Yesterday's dramatic drop in the major market indices certainly got everyone's attention. There are lots of reasons it happened. It may or may not be the 'bottom'.

Now what?

Connect with your financial advisor.
Confirm your portfolio design matches your financial goals.
If, not make adjustments.
Confirm your portfolio assets are the best that can be found in their sectors.
If not, make adjustments.
Repeat every ninety days.

Many folks think it wise to place their kids on the deeds to their homes.

It is normally a really bad idea.

Do you want to know why?

Do you want to know what to do if you've already made this mistake?

If your financial advisor doesn't know or hasn't discussed it with you - let us know.

Your 401(k) is drifting like a cork on the ocean!

Nearly every prospective client walking (some running) through our doors admits their 401(k) is drifting like a cork on the ocean. They confess they don't know how to select the correct investments and haven't made changes (in most cases) for years.

This shouldn't be surprising. Most folks just aren't trained to properly construct a portfolio; they certainly don't have the time in the busy lives to stay on top of these investments; and though they receive tons of information they have very little guidance.

Don't let your (likely) largest investment portfolio bob like a cork on the water. Get yourself to a good advisor, spend less than an hour, and get your 401(k) working hard for you. Then schedule your next review in six months. And keep reviewing it every six months until you retire. Then review it every three months.

It's the right way to handle your financial future.

Is now the right time to invest in gold?

Is now the right time to invest in real estate?

Is now the right time to add financial stocks to your portfolio?

Interesting questions at the water cooler, but critical questions for your financial future. How do you/your financial advisor decide what and when to invest? If you are following sound fundamentals the answer to this question is easy. If you're not - heaven help you. Here's two fundamentals that might help:

(1) Buy low - sell high is still sound wisdom.
(2) Buy and hold - is not.

September 4, 2008

It strikes me curious that positive economic news is largely ignored by most media.

Crude oil prices have dropped more than 25% from their highs just weeks ago. In light of the critical role oil plays in the American economy a decline of such magnitude should certainly raise spirits. It appears the mass media does not agree.

Job 'loses' were actually a net gain of about 1,000 jobs in July. This is the first month of gain in some time - have you even heard the fact reported?

We certainly have our share of economic challenges - does that mean we must ignore signs of life? I sure hope not.