MARKET HEADLINES ARE NOT A FINANCIAL PLAN

Posted by Fred Kneib, AIF
On July 19, 2018

A recent study by Dalbar showed that during the 20-year period ending in 2017, the S&P 500 index averaged a 7.20% annual return while the average equity fund investor captured 5.29% over the same time period1. In the investment world, this 1.91% difference between investment returns and investor returns is called the “behavior gap.” Understandably, […]

POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR YOUR CHILDREN: WHERE GRANDPARENTS COME IN

Posted by Clay Caldwell, CFP®
On June 28, 2018

For most of us, we think about a Power of Attorney (POA) coming in to assist when a parent is approaching the end of their life. This document gives you the authority to make medical, legal, and financial decisions on your parent’s behalf when they are no longer capable of making these decisions on their […]

4 TIPS FOR YOUR TRANSITION FROM THE RIGHT SEAT TO THE LEFT SEAT

Posted by Gary Krasnov
On May 7, 2018

Unlike like most professionals, pilots typically experience one big promotion during their flying career: the move from First Officer to Captain. This will be an exciting time in your life and one which should be enjoyed, but this upgrade also provides many personal, professional, and financial changes for you to consider. With this in mind, […]

MEDICAL COSTS IN RETIREMENT

Posted by Gary Krasnov
On April 17, 2018

When we meet with people across the country to discuss retirement, most first think about investment accounts, pension plans, or Social Security decisions. For many retirees, the cost of health care might seem like an afterthought – something that is important, but doesn’t impact the big picture. We know, however, that planning for and managing […]

IS YOUR ADVISOR AN EXPERT WHEN IT COUNTS?

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On March 21, 2018

In the United States alone there are over 300,000 financial advisors, and the majority of these advisors have letters, or “designations,” that follow their names. I’m sure you’ve seen CFP, CFA, CRPC, AIF, or Series 7 in print advertisements or online. We certainly have a good number of these designations on our website. While these […]

FIVE THINGS YOUR ADVISOR WISHES YOU KNEW

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On February 10, 2018

The relationship with your financial advisor is one of the most important business connections of your adult life. Few others can help secure your family’s future and determine your legacy more than the professionals who provide guidance as you plan. Here are five key factors related to financial planning that advisors wish every investor understood. […]

SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR 401(K) PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED?

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On December 21, 2017

As with many questions, the correct answer is: It depends. If you are like me, your goal is to grow your company 401(k) plan as much as you can so you can have a comfortable retirement. But how do you get there? The first step is to contribute as much as you possibly can to […]

HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY SCAMS

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On December 8, 2017

“The most wonderful time of the year” is here, inviting us to spend time with friends and family, to travel, and to reflect on the memories and events of the past year. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when consumers are more vulnerable to scams that try to take advantage of their holiday spirit. Whether you […]

CREATING AN EFFECTIVE BUDGET

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On November 17, 2017

Have you ever taken a look at the year-to-date total on your pay stub and wondered where all the money went? If so, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by Gallup showed that two-thirds of Americans do not use a budget. Unfortunately, failing to track our income and expenses in a meaningful way can […]

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On October 31, 2017

You can’t overestimate the difficulty people have with the decisions, intense emotions, and consequences that accompany the death of a family member. We recently encountered this situation with long-term clients John and Jane*. In this situation, John always took full responsibility for the couple’s finances, and when he passed away unexpectedly, Jane realized very quickly […]