The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast: Recent Episodes
Adviser Investments
It’s never too soon to become a more informed investor and take steps to improve your financial health. In these exclusive podcasts from Adviser Investments, our team of experienced wealth management professionals discuss personal finance topics and tips for investors like you.
Portfolio Manager Jeff DeMaso sat down with Adviser’s new chief investment officer, Tim Clift, to discuss what trends Tim is seeing in the markets as we emerge from the bear cave of 2022, including the return of bonds, the resurgence of global equities and the role alternatives can play in a modern portfolio.
Floundering in a sea of data when it comes time to make a financial decision? There’s a simple way to find your focus. In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Andrew Busa and Jeff DeMaso each stake out their one key metric to ensure that your portfolio and your financial plan stay on track.
What the heck is going on with crypto? The headlines have been inescapable since crypto broker FTX went down in flames. But what actually happened with FTX? Will its failure take down the rest of the crypto-sphere? And what, if anything, does it mean for your portfolio?
When it comes to the markets, the past year has been a blur. But don’t let it slip away without taking a close look at your own year-end tax planning. There are several steps you can take now that will help soften the blow come April 15th. In this episode, Jeff and Andrew discuss the important items to update on your end-of-year financial checklist.
The past few months have been a wild ride—but is this bumpy trip through a bear market finally coming to an end? Chairman Dan Wiener and Interim CIO Jeff DeMaso are here to talk through whether value will continue to outperform growth and how the midterms will impact the markets.
Life happens. You switch jobs, sell an old house, get hitched…and at each step along the way, your finances get a little more complicated, with new retirement plans, bank accounts and investment opportunities. Sometimes keeping it simple can make managing your finances a lot easier on you—and benefit your bottom line. Listen now to learn more!
How do you turn your portfolio into a paycheck? That’s the question most retirees face, and dividends can be an important part of the answer. Charlie, Steve and Andrew talk about the challenges of generating a stable, income-producing portfolio in an inflationary environment.
Stock options can be a great wealth-building tool—but only if they’re used right. In this third episode in our trilogy, Andrew Busa and Michael Dillaire tackle the intricacies of maximizing your options and discuss employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs).
Stock Option Basics: https://bit.ly/3Izju9F
Restricted Stock: https://bit.ly/3ofJFch
In markets like these, about the only thing most people feel like investing in is antacid. But in this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Jeff DeMaso and Charlie Toole do have a few practical steps you can take to help protect your portfolio—and your peace of mind—from the worst of the bear’s claws.
The bear is back. Is a recession close behind? Or are we in one already and just don’t know it? And will inflation ever come down? It’s been a bruising ride for investors so far in 2022, and the Fed’s sought-after soft landing seems ever more unlikely. Steve Johnson and Dan Wiener talk about the reasons behind this broad sell-off, and whether there’s any light at the end of this tunnel.
Credit cards are ubiquitous. But they can also be pernicious. Even financially savvy consumers can find themselves tripped up by some of the terms and jargon. Luckily, financial planners Andrew Busa and Michael Dillaire are here to help. In this episode, they demystify those details.
You asked, we answered. During our recent webinars, we were pleased to receive a bevy of questions from participants—but there simply wasn’t enough time to answer them all. Now we’re back with our investment experts to tackle these pressing topics.
https://bit.ly/3MPdPNG (Quarterly)
https://bit.ly/3kCoKyg (Bond)
Packing it in at 65 with a gold watch was once the stereotypical model for retirement. But times have changed, career paths have changed, and for a new generation, retirement planning is changing too. This week, Andrew Busa and Sophie Benander discuss the dream of achieving financial independence and retiring early—aka FIRE, as it’s known to its devotees—and examine the methods and pitfalls of the FIRE approach.
Q1 2022 was one of the most volatile in recent market history. In this episode, Dan Wiener and Jim Lowell discuss what that means for the rest of 2022, including whether inflation can be tamed, the long-term impacts of the Ukraine conflict on the global economy, and whether it’s time for U.S. investors to pull out of China. Dan and Jim explain our approach to navigating stormy markets and discuss how thoughtful risk management can enable us to pursue reasonable returns in both calm and turbulent times.
Additional Content: https://bit.ly/38mH5w6
The past several weeks have been some of the most volatile in history for both stock and bonds, with war, inflation, and a new COVID crackdown in China just a few of the crises causing tumult for investors. Steve Johnson talks to our market experts about the indicators we’re watching and the moves we’re making in response.
April 15 may well be a day of dread for most Americans. Working with an experienced accountant can help a lot. But how do you know when you’ve found the right fit? In this episode, David, Kari and Patrick walk you through the key questions to ask to help you select someone who suits your needs.
When it comes to retirement planning, there is no shortage of tips, tricks and “top 5” lists to help you determine whether you’re ready. But which ones have a grain of truth and which can you safely ignore? In this episode, Andrew Busa and Diana Linn talk through popular retirement planning advice to help you prioritize what’s really important. Retirement Spending Solutions SR: https://bit.ly/3H6murz
4% Rule FPF: https://bit.ly/3sYrn0P
Less than a month into 2022, the stock market has already experienced sharper dips and steeper rallies than we saw through all of last year. Will the next 11 months put the Coney Island Cyclone to shame? And how should you prepare your portfolio to handle such increased volatility? In this episode, Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell sat down with a panel of Adviser Investments’ in-house market watchers to discuss all that and more.
Investors enter 2022 haunted by many of the same headline risks that dominated 2021—including another rising wave of COVID infections impacting the economy. But, as Dan Wiener and Jim Lowell explain, this year could be even more volatile than the last.
It’s been a hectic year—and a positive one for the U.S. stock market. Taking the time to fine-tune your portfolio now may help prevent headaches (and tax bills) come April. In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, our experts talk techniques for tuning up your portfolio, including how a look under the hood of your holdings may uncover unexpected tax savings.
Year-End Checklist: https://bit.ly/3dSFiOU
What would you do with an extra $100,000? Contemplating such a windfall—and the various ways you can responsibly invest or save any unexpected funds that may enter your life—is exactly how our green-eyeshade crew decided to celebrate the 100th episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast.
