By Steven Smith | Investment Management , News , Peak Thoughts , Risk Management , Wealth Management
Unless you haven’t been paying attention (and kudos if you haven’t) you know that the last week or so has seen a significant sell off in the world stock markets. Ordinarily, I’m loath to fall into the financial media’s trap and ascribe market moves to any particular cause(s). But a few things have been happening […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Investment Management , Meanderings , Money , Risk Management , Wealth Management
In our estimation, the last week of the United States Supreme Court’s 2013/2014 term was a watershed for Modern Portfolio Theory and the Efficient Market Hypothesis; two essential components in the notion that publicly available information is rapidly incorporated into the prices of securities traded in a robust public market. For a generation now, intelligent […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial News , Investment Management , News , Newsletters , Risk Management , Wealth Management
It seems like only yesterday that we were peering over the abyss of the fiscal cliff. Last New Year’s Eve, even after the 2012 elections were over, the political standoff appeared to be continuing. Taxes were set to rise, sequestration was about to kick in and the debt ceiling was once again about to be […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Current Newsletter , Financial Lifestyle , Financial News , Life Transitions , Peak Thoughts , Risk Management , Wealth Management
Senior financial abuse has become an epidemic in this country. But there are ways to recognize it and try to prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Current Newsletter , Financial News , Investment Management , Meanderings , Risk Management , Wealth Management
Dr. Eugene F. Fama, one of my few heroes, recently won the Nobel Prize in Economics. It sure is nice to have the work of such great and thoughtful men on which to build a business – and a life.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial News , Investment Management , Meanderings , Retirement , Risk Management , Small Business
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 […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial News , Investment Management , Newsletters , Risk Management , Wealth Management
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 […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial Lifestyle , Financial Planning , Mountain Lifestyle , Risk Management
As wildfires have raged across Colorado and other parts of the country in a shockingly early and devastating fire season, families and whole communities are reeling from the destruction. Whether you are a victim of such disasters, care for people directly affected, or simply want to be more prepared, guest blogger Beth Byerlein offers first-hand lessons to help every home-owner cope with loss and reduce its financial impact.
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