March 31, 2018

By: John Zeltmann

My parents' estate planning attorney looked at me in disbelief: "Did you just say 'dry run'?"

My father had passed away ten days ago. My Mom, Sister, Aunt and I were sitting in a meeting room in the attorney’s office, reviewing my Dad's will and the immediate steps that had to be taken. Everyone was still in a bit of shock, reeling from the last few weeks. We had months to grapple with the prospect of life without Dad, but once he was gone, it still felt all too sudden.

March 31, 2018

According to a recent article published in Money¹ magazine, here are some tips to maximize the value of what you donate to charity.

Choose Right

Source: Direxion Funds

February 15, 2018

• Since 1950, there have been 59 different 10-year periods (i.e., the 10-years from 1950-59, 1951-60, 1952-61, . . . 2008-2017). The S&P 500 index produced an average annual total return of less than +7% during 15 of the 59 decade-long periods (25% of the time). 19 of the 59 periods (32% of the time) resulted in an average annual total return of at least +14%.

• During those 59 different 10-year periods, the S&P 500 has produced a positive total return result in 57 of the 59 decade-long periods (97% of the time), and at least 6% per (total return) in 48 of the 59 periods.

• After closing at 2873 on Friday 1/26/18, it took just 13 days for the S&P 500 to fall 10.2% (to 2581) by the close of trading on Thursday 2/08/18. The 13-day correction (i.e., a drop of at least 10% for the stock index) was the fastest correction in the last 50 years. The next quickest correction was a 20-day drop that occurred in October 1997.

February 15, 2018

Clients are sometimes surprised when we respond “no” when they ask if we saw a market drop coming. While we all may realize a market drop will eventually occur, we can never predict when that might happen. Though the volatility that returned to the stock market in early February was sudden and dramatic, it wasn’t altogether unexpected considering the exceptional run this market has had.   

February 15, 2018

By: John Zeltmann

You've probably noticed that Bitcoin has been in the news lately. While Bitcoin is not the only cryptocurrency (a cryptocurrency is a digital currency), it’s the most well-known, and the hype around it may bring back memories of long lines to buy Beanie Babies. But more than a few people use cryptocurrencies to conduct transactions over the internet, with companies such as Microsoft, Expedia, and Intuit accepting cryptocurrency for payment.

February 15, 2018

By: Stanley F. Ehrlich

As an update to last newsletter's Stan's World article, I am pleased to report that our first experience working in the Farmer’s Market sponsored by the food bank* where we’ve volunteered for years was positive and fulfilling. We’ll be returning for more.

Source: Direxion Funds

February 15, 2018

December 31, 2017

I suspect more than a few of you have made a New Year’s resolution or two for 2018. Lose weight? Exercise more? Eat healthier? Drive less aggressively (for NJ residents only)? While I typically don’t make New Year’s resolutions, this year I have one I’m going to work on, and I invite everyone to join me: I need a new volunteer gig.

December 31, 2017

By: John Zeltmann

Meet Abby and Ben.  Abby is our 2-year-old daughter.  Readers of this newsletter have already met Ben (5 years old) in a recent article espousing the benefits of teaching personal finance to children at an early age. While Abby and Ben are great kids, there’s at least one thing I’m not ready to hoist upon them should my wife and I meet a premature demise: our retirement plan balances and life insurance proceeds.

December 31, 2017

As a matter of fact, in terms of life expectancy, where you live matters a lot, but only if you agree that an increase in life expectancy of up to 20 additional years is significant.