Tag: Rick Brooks
Estate Planning Is More than Just a Will
Not too long ago, I wrote about the most basic estate-planning tool: your will. If you have children, or really anyone whom you wish to benefit at your death, your will is the most essential foundation for putting your affairs in order after you’re gone. However, “after you’re gone” isn’t the only scenario your estate […]
An Unlikely Valentine’s Gift: Sharing and Preparing
This is probably not going to sound all that romantic. I will even admit that my Valentine’s suggestion probably is a lot more practical than most people would normally consider. There’s no jewelry involved, though a box of See’s candies and a rose would round things out nicely. For many couples, especially those who have […]
Clearing Out Your Old 401(k)
When changing jobs or retiring, one important decision you will face is whether to roll over your employer’s retirement plan (401k, 403b, pension, SIMPLE or SEP IRA, etc.) to an IRA. Before you leave your employer, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. Below are some questions to ask, and […]
President Trump. Now What?
Donald J. Trump will be the next President of the United States, and Republicans maintained control over the House of Representatives and the Senate. Since the election results became clear, equity markets have rallied sharply. As I write this, the U.S. stock market is up about 2.5 percent since the election, while the bond market […]
Your Will: The Most Basic Estate Planning Tool
According to an April 2016 article in USA Today, a recent survey found that 64 percent of adult Americans do not have a will. In 2007, a similar study found that young parents with minor children were the least likely to have taken this important step. While few young adults expect to die early, it […]
Investing and Expectations
During the first quarter of 2016, large company stocks were up about 1.3 percent while the bond market gained about three percent. Over the past five years, the S&P 500 has gained about 12 percent per year while bonds have gained about four percent per year. International stocks have earned only about 2.3 percent over […]
Six Rules of Lending to Family Members
The Bank of Mom and Dad is a popular institution these days, generally offering favorable terms and frequently more sympathetic treatment in the event of a late payment. That said, there need to be ground rules when you are considering supporting a family member with a loan or gift, and some of these rules can […]
A Very Rough Start
Over the past few weeks, we have received a stark reminder that investing in the stock market involves risk. From March 2009 through 2015, the S&P 500 has gained over 200 percent, with only a couple of significant hiccups along the way. So what has investors so spooked, and what can those of us with […]
The Promise and Pitfalls of Genetic Testing
There seems to be an ever-expanding number of companies looking to help you understand your genes. Some of my family have had their genes tested to try to find out “where they come from” and learned they’re part Sicilian, part Arab and part Viking. You could learn what health risks might lie waiting for you […]
A Case Study in Evaluating a Mutual Fund
Suppose I offered you a mutual fund that promised a six percent annual distribution yield (it pays out six percent per year)? Sounds attractive, right? When we evaluate a mutual fund for our clients, here are some of the factors we consider as we perform our due diligence. Are the costs reasonable? Low expenses are […]