So far, 2021 has been a remarkably strong year for the U.S. stock market—so much so that some experts suggest the best strategy for the average investor is buying an S&P 500 index fund and walking away. Chairman Dan Wiener and Director of Research Jeff DeMaso disagree, and they discuss the myths of passive investing and how and why we build our portfolios for the long term.
Active vs. Passive SR: https://bit.ly/3wZ3x6L
Death and taxes may be certain, but Washington still seems to find ways to keep us all on our toes. The Biden administration has an array of new tax proposals, and while none are set in stone, our financial planning team has some advice on how you can best prepare yourself for what may be coming.
Sometimes investors have to embrace short-term pain for long-term gain. When it comes to Roth conversions, the up-front sacrifice can be well worth it. But exactly when to convert to a Roth depends a great deal on your individual financial situation.
In this episode, we cover why early retirement may create opportunities for conversion, the importance of tax diversity in retirement and Roth IRA’s role in legacy planning.
Roth Podcast: https://bit.ly/3uZ5O13 Roth SR: https://bit.ly/3uMyD0q
The Chinese government is trying to whip its corporations into shape—and markets around the world are feeling the sting. In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Research Analyst Liz Laprade and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell join Director of Research Jeff DeMaso to discuss the rapid changes in the Chinese economic landscape, and what they portend for global markets. They touch on:
- Which sectors are being affected
- What’s motivating the government crackdown
- Why what happens in China doesn’t stay in China
These days, almost every investor’s portfolio has some exposure to the world’s second-largest economy. Jim and Liz can give you insight into the risks—and rewards—of investing in China. Please click “play” above to listen to this free, no-obligation podcast today!
Is the stock market a rocketship on its way to the moon? Or should we expect a bumpier ride through the rest of the year? Chairman Dan Wiener, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Vice President and Portfolio Manager Steve Johnson discuss the remarkable bull run we’ve been on, and whether now is a good time to prepare for the next crash.
Equity compensation isn’t just for CEOs anymore. But getting the most out of stock options and awards can be tough. We can help. The second episode of our series on equity comp covers restricted stock units and awards, including the pros and cons of 83(b) elections as a tax strategy.
Check out part one to hear about stock options, or consult our primer on equity compensation to learn even more.
Referenced links: Stock Option Basics (bit.ly/2VCfSzf); Making the Most of Equity Compensation (bit.ly/2VNjWwQ).
Is this as good as it gets for earnings growth? Nearly every name in the S&P 500 has exceeded analysts' expectations again this quarter, with the average beat more than 17%. Are these brilliant numbers just a paper façade? Or do they indicate real strength in the economy? This week, portfolio managers Steve Johnson and Charles Toole discuss how much of the earnings boom is due to the “base effect” and whether record high profit margins are sustainable.
Are we witnessing the start of a meme stock surge that will change the investment landscape forever? Or will they disappear with barely a ripple? Portfolio managers Steve Johnson and Charlie Toole discuss the new fashion for trading among young investors. This faddish phenomenon may not alter Wall Street forever—but there are lessons to learn from the topsy-turvy trend. Click to learn more!
The pandemic recovery couldn’t be going much better, as far as the stock market’s concerned, but we still think there are some challenges ahead. Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell take a look back at the first half of 2021 as well as the risks that remain in the months ahead, including the recent spike in inflation, the stock market’s turn from growth to value, and whether the investment opportunities in China are worth the risks. Click to listen now!
Worries about inflation have dominated the business press so far in 2021. Adviser Investments’ bond experts, Chris Keith and Jen Yousif, sat down with Charlie Toole to discuss what inflation is, why bond investors worry about it and what’s driving the big inflation spike we’re seeing now. Understanding how inflation can impact your portfolio is essential for any fixed-income investor. Click to listen, learn and prepare!
Decades of low interest rates have driven even the most cautious investors into riskier assets in search of yield—but taking on more risk in your portfolio can leave your nest egg exposed if markets shift. In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, our portfolio managers discuss why investors may need to look beyond stocks and bonds in today’s markets, and how a tactical, multi-asset approach can help mitigate some of these risks.
Death and taxes may be certain, but the form each takes is a lot less so. And when it comes to taxes, some forms are worse than others. In this episode, some of Adviser Investments’ wealth management experts decode what we know about the Biden administration’s proposed tax hikes, including impacts on income, capital gains and estate taxes—and how strategic financial planning may help lessen their sting.
Bitly: Tax Blog post: https://bit.ly/2TBoLrT
The darling buds of May are in blossom, and most people are taking some time to shake off the dust and straighten up. When you do, make sure you include your finances. Our financial planning team takes to the mic this week to bring you six steps you should take to make sure your financial plan is up to date, including cleaning up your credit, setting your employee benefits straight, pruning old accounts, and more. Click to listen now!
This has been a record setting corporate earnings season by any measure, with nearly 90% of companies beating analysts’ expectations—and some outright crushing them. But does this mean we’re headed into an economic boom? This week, portfolio managers Steve Johnson and Charles Toole discuss why this earnings season is different from those during other post-recession recoveries. Click to listen now and learn more!
Pothole-free roads, faster, cheaper internet—what’s not to love? Well, paying for it. That’s where municipal bonds come in. In this episode, our bond experts talk munis, including why they’ve recently outperformed the rest of the bond market and how the federal government’s infrastructure push could impact the sector.
With the delayed federal filing deadline of May 17, there’s an extra month of tax season—plenty of time to capitalize on recent developments in the American Rescue Plan, the CARES Act and others. Some members of our financial planning team are here to offer their advice and break down everything you should know.
Taxes are a moving target as laws change—this lively episode equips you with the knowledge you need about the latest breaks available to you.
Links: Key Financial Data (https://bit.ly/3cUGNMX)
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the stock market’s swift, pandemic-induced crash. Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell discuss lessons they’ve learned as investors about herd behavior and stir-crazy markets, what Bitcoin’s rally portends, whether inflation fears are well-grounded, and more. It’s been a crazy year for us all—so it’s a relief to hear from two experts who can help make some sense of it. Click below to listen now!
