War is emotional, but rarely impactful on company profits Paul Fain, CFP® There is a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The loss of life is tragic and disturbing. And it is OK to wonder, “What does this mean for my investments?” Our financial planning firm recently hosted a current events webinar with Apollo Lupescu, Ph.D., vice president…
Here’s how to keep your focus on the big picture during unsteady times Paul Fain, CFP® Here we are in 2022 and the world seems like a crazy place (again)! Armies on the move. Consumer prices reaching decade highs. The coronavirus pandemic continuing to impact our daily lives. What should be your next decision…
Balancing Act: Interest Rates Paul Fain, CFP® “What are your IRAs paying?” asked my mother-in-law. Being extremely risk-adverse, and 93-years-old, she was referring to the prevailing interest rates on an IRA bank account or an IRA annuity. However, as I politely discussed with her (as she was preparing her famous beef stew), it is…
It’s always a good time to audit your retirement income strategy Paul Fain, CFP® Do you have enough money saved to retire? Are you financially independent from the need to earn a paycheck? This is some important math as the coronavirus pandemic has moved some workers into early retirement, voluntarily or involuntarily. Stated another…
A look back at the shaky financial predictions in this wild year Paul Fain, CFP® Is it a Christmas miracle? Did the financial forecasters get it right in 2021? Well, Santa should probably have given coal to most of the pundits and prognosticators. For instance, one of the largest banking institutions predicted a 5% return…
You are building your legacy right now Paul Fain, CFP® What does the term “legacy” mean to you? A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being a mentor at the Financial Planning Association’s Residency program. Working alongside five colleagues and training 28 resident students (newer financial planners), we pondered some of the “deep…
Rollercoaster markets don’t have to take you for a ride Paul Fain, CFP® It is Disney World’s 50th anniversary. If your investment portfolio was a Disney ride, what would it be? Maybe Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride or Space Mountain? Despite the bumpy ride, most every theme park ride ends up where it started. In the third…
Don’t let FOMO or a golfing buddy rule your investing decisions | Paul Fain, CFP® Where do you get the financial information upon which you base your investment decisions? If we are being honest, the answer for many people is probably: a family member, a cable television show, or a magazine or newsletter. “Well Paul, you…
Feeling Pessimistic? Zoom Out. | Kevin Miller The sky is falling! The world is coming unglued! We all feel this way at some point. I think most of us know, and are grateful for, the fact that life is much easier now for most people than it was for folks a century ago. But it’s…
Want results from your investments? Don’t get emotional | Paul Fain, CFP® Famed investor Benjamin Graham once said, “The investor’s chief problem, and even his worst enemy, is likely to be himself.” DALBAR, a financial market research firm, conducts an annual study of investor behavior. With 25 years of data, the study’s conclusion is frighteningly…