I just got back from a vacation and am in the process of reviewing and editing my photos and videos. It takes a little time, but the product—the highlights of our trip—will be worth it. I will remember the grade school graduation ceremonies of three grandchildren; the hike along the Rim Trail of the Grand […]
FINANCIAL SELFIES – PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Read More »
First, a quick review of bonds in general. You might want to refer to my blog, Asset Allocation = Investment Chili. In that blog, I talked about taxable bonds—those issued by corporations to fund operations, research, or capital improvements. Bond Review Bonds represent debt, an IOU, or a loan. When you own a bond, you
WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL BONDS? Read More »
Have you ………. “… thought of someone you haven’t talked to in a while, only to hear from them several days later? … had a feeling that something was going to happen, and soon after it plays out exactly as you’ve imagined it? … heard a song lyric on the radio or seen a message
THE LITTLE MIRACLES IN LIFE Read More »
Do you remember our discussion about asset allocation? Asset allocation is the process of dividing the money in your investment portfolio among stocks, bonds, and cash which are also called asset classes. For a review of asset allocation, check my Asset Allocation = Investment Chili blog. As you allocate funds between the three asset classes,
ASSET ALLOCATION MUTUAL FUNDS Read More »
One of my readers asked me to address a situation that is not uncommon. What do you do when you reach mid-life and realize that you are not on track to have enough to retire? Or perhaps you saved well but realize you may need to work longer or change your retirement plans because you
If you follow my blogs, you will have gone through an exercise to set both short-term and long-term financial goals. (See my blogs: Set Your Investment GPS, The Battle of Needs vs Wants, and Choices.) Saving is what is meant when you set aside funds for short-term goals, those goals with timeframes shorter than 5-7
SAVING FOR SHORT-TERM GOALS Read More »
The “R” word is appearing in news stories more and more and carries with it a sense of dread. Does talk of a recession make you afraid? Should you be afraid? What is a recession? The definition of recession is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally
DO YOU FEAR A RECESSION? Read More »
At least once a week I receive an email or cell phone message that sounds like a scam and I bet you do, too. Despite television announcements, magazine and newspaper articles, and warnings posted in public places, scams and other fraudulent schemes take a toll. Investment Scams When I was an advisor in a brokerage
Yesterday I spent most of the day raking leaves in our yard. The yard did not really need raking, but it was the first day warm enough to be outside and enjoy it, and I wanted the exercise. Iowa The birds are back! We regularly see chickadees, crows, and wrens but they have recently been
SPRING AND MOTHERS Read More »
My blog, Traditional or Roth IRAs, covered the basics of contributions to and withdrawals from both Traditional and Roth IRAs. Those are the accounts that you as an individual can use to save for retirement, in addition to any company sponsored retirement plan accounts. There are different rules for Roth IRAs than there are for