Equity compensation is becoming a bigger part of people’s paychecks in many industries—but deploying this important wealth-building tool can be fraught with complexity. Listen to Andrew Busa and JonPaul McBride break down the ins and outs of equity comp, including key terms to understand, how options are taxed, and how to decide when to exercise them. And check out our primer on equity compensation for even more info on this timely topic.
Links: https://bit.ly/3l4Tt6w
For informational purposes only. Ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.
Generating steady income while successfully managing risk is what every bond investor aims for—and we think a tactical investing approach can help get you there. Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Quantitative Investments Manager Josh Jurbala are back for a deep dive into the investing philosophy behind our tactical approach to high-yield bonds, including why high-yields can play a role in a retirement portfolio.
Links: https://bit.ly/3uphQ2K
We’re in the midst of 2021’s first earnings season and two of our portfolio managers have dug themselves out of their avalanche of quarterly reports to give us the scoop. In this edition of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Steve Johnson and Charles Toole discuss the sectors that are surprising to the upside, why this tech-dominated market is not Dot-Com Bubble 2.0, when to worry about inflation, and much more.
Putting together a comprehensive plan to manage your financial future can seem overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this edition of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, our team offers some quick tips and tasks that will help you take control of your finances, including managing cash flow and savings, legacy planning, handling debt and credit and maximizing company benefits.
Links: https://bit.ly/3ojdR3C (5 Conversations podcast)
This week, we coaxed the Adviser Investments research team away from their spreadsheets to give our listeners their seasoned insights on how the big picture trends of 2021 are creating opportunity in the areas they focus on—and how it’s affecting our investment recommendations.
The turbulence of 2020 has certainly not settled down so far in 2021—and that’s why it’s more important than ever to look ahead for obstacles and opportunities. In this episode, Jim Lowell and Dan Wiener discuss the big picture for investors in 2021, including whether the economy will move past COVID-19 in 2021; income generation in a low-yield environment; the turn toward value stocks; and if the market’s in a bubble—or just Bitcoin.
Resolving to get your portfolio in shape for 2021? Vice President Rick Winters and Senior Financial Planner Andrew Busa are here to help. In the year’s final episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, they lay out seven steps for investors to consider as we close the books on 2020—and they are equally applicable throughout the year.
Click to listen now!
Links to referenced reports: Key Financial Data (https://bit.ly/2KGKGdc); Charitable Giving (https://bit.ly/3rD1qCx); 2020 Year-End Thoughts for Your Portfolio and Personal Life (https://bit.ly/3rIPfUL)
With the U.S. stock market hitting new records in 2020, does an investor even need to look beyond our borders to find places to put their money? Maybe not—but we think they could benefit if they do. Simply put, smaller foreign companies simply aren’t on most people’s radars, and therein lies the opportunity. Let Jeff and Liz show you the potential benefits of this under-explored sector.
Referenced links:
Today's Market Takeaways: December 15, 2020 (https://bit.ly/388qIzy)
Today's Market Takeaways: December 8, 2020 (https://bit.ly/3r5Mwoj)
Tactical investment strategies may seem confusing or complex; there are a lot of misconceptions about how they work and how they fit into a long-term investor’s portfolio. We’re here to clear things up with an engaging overview of this ever-evolving investing methodology.
Tactical strategies offer a solution for investors seeking to remove the emotional component from decision-making in their portfolios. It’s not for everyone, but is tactical for you? Click to listen now!
Tactical investment strategies may seem confusing or complex; there are a lot of misconceptions about how they work and how they fit into a long-term investor’s portfolio. We’re here to clear things up with an engaging overview of this ever-evolving investing methodology.
Tactical strategies offer a solution for investors seeking to remove the emotional component from decision-making in their portfolios. It’s not for everyone, but is tactical for you? Click to listen now!
With mortgage rates at historic lows, refinancing has become a hot topic—but is it the right move for you? In this episode, three of Adviser Investments’ Certified Financial Planner™ professionals go through the top five questions to ask yourself before refinancing the mortgage on your primary residence. They cover need-to-know loan terms and features, when refinancing does and does not make sense, what to look for in a lender and much more. Listen now!
More on refinancing: https://bit.ly/36I6jAI
An end to election uncertainty and encouraging COVID-19 vaccine news sent stocks surging. But typically, it’s not news, but corporate earnings results that drive the stock market. How are these recent blockbuster events likely to impact bottom lines and outlooks as companies grapple with renewed coronavirus challenges?
For more on the investment trends we’re currently seeing, click to listen now!
The polls may be closed, but there’s a lot we don’t yet know about the outcome of the 2020 election. But we do have some insights and ideas to share with you. In this special The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Dan Wiener and Jim Lowell take us through the knowns, unknowns and certainties of this election, including how the results may impact the market and the nation today, tomorrow and into the future.
Dan and Jim discuss:
- Whether we’re likely to see an immediate market reaction to the results
- How to avoid falling into the trap of short-termism
- The economic difficulties that will confront the next president, regardless of who the winner is
- How to protect yourself from volatility without taking on too much risk
This election season has been as divisive as any we’ve witnessed in our lifetimes. But for long-term investors like us, staying the course doesn’t mean staying still—it means staying disciplined, diversified and invested in managers who have the foresight to spot the opportunities that may be present in times of volatility.
Listen to today’s special podcast to get our take on this historic election. And please reach out and contact us today, tomorrow or anytime with any questions or concerns you have—we can help. Click above to listen now.
Roth IRAs—you may have heard of this type of individual retirement account, but do you know how a Roth really works? In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, our financial planning specialists Andrew Busa and Rick Winters provide an in-depth explanation of the uses and benefits of the Roth IRA, including:
- The requirements and tax advantages
- Why to open a Roth at the beginning of your career
- The so-called “backdoor” Roth conversion—what it is and when to do it
- The Roth’s role in your legacy planning
Don’t let this important tool in your financial planning arsenal go to waste. Listen now to learn how you can deploy Roth IRAs for maximum benefit! Curious about whether converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth is right for you? Click above to listen now.
