In the second episode of the series, David explains the highs and unprecedented lows of 2020, a year like no other. As the US economy recovers from the deepest recession in modern history, David stresses the importance of having an evergreen financial plan to safeguard your goals during times of duress and turbulence. David also reviews the stock market returns, commodity markets, real estate investment returns, and much more, setting the stage for impending change in the year to come.

As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Carolina East Health System, David L. Blain, CFA, has experienced a front-row seat to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from both a micro and macro effect on the economy and financial markets. In his ongoing series, 2021 Financial Forecast: A Step-By-Step Guide to a Year of Change, David provides a thorough overview of what to expect in the year(s) ahead, while taking a deep-dive into the financial sectors potentially affected by the incoming administration's proposed policy changes.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Seth Large from Financial Planning Associate to Associate Wealth Advisor. During Seth's brief tenure at BlueSky, he has shown an exceptional eagerness to learn and excel in his financial planning career. His high aptitude and ability to concentrate are tremendous assets to the team, especially when building financial plans for some of our more complex clientele.

We are thrilled to announce our newest member of the Success Team, Ali Johnson as a Client Service Specialist. Ali worked for BlueSky in 2019 as an Operations Associate before relocating to her hometown of De Witt, Iowa, with her husband. After a little over a year apart, we are delighted to have Ali back. She is a tremendous asset to our team with a passion for serving clients and their financial needs.

We are thrilled to announce that Steve Horstmann, CFP®, MSPFP, has been designated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. as a Certified Financial Planner® and has received a promotion from Associate Wealth Advisor to Wealth Advisor.

As Amazon expands its reach to shopping centers and COVID-19 lingers on, supporting local, small businesses has never been more critical. As a reminder to shop locally, we have compiled a list of this year's most compelling statistics.

BlueSky Director of Client Service and Quality Assurance, Mary Ellen Crisp, strives to provide our clients with the best experience possible. Her love for interacting with clients while paying careful attention to the details that bring them the highest quality of service is an exceptional asset to the BlueSky team.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Christie Bonacci, CPA, MAC, from Associate Wealth Advisor to Wealth Advisor. Christie has been with BlueSky since June of last year. In the year she has been at BlueSky, she has demonstrated outstanding client stewardship, exceptional financial planning and accounting skills, and a mastery for collaborating with our small business clients to assist with their planning and investment needs.