As an avid fan of Carl Richards, his sketches accompany this month's commentary.  Carl has a unique skill of simplifying some of the most complex topics with just a few strokes of his sharpie. Learn more about Carl's work and insight at https://behaviorgap.com/.

If you have more questions about this topic, please contact us.

Each quarter, we put together a newsletter that provides updates on the firm, insights to investing and a market review of the previous quarter. The Image preview above is the cover of the document.

If you would like to receive a full digital copy please contact us.

Each quarter, we put together a newsletter that provides updates on the firm, insights to investing and a market review of the previous quarter. The Image preview above is the cover of the document.

If you would like to receive the full digital copy please contact us.

Please keep in mind that that the deadline for making your 2015 IRA Contributions is April 15, 2016.

The contribution limit for 2015 is $5,500. If you are over 50 years old however, you are able to participate in the catch-up provision. This provision allows you to contribute an additional $1,000,  bringing you total contribution limit to $6,500.

Contact your adviser today if you have any questions about your annual contribution.

In light of the upcoming March Madness that will soon take over the sports world, Dave Butler, a vice president at Dimensional,  explains the power of routine in responding to pressure and offers a sports-related example to help investors apply discipline in a stressful market.

Click the image to read the full article.

"The same lessons apply to the seasoned investor.  A chaotic market is akin to what the visiting team experiences in a gym, where opposing fans and players are doing everything possible to distract you.  You stay focused on a routine burned into your nature through coaching and repetitive practice.

The components of the seasoned investor’s routine are similar: the investment policy statement, the regular review of family goals and liquidity needs, and the regular calls an advisor makes during good and bad markets. These and other actions are all part of the process developed to summon that muscle memory needed in stressful times. Just as the great athlete navigates through the moments of pressure in any athletic event, the actions are part of the routine that allows the individual to navigate through a chaotic market like we have today. "

As a lifelong player and fan of basketball, this metaphor couldn't be more true.  The routine can be attributed to the process that you take when investing.  Focusing on the "routine" in this case will help you maintain your discipline during volatile markets.  As you can imagine, your advisor is your coach and will help you stay disciplined during these times.