The Changing Investment Landscape
Seeing the ‘lay of the land’ can help us invest more effectively. Investment landscapes can change, sometimes very quickly. I believe the investment landscape we’ve experienced for decades has been changing and that the speed of those changes is increasing. If you agree, you may need to make significant changes in how you invest.
 

Don’t Sell Your Home
The stock and bond markets worldwide have been in upheaval the last several weeks. Panic has gripped the markets as investors run for the exits. As the markets continue to go down, even seasoned investors find themselves asking how much pain they are willing to take. What should you do?
 

A Crisis of Confidence
The stock market has been incredibly volatile since early July, with daily swings of 1% to 2% or more. It’s enough to cause even the most seasoned investor to stop and wonder what is going on. The news keeps talking about ‘credit swaps’, ‘CDO’s’ and sub-prime mortgages. But what does it all mean and why is the market reacting the way it is? I want to explain why there is a Crisis of Confidence, and how to manage your money in the midst of it.
 

Reducing Market Stress
Everyone wants to invest in the stock market when it’s going up. The key to successful stock market investing isn’t how well you do during the good times, but how you handle the bad times. Read on to learn ways you can reduce your market stress without jumping ship.
 

Taking Your Lumps
When people retire, many face the biggest financial decision of their lives. Do they keep their pension and its monthly payments or do they take the lump sum? The pension provides security and peace of mind, but having the lump sum would really be nice, too. Which should you choose? Here’s a simple analogy that might make that decision easier.
 

The United States Has Cancer
Inflation is like a cancer that eats away at our standard of living. And those most vulnerable to inflation are retirees and near-retirees. I believe we will experience a damaging level of inflation over the next 10-20 years. If that’s true, then action must be taken today to protect your way of life. Read on to see why.
 

U.S. Loses Independence
Each year, our country proudly celebrates its independence on the 4th of July. I am a flag-waving American that still believes our nation is one of the greatest nations in our world’s history. But I can’t let my patriotism result in my clients losing money.
 

Keeping The U.S. In Perspective
They say there’s no place like home, and for most American investors, our domestic markets have created handsome returns over the years. But the tides are turning and foreign markets are presenting great opportunities. The average annual return over the last 5 years for foreign developed countries (EFA) was 18% versus 10.5% in the U.S. (SPY). The 3-year average annual return of emerging-market countries (EEM) was over 36% per year.
 

Danger and Opportunity Lurks
Most investors that I talk to know they want to protect and grow their wealth. They are looking for an investment that will help them do that. Should they buy an annuity or a mutual fund? But they are missing the Big Picture and, in doing so, are putting their financial future at peril.
 

The Secrets To Financial Freedom
We’ve all seen those “how-to-get-rich” shows on TV. Some say that real estate is the answer to financial success. Others say to start your own business or put all your money into a few ‘can’t lose’ stocks. Whatever the advice, they all make achieving your financial dreams sound so easy to accomplish, if you just follow their sure-fire plan.
 

How Political Risk Affects Your Investments
Recent articles have discussed the importance of investing overseas. Political risk applies to both developed and undeveloped countries. It is important to consider the political risk associated with those investments and the effect that risk can have on your portfolio.
 

Investing Overseas: Trend or Fad?
The returns on international mutual funds have far out-paced those earned by U.S. funds for the last several years. As a result, there has been a deluge of money flooding into these funds. Is this the 1999 Tech Bubble all over again? Read on to find out.
 

Income Deposit Securities: Income and Growth
Investors everywhere seek opportunities that can provide stable income while increasing the value of their initial investment. Traditionally, these investors turn to stocks that pay dividends. Income Deposit Securities are designed to more directly meet these goals. Read on to learn about three such investments you should consider now.
 

Dow Drops 2700 Points
It’s a headline that every stock market investor fears will happen. The markets crash and their hard-earned nest egg evaporates. They’re forced to go back to work and must resort to eating beans and rice. Is that fear justified? No.
 

The ‘Corrected 1099’ Nightmare
There’s nothing more frustrating than receiving a corrected 1099 a few weeks after you’ve filed your tax return. Must you amend your return? Read on to find out.
 

