Blog

Deflation Rears Its Ugly Head

August 20, 2010

Our February 19, 2010 blog highlighted an article in the Wall Street Journal that discussed the possibility of a Japanese-style period of deflation in the United States. The article pointed out more...

Managers vs. Markets

July 30, 2010

Proponents of active management believe that skilled managers can outperform the financial markets through security selection, market timing, and other efforts based on prediction. Data suggests active managers do not consistently deliver on this promise, according to research provided by Standard & Poor’s. more...

Oil Spill Insights

June 11, 2010

Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc. has the benefit of serving some clients in the oil and gas industry including one who actually worked on the Deepwater Horizon rig that sank in the explosion. Obtain a unique perspetive on these events in this posting. more...

Five Star Fallacy

June 03, 2010

A recent article on CBS Money Watch illustrates how some investors invest in Moringstar’s Five Star Ranked Funds (the highest Morningstar rating available) only to realize they’re late to the party. more...

Greece Debt

May 26, 2010

There have been more news stories written about Greece in the past month than in the entire 2009 year. No doubt, the Greece debt crisis is the main source of these stories. more...

It Won't Last

April 16, 2010

Long-time watchers of financial markets know that investors are always worrying about one thing or another. What's not often apparent is how quickly those worries are built into prices and how rapidly the narrative changes. more...

2010 Estate Tax Issues

April 08, 2010

The current uncertainty of future estate law makes today a great time to review your estate plan. more...

Recent Market Activity in Perspective

March 26, 2010

The US stock market has taken investors on a bumpy ride in recent years. This volatility has tested investor discipline and prompted some people to question their commitment to equities. While no one knows the future... more...

Europe's Choice: Growth or Safety Net

March 25, 2010

Calls for a European style economic system prevail among many politicians and citizens today. Want to see the future? Read the excellent article posted in the WSJ today, Europe’s Choice: Growth or Safety Net…. more...

Brace for Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Increase

March 12, 2010

When President Bush passed tax cuts in 2003 and 2006, the long-term capital gains rate decreased from 20% to 15% for a specified period of time. We are now approaching the end of those tax cuts this year and are faced with potentially higher capital gains rates than before. more...

One Year after February 2009

March 04, 2010

Close to a year ago from today, the market hit a low point...but no one really knew it. more...

It Didn't Happen

March 03, 2010

Remember in the summer of 2008 where oil hit $145 per barrel on its uninterrupted trek to $200 a barrel? more...

Second Hand News

February 26, 2010

Jim Parker, a Vice President at DFA Australia Limited, shares his thoughts on how reporting done by the media can sometimes distract investors who want to build long-term wealth. more...

Unemployment. Biggest Problem

February 24, 2010

Testifying before Congress today, Fed Chairman Mr. Bernanke confirmed that unemployment is the “biggest problem” facing our economy according to the Wall Street Journal (Bernanke Stresses Need for Low Rates). more...

Rate Hike. Inflation Fighting?

February 19, 2010

The Federal Reserve raised the discount rate by a quarter percent. The US consumer represents 70% of our economy. As long as there is... more...

IRA Contributions - 2009 and 2010

February 12, 2010

The IRA is a great tool to help you secure your financial future. To fully utilize the benefits of an IRA, it is important to make the maximum yearly contributions. There is still time to make a contribution for 2009 if you haven’t already done so and now is also good time to make your 2010 contribution. more...

Day 2: Afternoon TD Ameritrade Speakers

February 05, 2010

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 2 afternoon speakers and sessions. This includes sessions on the psychology of a sale and trying to read client’s minds. more...

Day 2: Morning TD Ameritrade Speakers

February 05, 2010

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 2 morning speakers and sessions. This includes a conversation with Terry Bradshaw and session on “dark pools”. more...

Day 1: Recap of Morning TD Ameritrade Speakers

February 04, 2010

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 1 morning speakers. Most notably, President George W. Bush (43) and President Bill Clinton (42) shared the stage to offer insights and answer questions. more...

Day 1: Recap of Afternoon TD Ameritrade Speakers

February 04, 2010

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 1 afternoon speakers and sessions. This includes a panel discussion with three large mutual fund managers and an update from the TD Bank president. more...

Roth IRA Conversions

December 01, 2009

There is a window of opportunity approaching next year that may offer you the chance to fund a Roth IRA that has been previously out of reach. This could be the only chance for many investors to make substantial changes to the tax status of their investments. more...

Required Minimum Distributions Postponed This Year

November 17, 2009

Many seniors are discovering that a new law titled The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 waives the Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for 2009. Investors who are aged 70 ½ or older are not required to withdraw money from their IRAs. more...

How to Check Out your Financial Advisor

November 03, 2009

Bernie Madoff had it all. Besides stellar returns in his managed fund, posh lifestyle in New York City, and famed reputation, above all, his clients trusted him. Trust is something that comes as a result of performing smaller services well or from respected individuals. more...