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, […]

DO-IT-YOURSELF INVESTORS UNDERPERFORM

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On October 29, 2017

According to Dalbar, Inc., a Boston-based market research firm, the average equity investor severely underperformed the S&P 500 index for the 20-year period ending December 31, 2013. Retail investors achieved an average annual return of 5.02% for that 20-year period, compared to 9.22% for the S&P 500. Financial columnist Howard Gold states that retail investors […]

FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR RISK TOLERANCE

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On May 12, 2017

Investing at any stage of life involves some inherent risk. At RAA, we strive to help our clients understand their tolerance for risk and ways to address it effectively in a sustainable, long-term investment and retirement strategy. There are several factors that affect your comfort level with risk, and these should inform the composition of your portfolio […]

PAYING OFF DEBT VERSUS INVESTING

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On February 17, 2017

A common question faced by many of our clients at this time of year is whether it is better to take lump sums such as tax refunds and bonuses to pay off debt or invest for the future. The answer depends on your individual circumstances, but the following are some considerations that can help you […]

THREE SMALL CHANGES TO MAKE YOU A BETTER INVESTOR

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On January 20, 2017

There was a time when making wise investment decisions was a much less complicated process. You stashed away some money in your 401(k) and maybe invested in CDs or savings bonds that offered modest but consistent returns. But modern financial markets and the nearly limitless choices they offer have made investing more complex and raised […]

6 TIPS FOR MAKING SMART FINANCIAL DECISIONS

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On October 21, 2016

Just like the fields of aviation and technology, the world of finance is complex and constantly evolving. Throughout your life, you’ll have to make key decisions that can significantly impact your financial future. Because every individual has different needs, goals, and priorities, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer when it comes to managing your money, but […]

ARE YOU GAMBLING WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS?

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On September 30, 2016

Recency bias is one of a long list of behaviors that lead people to make decisions they might not otherwise make after more thought and reflection. Other examples of these biases are groupthink, impact bias, and the gambler’s fallacy. Recency bias is the tendency, based on human nature, to rely heavily on the latest data […]

LOSING AN ENGINE ON TAKEOFF

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On December 11, 2015

Empathy gap is the inability to predict your own future behavior under stress. In other words, the likelihood of you making an emotional decision instead of an intellectual one. As a pilot, this is the reason the simulator throws every nightmare possible at you during training. Your training prepares you to make the right decisions […]

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