The common wisdom over the past decade has been that interest rates are going to rise. I felt so good locking in a 3.5% mortgage rate earlier this year because that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Or was it?
Making Sense Of Recent Market Volatility
Keep Your Eye On The Ball | Reconsider Selling Positions During Downturn
The Case For Universal Life Insurance As A Conservative Investment Alternative
Which is Better: Traditional Financial Advisors vs. Automated “Robo” Financial Advisors
I’ve come across several articles lately about the emergence of online sites (sometimes referred to as “Robo-Advisors”) which customize and automate the investment process for individuals. These sites are totally separate from discount online brokerage firms which allow you to buy and sell stocks at low rates.
Should You Buy Bonds at a Premium?
Is Sustainable Investing Catching On?
Well, according to an article in the most recent issue of Financial Advisor Magazine, it isn’t. The article indicates that sustainable investing (when one considers environmental, social and corporate governance criteria to generate long-term financial returns and positive societal impact) isn’t something which clients prioritize.
Retirement and Systematic Portfolio Withdrawals
Retirement planning is certainly one of the most debated and important areas of financial planning. Each advisor and firm has a different approach when it comes to how they plan for retirement and how they help clients in retirement ensure that they have adequate income to last the rest of their lives.
Debating the Capital Gains Tax
What I’ve Been Reading — Economic Commentary for March
Below is a list of reading which may shed some light on topics which have been moving the market. As can be expected, these articles cover the Fed, China, and incoming economic data. Some believe the market volatility over the past few weeks is primarily the result of tensions taking place in Russia, but I feel that its more of a normal reaction to a strong 2013 for stocks.
Uniform Fiduciary Standard: Good or Bad? And for Whom?
An Update on Variable Annuity Pros & Cons
The variable annuity market experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. The introduction of a product which guarantees lifetime income payments while providing the opportunity for market growth was precisely what many investors were looking for. Companies such as Prudential, MetLife, AXA, Nationwide, Jackson, and Transamerica rolled out product after product which generated billions of dollars in sales through financial advisor channels.