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Things change. And in the past year, it’s fair to say that things in the financial markets and economy have changed.
The economic story of 2008 will go down in the history books under one heading: awful. Collapsing housing prices. The near-collapse of the banking system. Massive government stimulus plans. Soaring unemployment. A deep and potentially lasting recession.
With all that, we’ve witnessed a dramatic drop in virtually every investment asset class — stocks, bonds, commodities, you name it. So far, things don’t look a whole lot better for 2009.
One of the great mantras of the financial service industry is: “Stay the course.” Variations include: Stick to your discipline. Trust in the long-term returns of the market. Generally speaking, this is good advice. Traditionally, rational markets tend to “revert to the mean,” generating returns that take into account long-term trends... MORE
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| CLICK HERE to get your free copy of our 24-page retirement booklet, “Planning for Retirement – Strategies for Your Life, Your Finances, and Your Future”. In this booklet, you’ll learn more about strategies and options for your future. |
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CLICK HERE for your FREE Financial Review. Because we place such a high priority on mutual trust in our client relationships, we offer this free analysis to help us both decide if we are a good fit. |
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Financial Planning:
Preplanned Funeral
Planning for end of life can be a very emotional experience. As you begin to make plans, consider the following: Be sure to involve your loved ones. Discuss your wishes and desires that you... MORE |
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Tax Planning:
Think of Taxes in Three Filing Cabinets
Taxes can be complex and an overlooked element of a financial plan. Yet, tax planning is critical to long-term financial success. Obviously, your goal is to pay as little tax as... MORE |
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Home & Mortgage Tips:
Bankruptcy
There was a time when bankruptcy was considered a stigma. Filing for bankruptcy was considered shameful: an admission that one could not manage one’s personal finances. Today, the... MORE
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Insurance Insights:
Concerned About Your Future Benefits?
During this difficult economic time, many people have lost their jobs or face the real possibility of unemployment. Something often lost sight of during this turbulent time is that while you may... MORE |
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Investment Management Updates:
REIT Basics
A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns and, in most cases, operates income-producing real estate. Some REITs finance real estate. To be a REIT, a company must... MORE
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Thoughts from Bruce Helmer:
Ten Things Investors Worry About Too Much
1. The Federal Reserve. Will it lower interest rates? Is it focusing more on inflation or deflation? As Bill Murray said in the movie “Meatballs”: “It just doesn’t matter.” 2. Talking heads... MORE |
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Sudoku Puzzle:
When you play sudoku you qualify to win a FREE $25 Gift Card for any participating T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant. This month's puzzle... MORE |
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Upcoming Events:
As most of you know, one of our main goals is to educate our clients and our community. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming seminar... MORE |
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Minnesota: Blaine, Brainerd, Burnsville, Chaska, Edina, Mankato, Oakdale, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Vadnais Heights
Iowa: West Des Moines – North Dakota: Fargo |
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