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 […]

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 […]

“I KNOW, I KNOW…I’LL GET AROUND TO IT.”

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP®
On September 11, 2017

Sound like a familiar saying around your house? It does around mine. I am notorious for saying I’m going to do something, only to turn around and it’s several months later, and still nothing has been done – just ask my wife. Whether it’s cleaning out the garage, organizing photos from your vacation last summer, […]

SHOULD YOU NAME A TRUST AS AN IRA BENEFICIARY?

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On September 6, 2017

Contrary to popular belief, there are times when two rights can make a wrong. Both trusts and IRAs are important components of any estate plan, and there are compelling reasons to use each one. Trusts allow your estate to avoid probate and help you provide for your heirs in a way that you control. IRAs […]

FACING THE POSSIBILITY OF INCAPACITY

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On August 7, 2017

Even with today’s medical miracles, it’s a real possibility that you or your spouse could become incapable of handling your own medical or financial affairs. A serious illness or accident can happen suddenly at any age, such as a fall, head injury, or automobile accident. Advancing age can bring senility, Alzheimer’s disease, or other ailments […]