Bitcoin, FOMO, Retirees

In the investment world, the recent meteoric rise of Bitcoin has become a topic of intense discussion, stirring a complex mix of excitement, speculation, and, for many, a palpable sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Let’s delve into the dynamics behind Bitcoin’s surge, the psychological pitfalls of FOMO for investors and retirees, and weigh the risks against the potential benefits of incorporating Bitcoin into one’s investment portfolio. Read More

Your Return vs. Market Return

Investing in the stock market is like a long adventure where you can earn money over time. But not everyone makes the same return on their money with their investments. Even if the whole market is doing really well, you might find your own money growing a bit slower. Here’s why your own investment return might be different from the big market return:

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Wall Street vs. Main Street vs. Wall Street

In the world of finance, two distinct terms often arise: Wall Street and Main Street. These terms represent different aspects of the financial world, but they also share some similarities. Let’s delve into both the differences and similarities between Wall Street and Main Street and how they impact investors. Read More

Risk, Reward, and Time in Investment Decisions

Investment is an intricate dance of three crucial factors: risk, reward, and time. While it’s tempting to believe that mastering these components will unlock the secrets of a successful investment journey, there’s an inherent unpredictability that even the savviest investor cannot outrun. Let’s delve deeper into this and uncover why, despite our best calculations, the outcome remains an enigma. Read More

What Married Women Should Know About Retirement

You and your husband have likely planned for your retirement together. However, unpleasant as it is to think about, statistically women are likely to outlive their husbands. So it’s important for women in particular to talk regularly and frankly with me about retirement, and how it might change if their personal circumstances change. Read More

Don’t Fall for Fancy Math

Once upon a time, in the ever-fascinating world of finance, the siren call of complex charts and mind-boggling excel sheets beckon. Cloaked in a wizard’s robe, the financial planner appears with a twinkle in his eye, pulling you into the maze of retirement planning. They allure you with tales of turning your hard-earned $100,000 into a magical $1,000,000 retirement portfolio. And as mesmerizing as it sounds, I’m here to be your reality check. Don’t fret, the journey to the financial fountain of youth isn’t as arcane as it seems. So, buckle up as we deep dive into the wild world of retirement planning, debunking myths, and sprinkling reality checks along the way. Read More

The Federal Reserve & Inflation: 3 Reasons Why the Cure Might Be the Cause

Inflation is a complex economic phenomenon, often simplified as a general increase in the prices of goods and services over time. It is commonly believed that the Federal Reserve, or ‘the Fed’, has the tools to cure inflation. However, upon closer examination, one might discover that the methods used by the Fed to manage inflation can sometimes exacerbate the issue instead. Read More

The Role of Luck in Investing and Life

Luck, they say, is when preparation meets opportunity. As much as we all want to believe that our successes in life and investing are purely the product of hard work and strategy, there’s an undeniable element of luck involved as well. Luck is an intriguing aspect of financial planning and how it plays into the grand scheme of our lives. Read More