Market Whodunit
The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient: Warren Buffett.

After several years of rising prices and unusually low market volatility, the stock market and parts of the bond market have suddenly given way to a correction. After declining 6% in the last month, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 5.8% so far in 2015, and 1% in the last twelve months. 

The market has been brutal over the last few days as concerns over China, fed rate hikes, and commodity weakness have invoked worries that haven’t been felt so acutely since the financial crisis. Yet, as one of my colleagues said recently, the market drop is as surprising as a hurricane hitting North Carolina!

Pardon the pun, but diversified portfolios have slipped in the last few months on oil. Moderate returns in the broad US stocks indexes have been pinched on one side by negative results in the bond market, and on the other by a retreat in international, emerging markets stocks and commodities, primarily oil. 

Higher yields than cash, with low volatility and principal protection

Question: What are stable-value funds? Are they like money market funds with higher yields?

Money can create the potential for disagreement among all couples.  Here is a great checklist to place and keep you both on the same page: 

The famous marshmallow test conducted in the 1960's showed that we have a hard time resisting instant gratification, even if we know that delaying gratification would lead to an even bigger reward. This, in short, is what makes investing and managing businesses so hard. Success requires many qualities, but conviction, discipline and thinking long-term must rank near the top....

Market Volatility Returns: Fireworks in Greece and China

Investors are rightfully concerned about events in China and Greece, but don’t let a Trojan Horse through the gates that secure a well-founded investment plan and a properly diversified portfolio.

What is a Stable Value Fund?
“Stable value funds are capital preservation investment options available in 401(k) plans and other types of savings plans. 

Be honest: How often do you really think about your retirement savings? Or maybe the better question is: How often do you actually do something to grow that nest egg?

These two basic concepts are key to having a successful financial future. 

This month's participant letter provides an update on the plan's investments so far this year, and Bruce Thompson talks about some risks to be aware of...

Have you seen your plan’s new web center yet?  Take a look and browse through it to get familiar.

Confused about debit cards vs. credit cards?  Wondering which is best for you?  Debit or Credit...

Unsure whether to buy or lease your next car?  Click here for guidance...  Buy vs Lease

Asset allocation -- the mix of cash, bonds and stocks in a portfolio -- determines the spectrum of returns you will experience. Here's a great insight from Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard...

This interview with Dan Fuss, who has managed Loomis Bond Institutional to a 9.7% annual return since opening it 24 years ago, appeared in Forbes, May 25, 2015 issue.

Looking for an unbiased source of knowledge for expanding financial literacy for you, your children, your grandchildren?  

Your portfolio gains exposure to emerging markets through mutual fund investments. This article by Burton Malkiel of Princeton covers the fundamental reasons for including emerging markets funds in a well diversified portfolio...

Einstein called compounding the most powerful force in the universe. Find out why starting now is a good idea!

The value added through efficient tax management of investments.