My Comments: My wife of almost 43 years and I have been very fortunate in that the only deaths we’ve experienced among our extended family has been our respective parents. But I’ve had many a client pass away and from time to time, chaos has followed, along with hard feelings and despair. The quicker everyone …
Continue reading When a Family Member Dies; A Financial Checklist
This expression is unique to America. With it we celebrate the declaration of independence from Great Britain with fireworks and such. As someone born in Great Britain, but now a certified citizen of these United States, the 4th of July is an established part of psyche. But memories of my childhood include the celebration of …
My Comments: This blog post by Hale Stewart, derives in part from his expertise with captive insurance companies, and the fact that they are often set up in an offshore jurisdiction to provide a layer of asset protection for those using the concept. There are now approximately 17 states that allow and encourage the creation …
Continue reading The Legality of Offshore Planning: an Introduction
My Comments: Six months ago, I “loaned” $50 to Starbucks. In exchange, I got a plastic card that I can use to buy coffee and/or other assorted goodies whenever I frequent any Starbucks shop on the planet. I now realize they’ve had the use of my money for months now and have given me nothing …
Continue reading The Caffeine Buzz of Hot-desking in a Coffee Shop
My Comments: I’m fond on the expression that says “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there trying to kill you”. I fully understand the perceived need of those charged with keeping us safe to want to use every technological means possible to identify the threats before they become reality. And I …
My Comments: This headline caught my attention. Perhaps you’ve read recently about student loans and how they can put a noose around the neck of a college graduate, a noose that stymies rational planning for years, including marriage, buying a house, doing a lot of things that I never gave a second thought to when …
Continue reading Class of 2013: Your Degree Doesn’t Mean Squat
My Comments: This is certainly a different slant on things. As a financial planner and advisor these many years, running out of money has been the major threat for those of us thinking about retiring or who are already retired. How do we make sure we’re not broke before we die? Just what I need; …
Continue reading Biggest Retirement Threat? It’s Not Running Out Of Money
My Comments: It would be easy to get overly excited about this. Certainly it’s good news but to believe it’s a fundamental shift in the economy is stretching things. For one thing, the sequester that happened recently simply means that the Federal government is spending less money. But for those of us looking for good …
My Comments: Yesterday, the focus of my comments was that if you want to go it alone, that's OK. Here, however, are some reasons for not attempting to go it alone and be solely responsible for your decisions. I can confirm, after 38 years in this business, that emotions play a huge role in whether …
Continue reading Even Skilled Investors Can Use a Financial Advisor
My Comments: From the beginning, I've told prospective clients and clients alike that it's OK to go it alone. But if you decide you want help, my hand is in the air as someone who does this for a living and I'm ready to help you. If you are trying to decide, here are some …
Continue reading Tired of Financial Advisor Fees? Try Going It Alone
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