Markets don’t exist in a vacuum. “One hit wonders” love to make things simple. “The market fell/gained today because _____” is the most ridiculous statement in finance. Confusing a closed-ended science experiment with the reactions of billions of market variables is a death sentence for investors. Steven Johnson’s interesting book, The Invention of Air, illustrates this…
November 2017
Rage Against The Fee Machine
Investment fees slash and burn retirement portfolios returns like napalm dropped on a jungle. In the words of Kyle Reese, describing the relentless Terminator from the classic 1984 film: “You still don’t get it, do you? He’ll find her! That’s what he does! That’s ALL he does! You can’t stop him! He’ll wade through you……
It’s Monday Again…..When Is My Retirement?
Good Morning! Here are this week’s retirement links. Have a great day! Some Women Attain an Enviable Status: 401(k) Millionaire – The New York Times Three Tips for Evidence-Based Retirement Plans – Enterprising Investor Top 6 Things No One Tells You About Retiring – The Motley Fool It’s Not About the Money – Of Dollars…
Something I Am Thinking About This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving should make all of us count our blessings. We are all so lucky, despite the trivial problems that temporarily complicate our lives. For five years, I worked in one of the most impoverished and violent schools in New York City. I will never forget some of the things I experienced and saw there. I…
Where’s the Justice?
“‘If TIAA was in the non-ERISA arena, they wouldn’t even be getting in any trouble. They’re getting subpoenaed for things that are common practice and worse in all 50 states in the non-ERISA market,’ said Tony Isola, head of the 403(b) division at Ritholtz Wealth Management. ‘Where’s the justice there?’”* Rampant, abusive, and LEGAL sales…
6 Ways Human Nature Can Benefit Your Finances
Dina here … My last post, “6 Ways to Foil a Financial Predator” may have left some feeling like an easy mark. But what if we could take our six natural human responses to persuasion and make them work in our favor? Well, we can. Here are some ideas on how to proactively take charge and shoot…
It’s Monday Again…..When Is My Retirement?
Good Morning! Here are this week’s retirement links. Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving! Data Suggests Women Are Better Behaved Investors – Betterment One Unexpected Problem With Retirement Savings: Knowing How To Spend It – MarketWatch Here’s A More Tax- Efficient Way To Give To Charities – Wall Street Journal How To Get…
6 Ways to Foil a Financial Predator
Dina here … A prize fighter in a corner is told, hit where it hurts. Silver and gold.” – U2* Every time Tony and I have met with prospective clients who have come from traditional brokerage channels (literally, every single time) there is an uncomfortable point in the meeting where they are ashamed…
If You Are Reading This, You Already Won the Genetic Lottery
In America, many investment firms won’t speak to you unless you have $250,000 or more to invest. Global median wealth per person is $3,582 in 2017. The United States might as well be in another net-worth galaxy compared to the rest of our fellow earthlings. Credit Suisse came out with a fascinating research paper, Credit…
Insanely Expensive Life Insurance
Why would anyone pay $5,000 for a $50,000 death benefit? Planning for your own demise can be very expensive; in more ways than one. Some insurance companies unearth many ways to profit from your worst fears. The credo: “If they cry they buy” sells a lot of products people don’t need. Case in point: the variable…
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