Designing for a Wealthier (and Longer) Life
Feb 27, 2023
The current life expectancy for adults in the U.S. is around 76 years old.¹ We have gained roughly 25 years of additional life expectancy in this country over just the last century. This is an amazing statistic when we think of how our lives have expanded in such a short period of time. For some
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The FAANGs Bite Back
Jan 24, 2023
In 2013, financial TV host Jim Cramer popularized the acronym “FANG” referring to four large tech companies: Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. He grouped them because they had experienced outsized market gains. In 2017, commenters added Apple to the group and referred to the five companies as “FAANG” or “the FAANGs.” Although the long-term returns for these companies are solid, investors who piled into them based on the recent past have been treated to grievous losses.
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2022: Year in Review
When is a “Bear Market” not a Bear Market?
Technically, a bear market occurs when stocks lose 20% or more of their value from top to bottom.³ But not all stocks go down in a bear market. Thus, when pundits refer to a “Bear Market,” they refer to a drop in the value of one or more major stock indices. Today we’ll examine the returns from other areas of the US market and explain why, despite the headlines, not all investors faced a bear market in 2022.
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The Breadwinner Dynamic: Achieving Balance & Equity in a Financially Disparate Partnership
Nov 30, 2022
Many of my clients earn significantly more money than their partners. In my work, I’ve witnessed relationships fraught with tension over this. It can breed insecurity, resentment and power struggles. I’ve also had clients who have worked out a healthy balance and mindset. They’ve successfully done (and do) the work to maintain their version of a fair and equal partnership, despite unequal incomes.
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Q3 2022: Perspective on the Bear
Oct 31, 2022
Last quarter saw the bear market continue. Global stocks went down almost 7%¹ and US bonds lost almost 5%.² We’ve seen several positive indicators, but war, inflation and a potential recession have battered the markets. Recently a client asked me, given the bear market and bad news, “How can you be so calm?” In the moment, I said something to the effect of, “It’s a combination of belief and experience.” Since that conversation, however, I’ve been thinking more about the question, particularly in light of the “Bear Market Toolkit” we released last quarter.
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3 Ways to Finance a Continuing Care Retirement Community
Sep 15, 2022
In the Bay Area, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can easily charge an entry fee of $1 million dollars or more.¹ That’s in addition to monthly costs that can reach $5,000 and beyond. For those who can’t finance that all in cash, it is advisable to put a financial plan in place well before you anticipate making the move. Adult children might consider getting involved in creating this financial plan to help their parents pick a good option.
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Q2 2022: A Bear Market Toolkit
Aug 12, 2022
Last quarter was undoubtedly difficult for investors. Stocks went down across the globe. The US stock market dropped about 16%. In a pattern reversal, international stocks fared modestly better. Developed-foreign markets slipped 13% and emerging markets went down about 10%. Bond holders also experienced losses: the US bond market dipped almost 5%.
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A Practical Guide to Creating Healthy Money Mindsets In Your Family
Jul 22, 2022
There’s not one “right” way to talk to your child about finances; the only mistake is avoiding the topic altogether. Many of us were taught that discussing money is taboo, even within families. While complete financial transparency is not always necessary, open dialogue is. Money conversations are different in every household because of unique family dynamics, history and financial makeup. It’s worth taking the time to figure out which approach makes sense for you and your family.
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College Admissions: 6 Strategies for Success
Jul 13, 2022
Navigating the complex college admissions process can feel overwhelming and stressful for students and parents. The effort that goes into academic planning, financing and applying to schools is often accompanied by feelings of pressure and anxiety. These feelings may be further intensified for students who have their sights set on attending an ultra competitive institution, such as an Ivy League, with acceptance rates as low as 3.9 percent.¹ The reassuring news is that the majority of US colleges admit most applicants,² with the national acceptance rate for the 2021-2022 school year averaging just over 57 percent.
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A Financial Planning Checklist for Couples in 5 Steps
May 11, 2022
For many couples planning to get married, it’s tempting to avoid discussion of prenups, debt, titling assets and other delicate topics. It can feel unromantic, uncomfortable and daunting – but it really doesn’t have to. With the right approach, a discussion on these topics can protect and bring peace of mind to both parties. An experienced financial advisor can facilitate positive, constructive financial planning conversations, put your plan into action, and safeguard your plan amid changing property, estate and marital laws.
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