Blog Home
Archives
- January 2012
- November 2011
- October 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
Categories
Monthly Archives: August 2009
Chart of the Day
For some perspective on the current stock market rally and how it compares to the 1929-1932 bear market (which also included bank failures, bankruptcies, severe stock market declines, etc.), this chart illustrates the duration (calendar days) and magnitude (percent gain) of all significant Dow rallies that occurred during the 1929-1932 bear market (solid blue dots). [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
Implications of the Deficit
The Office of Management and Budget revised its May deficit projections to forecast a record $1.6 trillion deficit for the fiscal year ending September 30. Worse, the White House forecast $9 trillion in additional debt over the next decade. Amazingly, borrowing alone will account for 40% of federal revenues in 2010! Over the short term, [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
FiLife.com: Market Pullbacks Lead to "Madness"
Recently, I was honored to have an article I wrote published by FiLife.com, a website published in partnership with the Wall Street Journal. The article discusses the willingness of the financial planning industry to play on the fears of the investing public, and why it is important to find an independent financial advisor with a [...]
Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments
The Positive Impact of the Credit Crunch
The stagnant economy has led to high unemployment, a reduction in pay raises, and the elimination of 401k matches by many employers. Of course, retirement portfolios have also been hit hard, leading many to wonder how they can afford to retire. No doubt, times have been tough. However, if your looking for a positive effect [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
Chart of the Day
Today’s chart illustrates how the recent plunge in earnings has impacted the current valuation of the stock market as measured by the price to earnings ratio (PE ratio). Generally speaking, when the PE ratio is high, stocks are considered to be expensive. When the PE ratio is low, stocks are considered to be inexpensive. From [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
"Financial Advisors" and Marketing
Flipping through the local paper, I noticed a standard advertisement from a “financial planning” firm. We’re seeing more and more of these advertisements that are designed and written to appear as an actual article of the publication. The ad titled “How to Get up to a 10% Return on Your Money Without the Risk!” tells [...]
Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments
Chart of the Day
Today, the Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate actually decreased from 9.5% to 9.4% during July. This is the first decrease in the unemployment rate since April 2008. For some perspective on the current state of the labor market, today’s chart illustrates the unemployment rate since 1948. Despite this month’s encouraging decline, there was [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
28 Days of Blogging
For six weeks, I’ve attempted to define and highlight common financial terms that are not always understood. I now intend to construct an e-book consisting of the covered subjects. Look for it soon… If I missed a subject that you have questions about, or know other financial terms that might be beneficial to review, please [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
What is the Difference Between Fee Only and Fee Based Financial Advisors?
Fee only financial planners never accept commissions or compensation from the products they recommend. They are compensated only by their clients and their compensation is the same regardless of the products they recommend. This compensation structure enables fee only planners to truly represent their clients rather than an insurance or brokerage firm signing their paycheck. [...]
Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment
My E-Book is Complete!