Trusting Your Investment Decisions Sometimes investing is easy, sometimes it is more difficult. The last decade, except for a handful of temporary declines, has been relatively easy. It consisted of very low interest rates, low inflation, and lots of fiscal and monetary stimulus. And stock markets were quite positive. Since 2009, the S&P 500 annualized…

Who is the Guardian of your Financial Galaxy? Do you have a Guardian of your Financial Galaxy? Enjoy this story today about how a real, fiduciary, financial advisor is your protector, your guardian. The Hero You Need They are the hero you need, but not necessarily the one you deserve. Okay, I’ll stop with the…

Surviving Volatility When volatility increases, many investors become uncomfortable and may consider making changes to their investments. Anytime we have a significant concern, it is essential we take a step back and assess the situation with the proper perspective. Normal, Not Easy Volatility, while uncomfortable, is a normal and natural part of stock markets. It…

The Power of Remembering Memorial Day is a time of remembering, reflecting, and honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. The act of remembering often brings feelings of gratitude, love, and a desire to do good to others. It is positive and empowering. While remembering can be very powerful…

What to consider before you retire early? Do you have retiring early on your mind? Are you wondering what to consider before you retire early? Are you trying to retire at 55 or 60 instead of the traditional age 65 retirement? Trying to retire at 55 or 60? What should you be thinking about financially…

Crises in Context One thing investors can count on is that they will hear numerous reports economic and market crises throughout their investment experience. Some of these will be actual crises; the majority will be nothing more than noise. Crisis du Jour The crisis du jour, as spewed by the financial media, pertains to predictions…

Thoughts on Thinking The ability to think clearly and draw correct conclusions is necessary in everyday life, especially when it comes to making important decisions. But thinking critically is not natural; it’s not the way our brains are hardwired. Instead, we are hardwired to follow the path of least resistance, which often results in hasty…

How can you (financially) bless your spouse? Did you realize you can bless your spouse from a financial perspective, by doing tax planning in the here and now? While most people don’t like to think about leaving their spouse a widow or widower, it’s a reality that faces most couples. Widows/widowers taxes nearly double after…

Ignoring the Noise (Market Predictions) Stock market predictions can be quite alluring. Especially those that are extreme and/or use fear-inducing images. Such predictions can influence our opinions and ultimately our decisions. For that reason, it is important that we protect ourselves from their subconscious, and potentially damaging, influence. Characteristics of Believable Market Predictions Predictions that are believable do…

The Holy Grail of Investing Most investors would love to find the Holy Grail of investing – an investment that provides great returns with very little (or no) risk. Many investors consciously acknowledge that such an investment doesn’t exist. But we may still be attracted to that investment because of how badly we wish it…