Or, click here for our free special report, Converting to a Roth IRA.
With the 2020 election only weeks away, the news is dominated with doom and gloom predictions about how its aftermath will impact the markets and economy. Like many investors, you may wonder how the results could affect your portfolio.
This candid conversation will give you peace of mind and provide you with the knowledge you need to get through the election feeling financially secure. Click to listen now!
Links: Market Cycles, Not Election Cycles SR (https://bit.ly/3nTay4j)
We’ve all witnessed the severe economic blows dealt to countless companies and private businesses as a result of coronavirus and the resulting shutdowns. Less ubiquitous in news cycles but equally important are the budget pressures state and local governments are facing from COVID-19-related cutbacks and the impact they have on municipal bonds.
For more on how investors should approach munis in the time of COVID-19 and the fledgling economic recovery, click to listen now!
A number of recent articles have criticized 401(k) plans, the centerpiece of many peoples’ retirement savings. Is it time to reconsider using the 401(k) as a key tool to deliver financial peace of mind? Hardly.
Join our wealth management and financial planning experts for this engaging lesson on why the tax-advantaged benefits of 401(k) plans remain a must-have for most retirement savers. Tune in as we debunk costly misconceptions and provide clear advice to help you make the most of your 401(k) plan.
Click here for a copy of the Key Financial & Tax Planning Data sheet referenced in the podcast.
The market’s rebound off of the March low has been extraordinary, with tech stocks leading the charge. But does it represent a new bubble for the global markets?
Join Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell as they discuss what constitutes a bubble and if we are experiencing one now, the factors that could cause a pullback in markets today and some of the biggest opportunities they see for investors going forward. Click above to listen now!
Think budgeting can’t be engaging and inspiring? Think again! The key is to keep it simple and find an approach that you can commit to.
The best budgets are streamlined and in sync with your financial planning goals. Listen to financial planners Andrew Busa and Diana Linn as they present three smart ways to boost savings and manage spending in your working years and after you retire.
In this podcast, Kate Austin and Steve Johnson discuss how Apple's and Tesla’s recent decision to split their shares has helped spur the market rally, and how the impact of the splits is rippling the markets, including provoking a changing of the guard the venerable Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).
Click here to listen today!
Even following its surge as one of the highest-flying investments of 2020, the merits of gold remain hotly contested. For every passionate goldbug, there’s someone else dissing it as a fringe fad. But with its recent popularity and sharp rise in price, are you missing out without gold?
In this illuminating conversation, our experts dispense with the hype and deliver everything you need to grasp this often misunderstood investment. Check it out now!
Costly financial mistakes can have ripple effects that resound for years and years. And most of them are caused by seemingly simple decisions with consequences that are easily overlooked in the moment. We’re here to help.
Our wealth management and financial planning experts lay out some basic steps to chart the course of your family’s financial life for generations.
Find out more about cash flow and savings; setting goals; risk management; legacy planning; managing debt; and maximizing company benefits.
Amid a global pandemic, tech stocks are off to the races, interest rates are in the basement and gold is fashionable again. Are these market developments going to last? And if so, how can you take advantage?
Join Chairman Dan Wiener and Director of Research Jeff DeMaso for an insightful look at the dangers of recency bias—peoples’ tendency to expect the future to look like the recent past—and how disciplined investors can defend against this all-too-human impulse.
You’ve probably seen the staggering figures: Second-quarter earnings are down 35%. But when is a 35% slide not quite as devastating as it sounds? Maybe in the midst of a pandemic. Join us as we dig into the numbers and put these eye-popping earnings declines into perspective.
Earnings reports create transparency into whether American companies are thriving or struggling, and insight into how corporate leaders are envisioning the road ahead—and we’re here to break down the key themes for you. Click above to listen now!
How has the spread of COVID-19 impacted reopening efforts and economic data? And what will the results of the 2020 election mean for investors?
Listen in as Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Research Analyst Liz Laprade discuss medical data they’re tracking, the state of the economy and how markets have done under presidents from both political parties.
More than a third of American workers now have a freelance gig—including many former retirees. In this episode, financial planners Andrew Busa and JonPaul McBride cover some important need-to-knows for anyone considering taking on freelance work, including taxes, insurance and using freelance income to supercharge your retirement.
Want to know more? Check out our podcasts on insurance here (https://bit.ly/3gP2HR0) or learn more about how to build an emergency fund here (https://bit.ly/2ZPXnFO).
The first half of 2020 saw record market highs before COVID-19 took its expansive human, economic and stock market toll. With volatility raging, monetary and fiscal policy provided a safety net, and some investors may be feeling that the worst of times are behind us. Is it time to throw caution to the wind and not “fight the Fed?”
During this uncertain investment environment, Dan’s and Jim’s decades of experience navigating volatile markets is more valuable than ever. Click to listen now!
Where’s an investor to find income opportunities that keep pace with inflation in an environment of low interest rates and market volatility?
Adviser Investments’ Dividend Income strategy managers recently sat down for a conversation about the current landscape for dividend investors and what they look for when they’re constructing a portfolio. Join Portfolio Managers Charlie Toole and Steve Johnson and Equity Research Analyst Kate Austin in this informative discussion for dividend investors of all stripes.
You’ve probably heard the old investment maxim: “Don’t fight the Fed.” But what exactly does that mean, and how does it apply to the challenges of today’s markets?
In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell and Vice President Liz Kesselman talk about the role of the Federal Reserve and how it has used its monetary policymaking powers both historically and in fighting the economic difficulties wrought by the COVID-19 outbreak.
It’s official—we’re in a recession. Yet the stock market is up nearly 40% from its March 23 low and the NASDAQ has touched record territory.
In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Vice President and Portfolio Manager Charlie Toole analyze the history of dislocations between the market and the economy, and why using recessions to “time” the market is usually a losing strategy.
