You have heard the old adage “Rags to Riches to Rags”, or “Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in three generations”. It is not just a dynamic of western culture; it is actually an old Chinese proverb “Rice paddies to Rice paddies in three generations.” Breaking down the saying (1) The first generation strives to better themselves, so […]
Updated April 2025 Volatility in the stock market is a measure of how much and how quickly share prices change over a relatively short period of time. Obvious examples of volatility include the stock market crash of 1929, Black Monday in 1987, and the financial crisis of 2008. The market experienced a lesser but significant […]
Updated July 2025 Change provokes fear and vulnerability for both parents and caregivers alike. The year 2025 is marked by change from many directions. Some of the changes we are experiencing this year are: High interest rates. High interest rates hurt bond portfolio values immediately, equity portfolios eventually and real estate values in the long […]
These are the categories of investments appropriate for funding your retirement in the order of funding priority. 1) Two month’s worth of living expenses in a checking account. 2) Short-term savings that you can liquidate within 12 months, such as: Money Market account CDs S. treasury securities Municipal bonds 3) Mid-term maturity accounts that mature […]
If you wonder what size retirement nest egg you will need in retirement, you are asking the wrong question. Instead you need to ask how much you spend. Once you know, and admit, how much you spend and understand your spending patterns, then you can worry about what size nest egg you will need to […]
The answer should be easy. Obviously you are the person who should be paying attention to your portfolio, understand how your money is invested, and monitor its gains and losses. But in these times of low interest rates, mixed markets, and changing tax laws, many people, retiree and pre-retirees alike, seek guidance. They have many […]
Many loving parents and grandparents make the mistake of giving priority to paying for their children’s or grandchildren’s educations over the funding of their own retirement. At first blush that may sound like the generous priority, but it subjects the entire family to financial risk. Hopefully you have funded your retirement through savings, investing and […]