A client reached out this week to inquire about her performance (rate of return) since we started working together. As I drew her attention to that section of her quarterly reports, I also explained a couple of things to keep in mind when calculating and evaluating performance returns. These are important concepts for all investors […]

As one of our favorite research firms said after yesterday’s Fed announcement – Ho Ho Holy Moly! It sure seems like the Federal Reserve saved the best rate announcement of 2023 for last. Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a message that the equity and bond market both eagerly accepted as an early holiday present. In response, […]

I’ve been writing to you on a weekly basis for a year and a half now. At times, I certainly appreciate the fact that I am likely repeating myself, sharing a topic with you that we have covered in the past. This is one of those weeks – but arguably, this is one of the […]

There is no shortage of jargon and industry speak in the financial news. I do my very best to steer clear of it when I write to you, as I fully appreciate how confusing (and sometimes annoying!) it can be. However, one term snuck into my Pam to Paper post last week when I used […]

Welcome to December! We’ve officially turned the calendar to the final 31 days of the year (a month where many of our calendars are now filled with chocolate and treats!) Hopefully you all enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving with your families and are ready for the conclusion of another action packed year! A lot has happened […]

I’ve had quite a few client meetings this week as we all re-enter the real world after a nice Thanksgiving break (hope you enjoyed the holiday!). During each of these meetings, I’ve provided clients with year-end action items that need to be taken care of before we turn the calendar to 2024. If you are […]

Earlier this week, two inflation reports were published for October. Let’s take a look at what they said and the market reaction. First up was Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). It came in at 0.23% month over month, compared to 0.30% consensus. Year over year rise was 3.2%, far slower than consensus of 3.7%. Shelter slowed […]

Inflation has been a headwind for many of us in many areas of our lives over the past few years. One way it has helped us (perhaps without us even noticing) is its impact on income taxes. I explained this dynamic to a client earlier this week and thought it was worth pointing out here […]

I came across two recent interviews with Berkshire Hathaway’s Vice Chairman Charlie Munger this week – who is less than two months away from celebrating his 100th birthday (January 1). It’s impossible to listen to Charlie (or his business partner Warren Buffett) and not come away with some words of wisdom. Feel free to listen […]

With open enrollment season approaching, I was talking with a client about health care coverage and the accounts that are offered to help fund health care costs. Under her health insurance plan, she has the option to use a Flex Spending Account and under her husband’s plan, he can use a Health Savings Account. We […]