How should you be reacting to a market meltdown? Markets go up. Markets go down. Sometimes suddenly and deeply. Before you jump off a cliff take a deep breath and remember that how you decide on reacting to a market meltdown will make a big difference to your bottom line now and later. Rarely is it a good idea to panic. Investing is a lot about two emotions: fear and greed. Those who end up ... Read More
Investor Mistakes
Are 134 Fees Better Than Commissions
I came across a very compelling and thoughtful post from a thought leader in the insurance arena I respect. In a recent post, the author, Brantley Whitely, asks are 134 fees better than commissions? I think that the gist of his comment is that a 'fee is a fee is a fee' regardless of what it's called. And whether it's a commission or a fee, it's all paid by the client in the end (though the CFP ... Read More
Financial Self-Defense Moves
Financial fraud and identity theft can be emotionally and financially devastating. It's worse when it happens at the hands of a trusted advisor or financial professional. Scammers can be anywhere so you best be prepared to protect yourself. Use these financial self-defense moves to protect yourself and your hard-earned wealth. When I was a Boy Scout, we learned the mantra: BE PREPARED. But it ... Read More
Robo-Advisors: Time to Talk About Fees
Why would anyone want to pay for financial planning advice when you have the internet and Robo-Advisors popping up like mushrooms after a rainy weekend? And if you're going to invest money, why pay more than what you can get from a Robo-Advisors? Then again Google can get you your answers for free, no? While good advice may not be cheap, bad advice always costs you dearly no matter how ... Read More
End of QE Part 2: Weathering the Storm
Like any great voyage, eventually it comes to an end and you have to move on to what's next. Quantitative easing also known as QE2 is Fed-speak for the Central Bank's program of injecting liquidity into the economy by buying up mortgage bonds to the tune of $85 billion each month. This has done wonders at keeping interest rates down and stock prices up. But what happens when it ends? How are ... Read More
The End of QE: How to Protect Your Portfolio from Higher Interest Rates
The end of QE is here so how do you as an investor protect your portfolio from higher interest rates? Is your Quantitative Easing ship going to come into a safe harbor or are stormy seas ahead? Consumers are undeniably feeling modestly better because of the “wealth effect” resulting from increasing property prices and stock markets and continued low mortgage interest rates. Consumer confidence is ... Read More
Weak US Dollar Impact for Investors
What does a weak US dollar imply for our economy and how should investors position themselves? Weak is a relative term when it comes to the economy. Reading the tea leaves can provide some insight about what to expect in the near term and how investors need to respond. Setting aside political views about whether it is a good or bad thing to have a "weak" currency, let's take a look at what's ... Read More
Debt Ceiling Crisis: What Investors Should Do
Investment Forecast: Cloudy with chance of default and variable recession. Trying to read the tea leaves and make prudent investment decisions for clients - or yourself - has been complicated by the headwinds out of Washington lately. The debt ceiling crisis exposes investors to a real risk of loss. Crystal Ball Predictions Depending on how you read your crystal ball, any and all of the ... Read More
Smart Investing Rules to Live By: KISS
Looking for a fool-proof system for investing success? I'm not sure there really is one but you can't really go wrong following this advice: Smart investors keep it simple. Keep It Simple, Stupid ... KISS. This is the view of many Bogleheads and behavioral finance experts like Meir Statman, author of What Investors Really Want. Too often we try to out-think and over-analyze things. We are ... Read More
Low ETF Fees Attract Investors
Can you keep a secret? Affluent investors are becoming big fans of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). While Wall Street may want to continue to pick your pocket through higher-cost mutual funds, you can lower your costs and need to get to know about ETFs. Wall Street doesn't want you to know that you may not be getting the best deal when it comes to your investments. Most people invest through ... Read More
