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By James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
Growing federal debt, record deficits, loose monetary policies and high fuel costs have many investors concerned about the impact of inflation on their portfolios. While some have looked to gold as a potential hedge against rising prices, fears of another bubble have many people hesitant to invest in precious [...]
Continue Reading →The past year reminded investors that they should hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and be thankful when reality does not match their fears. Investors entered 2011 with hopes that the world economy would continue recovering from a long and painful deleveraging process. Equity markets had posted two straight years of positive performance, [...]
Continue Reading →by James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
When preparing your estate plan, a revocable living trust may be a fundamental element to consider.
A trust is created when a person (Trustor or Grantor) transfers a property interest to another person or corporation (Trustee) to be held for the benefit of himself or others [...]
Continue Reading →by James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
When the need for long-term care arises, it’s too late to start thinking about long-term care insurance. Most people buy insurance for their home and car and make sure they are adequately covered for health issues. Unfortunately, few people consider the impact of a Continue Reading →
by James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU
Since 2008, economic uncertainty and market volatility have tested the staying power of investors around the world. Many people fled equities during the worst months of the global financial crisis, while others waited for signs of a turnaround before investing more. Their emotional reactions may have exacted [...]
Continue Reading →By James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU ________________________________________________________
Research shows that two risk factors—maturity and credit quality—account for most of the average return differences in diversified bond portfolios. Long-term bonds and lower-quality corporate bonds typically offer higher average yields to compensate investors for taking more risk. But keep in mind that these [...]
Continue Reading →By James T. Barker, ChFC, CLU _______________________________________________________
Choosing a basic stock-bond mix is an important first step in portfolio design. Although the decision may appear simple, it can have a profound impact on your wealth.
All investors face two important decisions; deciding how much risk to take and then building a portfolio with [...]
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 →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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