One of the best ways to track and measure your risk in stock market investments is to follow the P-E (price to earnings) ratio of both the overall market and (if you buy individual stocks) the P-E for those stocks as well. This is one great way to start making better investment decisions. What is […]
What Not To Expect In 2014
2013 was a great year for equity investors no matter how you look at it. Returns were exciting – in a good way. And most U.S. indices hit new highs. In fact, 2013 was the best calendar year since 1997 for investors. Foreign and emerging markets did fair but not nearly as well as domestic […]
Roth 401k vs Roth IRA. What Works Best?
If you are socking money into your 401k at work you get an “A” in Retirement Planning 101. Congratulations. You are ready for Retirement Planning 201. That’s where the Roth 401k and Roth IRA come in. Refresh Yourself When you contribute to your traditional 401k you become “The Man”. That’s because everything starts working for […]
Your Organizing Principles – Your Secret Weapon
You have organizing principles whether you realize it or not. We all do. And those principles have more impact on our financial success or failure than we realize. What Are Organizing Principles Organizing principles are filters through which we process information. Let me give you an example to illustrate how they work and why they […]
Should You Fire Your CPA?
Tax season is here. Are you pleased with how your existing CPA took care of you last year? Did they do a professional job in a timely manner? Did they answer all your questions directly? Did they treat you with respect? If not, it might be time to fire your existing provider and find a […]
What Are Inflation Protected Bonds? Are they Safe?
Whenever the stock market enters a turbulent period, people look for alternatives to equities. Inevitably the term “TIPS” comes up (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities). This is the “go-to” bond people buy that is protected against inflation. But what are inflation protected bonds and are they a smart investment? What are inflation protected bonds? To understand inflation […]