Weekly Newsletter
A Different Degree of Wealth
Warning Label: Past Performance Can Be A Poor Indicator Of Future Performance
Warning labels serve a crucial role in keeping us safe. They inform us of the potential dangers of a product or activity and help prevent accidents and injuries. For instance, a warning label on a bottle of cleaning
Rebalancing: A Guide To Adjusting Your Portfolio Mix
When it comes to investing, one of the most effective ways you can maintain your desired level of risk and return is by rebalancing—adjusting the
Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
What workers anticipate in terms of retirement income sources may differ considerably from what retirees actually experience. For many people, retirement income may come from
People Have Memories. Markets Don’t.
Today’s post is courtesy of Dimensional Fund Advisors – David Booth, Chairman and Founder One of the best things about markets is that they don’t
The Timeless Wisdom Of Burton Malkiel’s A Random Walk Down Wall Street
Introduction This month, Princeton academic, writer, and professional investor Burton Malkiel has released the 50th anniversary edition of his renowned book A Random Walk Down
How Safe Is This Stuff?
Introduction Investors have been grappling with the safety of their investments in the traditional financial instruments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs and other alternative
What Is Modern Portfolio Theory And Why Is It Important In Investing?
Introduction Investing can be a challenging and intimidating endeavor, even for those with a wealth of experience in the field. One tool that can be
Five New Year Resolutions That May Make You A Better Investor
Introduction The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make clear-cut resolutions that can help you improve your life and finances and
Markets Don’t Wait For Official Announcements
Investor Worry and Recessions Some investors may worry about the stock market sinking after a recession is officially announced. But history shows that markets incorporate
Investment Strategies – Which One Should I Use – Part II
Introduction Last week, we discussed how it is common for investors to be unaware of the competing philosophies regarding investing. Active investing is a type
Investment Strategies – Which One Should I Choose?
Introduction Many investors are unaware of the competing philosophies regarding portfolio and fund management. One is known as active investing, and the other is called
Planning For The End Of The Year: 5 Strategies To Consider
Introduction As the year winds down, you may be more focused on wrapping up projects and making sure you’re ready for the holiday season. The
What Is Probate And How To Potentially Avoid It
Introduction Many people are confused about the probate process. They hear terms like “probate court,” “intestate,” and “testate” and wonder what they mean. Probate is
What To Do With Your 401k When You Leave The Company?
Introduction According to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics the number of years that wage and salary workers stay with their current employer
Why You Shouldn’t Abandon Bonds
Bond Prices May Not Matter as Much as You Might Think They Do While swift bond price declines can be frustrating, it’s important to remain
401(k) Limit Increases To $22,500 For 2023, IRA Limit Rises To $6,500
This past week The Internal Revenue Service announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up
Designating An IRA Beneficiary
If you have an IRA, this is not what you want to happen–an incomplete or missing named beneficiary. This is more common than you think.
5 Things Your Financial Planner Wishes You Knew About Your Money And Investing
Investing and planning is a lot like cooking—you must have the right ingredients and know how to use them in a way that yields the best results.
How To Protect Yourself From Scams And Fraud With Apps Like Venmo And PayPal
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology, but it can also put you at risk. Scammers are always looking for ways to trick people into giving away their personal information or money, and new apps like Venmo and PayPal make them even easier targets.
Mid Term Elections – What Do They Mean For Markets?
It’s almost Election Day in the US once again. For those who need a brief civics refresher, every two years the full US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for re-election.
Overcoming Pessimism Bias In Investing
There’s no doubt about it: investing in times of volatility can be downright unsettling. It can seem that the market is in a continuing and constant free fall with no bottom in sight.
Are Target Date Funds Right For Retirement?
If you’re like most people, investing may not be your favorite activity. You might find it confusing, overwhelming, and maybe even frustrating.
Don’t Believe The Hype
There is a better and more prudent way to invest. In a recent interview with CNBC, CEO of Franklin Templeton Jenny Johnson made the following
What Have You Done For Me Lately? FAANGs Gone Value
By Wes Crill, Head of Investment Strategies, DFA US Ballentine Capital Advisors This week’s post is from Wes Crill, the head of investment strategies for
Labor Day And Your Financial Plan
Labor Day celebrations begin this weekend with cookouts, gatherings, and a wind down from the busy summer. Labor Day is part of our American heritage
Eight Timeless Principles Of Investing
Introduction Last year we wrote an article about the Eight Timeless Principles of Investing. Due to the current state of the market and economy, it
Misleading Headlines Often Lead To Bad Investor Behavior
Some financial firms probably need to do a better job of communicating with investors to ensure they know exactly what is happening in regards to
Maximize Your Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Investments – Part Two
Introduction Investing to lower taxes and maximize tax-efficiency can help you build your wealth When it comes to building wealth, tax-efficient investing is one of
Does Stock Picking Work?
Introduction The recent months have been filled with bad financial news as inflation rates have climbed and market volatility has impacted investor’s portfolios. The financial
It Is Important To Have A Financial Plan Before You Buy Any Financial Product
Introduction Making the right financial decisions is just as important as making any other major decision in life. It can be difficult to know what
5 Things To Consider When Investing In Times of Inflation
Introduction Who can remember the 1970s? The 1970s were a time of high inflation. The economy experienced a period of stagflation, which is when there’s
The Cost of Procrastination
Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over,
How the Federal Reserve Works
Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” imprinted across the top. Many individuals
Fed Rate Hikes
What an “interesting” week. In a move unseen since 1994, the Federal Reserve has taken an aggressive stance toward inflation by raising the key interest
The Business Cycle
What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to
The Investment Risk Most Have Not Heard Of
Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks, including interest rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk
Retirement Realities
Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that “the investor’s chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in