The steady barrage of news can be overwhelming in stressful and uncertain times like these. Finding a rational perspective that rises above the daily noise is tough even on the best of days. Yet as long-term investors, it is our job to do just that.
In this special episode, Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell sit down for a conversation about the latest market, economic and medical trends, and how to avoid being misled by the headlines during a period of pandemic and protests.
What does “reopening” the economy mean? And is it working? Consumer spending, manufacturing and mobility numbers remain very low, but they are getting better. So how are we using a variety of medical, economic and societal data to inform our economic and market outlook?
Listen in as Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Research Analyst Liz Laprade discuss some of the recent findings they’re tracking here and abroad to chart our perspective on the economy’s reopening.
Dinner discussion varies from family to family, be it sports, politics, religion or neighborhood gossip. For Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell, those conversations centered around stocks, bonds, cash and savings accounts—and the insights gleaned from generations of money managers.
In this episode, Vice President Liz Kesselman speaks with Jim about the foundational values gleaned from the money managers in their lives and how those valuable lessons have helped in navigating turbulent markets past and present.
We’ve seen unprecedented unemployment, record declines in consumer spending and rampant speculation that many businesses and jobs aren’t going to survive the pandemic’s economic shock. Yet stock market prices have gone higher and higher: What gives?
In this special episode, Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell dig into the disconnect between economic data and recent stock market gains. How far ahead should investors be looking when it comes to stock prices?
With the pandemic bringing profound changes to the way we all live and work, it’s natural to wonder if it should mean rethinking the way we invest, too. This week on the The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Andrew Busa and Rick Winters sat down to talk through how the pandemic has changed the way they work as advisers, the advice they’re giving clients and how to know if your investment strategy now needs to change.
Earnings and interest rates drive stock prices over time. Given the pandemic and stay-at-home advisories, first-quarter earnings season has held extra importance for investors wanting to know how companies fared as the economy ground to a halt and how they’re planning to battle back in the months and quarters ahead. And amid the challenges, we’re also seeing silver linings. For our informative insights on how companies are adapting to a pandemic, listen now!
Slowly and shakily, some parts of the country are taking steps to reopen their economies—are we finally on the road to recovery? Dan Wiener and Jim Lowell discuss how to know if a recovery has truly begun and the few bright spots to emerge amongst the barrage of negative impacts. “Normal” is still a long way away—and when it gets here it may not look like it did before. But we’re already preparing.
Referenced links: Adviser Investments’ Coronavirus Response (http;//bit.ly/3bJLiGQ).
The new CARES Act includes many provisions that may affect your family and your finances. In this special episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Andrew Busa and Diana Linn discuss the bill’s most important provisions, and review some financial planning strategies the Act affects, including Roth conversions, charitable giving and retirement contributions.
There’s plenty more to say about the CARES Act—you can find all of our ongoing coronavirus coverage here (including more on RMD waivers).
Referenced links: RMD Waivers (bit.ly/34CK5yJ); Coronavirus Coverage (bit.ly/2XEMYh2).
Last month’s stock market rollercoaster got most of the headline ink, but March was also a pretty wild month for the bond market. What are bond investors to make of the Fed cutting rates to zero and launching a series of market-friendly programs? Join us for a timely discussion about recent bond market dislocations and how savvy fixed-income investors can look to capitalize on opportunities.
Referenced links: Last Week’s Podcast (https://bit.ly/2y2Rs61); Adviser Investments’ Coronavirus Response (https://bit.ly/3bJLiGQ).
The pandemic headlines are sobering, the market volatility unnerving. There are also opportunities for seasoned mutual fund managers to upgrade their portfolios at bargain prices. Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell sat down today to review the latest unemployment figures and what they’re hearing from the mutual fund portfolio managers they follow closely and respect.
Referenced links: Last Week’s Podcast (https://bit.ly/2UQMZLC); Adviser Investments’ Coronavirus Response (https://bit.ly/3bJLiGQ).
The past week has been a hectic one for the markets—anyone who’s been watching stocks’ and bonds’ daily moves might be suffering from whiplash at this point. In this special episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Vice President Steve Johnson sat down to review the market landscape and our perspective as long-term investors.
Topics covered include:
- The Fed’s intervention in the bond market and its effects
- Emerging economic data and what it can (and can’t) tell us about the virus’ impact
- Traders’ reception of the stimulus deal announced Wednesday morning
- How our portfolio managers are viewing the market
Much remains unclear about the long-term consequences of this pandemic on our economy, but Jeff and Steve’s reasoned take on the market should provide some clarity on where we stand today. Click the play button to listen now.
We’re used to events and markets changing rapidly, but that pace has increased exponentially with the spread of the coronavirus. While alarm bells are ringing, we are sticking with our process and taking a rational approach to managing our clients’ wealth during this sudden bear market.
Join Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell as they discuss their perspectives on what’s happening in the markets, how Adviser Investments has prepared for a crisis like this and the opportunities Dan and Jim see for investors going forward.
Click the play button to listen to this special episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast now.
As events continue to unfold, we’ll be updating our podcast and blog page regularly to keep you informed on the latest developments and our response.
In this timely podcast, Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Vice President Steve Johnson discuss what’s changed since the markets were trading at new highs less than a month ago. How are they seeing the coronavirus in the context of markets and the economy? Topics include:
- How bonds have been working as expected in diversified portfolios
- The role of dividend-paying stocks when bond yields are low
- The history of bear markets and the wealth-building opportunities that can follow
- The economic impact of an oil-price shock on top of virus unknowns
Fear tends to fill the vacuum when information is scarce. But making radical portfolio changes based on fear can do more harm than good over the long-term. To learn more about how these seasoned professionals view investing during a crisis, click the player above to listen now. And for additional insights on investing during times of volatility, click here for our exclusive special report, The 5 Steps to Thriving in Volatile Markets, or here to read our message to clients.
Today’s retirees are living longer, more active lives than ever—but many come to a point where they need some extra help. Even if an injury or illness means you or a loved one require assistance with the day-to-day tasks of life, there are often ways to get that care and still maintain your independence—but with costs rising across the board, it pays to start planning now.
