The Federal Reserve has now held short-term interest rates at close to zero for over six full years. Six years – that is 2,190 days, and counting! It is no wonder that finding a reasonably safe way to earn a return on cash has become one of the biggest questions on investors’ minds.
In fact, some of the most frequent questions I field these days are about this topic:
Topics: Investing
If you have children or grandchildren and have the soaring costs of college education on your mind, you might want to consider a 529 plan as part of an overall long-term savings strategy.
Topics: Investing
From clients looking at home repair and remodeling projects, from a new roof or windows to a new kitchen, I'm frequently asked which is the best way to withdraw money to pay for these “upgrades.” Should you use your investment account or retirement account, such as an IRA?
Topics: Investing
The latest salvo on the death of “traditional” investment advisors has been sent from those promoting the “robo-advisors” method of dispensing advice. The concept of automated wealth management is that the enlightened, new-Millennial are distinctive investors and they don’t have the time to talk with an advisor who can’t beat market performance anyway.
As the calendar year approaches its end, many people start receiving what seems like an endless series of requests for charitable donations. Even if you are in the witness protection program, colleges, community organizations, and places of worship know where to find you this time of year!
Gifting is a great way to leave an impact on the organizations and people you care about most. Gift-giving falls under the application of tax code, so be sure you consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your specific situation. However, before you take out the checkbook and make your donation or gift to a family member, there are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to giving.
Topics: Giving
We all know how tempting it can be to buy those nice but expensive pair of sunglasses or shoes but would you be better off putting aside some those discretionary purchases to save, instead? Albert Einstein once said “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't ... pays it.”
Topics: Investing
The numbers since the end of the quarter are not pretty: The S&P 500 Index as of this post is down 5.5%, and more surprisingly the yield on the 10 year Treasury is down to 2.01%! This pullback FEELS especially hard after the tepid nature of the market over the last nine quarters.
The message of the Carnegie Counselor this quarter was written to address this particular issue. When share prices slide, do not panic, these things happen. What you don’t do during what we think will be a temporary dip in prices is more important than what you do. Don’t go to cash. Don’t change plans. Don’t forget the long term fundamentals.
Numerous studies, including one operated by BMO Private Bank, have suggested that 10% to 25% of a family’s net worth can be comprised of art, jewelry or collectibles. This can be the result of a passionate hobby that is enjoyed throughout the course of one’s life or the result of an inheritance. Given the demand for rare artifacts of legitimate value, the price of these items can be astoundingly high.
Topics: Investing
Usually, change is a good thing. But, when it comes to investing, there’s nothing better than steady markets and boring economies. In the marketplace, boring has a completely different connotation than in other realms. Boring means little volatility and constant, predictable gains year after year which is a critical component of our client investment strategy.
Topics: Investing
Enclosed in our free eBook are four questions we recommend you ask any prospective group you review.