Why is the stock market volatile? It’s a question that many of us have pondered at one time or another, especially when we are in the midst of a seemingly large spike or drop. As is often the case, the simplest answer is also the most accurate: It’s just nature. Just as a bird flies […]
2018 Tax Reform Bill: How the New Tax Reform Will Affect You
Since passage of the recent tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), major changes have been made to the U.S. tax code. Given the magnitude of the changes and the variety of versions reviewed and debated by Congress, there is plenty of confusion and misunderstanding around what was approved in […]
2018 Financial [Dissolutions] Resolutions
Here we are again: That time of year we ramp up to make some real changes in our life. Fresh start, new year-new you, lose weight, quit smoking, get organized, eat healthier, get out of debt, save more money, stop singing ‘I Feel Pretty’ in your underwear on top of your mailbox every morning…we’ve heard […]
Information About the 2017 Equifax Security Breach
To our valued clients: In light of the recent news regarding a large scale Equifax security breach, we wanted to provide some peace of mind and additional information about what steps can be taken to ensure your information remains secure. First and foremost, the credit bureau does not have any information on TD Ameritrade accounts. […]
Spring 2017 – Is Economic Growth a Reliable Indicator of Future Equity Returns?
We recently learned that the US economy has grown at a 2.1% annual rate since the recovery began in 2009. This pace of expansion has been the weakest of any in modern times: It seems to make sense to treat economic growth as an indicator of future equity returns. However, the relationship between economic growth […]
Online Sites at Financial Plan, Inc. – Winter 2017
After inquiring with our clients, it seems that many are not particularly active in logging on to our various online sites. Most are not interested in following their investments on a frequent basis; rather, they use our annual review meeting as a “deep dive” into their portfolio and their financial plan. Others are concerned about […]
Please Welcome The Newest Addition To Our Company: Justin Gross
The history of our firm and our clients has been one of success, and as a result we have experienced a gradual growth in clients and employees. In recent years we have been on a pace to add one employee per year. We understand that in order to provide world-class service, we must not allow the […]
Trailing by One Point. No Time on the Clock. Two Free Throws. – Summer 2016
The market decline of early 2016 was not anywhere near the magnitude of a bear market such as we experienced in the year 2000 or in 2008. Yet it had some of the same feel as past events. Times like that are never easy for investors, who must confront their concern that maybe this time […]
Stock Market Performance and the Weather – Winter 2016
Belling-hamsters know what it is like to wait out a long winter. A down market can be like that; gloomy, day after day. It’s not pleasant, and there is nothing we can do about it. (Well, OK…I like rain and down markets, because both are necessary for growth, but I’m odd that way). Our dislike […]
Negative Interest Rates: Coming to a Bank Near You?
In recent months, several of the world’s central banks have conducted a highly risky experiment with negative interest rates. For example, the Bank of Japan has a rate of minus 0.1%, the European Central Bank has a deposit rate of minus 0.4%, and Switzerland’s bank rate is a minus 0.75%. German government bonds with maturities as long […]