In this podcast, we cover the intricacies of how to anticipate and pay for long-term care needs, including:
- How to incorporate long-term care needs into your financial plan
- What Medicaid and Medicare cover—and what they don’t
- Pitfalls to be wary of when buying long-term care insurance
Understanding your options and planning for long-terms needs is one of the best gifts you can give your heirs and yourself. Click here to listen today!
For more resources on how and when to plan for long-term care costs, listen to our podcasts on health savings accounts and insurance needs at every age.
You’ve heard the names: Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), brokerage account, health savings account. But which is the right one for you and your retirement plan? In this lively conversation, Vice President Rick Winters and Senior Financial Planner Andrew Busa discuss strategic ways to think about how to invest for your post-work goals.
Topics include:
- The power of tax-deferred investing and compounding
- Roth IRAs vs. traditional IRAs
- The triple-tax-advantaged benefits of health savings accounts
- Maximizing your contributions without neglecting current budget needs
- The “backdoor” Roth and why not to go it alone
Additional material referenced:
Health savings account podcast episode
Roth IRA podcast episode
Roth conversion special report
Employee benefits are one of the most powerful parts of your overall financial plan, but also one of the most commonly overlooked. Statistics show that effectively managing your benefits can boost them up to 30% of your compensation each year. That’s a fantastic return on the time invested.
In this lively conversation, Senior Financial Planner Andrew Busa and Senior Account Manager Alden Witman go over numerous ways to take full advantage of what’s available to you and your loved ones.
Among the key topics of discussion:
- Maximizing retirement investing vehicles like 401(k)s
- What benefits are portable when you switch jobs (and which ones aren’t)
- How to minimize risk when making benefits decisions
- Making savvy insurance and health care choices
Employee benefits can maximize your earnings, protect your family and put you on the right track to a comfortable retirement. Don’t leave all that on the table!
To learn more, listen to the podcast by clicking the button above.
The SECURE Act, signed into law at the end of 2019, is the most significant new legislation affecting retirement investing in more than a decade.
In this illuminating conversation, Vice President of Wealth Services Patrick Carlson sits down with Vice President Bob Lepson and Account Manager Geoffrey Turner to unpack the broad themes and impactful provisions of the new legislation.
Among the discussion topics:
- New age limits for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts
- Why inherited IRAs must be emptied faster for most beneficiaries
- Improved access to annuities in 401(k) plans, and potential drawbacks
- Penalty-free withdrawal options for new parents
It’s never too soon to be better informed about planning for retirement. To learn more, listen to the podcast by clicking the button above.
For additional background and analysis of the SECURE Act, read our The SECURE Act and Your Retirement report by clicking here.
The specter of conflict with Iran has dominated headlines recently. Should it also determine your investment strategy? In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell and Deputy Director of Research Brian Mackey break down the research on past crises in the Middle East and their effects on:
- Commodity prices (including gold)
- The stock market
- Energy prices—and why a ‘70s-style oil shock is unlikely
They also discuss the potential impact of a cyberattack on U.S. infrastructure.
The Middle East has been plagued by turmoil, but markets have pulled through in the past. To find out what the latest tensions mean for the future of your portfolio, listen today!
You spend your whole career growing your tax-deferred investment accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs. And once you reach age 70½, the IRS requires that you start withdrawing your savings (thus giving Uncle Sam his annual income-tax cut) through what’s known as required minimum distributions (RMDs). Understanding how RMDs work so you can avoid costly penalties and account for the tax liability is a critical element of every investor’s spending and saving strategy in retirement.
In this straightforward discussion, two of our experienced financial planners use real-world examples and share some tips and tactics we employ for our clients that can benefit anyone in or nearing retirement.
Among the discussion topics:
- How RMD amounts are calculated
- What are the tax and legacy implications?
- The IRS penalties you need to look out for
- Using RMDs for charitable purposes
It’s never too soon to become more informed about financial planning in retirement. To learn more, listen to the podcast today.
And if you’d like good reference guide to all things RMD, click here for our free, no-obligation infographic, 9 Need-to-Know RMD Facts.
Vanguard’s and Fidelity’s growth and evolution over the past 25 years have been astounding to watch, and we’ve been paying close attention all the while. Getting data on their managers and services was once like squeezing water from a stone, but today’s investors are faced with so many funds and so much information that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. That’s where we come in.
In this exclusive conversation, Chairman Dan Wiener and Chief Investment Officer Jim Lowell—who have spent decades covering Vanguard (Wiener) and Fidelity (Lowell) in their independent newsletters—dissolve the myths, cut through the spin and look at what’s ahead for these two fund titans. Among the discussion topics:
- Is Fidelity just a growth shop? Vanguard a mere conservative indexer?
- What Morningstar’s fund rating system doesn’t tell you
- The possibilities afforded by each firm’s deep international bench
- How are Vanguard and Fidelity reacting to the rise of roboadvisers?
It’s never too soon to become an informed investor. To learn more, listen to the podcast by clicking the button above.
And for more information, click here for our free, no-obligation special report, Fidelity vs. Vanguard: Which Is Right for You?
Roth IRAs—you may have heard of this type of individual retirement account, but do you know how to use one? In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, financial planning specialists Andrew Busa and Rick Winters give an in-depth explanation of the many uses of the Roth IRA, including details on:
- Building tax diversity into your savings
- Why to open one at the start of your career
- Their role in your legacy plans
- The so-called “backdoor” Roth conversion—what it is and when to do it
Don’t let this important tool in your financial planning arsenal go to waste—to learn how you can deploy Roth IRAs for maximum benefit, listen now! Curious about whether converting a traditional IRA to a Roth is right for you? Click here for more.
Every investor has unique needs and goals driving their investment strategy. But the behaviors that can derail that strategy are universal. Failing to recognize and factor these innate biases into your investment decision-making can lead to missed opportunities or compound missteps.
