Facing a sudden disability, illness, or the end of one's life is an eventuality few of us think about until it's too late. This worksheet will help you plan for what is difficult, while it’s easy. Complete the parts that matter to you and tell your family and friends about it. Get the Workbook >
Mind Over Market: Decoding 6 Behavioral Biases in Investing
Here we highlight the subtle yet influential behavioral biases that often steer investors toward less-than-optimal decisions. Recognizing these mental traps can help you sidestep the blind spots your own biases might create and help you become a more confident investor. Read More >
Timeless Investment Truths for the Year Ahead
Looking back at the unpredictability and surprises of the past year's markets serves as a potent reminder of a fundamental truth: Timeless wisdom best informs timely decisions. As we settle into 2024, let's revisit a few timeless tenets that offer timely investment insights. Read More >
4 Financial Best Practices for Year End 2023
If your wealth were a garden, which actions would deserve your attention? Here are our four favorite items worth tending to as 2024 approaches… plus a thoughtful reflection on how to make the most of the remaining year. Read More >
Measuring Success: Understanding Your Investment Portfolio's Real Performance
Feeling that your investments might be underperforming? It's essential to step back and critically assess: are your benchmarks realistic? Or, are you chasing the allure of greener, yet elusive, financial pastures? Read More >
Unpredictable Tides: Navigating Market Changes in 2023
This year, despite the challenges of fluctuating interest rates, looming government showdowns, and global threats, disciplined investors find themselves navigating through a sea of economic uncertainties, pondering the next move in a market marked by 'blunting' and 'sideways performance. Read More >
Investment Dichotomy: The Wisdom of Crowds vs. Popular Delusions
Explore the Dual Nature of Markets: Wise Crowds and Delusional Mania. Discover why markets can embody both aspects and how it influences your investments. Learn how a low-cost, globally diversified portfolio can harness wisdom and evade mania for financial success. Read More >
Wealth Protection 101: How to Avoid Costly Investment Mistakes
This article on safeguarding your wealth emphasizes the difference between avoidable investment mistakes versus random market misfortune. By eliminating avoidable mistakes, investors can also lower, but not entirely eliminate, the possibility of experiencing negative investment outcomes. Read More >
A Balanced Look at Stock Buybacks — Part 3: Risks Amidst the Rewards
While stock buybacks can offer tax-efficient benefits to shareholders, they're not immune to pitfalls and controversies. In our final installment, we explore the potential downsides of buybacks and the government's watchful eye on the practice. Read More >
A Balanced Look at Stock Buybacks — Part 2: Sustaining Current and Future Value
In our second installment on stock buybacks, we unveil the practical strategies companies adopt. Learn how stock buybacks, when executed adeptly, can present remarkable tax-efficient advantages to shareholders, all while preserving the potential for future growth. Read More >
A Balanced Look at Stock Buybacks — Part 1: How Do Stock Buybacks Work?
Stock buybacks can help you, hurt you, or be a neutral event, depending on the particulars. In the first installment of our three-part series, we provide an objective examination of stock buybacks. Read More >
What’s Wrong with Depending on Dividend Stocks? Part 2 of 2: Dividend Stocks vs. Total Return Investing
Why we prefer a total return investment strategy instead of seeking more concentrated dividend stock positions, even for retirees who are drawing income out of their portfolios. Read More >
What’s Wrong with Depending on Dividend Stocks? Part 1 of 2: How Dividend Stocks Really Work
Why dividend investing—or, stocking up on stocks with a reputation for consistently paying out attractive dividends—may not be an ideal strategy for generating a dependable income stream out of your investment portfolio. Read More >
Leveraging 529 Plans for Retirement Savings: A Strategic Approach for High-Wage Earners
While a 529 plan is primarily an education savings vehicle, it can be a part of a comprehensive retirement strategy for high earners when used creatively and strategically. Read More >
From Panic to Prudence: Staying Calm amidst Debt Ceiling Uncertainty
Amidst the media frenzy surrounding the debt ceiling threats, in this article we examine potential scenarios and advise investors to approach these challenging times with a measured mindset. Read More >
Who Is “the Media”?
It’s human nature to react to the onslaught of information with fits of fear, excitement, or confusion. This, in turn, can lead to counterproductive, buy high/sell low investing. We would suggest there are three broad types of financial news to assimilate into the choices you make as an investor. Read More >
Using IRS Marital Filing Status as a Strategy
Filing taxes separately can be a viable option for reducing student loan payments, however, it is crucial to consider all the factors involved. Ultimately, consulting with a financial professional can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique situation. Read More >
Is Social Security Going Bust?
Claiming Social Security prematurely out of fear is a bit like selling stocks in a down market: All you’ve guaranteed is that you’ve locked in a loss. And if future benefit cuts did materialize, the benefits of those who claimed as soon as possible would be reduced even further. Read More >
Q1 2023 Market Update
The “I’s” had it across the first quarter, as inflation and interest rates continued to dominate popular financial headlines. That is, at least, until the Silicon Valley Bank meltdown took over, followed by the government’s swift reaction to the same. Read More >
Banking on Safety: How Your Assets Are Protected During Times of Uncertainty
It’s hard, and often counterproductive to comment about breaking news while it’s still moving through the proverbial grinder, which is why we usually don’t do so. However, it’s worth commenting on the recent banking turmoil, and how this applies to your investments to aide in rational decision-making. Read More >