Market Commentary October 2015

Stock Markets The chart to the right shows what we have had to put up with recently:  all but REITs were down for the quarter (all were down since the beginning of the year), and emerging markets were downbig, showing variability over the trailing twelve months.  These periods remind us that markets do go down, […]

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 […]

Geoff Wells featured in Market Watch article!

Market Watch recently released an article focusing on the confusion and stress felt by 401(k) savers.  Investors feel the 401(k) options offered are too confusing and they don’t know what to do!  Rockbridge financial planner, Geoff Wells, shared his feelings on how investors can eliminate that stress. Read the full article here (Market Watch Article)

Control Costs: They Matter!

You get what you pay for, right? Actually, when it comes to investing, it’s what you don’t pay for that really counts. Vanguard’s latest ad’s have all revolved around “at-cost” investing for this very reason. Check out the link below where Vanguard explains “at-cost” investing and how it can help investors reach financial success over time. Vanguard’s At-Cost […]

Gambling with Retirement? It’s Time You Take Control!

Over the years there has been a shift of burden in retirement savings from the employer to the employee.  The era of company pension plans is fading, leaving Americans on their own to save for retirement; primarily through company-sponsored 401(k) plans.  Frontline recently aired The Retirement Gamble, where it highlights some of the downfalls of […]

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 […]

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 […]