For this month’s Reality Check, we wanted to discuss how one should deal with all of the events that are being highlighted by the financial media as the drivers of the markets decline.

While increased volatility in the capital markets is not pleasant, with a longer-term focus, this volatility is just noise. The best strategy is to tune out the noise from the many sources that are influencing you to react. Planning, combined with a disciplined strategy, is the best way to chart an appropriate course to help you create a comfortable income that you will likely not outlive, while helping you to accomplish your long term financial goals.

​If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please don't hesitate to  contact us.

For this month’s Reality Check, we wanted to discuss the topic which has recently highlighted in the financial media – inflation.
 
Here is what we don’t and can’t know:

1. An acceleration in inflation is a distinct possibility as the economy continues roars back – particularly given another jolt of stimulus.
2. We don’t know for sure that it will happen, when it may happen, nor the extent to which it may go on before the Fed steps in and acts to stabilize it.
3. Nor can we be sure how (or even if) the equity market will react.  

 
Here is what we do know:

1. We know your goals and the plan designed to achieve your goals.
2. We know that the true risk in investing is not loss of principle, rather it is the loss of purchasing power due to inflation.
3. We know that the only way to eliminate this risk is through the utilization of equities.

 
Our approach has always been: first set goals, then make a plan, then fund an appropriate portfolio. If your long-term goals have not changed, then we always strongly recommend not changing your plan, which in turn leads us to recommend not tinkering with your long-term portfolio. 

​If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please don't hesitate to  contact us.

​For this month’s Reality Check, we are revisiting a chart that we recently shared in our Quarterly Newsletter. We felt that it was worth another view to keep you disciplined and focused on the long-term regardless of the outcome of the election. 

​If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please don't hesitate to  contact us.

As we continue to deal with the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we have started to see a sense of calm settle across the global markets. You may be asking yourself: “Will this last?”, “What if there is a second spike?” or “What if the market crashes again?” These questions are valid; however, they all deal with the unknowable.

In our May Reality Check, we offer a glimpse at our true value to our clients. We are here to help you navigate the unknowable and avoid those costly mistakes along your journey throughout life.

​If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please don't hesitate to  contact us.

In this month’s Reality Check, we revisit another sketch by Carl Richards.  If you couldn’t tell by now, I am an avid fan of his work.  If you are interested in learning more about him, please don’t hesitate to check him out at https://behaviorgap.com/.  This sketch, like most of his sketches, is driven by a specific topic; this one happens to focus on portfolio design, which also happens to be its title. 
 
As a Certified Financial Planner TM, goal-focused planning is second nature to me as it is at the center of what I do for you. It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the unsolicited advice that tends to focus on how you should invest, rather than why you should invest.  In our experience, a purposely driven plan is going to give you the best chance at achieving your goals throughout your lifetime. 

If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please don't hesitate to  contact us.