You can't control the stock market. But you can spot and fix your own bad investing habits. In this podcast, Chairman Dan Wiener and Vice President Josh Jones address five common behavioral biases that can impact your portfolio.
Topics include:
- Reassessing your risk tolerance amid bad headlines
- The value in arguments that don’t confirm what you believe in
- Avoiding paralysis in making buy or sell decisions
- The tendency to overvalue something you already own
When it comes to your investments, thinking rationally and with discipline is a winning combo. To learn more, listen to the podcast today.
While younger couples are splitting up less often, the divorce rate for people 55 and older has tripled since 1990. These so-called “gray divorces” just before or during retirement emphasize the importance of knowing what you and your spouse have for assets and how your financial picture will change as a result.
In this podcast, three wealth management professionals discuss their experiences helping clients and loved ones navigate the challenges of divorce and adjust to new financial realities. This practical, wide-ranging conversation uses real-world examples to shed light on three focal themes:
- Having a budget
- What do I own?
- How do I protect myself and my family?
Whether the beginning of divorce proceedings is collaborative and mutual or comes out of the blue, it’s essential to be as prepared as possible for what comes next. Listen in to hear more.
At Adviser Investments, many of our clients are committed to supporting the causes that matter to them. Deciding on the best way to give can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast, portfolio executives and financial planners Charlie Toole, Kari Wolfson and Rick Winters review options that philanthropists of every stripe can use to maximize their impact while making smart tax decisions. Topics include:
- Donor-advised funds
- Qualified charitable distributions
- Giving directly from your IRA
- Why cash is not always king
To listen to the podcast, click the button below. And for even more information on how to make your charitable giving impactful, check out our special report Making the Most of Your Charitable Giving.
You’ve worked to build a legacy for your loved ones—you deserve the peace of mind that comes with having trusted help in place to ensure your wishes are carried out. And there’s a lot more to it than merely drafting a will.
Putting an estate plan in place can feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. If you have any additional questions, give us a call! We’d be happy to speak with you.
Referenced links: Estate Checklist (https://bit.ly/2m4GtTI); 10 Questions for an Estate Attorney (https://bit.ly/2lGL52q).
A trust might be the most powerful estate-planning tool you haven’t explored yet. And despite their reputation as a tool of just the very wealthy, they can be helpful for people across the income and wealth spectrum.
Listen in to hear Adviser Investments’ experienced wealth managers and financial planners use real stories to explain what trusts are, what they’re designed to do, how legal and financial know-how intersects and how trusts may be able to benefit you.
We hope you enjoy this overview on trusts. And if you have any questions about how a trust could help with your specific situation, give us a call! We’d be happy to speak with you.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/30FmjPM
Insurance needs vary depending on what stage of life you’re in. But regardless of whether you’re just starting your career, building assets and raising a family, or headed into retirement, the world presents perils that require protection. And that’s where insurance comes in.
Tune in to hear Victor Colella, CFP® together with Adviser Investments’ own Chris Hagan and Andrew Busa discuss how risks change over time and the types of insurance you might use to cover yourself at every age.
Listen to the whole episode or skip ahead to the age group most applicable to your situation if you or a loved one is in their 20s (2:00), their 30s, 40s and 50s (5:15) or in their 60s and beyond (13:35).
For other valuable Adviser Investments resources, click here for our guide to helping aging parents; here for our Estate-Planning Checklist; click here for our podcast episode on Medicare.
Social Security can be complicated. Fortunately, our experts have answers to some of your most complex questions. In the final installment of a three-part series, wealth planning professionals Dina Milne and Alec Rosen take listener requests and cover some of the trickier aspects of Social Security, such as when to apply, eligibility rules and how and when you get paid.
If you missed our previous discussions on Social Security, you can click these links to catch up and learn more about When Should You File for Social Security? and How Will Social Security Benefit Me? Or for an even more detailed look at how Social Security can work hand in hand with your investment portfolio, please check out our special report, Social Security’s Role in Your Retirement.
The Social Security Administration can be long on paperwork and short on advice. If you have additional questions about your eligibility or when to tap into Social Security, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help. And please subscribe to The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast feed in your favorite podcast app—we’ll have more to come on the crucial issues that impact your retirement.
Deciding when or even if you should buy a home can be a complicated, emotional process—and it’s something more women are doing on their own than ever before.
In this episode of our AdviseHer podcast series, our presenters discuss the rise in female homeownership in recent years. They follow up by offering some tips drawn from their own and their clients’ experiences to help you determine what's right for you at your stage of life.
Topics include:
- Are you financially ready to buy on your own?
- Is buying worth it for you?
- When is it time to sell your home and downsize?
As retirees are living longer, their adult children are becoming a growing “Sandwich Generation,” not just raising their own families but also caring for their aging parents. While increased longevity is to be celebrated, the role reversal of children assuming more control over their parents’ affairs can be challenging for everyone involved.
Join Account Manager Dina Milne and Account Executive Claudine Schrock as they outline the key steps for successfully starting the conversation and transitioning financial responsibilities. By working with your loved ones to create and commit to a plan before it’s needed, you’ll ensure they’re comfortable and well cared for while respecting their wishes.
Click here for the step-by-step guide, Helping Your Aging Parents, mentioned in this episode. And when you’re ready for more comprehensive planning, our Estate Planning Checklist, available by clicking here, is an indispensable resource.
You may not be able to count on the stock market always going up, but there’s never a bear market for college costs. Tuitions continue to climb—having an education savings plan is more important than ever.
Join Portfolio Manager Charlie Toole and two of our financial planning leaders as they discuss how to weigh the characteristics of 529 plans and UTMAs, financial aid considerations and and making adjustments to these investments as your future scholars grow up.
Thanks for listening. And to learn more about Adviser Investments' financial planning services, please click here.
Want to read more about 529 plans? Click here to read our exclusive report!
Every investor wants the market to be simple and predictable, and that’s led to numerous old Wall Street saws that regularly recur in the media. Ultimately, many of these myths come down to trying to predict the market—and that’s just not possible.
