Why Diversify?
I tried skeet shooting for the first and only time about 8 years ago. I missed every moving clay target! It got to the point where the instructor put the clay targets on the grass so I could shoot them while they were not moving. Everyone cheered me when I finally hit one (20 […]
The Other Iraq
I just returned from a visit to the Kurdish region of Iraq. While the Kurdish region is close to some troubled areas of Iraq, it is quite distinct and separate from them. Iraqi Kurdistan, as the region is commonly called, is a very safe travel destination if you are a part of a […]
A Note on Recent Market Volatility
I am sure that a lot of you have been inundated by news headlines and media reports related to recent volatility in the stock market. Rather than selecting from a variety of third-party discussion pieces on this matter, I wanted to give you my opinion while reiterating the investment philosophy of my company. A VOICE […]
Your Portfolio’s Honeymoon Phase
Most of us are familiar with the honeymoon phase of a relationship; those first 6 months (or so) when you are positive that you’ve met your handsome prince or your beautiful princess. Then reality kicks in. It is only during periods of adversity that you know for sure whether your Dr. Jekyll is […]
Regarding the Equifax Breach
We are always receiving reminders that the same technologies which make our lives more convenient also expose us to new dangers. The recent Equifax breach is one of those reminders. I wanted to send a note to each of you that underscores how seriously both myself and LPL take the security of your personal […]
Questions We Help Our Clients Answer
There are many ways a financial planner adds value to their relationship with clients. At Gary Alpert & Associates, we are always available for you. Some of the questions we help our clients answer include: 1. Should l refinance my mortgage again? 2. Should l lease or buy a car? 3. Do l need […]
Why I Went to Côte d’Ivoire
A little over a month ago, I traveled to Côte d’Ivoire. Formerly known as Ivory Coast (its name was legally changed to its French translation), it is a country on the west coast of Africa near the equator. That place was hot! In most cities, the daily temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and […]
The Gambler’s Conundrum
You are sitting at the table with a pile of chips in front of you. Airfare is already covered as is your room and a few meals. The excitement of Vegas, Macau or whatever the venue is reverberating through your body and your momentum is unmistakable. You have finally figured out how to crack their […]
Dude, Where’s My Cash Reserve?
Dude, where’s my cash reserve is never a question you should be asking yourself. Having 6 months of expenses in an FDIC insured account is the only way to go. You shouldn’t have any less, but circumstances may cause you to need more. Cherish that cash reserve. Be proud of it and bask in […]
Why I Hate Most Target Date Funds and Other Short Stories
Target date mutual funds provide a one-stop shop for retirement portfolios. The target date is the approximate date when investors plan to start withdrawing their money and you get an asset allocation that is geared to a specific retirement year. It then gradually gets more conservative as you inch towards that target date, a seemingly […]
