In Part 1 of “What’s Wrong with Depending on Dividend Stocks?” we described why stocking up on stocks with a reputation for consistently paying out attractive dividends may not be an ideal strategy for generating a dependable income stream out of your investment portfolio. Here’s why we prefer a total return investment strategy, even for retirees who are drawing income out of their portfolios.
Read MorePerhaps the greatest misperception about stock dividends is that they represent “free” or “extra” money, above and beyond the capital value of the shares you hold. This fallacy leads investors to think of stocks as their cake, and dividends as an extra layer of frosting.
Read MoreThe “I’s” had it across the first quarter, as inflation and interest rates continued to dominate popular financial headlines.
Read MoreEver heard of the 80|20 rule? The Pareto Principle, now often referred to as the 80|20 rule, is the principle that 20% of what you do results in 80% of your outcomes.
Read MoreIn helping people plan for retirement, we’re often asked: What if Social Security goes bust? Most of us have been paying into the program our entire working life. We’re counting on receiving some of that money back in retirement. But then there are those headlines, warning us that the Social Security trust fund is set to run dry.
Read MoreRetirement may come sooner than expected. Are you ready? Here are 5 top financial planning challenges and what to do about them.
Read MoreAre you aware of the most common financial mistakes and the impact it can have on your future? Read on to understand what to avoid.
Read MoreEmployers and the government play a role in helping you save for and spend in retirement, but much of the preparation ultimately falls on you. That’s America for you. The good news is, you get to call your own shots. The bad news is, you have to.
Read MoreEvery January, it’s typical to look back on market performance from the year past. Even when the numbers aren’t what we’d prefer—which has certainly been the case for 2022—we look at them anyway. It’s good to keep an eye on your annual investment returns. However, whether the numbers are up or down in any given year, we caution against letting them alter your mood, or, as importantly, your portfolio mix.
Read MoreDon’t leave important financial and legal decisions until it’s too late. Here are the top 5 ways to prepare for the unexpected.
Read MoreEver since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed off on the 1935 Social Security Act, most Americans have ended up pondering this critical question as they approach retirement. And yet, the “right” answer to this common query remains as elusive as ever. Let’s take a closer look at how to find the right balance for you.
Read MoreTo say the least, there’s been plenty of political, financial, and economic action this year—from rising interest rates, to elevated inflation, to ongoing market turmoil.
How will all the excitement translate into annual performance in our investment portfolios? Markets often deliver their best returns just when we’re most discouraged. So, who knows! While we wait to find out, here are six action items worth tending to before 2022 is a wrap.
Read MoreDon’t commit to a financial plan sight unseen. Here’s what to expect from a WealthBuilders comprehensive financial plan.
Read MoreRemember that catchy, bouncy little pop song ‘Break My Stride’ by Matthew Wilder from the 80’s?
“Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
Nobody gonna slow me down
Oh no, oh no, I got to keep on moving…”- Songwriters: Matthew Wilder / Greg Prestopino
Clearly, there’s a lot to think about when planning for retirement. And while we have a degree of control over many of the choices involved, there’s one big risk that could break your stride - sequence of returns risk.
Read MoreSo far in our investment basics series, we’ve explored the history of investing; how important it is to save (so you have money to invest); how to invest efficiently in broad markets; and why to avoid chasing or fleeing rising or falling prices. But there are two more essentials that can make or break even the most sensible portfolio, and neither of them are about market dynamics. They’re about you. T
Read MoreIn our last piece, we described our marvelous and how to account for their being both robust and random at the same time. Today, we’ll look at how stock pricing works.
Read MoreDo you feel secure and in control of the quality of your life? If not, WealthBuilders can help. It’s what we do best.
Read MoreIn our last piece, we introduced the importance of saving, which is the first of five basics that have served investors well over time. Today, we’ll look at where stock market returns really come from, and why that matters to your investing.
Read MoreWell, it’s official. The third quarter ended in bear market territory across multiple markets. To place that news in a meaningful context, we pose two questions…..
Read MoreIn our last piece, we wrote about how a recency bias can damage your investments by causing current crises to loom large, while rewriting your memories of past challenges. Recency tricks us into overpaying during heady times, and bailing at bargain rates, when our confidence fades.
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