Mid-Year 2016: An Investment Reality Check
Market volatility is alive and well in 2016. Low oil prices, China’s slowing growth, the prospect of rising interest rates, the strong U.S. dollar, global conflicts–all of these factors have contributed to turbulent markets this year. Many investors may be tempted to review their portfolios only when the markets hit a rough patch, but careful planning is essential in all economic climates. So whether the markets are up or down, reviewing your portfolio with your financial professional can be an excellent way to keep your...
read moreJuly 2016 Monthly Insight: Brexit!
On Friday, June 24, the day after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, we sent out a client update via email. The theme of our alert was that the “leave” vote took world-wide investors by surprise and investors don’t like surprises. We also discussed the time frame of the UK’s exit from the EU, which is unlikely to happen for at least two years after Parliament votes to begin the process. That Parliamentary vote will not take place until this fall, at the earliest. Thus, the market will continue its...
read moreJune 2016 Monthly Insight: Market Indexes and Benchmarking
When people talk about “the market,” exactly what are they talking about? More than likely, they are talking about one of two indexes that are widely reported in mainstream media, financial networks, and many daily publications. These two indexes are the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S&P 500. Let’s explore both indexes to get a better understanding of exactly what the indexes are reporting. The DJIA and S&P 500 On May 26, 2016, the DJIA celebrated its 120th birthday. Back in May of 1896, journalist...
read moreCommon Financial Wisdom: Theory vs. Practice
In the financial world, there are a lot of rules about what you should be doing. In theory, they sound reasonable. But in practice, it may not be easy, or even possible, to follow them. Let’s look at some common financial maxims and why it can be hard to implement them. Build an emergency fund worth three to six months of living expenses Wisdom: Set aside at least three to six months worth of living expenses in an emergency savings account so your overall financial health doesn’t take a hit when an unexpected need arises. Problem:...
read moreMay 2016 Monthly Insight: A Special Piece by Nick Murray
This month’s monthly insight features a special edition story by Nick Murray, who is in his 50th year in the profession of financial advice and is one of the industry’s premier speakers and the author of eleven books. Nick was the 2007 recipient of the Malcolm S. Forbes Public Awareness Award for Excellence in Advancing Financial Understanding. To get a copy of our special report, contact a member of our...
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