TIPS – Designed to Protect Against Inflation, But Do They Belong in Your Portfolio?
We added TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities) to many of our client portfolios several years ago. We are now selling them out of client portfolios, as we no longer expect them to fulfill their intended purpose. History TIPS were created in the late 1990’s. Issued by the U.S. Treasury, they pay a low, fixed, nominal […]
Market Commentary October 2014
The indices in the chart at right, except for those of domestic large companies, show that stocks in the third quarter gave back some of their recent gains. International stocks and those of domestic small companies were down over 5%; stocks traded in emerging markets and Real Estate Investment Trusts were down by a lesser […]
Rockbridge Named a Top 100 Wealth Management Firm by CNBC!
“Rockbridge Investment Management Named a Top 100 Wealth Management Firm by CNBC” SYRACUSE, NY – Rockbridge Investment Management, an independent, fee-only investment management firm serving individuals and families, has recently been named as one of CNBC’s Top 100 Fee-Only Wealth Management Firms. Rockbridge is the only Central New York firm to join the elite list […]
NYSaves 529 Plan
If you have children approaching or in college, the end of summer means one thing: a fall tuition payment! Fortunately, as New York State residents, there is a little tax break for college expenses. By contributing to the NYS 529 College Savings Plan, you are able to deduct up to $10,000 for a couple ($5,000 […]
Market Commentary July 2014
Stock Markets The first chart at right shows returns from various stock market indices over several periods ending June 30, 2014. Equity markets have rewarded those of us who stayed the course. Why? I offer three culprits: Surprises associated with an improving economic environment Lack of return opportunities in bond markets “Animal Spirits” These things are […]
Rockbridge – Planning for Generations
The question of firm strength and continuity has surfaced more and more this year. Both new and long-time clients are concerned that their financial planning firm will be around for the rest of their lives as well as for their children and grandchildren. The good news is that over the past few years, Rockbridge has […]
Is the Market Due for a Correction?
We have seen high returns and low volatility over the past three years. It feels like the stock market is due for a correction. Over the past three years returns have been much higher than average and volatility has been much lower than average. The chart below compares returns, and the variability in returns, for […]
Should You Manage Your Own Money?
Over the weekend, the Wall Street Journal writer Lindsay Gellman covered this important topic. She did an excellent job articulating the values of both hiring an advisor and managing your own personal finances. The sole point that I disagree with in the article is titled, “You won’t stick to a pro’s advice, anyway.” At […]
Observations for Investors from Preparing Taxes in 2014
More to Savings Bonds Than Just Interest: Savings bonds are perhaps the best interest-paying savings these days, with the banks paying little or no interest on savings and checking accounts and interest on CDs at an all-time low. Savings bonds are typically long-term savings. Several tax clients cashed in their long-term savings bonds in 2013, […]
Active or Passive?
In a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article, the debate over whether to use active or passive investments was addressed. The conclusion was just use both! Let’s take a look at the five reasons they give to defend this neutral stance and see if they hold up to scrutiny. 1. Use index funds for efficient […]