The purpose of social security is to replace a portion of the income you earned over your life once you are retired. How exactly your social security benefit amount is calculated is dependent upon several factors.
Details
The 12 month period ending 6/30/2017 marked the first time in about five years that non-US stocks performed better than US stocks on a trailing 12 month basis. Regardless of recent performance, investing in companies based overseas is a crucial component of a diversified portfolio. Below are some of the reasons we invest abroad: Investing overseas…
Details
When you hear the word “diversification” in the context of investing, one thinks of owning multiple holdings across asset classes, geographical locations, and industry sectors. The concept of diversification also applies to the sources of cash flows that are generated from an investment portfolio. Michael Kitces, a well-renowned author, and industry thought leader, suggests that there are 4 pillars of retirement cash flow that can come from an investment portfolio: interest, dividends, capital gains and principal.
Details
Warren Buffett’s annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters often offer sage advice. His most recent 2016 letter was no exception, including this powerful insight about market downturns: “During such scary periods, you should never forget two things: First, widespread fear is your friend as an investor, because it serves up bargain purchases. Second, personal fear is your enemy.”
DetailsThe DOL Fiduciary Rule, requires that all financial professionals who work with retirement plans or provide retirement planning advice must act as a fiduciary.
DetailsFinancial advisor, financial planner, financial consultant, wealth manager, etc. – there are many names used by investment professionals today. But what’s more important than the title that a professional gives him or herself is the standard of care the investment professional is held to a fiduciary standard or a suitability standard.
DetailsWhile there is no official definition, a bear market has traditionally been defined as a 20% decline in a broad stock market index. Since the end of World War II, we have had 13 bear markets, with an average decline of about 30%. Needless to say, bear markets can be horrifying. We not only have…
DetailsYou probably have heard that the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 20,000 for the first time on January 25, 2017. When a popular index, like the Dow is on a tear, up or down, what does it really mean to you and your investments? What Is an Index? First, let’s define what an index is.…
DetailsWould you rather have a guaranteed $10,000 today, or the opportunity to earn anywhere from $5000 to $20,000 over the next twelve months? Are you willing to risk a sure thing for the opportunity for more? Your answer to that question should be dependent upon two factors: your tolerance for risk and your ability or…
DetailsIt’s hard to think all the way back to January 2016, but the year began with a bit of a shock when US stocks had their worst start in history. Then came the Brexit vote in June, when non-US Stocks dropped approximately 7% over a three week period. And then came the US Presidential election, when US stocks dropped approximately 5% in the weeks leading up to the election.
But by the end of the year, those investors who stayed the course saw positive returns across the board.