by Dave Conley on February 9, 2024.
As a seasoned financial planner with over three decades of experience in the industry, I've witnessed countless instances where investing common sense has clashed with our natural instincts. It's a fascinating paradox...
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.
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.
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...
by Randy Chalmers on July 7, 2023.
You’re saving just the right amount in order for your family to afford the necessities plus a little extra in retirement. We all dream of retirement sitting on our porch with our favorite beverage as the sun is going down, but what about the day leading up to that peaceful evening? Have you included your...
by Dave Conley on June 16, 2023.
If you have wondered: When should I start my Social Security ? Age 62... 67 or wait until 70 . What is the difference in benefits at the different ages ? I have heard that it is best to start as early as possible in case you don't live very long. If I start early how much can I earn before being penalized by Social Security ? Can I collect based on my spouse (or ex-spouse) earnings history?
by Dave Conley on June 6, 2023.
What determines the amount of your Social Security benefit? How to determine what your benefits? The mistake over 40% of all retirees make when starting their Social Security.
by Dave Conley on May 26, 2023.
Every few years we have this discussion about whether or not we are going to raise the debt ceiling. Let’s just be honest, the debt ceiling will be raised. Since 1960, it’s been raised 78 times (more than once a year). The chart below shows the times the debt ceiling has been raised since 1970....
by Randy Chalmers on May 19, 2023.
Everyone has met someone who had a friend who “made a fortune on XYZ stock on a hot tip”, but much like expecting to win the lottery, expecting to cash in on a hot tip probably won’t happen for you, me, or even someone you know. Seemingly everything we do in today’s world is at...
by Dave Conley on May 12, 2023.
As a financial planner, I know that Social Security benefits are (or will be) a critical source of retirement income for many of our clients (and most Americans), particularly those who are 55 or older. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), in 2021, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit for a retired worker is $1,557. Over the next 3 weeks I will cover strategies you can take to maximize your potential Social Security benefit.