Blog

Whiplash on Wall Street as Tension About Global Economy Mounts

               -New York Times December 6, 2018

It’s in the news, in the headlines, and more than likely, in your portfolio. Stock market gyrations can be worrisome for any investor - but it doesn't have to be. When it comes to investing I always like to remind my clients that it is better to have a plan of action, than a knee-jerk reaction. This – a plan of action - is what I call active risk management.

It is no secret that investment dollars have been shifting from actively managed investments to passively managed investments. There’s one number that explains a good portion of this phenomenon: 5.52%. Over the 20 years ending in 2018, the nominal compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of the S&P 500 has been 5.52%.

Financial Planning is incredibly important for your future. In fact, it can be just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Unfortunately, the average American never engages in the financial planning process. People are now planning even less than they did in the past, and financial independence has decreased along with it.

When it comes time to create a roadmap for your financial future, you hear the term “comprehensive financial planning” thrown around a lot, whether it’s during your research or in talking with a Certified Financial Planner®. So what is comprehensive financial planning anyway?

We often say that our clients buy life insurance for one of two reasons – you love somebody or you owe somebody. For most, it will be the first reason. You want to protect a loved one and there is a financial dependence on your income.

Why does life insurance matter?

Understandably, no one likes to contemplate the end of his or her life. We work to focus on the moment and live in the present, hopefully enjoying life stages and milestones as they come. While thinking of our own demise may seem unpleasant, just like birth, death will be a part of everyone’s life.

Authored by: Andy Gale, Guest Author 

Are you planning to start a business in California?  If yes, then there are several decisions and actions that you need to go through with careful attention.  There may be many resources available, but there are also many drawbacks and difficulties along the way.  You must anticipate these things, so you can diligently consider every decision you make for your business's future.  

Authored by: Jack Brkich III, CFP

The recent scuffles between the United States government and our trade partners from Canada, China, Mexico and the European Union have drawn plenty of drama from the news media, with sensationalized headlines and considerable consternation.

Have you ever received a notice stating you’ve got unclaimed money sitting around? Although your first instinct might be that you’re being scammed, and although you could be, you very well might not be.

Budgeting is the best way to take control of your personal finances and begin down a path towards financial freedom. Easy enough right? Not quite. Budgets pose many challenges; the most common being creating one, followed closely by following through and sticking to a budget.