We recently accepted a new client who could have used an advisor years ago, but waited until a near crisis struck before reaching out for help. Over the course of working with our client and their extended family, I came upon a truth that I never fully appreciated in working with clients over a couple… Read more »
After nearly a decade of falling interest rates, the Federal Reserve raised the overnight rate for banks lending to each other by 0.25%. This move, while not significant signals that the Fed believes the economy is strong enough to withstand a sustained rise in rates. The question on the minds of most people is, how… Read more »
We have had a couple of prospective clients visit us lately who exhibited very similar characteristics when it came to their money. They craved safety. The dollar amounts that they were carrying in cash were significant by any measure. When asked why they carried such hefty balances in cash, their responses were revealing. Typically most… Read more »
This week I attended a meeting of the local estate analyst community. This group is comprised of some very high-end accountants, attorneys, and advisors, among others, who were being briefed on some of the intricacies of stretching out required minimum distributions from retirement accounts. Toward the end of the presentation it occurred to me that… Read more »
The Republican presidential candidates are debating their economic platforms and I have to say, they appear to be one delusional bunch. Their level of unsophistication is breathtaking. I don’t think their proposals would gain them a seat on a local school board, let alone the highest office in our land. They must think that we… Read more »
The most common financial fears among adults are unplanned financial emergencies and insufficient retirement savings. These are events that happen to nearly everyone, that can be foreseen and that can be planned for. Unfortunately, many are stuck in a state of fear and avoid making financial decisions. These decisions when left unplanned will result in financial… Read more »
Our stock in trade is helping our clients to formulate a plan that reflects their goals and interests, while allowing them to enjoy financial independence. Although we continually update our clients’ plans, sometimes it makes sense to question whether the plan we have formulated is really the best plan for you. Typically someone will project… Read more »
As we head into fall, I am reminded of the changes and beautiful colors the season brings. In nature we experience the harvest, the gathering of crops. It is the time to reap the rewards of our work. Much of the planning work that I do with clients, focuses on their fall season, or reaping… Read more »
Few questions are more provocative than asking someone, “What do you really want out of life?” Warren Buffett, jokingly said, when asked the question, that now that he is the world’s richest man, he wants to also be the world’s oldest man! His lighthearted response underscores the sense that most of us are uncomfortable answering… Read more »
