Part I of this blog explained how the disclosure loophole in the fiduciary duty standard can swallow the duty entirely. Below is one way to protect yourself if you are working with a fiduciary or plan to work with a fiduciary advisor. What matters most to investors is their portfolio’s performance. Most investors don’t care […]
The Department of Labor has recently delayed its fiduciary duty rule for retirement advisers. I wrote favorably about the proposed rule because it puts investors’ interests first and not the profit interest of the advisor. A financial advisor without a conflict of interest seemed right to me because people are on their own to secure […]
Understanding mortgage loan basics can help first-time borrowers get the right loan. This blog describes several loan features that you can vary and the pros and cons of doing so. This blog is the third of three for first-time homebuyers. The first one describes how much house you can afford. The second one describes things […]
You can do several things to prepare for your first home purchase. This blog is the second of three on home buying. The first one describes how much house you can afford. This one describes things to do to prepare to make an offer. The third one describes mortgage loan products. The early bird catches the […]
Buying your first home can create needless anxiety. This blog is the first of three on home buying. This one describes how much house you can afford. The second one describes things to do to prepare to make an offer. The third one describes mortgage loan products. Why buy a house or condo? You may have […]
A new DC 529 Plan will be coming in 2017. The new DC 529 Plan provider, Ascensus, will hopefully eliminate the high-cost elements in the existing plan. 529 plans are a great way to save for college. Nearly all states have 529 plans. A 529 plan allows your contributions to grow tax free. You don’t pay […]
Combining finances with your spouse or partner can be challenging. A successful combination depends on recognizing you have different experiences with money, attitudes about money, and earnings potential. Unfortunately many couples do not get the money issues correct as it is one of the top reasons for divorce. There are no right or wrong ways for combining […]
You have to decide whether to renew your high deductible health plan during this year’s open season. Use these four factors to decide whether to renew your high deductible health plan: Your expected health care needs next year, The premium savings of a high deductible plan, Your anticipated Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, and Your current […]
The active versus passive investing debate continues to rage in the popular business press. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a week-long series exploring the origins and value of passive investing. This debate misses two key points. Asset allocation, not how your funds are managed, overwhelmingly determines your portfolio’s performance. Human behavior affects a portfolio’s […]
Spend a little time reviewing your employee benefits during this fall’s open season. Employers change their employee benefits annually. It makes sense to check them now because if you are like most people, you get your health, disability, and life insurance through your employer. Liz Davidson in her book, “What Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling […]
