PBS recently aired a Frontline show entitled The Retirement Gamble, profiling the 401(k) industry. If you missed it, it can be viewed here. Polemic in tone, the show is highly critical of the country’s evolution from defined benefit pension plans toward defined contribution 401(k) type plans, and in particular the culture of the industry that […]
A Commentary on the PBS Show The Retirement Gamble Read More »
Congratulations, the 2012 tax season is behind us. Time to start planning for 2013. The dramatic New Year’s Eve peek over – and retreat from – the fiscal cliff did not solve all of the country’s budgetary problems. But it did produce a historic and constructive piece of tax legislation that ended a great deal
How Do You Spell Relief? ATRA! (American Taxpayer Relief Act) Read More »
Following up on my 1st Quarter Client Note, I am providing a more robust and detailed review of the world capital market performance, graciously provided by our friends at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Attached is their Quarterly Market Review. The report includes: a global overview, timeline of events, and the returns of asset classes in both US and
1st Quarter 2013 Market Review Read More »
Reflecting relief from the New Year’s Eve (at least temporary) avoidance of the “fiscal cliff,” equity markets continued their strong recovery from the financial crisis of 2008. Economic activity in the US also continued to pick up, albeit at a slow pace. (On average, although fairly volatile from quarter-to-quarter, GDP continues to grow at about
1st Quarter Client Note Read More »
The “fiscal cliff” is staring us in the face. The best chance of averting the consequences of failure to reach agreement will be in January, after the new Congress is seated. In the meantime, it is good to understand the details and to also do some planning.
Cliff Notes: Peering over the Fiscal Cliff and Living to Tell the Story Read More »
Occasionally I write articles for The Summit Foundation newsletter. This piece explores the genesis of the community foundation model and how The Summit Foundation exemplifies it in many respects.
Putting the Community in Community Foundation Read More »
Asset classes gained virtually across the board in the third quarter. The S & P 500 (total return) Index increased 6.35% for the quarter, is up 16.44% for the year and is sitting at right around a five-year high. The Russell 2000 Index of small cap stocks gained 5.25%. Even international stocks, which have recently
3rd Quarter Client Note Read More »
True investors know how to replace the heroic hope of speculation with long-term, structured strategy. You can avoid the heroics by building and maintaining an investment portfolio guided by your personal goals and the robust evidence on how markets have delivered long-term returns.
Investment Portfolio Construction for Heroes Read More »
Questions whirling around such global and fundamental issues as how the Eurozone and Greece will hammer out an agreement and the on-going uncertainty of the U.S. political scene in this presidential election year led to modest domestic declines and even greater declines in the international markets.
2nd Quarter Client Note Read More »
The Summit Foundation’s fourth annual educational workshop will be held Friday, July 13th at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, 9:00–11:00 am. This year, we have the honor of hosting Cottage Law attorney and author David Fry, Esq., who will present “Saving the Family Cottage.” Join us for an information-packed session where you will learn ways to preserve the family vacation home for future generations and minimize the expense and agony along the way.
Summit Foundation Educational Workshop: “Saving the Family Cottage” Read More »
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