Is “annual return” a good measure of how your investments are doing?
If your investment account is returning average returns, you might be satisfied with your investments. After all, doesn’t that mean “you’re not losing money?”
But while average is fine in some areas of your life, it may not be enough if your investments give you an average rate of return…. Read more
Guest writer, Yosef Goldstein, Bar Mitzva Boy
Does your Abba make you do too many chores? Try this: Not only do I have to do my homework, make my bed, and do Shabbat jobs, but I’ve got to keep track of my money.
You see, in order to get my monthly allowance (which includes my bus fare to school),… Read more
The Wall Street Journal ran a piece recently called, “The Economy Stole My Retirement.” They explained that the dreams of the small business owners who planned on selling their companies to fund their retirements were crushed. The article quoted the statistic that the median selling price for small businesses had dropped 25% from 2008 to $150,000 now…. Read more
Retirement is expensive.
Some experts estimate that you’ll need approximately 70% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your current standard of living after you’ve stopped working. And, if you’re like those retired folks who choose to upgrade their post-retirement lifestyle, it may be even more expensive. Even if you think you’ll live a modest retirement lifestyle,… Read more
While the concept of “effort is more important than the results” may be an important lesson for young children struggling in school or sports to learn, there are times when the final product is important, regardless of how much effort you put in. One of those times is saving for retirement…. Read more
Saving for retirement is all about priorities. Budgeting is a way to redirect your priorities. In fact, retirement planning isn’t as much of a decision “to spend or not to spend” as it is a matter of deciding when to spend. If you spend your money now, you won’t be able to save it,… Read more
I love reading to my granddaughter. One of her favorite stories is Goldilocks, who didn’t want porridge that was “too hot” or “too cold.” She wanted it to be “just right.”
I like the story because it reminds me a lot of investing: your asset allocation shouldn’t be too risky or not risky enough;… Read more
Israelis have the fourth highest life expectancy rate in the world – at 80
years for men and 84 years for women. This tops the United Kingdom (78.1 years for men and 82.1 years for women), and the United States(75.6 for men and 80.8 for women). And with modern medicine’s miracles the figures are rising…. Read more
In today’s climate of instant gratification, waiting for water to boil can seem to take forever. With a distorted perception of time, how can an investor determine when to invest for the long-term or short-term?
Generally “long-term” refers to anywhere from five years and beyond, while “short-term” refers to a period of six months to two years…. Read more
A few years ago, I met with a couple who needed more cash flow. I suggested that when they retire, they should consider selling their spacious house and getting a long-term rental. Selling the house would provide a lump sum of cash, which would enable them to achieve their retirement goals of traveling and helping the kids…. Read more
