Sorting Through Social Security
6/6/2013 | 10:13 AM
“ . . . we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, August 14, 1935.
The Social Security Act was signed during the Great Depression almost 80 years ago. Since that time, the demographics of our population have changed dramatically, as has Social Security. When Social Security started, life expectancy was 61 years and full benefits began at age 65 (reduced benefits can begin as early as age 62). Today, life
Eye Surgery and Investing
5/31/2013 | 9:00 AM
Sometimes my eyes glaze over when I have to look at a lot of charts
and graphs. But there’s one I’ve seen recently that is very
eye-opening. It shows that the vast majority of “active” fund
managers fail to beat their benchmarks, and it presents a very
convincing argument for a more passive approach to
investing.
The efficacy of this approach has been demonstrated through rigorous academic research and overwhelming numerical evidence. It suggests that investment success lies along a path of reliably capturing the return of entire markets and asset classes. Day after
Lifeboat Drill
5/24/2013 | 11:00 AM
Many things went wrong when the
Titanic sank on her maiden voyage in 1912.
But perhaps the biggest problem was
lack of a plan. The ship’s architects thought she was unsinkable.
And the crew had no plan for deploying the lifeboats in an orderly
manner. That cost time . . . and lives.
What’s your plan when it comes to deploying your assets into a well-thought-out portfolio of investments? Let’s take a look at some possible strategies that may make for smooth sailing . . .
Foster Group is in the Social Media World
5/15/2013 | 4:01 PM
You keep hearing about it…you know it’s the new buzz word…but what is Social Media exactly and how can anyone use it in the financial services industry? According to Wikipedia, social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. This could include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.
It’s a fast and easy way to communicate with family and friends or even with clients. In the financial industry, you might have seen or heard what could be considered a slow start in the
Target Practice Sometimes is Best Done with Eyes Closed
5/10/2013 | 9:48 AM
The late author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once uttered a famous line suggesting that “if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.”
Although they have some negative connotations, his words actually can be read in a positive light when it comes to investing. Narrowing your sights and considerations while you’re seeking returns is rife with danger. Check out one of investment researcher Larry Swedroe’s
