Blog Site: 2016

Post Election Financial Advice

Global events, such as the intensely divided presidential election that we just lived through, are certain to generate some periods of market volatility of varying lengths in addition to a significant amount of stress. However, we urge financial advisors and investors to retain a few dos and don’ts to help manage post-election anxiety:

Don’t equate risk with volatility. Volatility does not equal risk. Risk is the likelihood that you will not have the money to live the life you want to live. Paper losses are not “risk” and neither are the gyrations of a volatile market. Long term investors have been rewarded by equity markets, but those rewards come at the price of bravery during periods of short-term uncertainty.

Do know your history.

Sep

How To Get A 35% Investor Tax Credit In SC

Maximizing tax credits offered by the IRS and various states around the US is key to maximizing your financial position. There are many types of tax credits available for both individuals and businesses. One of the better ones is for angel investors in the State of SC who invest in a qualified business. Investors can attain up to 35% as a tax credit.

Jun

Brexit and Goldman Sachs Outlook June 2016

There is no silver bullet when it comes to investing or wealth management in general… if there was, we would all be sitting on yachts and most likely not reading this article. However, there needs to be some clarity and calm on the very complex 'Brexit' subject for our US based clientele.

We experienced first hand the creation of Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), Britain's exit from the ERM, the intro of the Euro, and now the exit from the EU (aka "Brexit").

Jun

5 Things To Do Before Retiring

If you are planning to retire in Charleston SC, Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA or Miami FL in the next few years, complete this financial checklist to make sure that you are organized.

1) Set Your Financial Goals

Goals need to be written down and follow the SMART criteria. What get's measured is managed profusely better than something unmeasured. Write down your income goals and your planned anticipated spending goals per month. Start this today.

Jun

7 Things To Know Before Taking Social Security

The Social Security Administration Offices in Charleston South Carolina, Charlotte North Carolina, Miami Florida, Atlanta Georgia and across the USA cannot offer you advice. Before you make any decisions, consider the answers to these seven important questions.

What are Delayed Retirement Credits and how do Delayed Retirement Credits affect my retirement benefit? They are additions to benefits if retirement benefits are delayed beyond full retirement age.

Apr

Economic Outlook - April 2016

After an extremely volatile quarter, the broad equity market indexes ended just about where they started. Risk assets began the year under heavy pressure, with the S&P 500 Index declining more than -10% to a 22-month low on February 11. Concerns over the global growth outlook and the impact of further weakness in crude oil prices weighed on investors, and investor sentiment hit levels of extreme pessimism.

Mar

Understand April 29th 2016 Social Security Deadline

As the April 29th Social Security deadline approaches for the file and suspend strategy, phones have been busy. Not all clients need to act prior to that deadline, however.

The file and suspend and the Restricted Application strategies work in conjunction with one another for a married couple. Someone would need to file and suspend to give the option to his or her spouse to take advantage of the spousal benefit.

Mar

Are Annuities Good Investments?

Annuities are one of the few financial products that allow financial advisors to use the word "guaranteed". There are many types of annuities, but in essence it's a contract between you and an insurance company whereby you hand them some capital, and they agree to protect your money by returning all of the capital at a later date, and or provide you a guaranteed income for life and or a guaranteed death benefit.

Sounds like a good deal, right? The answer is that it really depends.

Feb

Markets Rally in Anticipation of G20 Summit

On this week’s podcast (recorded February 26, 2016), Bill Miller, CIO from Brinker Capital discusses the recent string of positive news, the hopeful outcome following the G20 Summit, and what still remains as cause for concern:

What we like: G20 Summit underway to discuss new policies intended to help support economic growth around the world; Communist party in China soon to meet to discuss five-year plan; stock markets have rallied a bit recently

What we don’t like: Economic data continues to

Jan

5 Days Left To Get Health Insurance in 2016 - Obamacare AEP Ends Sunday

You have 5 days left until Sunday January 31st to get health insurance for 2016.

If you miss this date, you may have to pay a penalty. Register now so that you don't miss the individual health insurance Obamacare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

Avoid the government website healthcare.gov, save time and get better advice from a company like My Health Insurance USA.

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