What happens when you fail at market timing
Trying to time the market is nearly impossible; there is no way to predict when the market is going to perform well and above what we expect it to. However, by buying and holding a low-cost, globally diversified portfolio, we know that we will not miss out on the returns of the top performing days […]
Where is the value?
It’s no secret that since the Financial Crisis value stocks have underperformed growth stocks. Many theories exist as to why this has happened, none of which can be confirmed as truth. This begs the question “what does this last decade of value underperformance mean?” The answer, truthfully, is that it means nothing. For starters, value […]
Investment committee thoughts from friday 4/20/18
Introduction People from all across the world look forward to Friday. Friday marks the end of a (usually long) work week and the start of what is supposed to be a relaxing weekend. At Rockbridge, we look forward to Friday’s, particularly Friday mornings, for a different reason. Friday mornings have become a tradition, some say […]
Tuning out the noise
The markets have seen several ups and downs over the years, but remember – Volatility is normal. At Rockbridge, we believe financial advisors play a vital role in helping you understand what you can control while providing expertise, perspective and encouragement to keep you focused on your long-term goal. We are here to help you […]
Elections and the Stock Market
With less than a month to go before the Presidential election, many clients and friends have asked me how the markets will respond to the voters’ choice. While there will be no shortage of prognostications in the media, investors would be well served to avoid speculating. Trying to outguess the market is often a losing […]
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 […]
Financial Planning Etiquette: Clients First!
“The interests of the client continue to be sidelined in the way the firm operates and thinks about money.” This is a direct quotation from Greg Smith’s recent op-ed that he penned after stepping down as a senior executive of Goldman Sachs. Holding himself up as a man of integrity, Mr. Smith couldn’t stand working […]
The Tradeoff: Preserving Capital or Preserving Purchasing Power
Many aspects of life require careful consideration and balancing of the tradeoffs that arise from competing demands. For example, a common lifestyle tradeoff is working longer hours versus spending more time with your family. The competing demands within this decision are the income necessary to provide a suitable quality of life for your family versus the immeasurable […]
Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) in the New York Times
Ron Lieber, of the New York Times, profiles Dimensional Fund Advisors in a recent article. The funds offered by DFA are only available to investors through approved fee only investment advisors. We recommend DFA funds in many of our client’s portfolios. You can find the article here: Your Money: Finding Success, Passionate Followers in Tow […]
