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 […]

DON’T RETIRE EARLY…UNLESS

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On July 15, 2017

To retire early is to choose to leave money on the table. Not only are you losing income for every year you elect not to work, but you also have less to invest, and fewer years for your investment accounts to accumulate interest earnings. You will also have more years to draw on your retirement savings, […]

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL ADVISOR

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On July 15, 2017

You work hard and travel frequently to build financial security. However, to prepare for retirement, you need more than hard work. The right financial advisor can be the difference between struggling through retirement and living comfortably after your final landing. Choosing that advisor can be difficult, but asking the right questions can help you find an advisor […]

INVESTING: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On June 26, 2017

A quick Google search of the phrase “Dow Jones Industrial Average history” yields endless versions of one of the most iconic, and misleading, graphs in modern finance. With a few dips here and there, including the most pronounced one during the Great Depression, the stock market trend shows a steep incline that encompasses more than […]