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The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.
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Author Archives: Peter Kelson
Bond Ladders: A Primer
The one thing that any bond investor should pay attention to—especially right now—is the fluctuations in fixed-income yields. It can be hard if not impossible to determine when yields will rise and fall, which makes it tough to know when the ideal time is to invest your money. In addition, since many investors typically buy and hold bonds until maturity, choosing the right timing adds another level of complexity and anxiety, given that all your money will be tied up for such a long period of time with one municipality or corporation.
Using an approach like a bond ladder can help minimize those stresses. This approach spreads investment dollars out over time and among various issuers, so that investors aren’t required to chance all their dollars at one moment in hopes of getting their timing and selection just right. read more Read More
A Return to Fundamentals: Part One – Buy What You Know
If you’re like most investors last year’s portfolio losses have not only caused you a great deal of financial strain, but also given you a full measure of doubt about how—and where—to begin to invest again. While it may be tempting to look towards esoteric strategies or follow popular investing gurus and TV personalities to get back on track, we’re confident that the fundamentals—not bells and whistles—are the best way to find investments worthy of your hard-earned dollars. Read More
Rethinking: Traditional Brokerages
As individuals continue to react to the current economic climate and sort out their financial portfolios, one thing has become very clear: traditional investment ideas and practices are no longer driving our decisions. It’s time to rethink our strategies. Read More
Rethinking: FDIC Insurance
While benefits of FDIC insurance can be debated, especially in this economic climate, insurance on certificates of deposit (CD) and bank accounts provides needed relief to the individual investor. Created in 1933 in response to the bank losses suffered during the Great Depression, FDIC insurance guarantees individuals’ bank deposits, currently up to $250,000 for each deposit in a single bank. Today, an individual can use the insurance to buy a CD knowing that their money is protected up to $250,000 until December 2013.
In addition to bank deposits, FDIC insurance carries over to some of the more conservative investment options as well. Read More
