While 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.…
DetailsAs much as we would prefer a world where doctors could focus exclusively on addressing our health care questions strictly according to our highest interests, we know that reality is less rosy. Best intentions are often complicated by multiple parties, conflicting incentives and confusing costs. The more informed you are of any undisclosed motivations – who is compensating whom, and how – the better your choices can be when deciding to whom to turn for your family’s quality medical care.
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.
Now that the election is behind us, it is safe to say that Trump’s victory was unexpected. Just like the Brexit vote back in June, his victory raised more questions than it answered. It has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and markets typically respond to uncertainty with heighted volatility. So what does this mean for…
DetailsInvestors seem to love dividend paying stocks. The appeal of these stocks rests largely on the idea that a dividend paying stock allows an investor to collect income while leaving the principal intact. Safe, easy money, right? Not quite.
DetailsPlease keep in mind that changes to the Social Security benefits do not necessarily mean that delaying social security benefit until age 70 is no longer a good strategy. It just means that in some cases, delaying will not be as good a deal as it was before.
DetailsWhen the account holder of a Roth IRA dies, most of the rules applicable to the beneficiaries of Traditional IRAs apply. However, there are some specific rules that are unique to Roth IRAs, especially as it relates to non-spouse beneficiaries.
DetailsWhether you are currently divorced or you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand how social security benefits are impacted by the dissolution of your marriage.
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