The Uphill Climb

For this status post I had to pass on a segment of Peter Schiff’s recent podcast where he discusses the relationship between your employer, government regulations, and you as an employee. Who Pays for Government Programs? In the linked podcast, Peter covers how government mandates something that costs an employer money to deliver that government…… Continue reading The Uphill Climb

In Uncle Sam We Trust

Slowly but Certainly, Social Security Is Failing. I see this routinely as I assist clients in preparing for retirement and other financial goals.  This statement is directly from the Social Security Administration’s web page that assists people with estimating their expected benefits at retirement: “The law governing benefit amounts may change because, by 2034, the…… Continue reading In Uncle Sam We Trust

Why Wealth is Elusive

Information today in the information age is readily available.  The problem lies in the credibility and verifiable nature of the information you have at your fingertips and which is being presented to you without you having to go searching for it.  “It’s on the news, it must be true…” Oops! Your current site membership level… Continue reading Why Wealth is Elusive

Testimonial Videos Premiere!

Testimonial Video Slide

I have been wanting to include some of my best clients in video testimonials for prospective clients and for new clients to review and also share.  When you find something good, something exceptional, it’s natural to want to share it with people close to you whom you care about. Each of the instructional videos I…… Continue reading Testimonial Videos Premiere!

Motive, and Opportunity…

Yes, the market’s numbers have been higher and setting records, but why? Many companies have borrowed money at near zero interest rates and are buying back their own stock. This reduces the amount of profit paid out to shareholders, and with the company buying more (generally not caring what share prices are paid), the demand…… Continue reading Motive, and Opportunity…

Which Straw? Which Camel?

More and more I find the old axiom true: its not what happens, but how you react to events, or are prepared for them, that matters. In 2008 a bursting real estate #bubble was one key event in bringing down market values in the financial sector and therefore the entire #market. While scores of mortgages…… Continue reading Which Straw? Which Camel?

Mutual Funds & Retirement: Strange Bedfellows

Sailing with headwinds and threatening skies.

When you dig deeply enough to understand how financial vehicles work, it’s easy to see their benefits and short-comings.  In my educated opinion, it isn’t hard to see just how short mutual funds can fall when used to grow your retirement, family, or personal wealth.  Abysmally short, in fact, when applied within the “qualified” 401(k),…… Continue reading Mutual Funds & Retirement: Strange Bedfellows

Time will tell… But don’t wait that long!

Although it’s my birthday today, I’m building a business and working on marketing that will attract new clients, so I don’t see that I’ll be taking much time to “celebrate”. I meet with friends regularly, and even had coffee with a friend planned this morning, but that got moved. In my opinion, true friendships aren’t…… Continue reading Time will tell… But don’t wait that long!

Over 60% Polled Not Comfortable with Retirement Plans

The Problems: Many people of working age are not comfortable with how their financial plans for retirement are advancing.  A link to the article that spurred my own reflection on the topic appears at the end of the article.  What follows are comments from my own perspective gleaned from working with clients on such plans…… Continue reading Over 60% Polled Not Comfortable with Retirement Plans

Retirement Expectations “Crumbling”

While many people don’t take the time to actively consider their retirement plans amid the constant press of their daily activities and schedule, it’s been suggested that such consideration today is not just important, but immanent!  It’s no surprise that the pressures of the economic times in recent history have been felt by more and…… Continue reading Retirement Expectations “Crumbling”

Seasoned Professional, 10 Years to Retirement

This engineering professional had accumulated a good-sized 401(k) with a large public firm and had a desire to remove as much of his accumulated retirement wealth from the risk of any Wall Street market exposure as possible.  The description on his account statement that he was “100% vested” lead him to believe that he was…… Continue reading Seasoned Professional, 10 Years to Retirement