Insights

Variable Annuities are Rarely Attractive.  A product often sold but rarely sought!    Avoiding the annuity hustle. 

As markets correct and the world becomes more uncertain, there is one thing you CAN be sure of during times like these - aggressive annuity salespeople. Why you ask?  One of the most seductive...

First Quarter 2020 - Well that was Fast

As we began 2020, there were signs that domestic economy was strong.  Unemployment was historically low, real wages were rising, some housing markets were strong and broad measures of consumer sentiment were promising.  The consumer was thought...

During an unprecedented and confusing time, we hope to provide solace in the form of reassurance. This is why we’d like to share with you our recent recognition as a way of letting you know that we are here to stay and committed to...

From 1959 to 1978, the S&P 500 index compounded at 4.3% annually.  Over the next 20 years, it compounded at 17.7% annually.  For bond investors over the same time frames, long-term government bonds compounded at 3.4% annually and 11.1% annually.  This has often led investors to...

The noisy themes for the 4th quarter were centered on concerns of a global economic slowdown, uncertainty related to trade negotiations, and manufacturing weakness in the US and abroad. These themes were countered by strong domestic employment numbers , real wage growth,...

New Retirement Rules How the IRS is Changing Retirement (Four key changes)

Change #1:  IRA RMDs If you are of age 70.5 or higher, it was required that you take a draw from your qualified plan or IRA.  This age has now been raised by the IRS to age...

End of Year Planning What to consider before 2020.

Idea #1:  Convert or Fund a Roth IRA: If you earn more than $137k as a single filer or $203k jointly you are not allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA for 2019.  There is however, no limit on...

DALBAR - Your Advocate as a Client! Certain industries carry with them elevated levels of scrutiny.  Similar to health care and banking, the world of investment advisory is heavily regulated and layered with multiple levels of checks and balances.  Not all practices are required however, and it pays to understand why a firm would use...

A custodian is a financial institution that will hold or maintain your securities for safekeeping. In addition to holding securities for safekeeping, the custodian generally offers account administration, transaction settlements, collection of dividends and interest payments, and tax support.

Below are a few...

The Cost of Missing Out. 2008 was a scarring experience for many.  Due to market losses during the great recession, many have avoided stocks altogether causing them to miss the great bull market that followed.  FOMO (or "Fear of Missing Out") is certainly something that may apply in...

As someone who grew up solidly middle class, money was fascinating to me as a child.  How did people afford expensive things?  Is there a "secret" to becoming wealthy?  There are certain questions that only experience can answer.  After 20+ years in financial advisory, a graduate degree in...

One of the most common questions I get from prospective or current clients is whether to retire a mortgage early. Since it comes up often, it's worth writing this month's note on the subject. Here are a few "rules" when it comes to making this decision: Rule...

With over 20 years of experience in finance, I've seen (almost) every sales pitch under the sun. From timeshares and teaser rates to penny stocks and partnerships, there's a multitude of ways to "invest" your money - and a never-ending parade of "advisers" who will sell...

Recently I was visiting with a prospective client discussing her portfolio.  As we began to discuss the allocations, I spoke briefly about her large bond position relative to her goals and how moves in interest rates may affect her.  I was then presented with a...

With many portfolios flat or slightly down for the year, the 1st and 4th quarters have book-ended a volatile 2018 with 11% and 7% respective sell-offs in the broader market.  What's causing the volatility and is it normal historically? 

What's Causing It?...For most investors, 2018 has felt...