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Wealth Insights: BFG BLOG
By James T Barker, ChFC, CLU
President
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In early August, Standard & Poor’s downgraded US Government debt from a top-rated AAA to AA+. In the weeks preceding
the event, some market observers expected a downgrade to result in higher interest rates and [...]
Wealth Insights: BFG Blog
By James T Barker, ChFC, CLU
Observations of investor actions in a non-performing market.
We have observed that many people tend to invest in ways that suggest that they are somehow immune from the market conditions we observe daily. We have all experienced difficult [...]
Continue Reading →Wealth Insights: BFG BLOG
By James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
President
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Many investors assume that buying a mutual fund comprised of fixed income assets (Bonds) will accomplish the same goal as directly investing in those same bonds, notes and bills.
If your investment goal is predictable income, then [...]
Continue Reading →By James Barker, ChFC, CLU
We have noticed a change in client reaction to the most recent market volatility as compared with the crisis of 2008. During that market crisis, many investors let their emotions drive their investment decisions. Those who did not panic and maintained a sound, long term plan enjoyed solid returns [...]
Continue Reading →The recent market volatility reminds us how quickly portfolio asset allocations can drift from the original investment objectives. Rebalancing is a crucial step in managing your investment risks and rewards.
Successful investing – as opposed to speculating on the next best winner – requires a [...]
Continue Reading →By James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
President
Since the onset of the financial crisis in late 2007, the Federal Reserve has used interest-rate cuts and other policy tools in an effort to fuel economic growth. Economists can debate the effectiveness of these policies, but everyone can agree that today’s low interest rates are a [...]
Continue Reading →By James T Barker, ChFC, CLU
Do you have a second income from consulting or another business? Many professionals work as consultants in their field of expertise while also holding a primary position as a teacher, engineer, doctor, or some other primary role. Many suffer the consequences of this self-employment income in the form of higher [...]
Continue Reading →Receiving an inheritance can be stressful. More than likely, it is an emotional time due to the loss of a loved one and trying to concentrate on financial matters may be difficult. Careful planning can ensure that your loved one’s estate does what he or she intended: to help improve your financial situation in order to [...]
Continue Reading →As a Financial Planning Service firm providing comprehensive and continuing solutions for university faculty and nonprofit professionals, our clients often have questions concerning their 403(b) retirement plans. A 403(b) or tax deferred annuity plan is a tax deferred retirement plan than can be adopted only by certain tax-exempt organizations and certain public school systems.
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It seems like I can’t turn on the television or radio these days without getting overwhelmed by commercials warning us to protect our wealth through gold. And the message seems to be resonating with many people concerned about the potential inflation effects from the increase in federal spending and debt. They ask if gold, whose [...]
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