2021 S&P 500 Predictions
Every year we like to compile the S&P 500 predictions from various Wall Street analysts. Below is a chart with each strategist’s prediction for 2021 as well as their prediction from 2020. Also included is a brief quote that each strategist gave with next year’s target number. The average of all the predictions comes out to an […]
December 2020 Investment Commentary
Choppiness in early September due to the alarming rise in the number of U.S. Covid-19 cases has given way to 4th quarter optimism as investors digest this latest news cycle. The U.S. has just surpassed over 13 million cases since January and continues to add over 150,000 cases per day, a number that will unfortunately […]
Studies show that Financial Advice can Boost Your Returns
In today’s world, Robo Advisors and low-cost brokers make paying for financial advice seem futile. However, hard data from research done on the industry seems to side with human advisors in this matter. Here is some data to back that up. The Studies Vanguard, who is the leader in low-cost investing, released a study titled […]
Economic Stimulus Bill Highlights
Stimulus Bill Highlights The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was approved by the U.S. Senate and is expected to be approved by House and signed into law. This $2 trillion-dollar package was designed to provide relief to individuals, businesses, the U.S. Economy and the U.S. healthcare system among others. Below we […]
5 Things to Remember During These Times
5 Things to Remember During These Times It is no secret that news of the coronavirus has created mass uncertainly through the stock market. Most of which is surrounding the economic slowdown as a result of the virus. If you watch the news regularly, it may seem like this is the end of times. We […]
The good, the bad, and the ugly of the SECURE Act
Congress passed and signed the SECURE Act to close out 2019. This bill is meant to overhaul certain retirement rules and help the overall landscape for retirees. Was it a success? Only time will tell. Here are what we believe to be the good, the bad, and the ugly of the SECURE Act. The Good […]
How much are fund fees costing you?
Imagine you are driving down the road and notice the much-dreaded gas light is blinking on your dashboard. You pull up to an intersection and spot a gas station on the left, advertising a price of $2.75/gallon, and another gas station on the right, with an advertised price of $2.45/gallon. Which way do you turn? […]
Has the Panic Begun?
Aren’t you happy you didn’t listen to the negative reports of the 2019 media? One of the most celebrated investors of the 21st century Ray Dalio said this, “I believe we are now living in a world in which sensationalistic headlines are what many writers want above all else, even if the facts don’t square […]
The Consequences of Listening to Armageddonists
The Consequences of Listening to Armageddonists When an acclaimed market-watcher, money manager, economist or “stock market expert” sounds the alarm that a recession is imminent, how do you respond? This may be a surprise but the opportunity cost of selling equities for perceived fixed income “safe havens” has not been a successful strategy during the […]
5 Year-End Financial Moves
5 Year-End Financial Moves As we move towards the end of the year, here is a list of financial moves you can make to help lower your taxes, increase your savings, and ensure you are on the right path to retirement. 1. Maximize your tax-deferred contributions Maxing out tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and traditional […]
An Alternative to Mutual Funds
An Alternative to Mutual Funds Mutual funds are often the main component of an advisor’s asset allocation because of their instant diversification. What if there was an alternative to mutual funds that provided the same type of diversification? And, would you be interested in purchasing this alternative at a discount? Mutual funds are priced at […]
7 Frightening Financial Facts for Halloween
Today is Halloween and many are looking forward to a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats. In honor of the day, we have put together a list of 7 frightening financial facts: 1. More Americans own cats than stocks52% of Americans report not owning any stocks. 50% […]
The Fall of the 60/40 Portfolio
For nearly 70 years, the 60/40 strategy has been the standard for most investment portfolios. Now, has this approach has become too risky and structurally incapable of meeting its intended objectives? What is a 60/40 Portfolio? Foundations of the 60/40 portfolio emerged from Harry Markowitz’s Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) work in the 1950’s which won […]
6 reasons why variable annuities are a bad investment for almost anyone
What’s a variable annuity? If you’re unfamiliar with annuities — you give an insurance company your money and in return they pay you an income stream, usually for the rest of your life. The annuity company uses several factors to determine your payment amounts including life expectancy. In essence, you are betting against the insurance […]
SP 500 vs Recession Trends.
Much of the talk in financial media over the past year has market experts and economists predicting whether or not the U.S., and the world, is headed toward a recession. Recession chatter has especially picked up over the past two months as some leading recession indicators are beginning to flash warning signals. U.S. Treasury yields […]
How can you reduce risk in this volatile market?
It’s no secret that the last few weeks have been like a roller-coaster for the stock market. In fact, 8 of the last 13 trading days for the S&P 500 have seen at least a 1% move in either direction including two days of almost 3% drops. Times like this can weigh on investor’s minds […]
A look at the last 20 years
The S&P 500 closed above 3,000 for the first time ever on Friday, July 12th. On this same date 20 years ago, the S&P closed at 1,399 while the world was preparing for a computer apocalypse known as “Y2K”. Well, we are still here, and the S&P 500 is now above 3,000 or about 116% […]
Let’s Talk Taxes!
There is only one reason why anyone invests their savings, to earn a return on that invested capital. However not all gains are created equal; in fact, two separate investments, both earning the same 5%, can have very different bottom lines. Why you may ask? Because of taxes. Taxable income and short-term capital gains are […]
There Is No “Magic Bullet”
A new craze is sweeping across the U.S. following the introduction of new plant-based burgers from both Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. This has led to widespread fanfare for meatless products from both companies with major fast food chains and retailers piling into the space with new menu offerings. This craze has poured over into […]
Now that you have changed jobs, what do you do with your old 401(k)?
Ignoring your past employer’s 401(k) can be easy but rolling it over to an IRA could be just as easy and more beneficial in the long run. When you leave a company, you have multiple options with your 401(k). You can roll it over into an IRA, keep it with your previous employer’s provider, […]
The Six Principles for Long Term Investing
The Six Principles for Long Term Investing The stock market is filled with uncertainty and people questioning how long this economic expansion is going to continue. The reality is that even the world’s most successful investors cannot accurately predict where the market is heading. We must accept that certain things like economic and market conditions […]
The Do’s and Don’ts of Investing
What makes a successful investor? The advisors at our firm decided to sit down and write out five things that investors should or should not do to be successful. After comparing our lists, we created the five do’s and five don’ts of investing. The Don’ts Don’t Try to time the market Market timing is […]
Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” This is a well-known quote by Mike Tyson, who at the time was speaking with reporters that had asked him about Evander Holyfield’s boxing style and strategy prior to a fight. When speaking in 2012 with a reporter about the quote, Tyson explained, “If […]