If you are like most people, you have the most common type of will, the “I Love You Will.” It says, “I leave all my assets to my spouse, and upon the death of my spouse, our assets go to our lovely children.” This seems straight forward and Read More...
How To Avoid The Fear, Hope and Greed Cycle of Buying Stocks
Most people are generally familiar with the basic rule of investing, which is to buy low and sell high. Yet, few follow this guideline. Why? It is too easy for well-meaning investors to fall victim to their own emotions, thereby succumbing to the Read More...
How Being a Rock and Roll Drummer Prepared Me to be a Financial Planner
Back in the day, I was a professional drummer, playing with such music greats as Bette Midler, Manhattan Transfer, Barry Manilow, Mary of Peter, Paul & Mary, Chuck Berry, Todd Rundgren, Laura Brannigan, Richie Havens, and Felix Cavaliere and Gene Read More...
Buying stocks is like buying shoes
My daughter Kayla is a wonderful blogger and an expert shopper. She recently blogged about her online shoe buying experience. She found a pair of Steve Madden shoes that she really liked on one of the sites she visits periodically. Unfortunately, Read More...
Bonds: Know When to Hold Them, Know When to Walk Away
A client and recent widow sent the following note looking for some financial advice: My husband passed away two years ago. I am now ready to invest the insurance money for income. I was going to buy bonds, but my friends say this is a bad time Read More...
I’m newly divorced or widowed, now what?
Getting divorced or becoming a widow can leave you with the unfamiliar responsibility of managing your finances. The period of time following a major life change can be difficult, confusing and overwhelming. Don’t rush into making any major Read More...
What’s the best way to leave money to my children and grandchildren?
If you want to leave behind a legacy and ensure that your children and grandchildren will be taken care of, there are a number of important factors to consider. The first step is to figure out what you want to do. Ask yourself the question: What Read More...
Strategies to Help Maximize Your Money – Part 1
Volume 1 Issue 1 by Kevin Ellman CFP ® Is it possible to time the market? Do you believe that it is possible for you or your advisor to out-perform the overall market through clever stock selection? Do you believe it is possible to time the market? Read More...
What you don’t know can cost you money
You understand the importance of building sound investments for your future and may even have some investments in place. But, do you know how well you’re doing? Without a centralized plan, the many disadvantages to Scattered Investing Read More...
Exchange Traded Funds – Part 1
In this first of a three part series, Kevin Ellman, CFP® explains why we should know about Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs. When we build client portfolios one of the investment tools we can use are Exchange Traded Funds or ETF’s. ETF’s can offer Read More...
Exchange Traded Funds – Part 2
In this second of a three part series, Kevin Ellman, CFP® explains why we should know about Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs. Generally most index funds are very low cost, ranging between .08% and .70% where the average mutual fund expenses can range Read More...
Exchange Traded Funds – Part 3
In this last of a three part series, Kevin Ellman, CFP® explains why we should know about Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs. As index funds they can be used as part of a passive investment strategy. According to research I reviewed from the CNN money Read More...
How not to become a bag lady
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the prospect of managing your financial future. Many women worry about ultimately being unable to support themselves or their families. While it is both common and reasonable to harbor this fear, it is important to Read More...
How can I take control of my money?
If you want to take control of your money, the first thing you need to do is learn the basics of investing so you can better navigate the financial sphere. Something as “simple” as knowing the difference between a stock and a bond will help you in Read More...
How To Choose A Financial Advisor Part 2
This is part two in our series on how to find the right financial advisor. Many affluent individuals today own multiple businesses, real estate, and investments. The only way to tackle a multifaceted long-term financial project is to have a Read More...
Finding A Financial Advisor Part 1
This is part one in our series on how to find the right financial advisor. The number one reason that most people work with a financial advisor is to help them achieve their financial goals. At the outset, it is helpful to have realistic Read More...
Dividends Part 2
Dividends Part 2 with Kevin Ellman CFP® I have observed over many years that the high-quality, high dividend stocks tend to be less volatile than growth stocks that don’t pay dividends. They can provide more of a steady Eddie kind of income. Read More...
Dollar Cost Averaging
In this article and featured video, Kevin Ellman CFP® discusses the benefits of Dollar Cost Averaging. Most people working today have had some experience with Dollar Cost Averaging or DCA. Basically this technique means that you will invest a Read More...
Dividends Part 1
Dividends Part 1 with Kevin Ellman CFP® I love dividends. I have been a big fan of stock dividends for many, many years. In today's investing climate I think dividends are even more valuable. Most people don't realize that since the 1920s, Read More...