I find investor psychology fascinating. Often, I have witnessed situations where the investor is his/her worst enemy. Many investors are unaware of the impact of investor psychology on the decision making process. Unfortunately, many financial decisions are made out of either fear or greed--neither lends itself to prudent and evidenced-based investing decisions. This is nothing [...]
If you are part of a family in which there have been divorces, remarriages, and stepchildren, you may want to direct your assets to particular relatives through a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust. Your surviving spouse will receive income from the trust, and the beneficiaries you specify (i.e., your children from a first marriage) [...]
Three weeks ago, Picasso's "Les Femmes d’Alger" sold for $179.4 million, the highest price paid for any single piece of art, at any auction, ever. Of course, the vast majority of art investors will never see their art investments fetch anything near that sort of price. However, art can be a great investment if it [...]
Trusts can be a useful tool for managing your estate, both while you are living and after your death. There are many different types of trusts that apply to specific situations. Before establishing any type of trust, you should consult with your financial advisor to determine what is most appropriate to meet your financial goals. [...]
While it is not generally a good idea to withdraw funds early from your IRA account, sometimes it may be necessary. To discourage the use of IRAs for purposes other than retirement, the law imposes a 10% additional tax on early distributions from traditional and Roth IRAs unless an exception applies. Generally, early distributions are [...]
Does Diversification mean that some part of my portfolio will not perform well? It sure does! Asset Class Diversification is one of the central components of both modern portfolio theory and a well-designed portfolio. Everyone agrees that a prudent investor should not “put all of his eggs in one basket.” Modern Portfolio Theory teaches us [...]
Unfortunately, identity theft is a fact of modern life. However, everyday we take steps to protect those things that are important to us. Often, we do it without even thinking. Keeping tabs of your personal information is no different. Take time to do the following: 1. Read copies of your credit card statements every month. [...]
Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) have become very popular investments in the last several years for investors seeking steady retirement income. But be aware that they are complex, and can vary in quality and security. Before considering these investments, you should consult with your financial advisor. Below are some guidelines to help you better understand fixed [...]
In the recent past, when people needed cash for emergencies, they typically tapped the equity in their homes via a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. Since the Great Recession, retirement accounts have replaced the home-equity loan as the predominant source of cash. They have become America’s new piggy bank. However, there [...]
Roughly 60% of tax filers use tax return preparers. If you are among them, the IRS recommends you choose carefully. Tax preparers are supposed to help you navigate the complex world of tax returns and tax laws, not steal your money. Yet, while most preparers provide honest, high-quality service, there are some who are dishonest [...]
