| What a difference a year can make. As 2021 was winding to a close, crypto enthusiasm was in full swing. Bitcoin was above $50,000, stocks were trading just below all-time highs and the Federal Reserve hadn't raised interest rates since 2018. Then came a new year that saw inflation surge the most in four decades and a Russian invasion of Ukraine that rattled global markets. Plus, the Fed's aggressive rate hikes sent stocks plunging, the US housing market rapidly cooled and the implosion of Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX thrust the crypto world into crisis. At the same time, employers started to gain the upper hand once again as the red-hot labor market slowed, and companies called more employees back to the office. All while workers watched their employer-sponsored retirement plans shrink. So what will 2023 bring? Some are predicting a recession as interest rate hikes slow consumer spending, while others think a "soft landing" is still possible. For those with student loans, there will hopefully be more clarity on whether Biden's forgiveness plan can proceed. And who knows what will happen with Twitter and whether Elon Musk will still be involved.  Elon Musk Photographer: Maja Hitij/Getty Images Europe There's so much uncertainty right now, but one thing you can control? Your investment strategies. We asked financial advisers from across the country for their best tips. Ross Mayfield, investment strategy analyst at Baird, sees opportunities in high-quality equities — as long as they have strong free cash flow and margin resilience. Fixed income is finally looking attractive as well, after a decade of low yields. Tech stocks could also see a rebound after a rough 2022, according to Colin Moynahan, financial adviser for Twenty Fifty Capital. He recommends boosting your savings now, if you haven't already. "Adequate emergency funds help to calm emotional reactions to investment declines, thus help avoid the temptation to sell during a downturn," he said. My new year's resolution? Less panic, more preparation. — Claire Ballentine Send us questions about your own financial dilemmas to bbgwealth@bloomberg.net or fill out this form. In Bloomberg Opinion this week, Erin Lowry says parents with adult children living at home should make them pay rent: Having another person in the home won't change the base cost of the mortgage or rent payment, but it will increase utilities and grocery budgets. For those living on a fixed income, such as retirees, that increase could be problematic. Even if you don't need the money, charging kids rent ensures responsibility and is a sort of forced savings account. Generous parents could return the accumulated monthly rent back to their children when they're ready to leave. Read her full argument here.
How can I prepare myself financially for 2023? With rising costs, rising interest rates, layoffs, and stock market volatility, many people I talk to are very nervous going into 2023. The biggest piece of advice that I am giving people is to make sure they are focused on paying off high interest rate debts and saving up an emergency fund. By paying off high interest rate debt, not only are you saving in interest over time, but you are also freeing up room in your budget that can allow you to lower your overall spending and build your savings quicker. By having an emergency fund, it can really help alleviate some of the financial stress many people are feeling now. Another tip I have for those who may be trying to build their emergency savings is to take a look at their budget and see what they can cut down on or cut out. Take this as an opportunity to review any subscriptions you might have that you don't need or use. — Kendall Meade, financial planner at SoFi in Charleston, South Carolina Send us questions about your own financial dilemmas to bbgwealth@bloomberg.net or fill out this form. | 
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