Mr. Insurance Man, Tear Down This Wall!

“Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” — President Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987 I was reminded of this famous quote at a recent educational event my firm gave for our clients. I was explaining why many variable annuities have high surrender charges, or extra fees, if you wish to get…

Coach Steve Lavin Has a Process, and So Should You

“I can’t be a coach that is more concerned about the winning than the process. Even if it means at the end of the day it ends up costing you your job. It’s the way I operate.” Steve Lavin, Basketball Coach, St. John’s University This was Lavin’s response to the reaction to his suspension of…

What Investment Advisors Can Learn from Dr. Seuss

While Dr.Seuss is known for writing children’s books, his timeless sayings would go a long way towards cleaning up the often shady world of investment advice. It would be most beneficial to investors if advisors would apply the moral lessons from his various stories (far more than any score on the Series 7 exam). It…

For “That Guy ” Who Expects a 20% Annual Return

‘As they talked, the client told Ms. Sun he expected to make 20% a year in the stock market.” The Wall Street Journal, “Advisers Act to Cool Expectations” 5/10/2015 Many investors have become irrational in their investment expectations due to the market’s recent bull run. The S&P 500 has averaged over a 20% yearly gain…

Why Congress Provides Poor Protections for Average Investors

“They seem to be doubling down on another massive rule-making that is going to harm thousands of low and middle income families. Once again, I find Mrs. Warren and the White House offering a solution in search of a problem, and we are going to push back on behalf of Americans trying to invest their…

Tales of the Rescue Clients

Many people will adopt so called “rescue” dogs or cats. This is a very noble endeavor. These animals are rescued from cramped, lonely kennels and offered a second chance from a loving family. This is also a much better story than hearing about another purebred being flown in from the Midwest at a cost equivalent…