The terms risk and security are heard a lot when discussing money. Most people think of risk as the value of money going up or down, and usually down coming to mind when associated with risk. Security may be thought of as the ability to spend on things important to you, what those important things […]
The imbedded report is a handy reference for those who want to calculate their own investment metrics such as yield and annual return. However, I must state … with important caveats. I would caution that calculating your own returns is fraught with miscalculations and misinterpretations! For example this article “Understanding the Link Between Volatility and Compound Returns” […]
There is a cost to indexing that most investors are unaware of. It is called “reconstitution.” What is reconstitution and how may the costs involved be solved? What is an index? An index tracks changes in the markets – think of it kind of like a weather barometer. The first article below discusses how the reconstitution effect […]
Most people look at the benefits they would receive today when making their decision about when to begin receiving their Social Security. They also underestimate how long they may live unless they already have medical issues that are known to reduce longevity. These two impulses cause many couples to begin their benefits too early which […]
This brief slideshow discusses some elements necessary to recognize that our emotions and reactions to investing and markets often hurt results. Our brains are NOT wired for investing. Discipline and a focus on what you can control are important to success. There is an investing approach that is based on discipline and evidence from research in […]
Goodbye scanners! Apps have been out for some time that make scanning as easy as taking a picture. Then save it and send or share it. The best scanning apps for Android and iPhone. If you don’t have a scanner – one of these might be useful too. Adobe Scan app for both Apple or Androids […]
Most people don’t know how their Social Security benefit is determined. Being unaware leads to this very common question – Will working longer increase, or decrease my Social Security benefit? Working longer, even part time, will NOT reduce your benefit. And in some cases, may increase your benefit. The below short article explains in […]
DOW 20,000. Is that good? Or is that bad? Guess what – this is simply another way point much like DOW 15,000 was, or DOW 10,000, or pick any DOW number. The Power of the Markets Markets don’t know your specific emotions and behaviors – so the markets march on ignoring them. It is best […]
Most people don’t realize (or do, but don’t plan for it) that, as a couple, there is lost income from Social Security automatically built in. I discussed examples in a post titled “Social Security and Survivor Considerations.” In this post, the question is … How much money* is needed to replace that lost income? First, the […]
A lot of attention is paid to getting into college. Little is paid towards repaying the student debt after college. I’ve posted many blogs on saving for college as well as how to approach and prioritize making a wise college choice after first making a wiser personal interest evaluation and career choice that aligns with […]
