Equifax data breach… Should you be concerned?
Published September 15, 2017 9522 Views
Last week, Equifax—one of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies, reported that hackers stole personal data from an estimated 143 million Americans. The breach lasted from mid-May through July—the hackers accessed people’s names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some cases, driver’s license numbers.
Concerned yet? It can be an overwhelming thought that your information is in the hands of criminals looking to profit at your expense. Here are some steps to consider:
An Exercise in Heresy, and Other Ideas Not Found in Valuation Textbooks
Published June 16, 2017 11372 Views
When talking about early stage company valuations, all opening paragraphs should start out with: it’s really hard. That’s why convertible notes are popular, why Y Combinator created the SAFE, (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and why Draper is creating TATS (Tradable Automatic Term Sheets) effectively letting investors and entrepreneurs get around trying to value things today, and agree to try to figure it out later.
Business Succession: Questions You Need to Ask
Published June 1, 2017 7348 Views
Business succession can be an emotional, financial, and timing issue for business owners. Do you have a business succession plan?
Dividend-Paying Stocks: A Staple for Your Portfolio
Published May 8, 2017 7297 Views
No matter your age or your approach to investing, there is one kind of investment that may be considered for your portfolio: dividend-paying stocks. That’s the opinion of Scott Wren, Managing Director and Senior Global Equity Strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute.
While hardly the sexie...
Benefit of the Doubt
Published April 10, 2017 7505 Views
What comes easy won’t last, and what lasts won’t come easy.” - Unknown
The strong first quarter of 2017 was the third in a row for stock markets. It might even be one of the most idyllic in decades. Not only was the S&P 500 up 5.5%, its daily price volatility was the lowest since the mid 1960’s,...
The Power of Tax-deferred Investing
Published April 6, 2017 6943 Views
With the loss of corporate pensions and concerns about the long-term viability of Social Security, most Americans expect to be personally responsible for funding their retirement to a degree unimaginable just a few generations ago. So the sooner you can start saving and investing, the better your chances for a secure retirement.
Legacy Planning with Retirement Accounts
Published February 23, 2017 7566 Views
The popularity and accessibility of retirement plans has resulted in Americans holding a significant portion of their assets in 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs. For many, these accounts represent the largest portion of their wealth outside of their homes. If you’re like most people you will likely need income from these accounts during retirement, or you may have accumulated sufficient other assets to sustain your lifestyle and wish to preserve your retirement assets for your heirs.
Newest Trend in Scamming: Taxes
Published February 15, 2017 7713 Views
Unfortunately, financial scams and identity theft are not only with credit cards and bank accounts, but they have expanded into taxes. Inevitably there are an unlucky few who are plagued with identity theft at tax time in a variety of ways. It is very important to be aware of phishing schemes and other potential ways that these criminals can get your personal information.
Dow beats 20,000…what about YOU?
Published January 26, 2017 7760 Views
On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average passed a new benchmark: 20,000. This is a milestone investors have been waiting for since the fourth quarter of 2016. This milestone came on the heels of the NASDAQ also crossing its highest level in history on January 24th at 5,600. Now we are within striking distance of the S&P 500 index making history when it hits 2,300. While this is extremely exciting, at least the media thinks so, what does it mean for you?
Keep Calm and Carry On
Published December 8, 2016 7651 Views
The British World War II poster slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” is internationally known by many and is often mistakenly attributed to Winston Churchill. While Churchill, the shrewd Prime Minister, would likely agree he did not actually pen the phrase they are simple words meant to endure the turbulent war times. However, I feel it is appropriate and prudent advice for investors as well.