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Stock market-sensitive investments, including mutual funds that own stocks, can realize an attractive return when considered over long periods of time. By “long” I really mean 20-year time periods or greater. If you’re one of my college students, or former students with a 30- or 40-year timeframe to be invested, you have a wonderful opportunity...

A 50-something couple met with me to discuss early retirement. Their wealth analysis revealed that they had an estimated 80 percent probability of having a financially successful retirement. In other words, they probably wouldn’t run out of money. Still, working a couple more years and saving a little more money would give them an additional...

For years, institutional investors and their advisers have created Investment Policy Statements, known in the industry as “the IPS.” It’s the document that governs the investment of money, reflects the intent of the investor, and outlines their long-term plan. It’s a road map to get everyone back on the same page when the inevitable detour,...

Even after 35 years as a wealth adviser, I am still shocked at the number of new prospective clients that intend to come to my office for a first meeting without their spouse. When this occurs, I’ve found it’s often simply the case that one spouse “leaves the financial stuff” to the other. Sometimes new...

Bad debt seems like an American weakness. It is high-interest, non-tax-deductible, and used to pay for things with no value or of declining value, such as clothing, accessories, entertainment, and vacations. I believe Americans have been lured into living consumer-oriented lifestyles, as if buying and owning the right stuff will make them happy. Possessions rarely...