 The Office
 

September 16th marked my one-year anniversary with Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL). This, of course, also marks the one-year anniversary of Partnership Wealth Management, LLC.

Reflecting back over the past year, I can confidently say that the grass has been greener. With eight years in the industry and working with several firms (mostly through mergers), has kept me in the dark as to the possibilities that existed to grow my business the way I wanted. LPL has given me the ability run my practice as I see fit while providing me with extensive support. Over the next year, I hope to incorporate some exciting changes to improve the way I serve my clients.

As we have mentioned in past newsletters, Partnership Wealth Management, LLC will host Paws for a Cause - a silent auction benefiting Humane Society of Baltimore County. The event is set for Wednesday, October 18th from 6- 9PM. We will have a host of items from local businesses for auction. Our donors include Robert McClintock, Helen's Garden, Chesapeake Wine Co, Dogma for Pets, and many others. Please call us at 410-732-5636 to reserve a place at this wonderful event.

 

 The Family
 

September marked my fifth wedding anniversary with Heidi. We have been together for eleven years (yes it took me a while to propose) and each year we grow stronger. I am looking forward to the next five years and beyond.

September had another celebration as Heidi and I wished Fenway a happy 1st birthday. While he received some gifts on his birthday, his biggest is yet to come. We are planning a trip to Pennsylvania in November for him to see his siblings for the first time in nearly a year. Please do not mention anything to him though as we are trying to keep it a surprise.

To top off the month, I was invited to a fantasy baseball camp at Camden Yards. Wow! I have to say that there is nothing like hearing your name over the speakers at such a beautiful baseball stadium. During the picturesque day, I was able to take batting practice and field fly balls from Orioles greats. Maybe if we are lucky, my baseball team can play there next summer!

 

 Our Loss
 

As many of you know, Heidi had been taking care of her father over the past few years. Sadly, his health deteriorated rapidly over the last couple of months. He recently passed away in his sleep.

Heidi's dad had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met. He loved each one of his nine children dearly and would have spent every minute with them if he could.

Her dad loved to joke (although he was the only one who found most of them funny) and tell stories. The two of us used to pick on each other at every chance we had. While Heidi says we have the same sense of humor, I have to admit I didn't always take that as a compliment. They say girls marry their fathers. After getting to know her dad, I would say that's about as big a compliment as I could get.