Master Limited Partnerships: Don’t Fear A K-1
It’s tax time again! This is the time that we anxiously watch our mailboxes for the arrival of the documents we need to complete our income taxes. For most, their interest income is reported on a 1099. Other investments, such as partnerships, generate a K-1. Many think a K-1 complicates your taxes and should be avoided. I disagree. Read on to find out why.

It’s All About The Cash
It’s vital that your nest egg last longer than you do. The only way for that to occur is if the nest egg continues to grow over time. If you take out more than you earn you are guaranteed to run out of money at some point. If your nest egg continues to grow, though, it will always last longer than you.
 

Harmed Investor Gets Justice
Countless investors have lost large portions of their investments. Some have been in investments where they lost everything. But investors looking for help in recouping losses often find there are few places to turn for assistance. Read on to learn about one investor that finally got justice.
 

Hype-Proof Your Portfolio
My most recent article criticizing the controversial equity-indexed annuity has generated a boatload of email. But one email in particular caught my eye. And it wasn’t from being flamed by irate insurance agents (I got plenty of those!), or emails from thankful consumers, pleased the public is being warned about equity-indexed annuities’ pitfalls.
 

Successfully Transitioning Your Portfolio
At some point you will need to make changes to your investment portfolio. Often, investors and their advisors make wholesale changes all at once. But that’s not really in your best interest. Read on to find out how to successfully adjust your portfolio.
 

Strategies To Boost Growth
You should continue to grow your nest egg even when retired--unless you’ve been blessed with more money than you will ever spend! Last week I discussed in detail how retirees can boost their income without taking on unnecessary risk. This week, I’ll explain ways you might safely grow your portfolio while minimizing risk.
 

Income-Boosting Strategies
Retirees have two major investment goals. They want income to provide for their living expenses today, and they need growth so they can maintain their standard of living in the future. This week I’ll focus on effective ways to manage your portfolio that may dramatically increase your income. Next week I’ll share growth-oriented strategies.
 

Saving Your Retirement
Everyone would love to retire early, but they also desire to be free from the fear of running out of money. Changing your attitude toward investing and the approach you take will help you accomplish both. Read on to see how you can retire years sooner and make you money last decades longer.
 

Work Isn’t a Four-Letter Word
In our culture, the main goal of retirement is to put our working days behind us and devote ourselves to the pursuit of pleasure. Many find, though, that continuing to work in some form keeps them active and gives their lives purpose. Changing your concept of retirement may even allow you to retire sooner.
 

Olympics Teach Investors A Lesson
Perhaps the only area outside the financial world where performance is so closely measured is the Olympics. Competition is fierce, and with events measured to the hundredths of a second, athletes go to great lengths to gain even the slightest edge. The Olympics can teach us a lot about investing.

Perhaps the only area outside the financial world where performance is so closely measured is the Olympics. Competition is fierce, and with events measured to the hundredths of a second, athletes go to great lengths to gain even the slightest edge. The Olympics can teach us a lot about investing.
 

Keep Up Your Guard
Do you like being taken advantage of? I sure don’t. In fact, I hate it! Worse, it seems like it is happening more and more. Now, more than ever, it is buyer-beware. Read on for some specific examples and to learn how you can protect yourself.
 

Don’t Scramble Your Eggs
Financial advisors have been preaching the use of portfolio diversification to reduce risk for years. Unfortunately, the way most do it leaves your portfolio vulnerable! Read on to find out how to properly diversify your portfolio.
 

New Year Financial Tune Up
While you’re making your New Years’ resolutions, don’t forget to give your financial house an annual tune-up. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and few adjustments now could save you thousands of dollars, not to mention some major headaches, in the months and years to come.
 

The Solution To The ‘Investment Roller Coaster’
Does investing put you on an emotional roller coaster? If so, you are not alone. The fluctuations of the market are hard for most investors to stomach, and many suffer from financial ‘motion sickness’ as a result. But making investment decisions under these circumstances is a recipe for disaster. Read on to find out how you can get off the emotional roller coaster of investing.
 

It’s YOUR Money: Make Sure You Keep Control Of It!
One of the biggest mistakes I frequently see investors make is needlessly losing control of their money. Any time you pay a hefty commission or face surrender penalties in order to get YOUR money you lose control. Losing control severely limits access to YOUR money and limits your flexibility to make changes. This can trap you in an under-performing investment adding years to the time needed to reach your goals.
 

