While bonds are traditionally considered a more conservative investment than stocks, it is possible to lose money in bonds. Yes, you read that correctly. In order to protect your money while investing in bonds, be wary of the following:
Interest rate fluctuations — Bond prices decline when interest rates rise…. Read more
I saw a “floater” in my eye and, like any responsible person, I Googled everything I could find on the topic. From a respectable site, I discovered, “Floaters are very common and typically don’t require treatment.” Relieved, I figured next time I go for an eye exam, I’ll mention it to the doctor…. Read more
Looking back, we can see how the coronavirus pandemic has provided investment opportunities, some of which delivered unusually strong returns. “Retrospective investing,” though, is a fool’s game. Since past performance can’t predict future results, we need to consider other approaches, not just historical gains, when designing portfolios.
How to invest if you lack prophecy
It’s amazing how many people tell me,… Read more
Today’s “Client of the Month Award” goes to Mrs. S. because of how she stepped out of her comfort zone and decided to understand her investments.
Who handles the money?
For convenience, many couples select one partner to handle the investment decisions. It’s OK to do that if that person has more expertise or enjoys dealing with the family’s finances…. Read more
Some successful investors figured out ways of making money from the corona pandemic. But when you hear their stories, are you really getting the truth?
Black swans
Economists often talk about “black swans” in the world of investing, meaning events that seem obvious in hindsight but aren’t evident at the time…. Read more
In the run up to the election, politicians lead the way in demonstrating how NOT to plan for the long term. Looking at their methods can be instructive for investors… as long as we do the opposite of what they do.
Another new party?
When I made aliya, I was amazed at how fractured Israel’s political arena was…. Read more
For the past several months, pundits have been talking about the current economic crisis and downturn in the economy. How long can an economic crisis last, and what ramifications does it have for your investment portfolio?
Economic turmoil can wreak havoc with short-term investing. If you know you’ll need cash in the short-term,… Read more
“With everything going on, how bad will the markets get?” a client asked me recently. We were examining his U.S. brokerage portfolio, including his IRA (Individual Retirement Account), and measured the balance he had between stocks, bonds, and cash. Lacking prophecy, I asked him a question back, “What are the top three reasons you think the markets will drop?” “Easy!” he replied,… Read more
A neighborhood teenager challenged me to a chess game since he knows I’m an enthusiast. He’s known as a talented player, and I accepted. I decided that my approach to winning the game would be the same one that I use for my investments… and it paid off handsomely.
Young chess player versus mature investor
My young opponent knew many winning strategies and tactics,… Read more
“I was very glad that your team was available when I needed you last week,” a client told me. “With the world economy shuttered, I was happy that I had access to my investments.”
During the corona virus panic, non-essential companies had to close down. But companies like ours, who have been entrusted with helping people deal with their money, … Read more
