Entries by Amanda Hale

How to Choose Between Lump Sum or Pension Payments

Historically, pension plans were the go-to retirement option offered by employers until the 1980s. However, times have changed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of March 2022, pension plans are offered in only 15% of the private industry workforce.  While defined contribution plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s, have taken center stage […]

How to Save Thousands with Roth Conversions

Converting some of your pretax retirement account to a Roth IRA is a commonly discussed topic.  While there are many schools of thought around this topic, we believe there are certain times where it is optimal for clients to consider doing this conversion.  Today, we want to explore specific situations where clients could benefit from […]

How Much to have in Emergency Savings?

When planning your finances, it’s important to think about emergency savings, which means having money set aside for unexpected situations. People handle this differently – some save a lot while others live paycheck to paycheck. But there’s a middle ground that’s smart. An emergency fund helps when things go wrong, like losing your income. It’s […]

Visualizing the Significance of Diversification

The concept of diversification is ingrained in the world of investing, often accompanied by the age-old adage of not placing all one’s assets in a single basket. The Investment Returns Quilt consistently emerges to underscore this fundamental principle. These visual aids paint a clear picture of why diversification remains a pillar in investing. Crafted by […]

The Hot Hand Fallacy in Investing

Investing in the stock market is an endeavor filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. Investors often seek out winning streaks, hoping to capitalize on past successes and achieve substantial returns. However, this mindset can lead to the well-known “Hot Hand Fallacy.” This cognitive bias revolves around the mistaken belief that past success in investing will guarantee […]

On the Street Monthly – US Dollar vs the S&P 500

One of the prominent headlines in 2022 revolved around the strength of the US Dollar. Barrons’ October 2022 cover even featured George Washington flexing, emphasizing the greenback’s dominance at the time. However, shortly after the publication, a reversal occurred, with the dollar’s strength fading while the SP 500 started its march higher. Since the Barrons’ […]