When Will the Stock Market Crash?

When Will the Stock Market Crash?

Part 1: Historical Perspective Many clients are asking about the next market downturn. We consider it one of our primary responsibilities to evaluate “what ifs” for the companies in our portfolios. We make it our job to prepare ahead and make informed decisions about...
Total Return vs. Cash Flows Part 2: What Really Happened?

Total Return vs. Cash Flows Part 2: What Really Happened?

In this follow-up piece, we’re reviewing a real-life example of an “income” or “dividend” portfolio and its results, as compared to a portfolio built for total-return. If you missed that piece, it’s here. Recall that, while one could say the income portfolio provided...
Lessons from Grandma’s EE Savings Bond Gift

Lessons from Grandma’s EE Savings Bond Gift

Grandma and the EE Savings Bond Gift My family has an unusual tradition–my grandfather self-built two houses–one completed in 1957 and another in 1996. Yes, he built them, hammer-swinging and all, with family help. My father has also done the same–first completing...
12 Essential Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

12 Essential Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

1) Do you act as a fiduciary? By being a fiduciary, an advisor acts in your best interest 100% of the time. It’s important because if not, they might be recommending something that’s just “suitable” for you, so they can earn higher commissions or incentives. JSA...
INVESTING: HOW TO GET LOUSY RESULTS

INVESTING: HOW TO GET LOUSY RESULTS

At the risk of not listening to our wonderful founding father, Allen Jacobson, who advises to always accentuate the positive, this might come off as a negative piece. I’m just going to state that now, so it’s out of the way. Our goal here is really to help make GOOD...
Do You Own Productive Assets?

Do You Own Productive Assets?

When investing, it’s essential to understand if what you’re buying is a productive asset. What does that mean? Well, these assets produce profits or cash, which you can spend or reinvest. We could analyze any given collection; dolls, glassware, coins, stamps, travel...
Do U.S. Politics Affect My Portfolio?

Do U.S. Politics Affect My Portfolio?

The most common question we hear from clients these days is some version of the emotionally charged question, “do politics affect my portfolio?” It’s no surprise that everyone is wondering who will win and what changes will occur with the election around the corner....