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Preparing for the 2024 Election

by Randy Chalmers on July 19, 2024.

This is a summary of the article “3 Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the 2024 Election” by Samantha Lamas. During election years, individuals are particularly susceptible to cognitive biases, driven by the high stakes involved in potential outcomes. Uncertainty dominates, overwhelming rational thought processes. As the 2024 election approaches, it’s crucial to recognize and...


Navigating Investment Challenges: Insights from Three Decades of Financial Planning

by Dave Conley on February 2, 2024.

Let me start by stating one can gain investment know how (knowledge) by reading books listening to podcasts, and studying investment materials. In the same way one can learn to walk a tightrope by practicing in the backyard on a rope 6 inches off the ground. You can become very good at navigating that tightrope in the backyard. When the tightrope is strung between two buildings 300 foot off the ground that "experience" isn't as valuable.

Investing wisdom from an Octogenarian’s 50-Year Journey

by Dave Conley on January 26, 2024.

Welcome to the complex yet fascinating world of investing. Like you, I am an investor and over the past five decades, I've had the privilege of witnessing the intricacies of financial markets, making my fair share of mistakes, and, most importantly, learning from them. As you embark on your investing journey, I'm here to share with you the ABCs of investing, with a touch of wisdom gained through experience.

All The Feelings!

by Randy Chalmers on November 10, 2023.

Have you ever felt that investing can have you feeling excited, worried, angry, sad, and some other emotion all at once? You’re not alone, nor are you abnormal! Behavioral finance is an area of study that examines the impact of emotion, cognitive biases, and other psychological factors on financial decision-making and hence on financial markets....

What is in an Estate Plan?

by Dave Conley on August 25, 2023.

What is in a simple Estate Plan? If you’re like most people, with a few kids and a house, you only need a will. You can use an online service like www.freewill.com or www.mamabearlegalforms.com. The most common option is to meet with a local lawyer to help you discuss and setup the three documents needed...

Riding out the Inevitable Storms

by Randy Chalmers on August 18, 2023.

Let’s tackle a topic that has been on many investors’ minds in the last few years, and has prompted more than just a few blog postings. Being worried during market downturns is understandable and NORMAL; but I want to emphasize the importance of viewing investing as a long-term endeavor, and how to avoid (and why...

Estate Planning 101

by Dave Conley on August 11, 2023.

Estate planning is just a fancy legal-ish word for what you want to happen to your money and stuff when you die or become disabled.

Common Credit Card Misconceptions

by Randy Chalmers on August 11, 2023.

We’ve blogged about responsible credit card usage, calculations used to determine minimum payments, and other points on credit cards. This week we’ll discuss some common “tips” you may receive from friends and family about credit cards. Myth #1 Paying the minimum balance is ok Sure, paying the minimum due is acceptable and it’s actually welcomed...

Think Twice Before Dipping into Your 401(k) for Emergencies

by Randy Chalmers on August 4, 2023.

Life will throw curveballs at you when least expected. As you’re faced with emergencies, your 401(k) might seem like a quick fix or even your only option. It is necessary to consider the downsides before you act. I’ll explain why tapping into your retirement savings early might not be the wisest move and suggests other...