A Sure-Fire Investment
Now is the time to start considering end-of-year returns. It is also time to analyze our investments and decide if changes need to be made. Here is one sure-fire investment that you need to consider as you evaluate your portfolio and calculate your wealth.
 

Reader Exposes Mortgage Mischief
Beware of Option-ARM mortgages. They are heavily promoted, but should rarely be used. I recently received an email that perfectly illustrates how overly zealous mortgage brokers push these dangerous products. Knowing their deceitful tactics will protect you.
 

Are Your Company Retirement Benefits In Jeopardy
In years gone by, when someone retired from a large company they didn’t have to worry about losing their retirement benefits. That’s no longer the case. Being faced with ever increasing competition, many large companies are changing their benefit programs. If this hasn’t affected you yet, it soon will. Read on to find out how.
 

Readers Expose Mortgage Schemes
Getting a new mortgage? Watch Out! Mortgage brokers (even at banks) get paid on commission. As interest rates rise, they must become more creative to make a living. Many are honest, but there’s plenty that won’t blink an eye at taking advantage of uninformed consumers. Don’t be one of them!
 

The Ins and Outs of Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages have been around since 1989, but they are rapidly gaining in popularity. The complexity of reverse mortgages makes it difficult for the average senior to separate myth from reality. Let me help you decide if one is right for you.
 

Are New Mortgages Right For You?
Financial salespeople such as investment advisors and mortgage brokers are recommending ‘new’ types of mortgages for improving cash-flow, freeing up money to invest, and having money to take that dream vacation. Their sales pitches sound so enticing. But here’s what they don’t tell you.
 

Exchange-Traded Funds Gain In Popularity
Since being introduced in the mid ‘90’s, Exchange-Traded Funds have continued to grow in popularity. Over 60% of money flowing into index fund-type vehicles is going into Exchange-Traded Funds. Should you be using them? Read on to find out.
 

Katrina: What’s An Investor To Do?
The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina has shocked our nation. One reader recently asked me what I thought the short and long-term impact will be on the markets and how he should adjust his portfolio. Read on to find out if you should be making changes.
 

Prepare Financially For When Disaster Strikes
Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected by Katrina. Many are fortunate to have escaped with their lives. It shows us all once again that there are many things that are more important than money. That being said, it is important that we be prepared financially should such a disaster affect us. Read on to learn how.
 

Are Hedge Funds Right For You?
Hedge Funds have been a hot investment lately. Once reserved for the very wealthy, hedge funds now have minimum investments as small as $10,000. Should you jump onboard the hedge fund bandwagon, or let this latest investment craze pass you by?
 

The Horse Ain’t Dead Yet
Agents have been screaming at me to stop beating the ‘dead horse’ about equity-indexed annuities and the dangers of working with commission-based advisors. Unfortunately, the ‘horse’ ain’t dead…it’s very much alive and kicking. I receive calls or emails from at several people every week with stories that clearly illustrate this point. All of these situations have many things in common and the better you understand them the less you will be at risk.
 

Learning From Others’ Mistakes
When it comes to investing your money, it costs a lot less to learn from mistakes others have made than repeating the same mistakes yourself. This week, I will share one reader’s horror story and their mistakes so you can avoid these costly pitfalls.
 

Commission vs. Fee–Based Advisors: Which Cost More?
There is a debate in the financial services industry over commission versus fee-based compensation. As an investor, it’s important that you understand the differences. Otherwise, it can end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars and great frustration.
 

Let Financial Freedom Ring
As our nation recently celebrated its freedom, we are reminded of the ‘unalienable rights’ our Founding Fathers appreciated: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sounds like the ideal retirement, doesn’t it? But unless investors are careful, they’ll never achieve their own financial freedom.
 

Advisor Reveals His True Colors Part 2
Not all advisors are sales hustlers. I also heard from someone who made a radical decision in response to his experience in the financial services industry. Let’s hope that other conscientious advisors don’t follow his example!
 

An Advisor Reveals His True Colors
The vast majority of the financial services industry does not have your best interests at heart. It is more concerned about the money it makes, not the returns investors receive. Read on to hear what an agent himself has to say—it may shock you.
 

