Is it a good idea to keep multiple accounts from previous employers? It is not unusual for an individual to acquire several retirement plan accounts over different phases of a career. When it comes to retirement accounts, simplicity is key. Having several plans may seem like a fail-safe in troubled times, but from a personal…
Overview: Following is a discussion of professors Eugene F. Fama’s and Kenneth R. French’s three-factor model, which appeared in the landmark 1992 Journal of Finance article, “The Cross-Section of Expected Stock Returns.” Introduction The June 1992 Journal of Finance article “The Cross-Section of Expected Stock Returns” revolutionized the way many individuals think about investing. Prior…
Overview: When saving for a child or grandchild’s college education, many individuals choose 529 college savings plans because of their tax advantages. 529 Plan Basics A 529 plan is similar to a Roth IRA in that you contribute after-tax dollars that grow tax free. Earnings from the plan can be withdrawn free of federal taxes…
Overview: The following provides some perspective on many of the issues that have worried investors throughout 2012. Patient, disciplined investors with well-developed plans are subject to the same noise and concerns that plague other investors. Over the past year, most investors have noticed or been concerned about: Our continuing federal budgetary deficits and our ability…
Overview: Following is an overview of variable annuities (VAs), including other options to consider prior to purchasing one and what to do with a VA you already own. Introduction In many cases, VAs do not provide adequate compensation for the costs involved, can be costly to surrender and might be prudently replaced by a low-cost,…
Overview: Very often, equity indexed annuities (EIAs) have significantly high surrender charges. For this and other reasons, we feel that it is not prudent for investors to purchase EIAs for their portfolios. Introduction The typical EIA, often referred to as a fixed indexed annuity, has the following characteristics: A link to a portion of the positive…
Overview: Following are 10 principles we have adopted to help us serve as a trusted advisor. Act in the best interest of the client We provide advice and recommendations that are in the client’s best interest. Period. Not because we are legally obligated to (although we are). Not because it works well as a business…
Overview: As investors approach retirement, many consider whether they should lower their allocation to equities. Some have even questioned whether they should exclude equities altogether. However, it is rarely necessary to completely remove equities from a portfolio. The following article discusses how a prudent approach is to build a globally diversified portfolio of passively managed…
Overview: Following is an exploration of the elements and importance of advanced planning. Wealth management works hand in hand with portfolio management, adding value beyond the importance of a prudent investment philosophy. The experience begins with crafting a holistic plan designed to help you in achieving your vision of financial success. That customized plan should…
Author: Jim Parker, DFA In December 2011, Barron’s told investors to “buckle up.” The consensus prediction of its panel of ten stock market strategists and investment managers was for the S&P 500 to end 2012 some 11.5% higher, at about 1,360. “That sounds like a big gain, but a lot of things have to go…