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 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 6, 2023.
As a financial planner with 25 years of experience, I understand that investing can be daunting, especially in uncertain times. With recent news of bank financial distress, it's natural for many clients to feel anxious about the safety of their investments. However, I'm here to assure you that the US economy, markets, and financial system are resilient, and there's no need to panic.
by Dave Conley on April 21, 2023.
Cable and online financial news (for the average investor) can also be overwhelming and cause investors to make mistakes. The term I use for this news is “Financial Pornography”. I can think of many bad decisions made by viewers of financial porn but narrowed it down to four mistakes the average investor is likely to...
by Dave Conley on April 7, 2023.
As a professional investor for almost 30 years, I rely on my own experiences to help guide my investment approach. Every crisis is different, but they often have things in common. The financial crisis of 2007-2008 was a difficult time for many investors, with stocks and bonds experiencing significant losses. While it’s impossible to predict...
by Dave Conley on March 17, 2023.
Although there is no foolproof formula for investing success or failure there are traits that those who do well over the long term possess. As a financial planner with 25 years of experience, I have seen many investors succeed and others struggle. Through my experience, I have identified three primary characteristics or habits of a good investor and three characteristics or habits of poor investors.
by Randy Chalmers on February 24, 2023.
I had a meeting with an individual today, and they brought up a great point I’d like to share. Before retiring, he was a teacher and would talk to his students about being fiscally responsible. He would explain to them that the first purchase a college graduate makes is normally a car. Now buying a...
by Dave Conley on February 17, 2023.
Why do the typical investors investment returns trail the investment returns of the investments (mutual funds, ETF's, etc.) they are investing?
by Dave Conley on February 9, 2023.
Investing can often feel like a daunting task, especially for those just starting out. But with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. One way to think about investing is to see it as following a treasure map. With every step along the way, you'll encounter challenges and obstacles, but if you keep your eye on the prize, you'll eventually reach the reward at the end.
by Randy Chalmers on January 6, 2023.
529 Changes Previously, if you saved for your child’s college and they did not need the funds you could either transfer them to another student or withdraw the funds incurring a penalty. Under the Secure Act 2.0 (SA 2.0) you can now roll these unused funds into Roth IRAs without income tax or any tax...