You Gotta’ Know When To Hold ‘em…
Texas Hold’em poker has become a craze. Thousands of players compete in tournaments with the winner receiving a million dollars or more. Just like in the stock market, though, it’s the professional players that win the game and profit from the inexperience of the amateurs. Investors can learn much from these professional card sharks.
 

Slaying the Ghosts of Markets Past
There are many investors who are “once bitten, twice shy” when it comes to investing, especially those that have had significant losses in the past. Unfortunately, those bad memories are causing many of them to make bad investment decisions today. Over-generalizing past experiences, both good and bad can have dire affects on your hard-earned nest egg.
 

Your Questions Answered: Equity-Indexed Annuities and Exchange-Traded Funds
Question: My husband and I spoke with a financial advisor who is a salaried employee of our credit union regarding two of our retirement accounts. I managed these accounts myself during the boom years, but feel "out of my league" in present market conditions. I really want to protect these two nest eggs and grow them over time, while my husband starts fresh in his new 401K plan.
 

How To React To Market Turmoil
Last week, the stock markets suffered some of their greatest losses in two years. The Dow was down 3.6% for the week, the Russell 2000 4.91% and the NASDAQ 5.18%. Many of the major averages lost close to 2% on Friday alone. How should you react when the stock market drops significantly? Read on to find out.
 

Fear Of Taxes Can Harm Seniors
When it comes to investing, avoiding taxes should not be your primary concern. Regardless of how much that financial salesperson talks about the importance of deferring taxes, you need to stop and consider these important facts before you make a decision. Otherwise, you can actually lose money instead of saving it.
 

Where Do Investors Turn for Justice?
Who’s watching out for your interests, as an investor? If a car maker produces faulty brakes or a toy turns out to be a choking hazard, there are government agencies and commissions to protect the consumer. But when investors need justice, where do they turn? The answer may surprise you.

Sneaky Suspicions About Your Advisor?
Today’s investors are more savvy and sophisticated than ever. Unfortunately, as your expertise and expectation levels have increased, the traditional advisor/client relationship has changed very little. Many of you haven’t felt comfortable with your advisor relationship for some time. If you’ve got a sneaky suspicion that your advisor isn’t delivering all he or she should be, then this article is for you.

Investing In Life - With No Regrets
At the start of this New Year, I’m often asked what I think the best investment for 2005 will be. Investors are always looking for financial guidance to steer them through the uncertainty of the future. While it’s important to keep up with trends and cycles in the markets, there’s one very important investment that most people fail to make – investing in life.

The Riskiest Investment
Some folks just can’t stand the thought of losing money. Well-meaning investors, fearful of the fluctuations of the stock market, decide the safest place to put their nest egg is in the ‘safety’ of fixed investments, like CDs or government bonds. They’ve heard horror stories of friends who lost a bundle in the 90’s ‘Tech Bubble’ or in the aftermath of 9/11. “That’ll never happen to me,” they say. “I’ll never put my nest egg at risk.” But they don’t realize that their actions are bringing about the very thing they fear the most.

Getting the Most Out of Your 401(k)
If your boss handed you an envelope filled with cash, would you throw it away? Of course not! But employees do it every day. And that’s not the only mistake they make. I often come across investors who have made simple, yet costly mistakes in their company retirement accounts (401(k)s). If you or your spouse have a 401(k) account, read on to make sure you aren’t making the same mistakes.

The Secrets To Choosing An Advisor
Choosing a financial advisor if full of risk. You will be entrusting them with your hard-earned dollars. For many, it is a decision they quickly regret. In the next 3 articles, I will share the secrets to choosing an advisor that’s just right for you. It takes a little work, but can result in a relationship that will yield dividends for years to come.

The Secrets To Choosing An Advisor -- Part II
Choosing a financial advisor can be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. If your advisor’s management style matches yours, it will allow you to sleep at night. If it doesn’t, you may be forced to endure countless sleepless nights. In part 2 of this series, we’ll look at the most important aspect of all to consider when choosing an advisor.

Investing Ain't What It Used To Be
Heads up, retirees! If you depend on your investments to maintain your standard of living you need to know times have changed. Unless you recognize these changes and adjust how you invest you could be putting your lifestyle at risk.

It’s OK To Play Defense
Football season is coming! Those teams hoping to make it to the top can’t just rely on a good offense. They know they’ll need a great defense as well. It is the same way when it comes to managing your money. With several major issues affecting the markets, it may be time to add some defensive plays to your portfolio playbook.

