Investing

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Focus on the Big Picture

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Focus on the Big Picture

Market volatility can make anyone nervous, especially in our always-on, 24/7 news cycle.

When some of our more experienced team members were first starting out in finance, average investors typically checked in on their accounts once or twice a quarter when their custodians sent paper statements. As for the Dow Jones and S&P 500, you'd usually see two numbers every day: one on the morning news and another in the evening. Today, watching your nest egg fluctuate in real time while social media and cable news shout a steady stream of panic can make it feel like your financial plan is living and dying moment by moment.

Our Life-Centered Planning process always considers all the available data that could impact you and your money. But we also take in a much wider view of the markets, your plan, and your goals for the future. You can see that same big picture if you unplug, step back, and focus on three important investing principles.

Keep Politics Out of Your Portfolio

Keep Politics Out of Your Portfolio

The U.S. Presidential election is dominating news cycles, and as an investor, it’s easy to let political fervor influence your investment decisions. However, maintaining a clear boundary between politics and your portfolio is crucial for long-term financial success. Here are several strategies to help you navigate election years without letting politics sway your thinking.

Are You Following the Financial Herd?

Are You Following the Financial Herd?

Herd mentality is the tendency to follow the actions of a larger group, even when those actions might not be in one's best interest. When it comes to finances, herd mentality can have significant implications for your investments and retirement planning. The first step to avoiding this common bias is understanding its prevalence. Second, is identifying specific ways to curb the behavior. 

So why do we follow the herd and how can we avoid it?