Wisdom on Wealth

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Question: What’s happening with the downslide in the market price of gold? When can we expect gold’s price to increase?

Answer: The last time I wrote a column addressing the price of gold was 2007. At the time, gold was trading for about $700 an ounce. At this writing, gold is trading for a tad above $1200 an ounce. That’s about 8% growth per year.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, May 30, 2014.

Question: I heard an economist say that 2014 would be a year of very slow growth? If that’s true, what does it say about the stock market?

Answer: Stop trying to aim at a target you can’t see. Doing so usually results in harm to yourself or others.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Question: Can you tell me what really makes for a good financial plan? I’m not really sure what all I should try to plan for. What do most people do?

Answer: What do most people do? Nothing.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Question: I like to consider myself as a positive person. I don’t want to be negative about myself or my future. But when I look around at what’s going on in the world and in our country, it’s hard not be somewhat pessimistic. Is my newfound pessimism justified, or am I just getting to be an old curmudgeon?  

Answer: Curmudgeon? No. Let’s just say you’ve got a case of emerging maturity.

By Mike Jones, posted May 15th, 2014

Most people think of investing as a personal activity that directly impacts their individual future.  However, most of what we are taught is really only applicable to investors en masse, i.e. the market-at-large, and over large periods of time.  Over the next several months I will share 10 points that I believe every investor should know prior to committing funds to any investment program.

I use the Risk/Reward Continuum (pictured below) when discussing or explaining investments and the need for diversification with clients.  It gives a great visual for demonstrating how to spread out risk as well where certain asset classes fall along the continuum.

By Byron Moore, posted May 15th, 2014

Question: I pay a lot of insurance premiums and sometimes I just feel insurance poor. Is that unusual?

Answer:  Sometimes stupid things spoken by clever people can sound very wise.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

Question: I wanted to know your thoughts on the new “myRA” that should be rolling out this year.  I have a 401k with my current employer but really like the idea of principal protection even with the small amount of return.  I'm 33 years old with approximately 30k total in both accounts.  My 401k is set for medium risk with a 3% deposit with 3% match.  Should I be more aggressive?

Answer: You’re asking about whether to throw deep or run it up the middle during the first quarter.