Real Estate Investment Trusts: Public vs Private


Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are an asset category with a long history of solid investment returns that do not always demonstrate a direct correlation to the rest of the investment universe.   They have served as an excellent diversifier when combined with other traditional investments. REIT’s are companies that own or finance properties that produce…

Continue Reading



A Look Back At The Financial Crisis: Where Are We Now?


Those of us that lived through the financial crisis of 2008 as active investors remember it quite well.  Many who never invested at all may still remember it rather vividly.  What often gets overlooked is how quickly financial markets recovered in terms of asset prices.   In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the US…

Continue Reading



Umbrella Policy: Should You Have Coverage?


Insurance coverage is a vital part of financial planning.  When most people think of insurance they envision life insurance, auto coverage, homeowners or even in some cases long term care coverage.   However, one of the most overlooked and reasonably inexpensive insurance is that of umbrella insurance.   An umbrella policy is a form of insurance…

Continue Reading



Tax Law Changes in 2018: What You Need to Know


In late 2017 congress finalized the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) which was effective beginning in January 2018.   There were a number of changes to both corporate and personal income tax rules.  A number of these tax laws have a sunset provision that is due to expire beginning 2026.  Let’s take a look at…

Continue Reading



How to understand high yield/junk bonds


The high yield fixed income market, also known as “junk bonds” is often one of the most misunderstood asset classes by many investors.   In recent years with interest rates at historically low levels, many investors have attempted to look at different investments to enhance the cash flow generated from their portfolio.   One such area has…

Continue Reading



Should you worry about market volatility?


How often have we heard that markets are volatile, and you simply need to stay invested rather than panic? To the average investor, the answer is likely countless times. So how reliable are such cliché like statements about investing? The answer is; extremely reliable, so long as you don’t attempt to out think financial markets….

Continue Reading



Back Door Conversions: A Tax-Free Growth Opportunity


Many investors find the thought of using the ROTH IRA for tax-free growth as a very attractive option, but ultimately never participate. This is typically due to their income, which can phase out an investor from making a contribution to a ROTH IRA if it exceeds certain thresholds. However, investors are offered the opportunity to…

Continue Reading



Rising Interest Rates and the Bond Market: What is the Risk?


As many investors have started to take note, interest rates have begun to rise.   The Federal Reserve Board (Fed) has signaled at least three interest rate hikes for the calendar year 2018.    As the additional concerns of rising inflation begins to mount in the eyes of many forecasters, it is entirely possible that…

Continue Reading



When Should You Collect Social Security Benefits?


Among the most consistent questions my colleagues and I have received as financial planners from investors relates to the timing of when they should take their Social Security (SS) benefits.  Social Security is a relatively complex system with many rules that pertain to various circumstances.  Let me first emphasize that there are no absolute answers,…

Continue Reading



How To Handle Your Pension Options


Over the years, one common choice individuals are faced with is how to receive their pension benefit when it is offered to them at retirement. There are more numerous options routinely available, such as a single life payment, joint life payment or even more common in recent years, the lump sum option. Let’s first start…

Continue Reading