Real asset instruments derive their worth from physical value – you can touch, see and maybe even smell. Conversely, stocks and bonds derive their value from future cash flows and residual claims on a balance sheet. The tangible characteristics of … [Read more...]
Examining the personal debt bubble
As the United States recovered from the Great Recession, a lot of people paid down personal debt and increased their savings. As the economy has improved, Americans have gone back to spending. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, … [Read more...]
Investment Advice: New fiduciary rules for retirement plans
Originally published by The Chattanooga Times Free Press The Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a new ruling for 2017 that puts more responsibility on the financial services industry. In particular, individuals that service 401(k) plans … [Read more...]
Investment Advice: Rio Olympics and retirement: Choices and decisions
Originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press By Andy Muldoon, Senior Vice President Life is about the choices we create, the decisions we make and the coaching we receive. Ryan Lochte, the 12-time Olympic medalist, chose to be a swimmer; … [Read more...]
Here’s what you should demand from a financial advisor
Originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press I love it when someone asks an adviser, “So tell me, how have you done?” Typically, this question is asked to better understand an adviser’s returns from a product or solution in comparison to the … [Read more...]
Investment Advice: Teach Your Children Well
Originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press In 1970, Teach Your Children, a song written by Graham Nash, was released by Crosby Stills, Nash & Young on their album Déjà Vu. The song was prompted by a photograph Nash had seen depicting a … [Read more...]
Retirement Conundrum: I’ve saved, I’ve retired, but now what?
Originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press Congratulations! You made it to retirement. Now you can relax and enjoy life. No more punching a time clock. No more senseless meetings where everyone is multi-tasking and not paying a bit of … [Read more...]
Investment Advice: The human side to investing in a 401(k) plan
Originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press By Andy Muldoon, Senior Vice President Several years ago, I gave a presentation to a room full of trustees for retirement plans of firemen, policemen and other employees. Unfortunately this was … [Read more...]
One Month into New Year’s Resolutions
January is always a good time to reflect on the past year’s results and set expectations for the upcoming 12 months. Admittedly, most of us rarely complete New Year’s resolutions; however, now that you've had a month with your resolutions, here's an … [Read more...]
Not in Kansas anymore, Toto
The global financial markets remain very, very volatile during 2016. There is a lot of “bad” news out there and new risks appear to be coming out of the woodwork! Growth is only marginally accelerating. China’s growth is only creeping along at … [Read more...]