Join Chairman Dan Wiener, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and Deputy Director of Research Brian Mackey as they pour cold water on market-timing myths with straightforward talk backed by hard data. There are no shortcuts in investing—steer yourself in the right direction with The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast.
Among the myths busted:
- Has it really been a 10-year bull market?
- Sell in May and go away
- Gold as inflation protection
- Why real estate can’t stack up to the stock market in the long term
- And six more…
Wall Street’s favorite time of year isn’t spring, fall or Christmas—it’s earnings season. Just like the holidays, all that built-up anticipation may lead to outsized emotional reactions—stocks can soar or tumble depending on what companies report. But do quarterly earnings mean much over the long term?
Deputy Director of Research Brian Mackey and Equity Research Analyst Kate Austin break down what information goes into earnings reports—and what doesn’t—and help you understand the key facts to look for and others to tune out.
Investing gets all the press, but when it comes to your wealth’s well-being, financial planning is key to success. To manage your complete financial picture requires a parallel focus on your long-term investment returns and the lifelong process of setting goals and protecting against down markets and unexpected risks.
In this episode, Director of Research Jeff DeMaso and two of our financial planning leaders take a straightforward view of how to use investing and planning in tandem to your benefit.
After all, as Jeff mentions, the gulf between saving and investing over a lifetime is enormously consequential. Click here for an infographic that demonstrates what a difference it makes.
Thanks for listening. And to find out more about Adviser Investments’ financial planning services, please click here.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Adviser Investments is pleased to announce AdviseHer, the first in a quarterly series of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast episodes that provide clear information about investing and financial issues that affect women.
In this inaugural episode, Research Analyst Liz Laprade is joined by Vice President Sue Irwin and Account Manager Diana Linn as they discuss some common themes facing women investors in today’s marketplace, as well as how to overcome these obstacles and specific questions women should ask if they’re looking for help with their portfolio.
Upcoming AdviseHer episodes of The Adviser You Can Talk To Podcast will cover the basics of investing and demystify the world of Wall Street to help listeners understand how investing can help them achieve financial security for themselves and their loved ones. And if you have any suggested topics you’d like our take on, let us know at info@adviserinvestments.com. We’d love your feedback!
While many of us may have 2018 tax returns on our minds, it’s not too soon to begin making tax-saving moves for 2019. Listen to Vice President Rick Winters and Financial Planner Victor Colella discuss seven key steps investors should consider as they look ahead to 2020.
If you like this podcast or are looking for some similar content, we think you might be interested in the following complimentary reports.
Key Financial Data: bit.ly/2T3np38
Making the Most of Your Charitable Giving: bit.ly/2Fa2hVj
Year-End Portfolio Checklist: bit.ly/2UFEku0
The tax information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. We do not provide legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
ESG investing has burst into the mainstream over the last decade and there are now many different approaches for investors to choose among. In this episode, Brian, Liz and Kate, three members of Adviser Investments’ research and investments team, break down the philosophy driving the different types of socially responsible investing and discuss how ratings firms screen companies for these types of portfolios. They then introduce two new ESG investment strategies recently launched by Adviser Investments, which you can read more about by clicking here: bit.ly/2U9Z1hu.
Many of us avoid taking inventory of our financial affairs, but it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. And we are here to help! Two of our financial planners join an Adviser Investments portfolio executive to detail five financial planning resolutions for the new year.
As discussed in this episode, we’ve created a free companion document with key facts and figures that may come in handy. Get your copy of this useful reference guide by clicking here: bit.ly/2MQWJ4a.
Getting the most out of Social Security may not be as complicated as it seems. And yet there are a lot of people who don’t get the full benefits they are due. In the second installment of a three-part series, two of our wealth planning professionals discuss some lesser-known Social Security benefits and how to figure out whether you are eligible for them.
If you missed part one, When Should You File for Social Security?, you can catch up by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Rk56uG.
A bit of knowledge can really pay off. Learning about Medicare today will help you avoid penalties and find the most cost-effective coverage down the line. Andrew, Brad and Victor, three experienced financial planning professionals, cover everything you need to know about Medicare and how to view it as part of your broader retirement needs and goals.
We’ve also created a free companion document with key facts and figures that may come in handy. Get your copy of this useful reference guide by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Ef0dMa.
With the stock market’s decline in October, we thought it was a good time for investors to ask themselves: What’s your number? What’s the size of the loss in your portfolio that keeps you up at night? And how can you try to prevent future sleepless nights?
Fewer people are retiring with pensions, making Social Security benefits an even more important piece of the retirement planning process. In the first of a three-part series, two of our wealth planning professionals discuss the basics of Social Security and what to consider before deciding when to start taking benefits.
Retirees today can expect to pay almost $300,000 in health care costs during their retirement. Our team of financial planning professionals discusses the potent tax advantages of health savings accounts and how they can be a part of your wealth management strategy.
Lehman Brothers’ collapse 10 years ago kicked off the financial crisis. What lessons have we learned as long-term investors over the last decade? And how can you apply them to your portfolio going forward?
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Are we in a record bull market or not? Does it matter? Learn what we think investors should focus on over the long term.
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There’s no magic number or one-size-fits-all retirement strategy: The most important part is that you just start planning—the earlier, the better. Demystify the process with four simple questions.
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What impact will the new tax code have on your financial planning and your legacy? Here are some strategies to consider.
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Market volatility can feel overwhelming and lead to bad decisions by do-it-yourself investors. When should you call in a pro?
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Market corrections are normal. But when do they signal something more, and how should they factor into your long-term investment plans?
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Operations are the backbone of successful wealth management firms. From executing trades to protecting client assets and data, a dedicated operations department provides a valuable, behind-the-scenes safeguard for client accounts.
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There’s nothing odd about wanting more yield! Learn how individual investors can get more yield by picking up smaller lots from bond issuers.
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How do experts find stocks you can count on? One of our stock pickers explains how he cuts through the numbers to find valuable long-term holdings.
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Should you be invested in emerging markets? Check out this straightforward discussion on the risks and opportunities of putting your money to work in these growing economies.
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