We're in the middle of another football season (and watching the Patriots can sometimes be painful). Do you ever wonder how do players make their money last? We always hear stories about players getting huge salaries with mega payouts. And of course, we hear about the 10,000 square foot houses, fancy cars, and anaconda skin-wrapped couches. (Who doesn’t love a cushy anaconda-skin couch?) But ... Read More
ETF
Can I Transfer My Account Without Penalty?
Recently, I received a question from an investor about what happens when an account gets transferred from one brokerage firm to another. He asks, "Can I transfer my account without penalty?" We can all relate because from time to time we've all had a loan that's transferred or have chosen to transfer a brokerage or retirement account to a different firm. The devil's always in the details. And ... Read More
Good Time to Buy Haliburton Stock?
Working with people's investments ultimately leads to questions like this: Is it a good time to buy Haliburton stock or oil stock or whatever? As I tell clients, I'm a 'planner' not a 'prophet' but if you plan well you'll probably make a profit. And the best way to make a profit is to have a plan - a plan on what types of investments to buy; a plan on when to enter a position; a plan on when ... Read More
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
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
Low Cost ETF Investing: Join the Investing Wave
Looking for an investing edge? Try lowering your costs. Beat the stock market professionals at their own game through low cost ETF investing. Despite the cold weather and frigid water temperatures, jump in and join the investing wave. Adopt a low cost ETF investing approach and you may improve your returns and your personal bottom line. For more on Investing on a Shoe String with Low Cost ... Read More
Investment Tips for New Years Resolution
It's the beginning of a New Year. Now what? Time to put actions to words. It's time to get moving on those New Year's resolutions. Fran Tarkenton, a football legend and successful businessman, once said, "People don't change their behavior unless it makes a difference for them to do so." Changes That Make A Difference to Your Investments So, it's a New Year and a "new you." Here are some ... Read More
How Many Choices Does A Retirement Investor Need
KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid. That advice can apply to most things in life. It may be true for investing as well. As financial advisors we have access to tons of academic research, white papers and other sources of navel gazing. But the reality is that most investors prefer to KISS. And maybe they're onto something. Yes, we try to demonstrate our added value through complex algorithms ... Read More
Cashing Out ESOP Stock
Question for Boston Money Coach: Can I cash out my company ESOP? Bob from Portland Response from Boston Money Coach Steve Stanganelli: Thanks, Bob, for your question. First, let's take a step back and review the basics. In the alphabet soup of finance, an ESOP stands for Employee Stock Ownership Plan. To be clear, this has nothing to do with stock options - those are an entirely ... Read More
Ask the Adviser: Cold Shoulder for 401(k) Rollover
What do you do with 401(k)s leftover from former employers when you get the cold shoulder from investment firms? Question: I am with a new employer in the Boston area and do not participate in the company 401(k). I will soon be eligible to join soon. I need to find out how to rollover to the 401(k) plan. Now I am saving in a regular bank savings account and want to use this money for ... Read More
