Impressive Growth of Fee-Only Advisors
As we start a new year filled with promise, I would like to share our story with you. We view Rockbridge Investment Management as a community of talented professionals and clients who value our services. Working together with our clients we hope to fulfill our collective goals of financial independence and well being. Our Vision […]
It’s a New Year: Get Your Retirement Back On Track
In a recent WSJ article, Seven Resolutions to Get Your Nest Egg in Shape, the author points out that many Americans are behind on their preparations for retirement. Below are some eye-opening stats: – 67% of workers say they are behind schedule in planning and saving for retirement! – Less that 60% of […]
What Grade Does Your Retirement Account Get?
Schools and parents have always taught students to strive for A’s and B’s. In fact, it would be hard to do well in school without using grades as goals or milestones. Unfortunately after school, grades fall off the radar. By translating retirement savings into something as simple as a letter grade, retirement preparation can be […]
Diversify your 401(k)
If you currently work for a publicly traded company, there is a good chance that you own some of their stock in your 401(k). You may even have incentives from the company to own more of it. In fact, some companies make their matches or profit sharing contributions in their own stock which just increases […]
Market Commentary January 2013
Financial markets did very well in 2012, with stocks returning 16%-18%, which is significantly above long-term averages. During the fourth quarter markets seemed to cling to an assumption that the fiscal cliff would be averted, or at least end in something less than a catastrophe. Domestic stocks ended the quarter very close to where they […]
Top Ten Money Excuses
Human beings have an astounding facility for self-deception when it comes to our own money. We tend to rationalize our own fears. So instead of just recognizing how we feel and reflecting on the thoughts that creates, we cut out the middle man and construct the façade of a logical-sounding argument over a vague feeling. These arguments […]
Top Retirement Mistake
The Wall Street Journal recently published a great article called “Five Big Retirement Mistakes”. The top mistake listed was not paying for financial guidance. “People who have no problem paying for the services of an accountant or lawyer often balk at the prospect of cutting a check to pay for investment advice. Instead, they rely […]
Fund your Retirement, not Wall Street!
A recent article in The Economist talks about the reasons to stick with low cost ETF’s and proper asset allocation for the long term success. “The best way for investors to play the odds is to choose low-cost ETFs or trackers and diversify geographically and across asset classes. It is not an exciting strategy. It will […]
The Fiscal Cliff: Why Selling Now Is Not Always The Best Strategy
The daily fiscal cliff news coverage is causing irrational investor behavior regarding unrealized long-term capital gains (LTCG). Without congressional action the LTCG rate is set to increase from 15% in 2012 to 20% in 2013. In addition, high earners are subject to a 3.8% Medicare surtax applied to all capital gains. (income greater than $250,000 […]
Controlling Costs – A Financial Recipe for Success
I have seen people drive miles out of their way for the cheapest gas, shop at multiple grocery stores for the best prices, and even wake up at uncanny hours to receive the best deals on holiday presents! As consumers we are always looking for a good deal, and price is one of the largest […]