A Great Year for Investing ALL investment classes did well in 2017. Yes, some did better than others, but it is rare to find a category that did not have a positive return last year. Lets take a look at some of the more common indices that we use to measure investment performance. Dow Jones …
At the end of the last blog I said I would write about a key change in the financial services world which boils down to is your sales person required to offer you the best product for you–acting as your fiduciary– or simply one that is “suitable”. A subtle difference that at this point may …
This blog is a wrap-up of the last one where we talked about the first of six key areas in your finances, your Current Position. What have we learned If you have developed your Current Position you will have a budget and an asset/liability statement showing what you own and what you owe. You’ll know …
Start With the Key Financial Areas There are six key areas to examine when building your financial life by design. I’m going to explain why they all matter and then explore each one in more detail in subsequent writing. By the way, in completing the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation an advisor will be tested …
Are you the Hammer? I read a lot, mostly financial and self help topics. While doing that I pick up phrases, snippets of wisdom, and pearls of advice that resonate with me. Some of my earlier blogs have been built around song lyrics that I feel encouraged to share. Simon and Garfunkel sang in El …
It all started on June 24th-the stock market’s reaction to the UK leaving the EU. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped from just over 18,000 to barely above 17,400 in one session. Britain’s exit–Brexit–had surprised almost everyone and markets don’t like surprises or uncertainty. With an over 500 point drop in one day could this be the …
Getting started In an earlier blog I listed some challenges of improving yourself financially starting with finding a professional to help you. This blog will go into more detail about how to find that special person. Let me say at the outset there are any number of sources for advice on this topic. Google “finding …
Be a Good Son or Daughter Mother’s Day 2016 has just past. Almost time for a mid-year check-in on progress. Would Mom be pleased with your performance? No one wants to disappoint their mother, ever. But we know that is a tall task. Mom always has high expectations for us and knows we can meet them …
It’s the end of a year and start of another. Naturally many of us are thinking about making changes in our lifestyle that will create a better “us.” I encourage people to reflect on their life and make changes when they feel it is warranted. Change does not always mean progress, but progress rarely comes …
LIFE IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT Thus, winning in 2016 or any given year is the equivalent of running a mile at a pace you want. A great way to start looking at 2016 and setting your pace is to finish evaluating 2015. Was 2015 a good year for you and how optimistic are you …