Rethinking Your Financial Security
If a terrorist event happened right now, could your lifestyle be put at risk? Retirees and those nearing retirement can’t afford to sit around and be at the mercy of the market. If you want to protect your comfortable lifestyle in the event of a terrorist attack, here are three things you need to do...

Mutual Fund Investors Beware!
Investing in mutual funds may not be as attractive as it used to be! There’s an industry-wide shift occurring that is certain to affect you. Across the board, mutual fund companies are imposing redemption fees. Whether you invest in no-load funds, big funds, small funds through your 401(k), understanding these changes is essential.

The ABCs of ETFs
Are you afraid of ‘spiders’? No, I’m not talking about those hairy, eight-legged creatures. I’m talking about Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). It is important you understand this investment vehicle because they offer several advantages over mutual funds. Read on to find out how ‘spiders’ and other Exchange-Traded Funds can be a valuable part of your portfolio.

How To Increase Your Investment Income
Recent actions by the Federal Reserve will have a big impact on the interest rates paid on investments. Their actions mean you may need to use a different strategy if you depend on your investments for income! Read on to find out how you can boost your income with little risk, but only if you are patient.

Could Terrorism Strike Your Nest Egg?
Readers from all across America have contacted me because they’re afraid of the impact a terrorist event could have on their nest egg. They’re losing sleep because they’re afraid that they’ll wake up one morning to discover another deadly attack has struck American soil, sending the markets into a downward spiral and evaporating their life’s savings. Their concerns are valid.

Does Your Advisor Fill The Gap?
There is a wide gap between what many investors expect from their advisor and what the advisor actually delivers. This gap is a great source of frustration, anger and ultimately sleepless nights. Read on to find out how to recognize the gaps, fill them, or better yet, avoid them altogether.

How To Invest in 2004—An Update
In January, I discussed my predictions for how you should invest in 2004. This article updates those recommendations in light of recent events. Read on to know how to protect your money.

Why Not Lock Up My Money?
Heads up, retirees! If you depend on your investments to maintain your standard of living you need to know times have changed. Unless you recognize these changes and adjust how you invest you could be putting your lifestyle at risk.

Where To Make Money In 2004
Just as in nature, there are seasons in the world of investing. Recently, the investing climate has changed considerably. Recognizing those changes and adjusting how your money is invested can dramatically improve how much you will earn in 2004. Read on to find out what I recommend to my Private Wealth Management clients.

Seniors: Beware of Buy And Hold Investing
If you are retired or near retirement, you need to understand a major weakness of the popular Buy and Hold strategy of investing. Read on to learn what it is and how you can protect yourself.

The Mutual Fund Scandal You Aren’t Hearing About
Lately, the press has focused on the Mutual Fund Late Day-Trading Scandal. But there is another scandal that could have had a much greater impact on your investments. The NASD estimates that “investors did not receive discounts in approximately one out of every five transactions that were eligible for discounts.”

Empower Your Investment Decisions
Choosing the right type of investment doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing. In a moment, I’ll share a simple analogy that will empower your investment decisions.

Beware the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Could your financial advisor sheep really be a wolf? Read on to find out. I’ll also share practical steps you can take to keep from getting fleeced.

What To Do When An Investment Goes Bad
We always hope for the best when we enter into an investment, but what happens when things don’t work out as planned? Follow this simple advice to make the most out of a bad situation.

Mutual Fund Scandal: What You Should Do
The news of scandal has recently rocked the $7 trillion mutual fund industry. If you own a mutual fund, are wondering how this might affect you and what action you should take, read on.

It's YOUR Money: Make Sure You Keep Control Of It!
One of the biggest mistakes I frequently see investors make is needlessly losing control of their money. Any time you pay a hefty commission or face surrender penalties in order to get YOUR money you lose control. Losing control severely limits access to YOUR money and limits your flexibility to make changes. This can trap you in an under-performing investment adding years to the time needed to reach your goals.

New Column Empowers Investors
Are you suffering from financial stress? Maybe you’re one of the millions of Americans who watched their retirement savings plummet in value over the past several years. A recent study reported that 40% of workers expect to postpone retirement for at least 8 years because of the recent Bear market. Some retirees have even been forced back to work in order to make ends meet.