July 03, 2008

Happy Independence Day: Quoting our Founding Fathers

Some foundational quotes from the Great Fathers of our nation.  Many of the ideas that we espouse, aspire to, attack and fall short in reaching today are already evident at the beginning.  Celebrate our freedom and independence this weekend and have a great holiday!

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth ......

Continue reading "Happy Independence Day: Quoting our Founding Fathers" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:18 PM |

July 01, 2008

What Would a Financial Planner do with a lot of Dough?

Carolyn Gurtz kneads a lot of dough to make her famous Double-Delight
Peanut Butter Cookies. At the 43rd annual Pillsbury Bake-Off, she took home quite a bit of dough, too – a million dollars.

Carolyn, a homemaker from Gaithersburg, Md., captured the grand prize at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas April 15. Her husband, Dennis Gurtz, is a financial planner and member of the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), and he says it’s essential to make investment plans for the $1 million, which is disbursed in 20 annual payments of $50,000.

 

Continue reading "What Would a Financial Planner do with a lot of Dough?" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:26 AM |

Mid-Year Outlook

At the halfway point for the year, we review and update our outlook for key market drivers and market performance for the second half of the year. At the beginning of the year we expected:

  • U.S. stocks will generate a mid double digit total return,
  • Bonds to provide total returns of in the low to mid single digits and
  • Cash equivalents will yield in the low to mid single digits

To read the rest of the article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_Weekly_Commentary_7_1_08.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:11 AM |

June 26, 2008

Financial PLanners Find Clients as Jumpy as the Dow

"...... Since advisers are in the business of marking out a path through the confusion, a little turmoil can actually help business. Anyone can feel like a smart investor during a strong market. Not so in a wobbly one.

'What people want to know now is how to go about making decisions,' said adviser Michael Boone, owner of MWBoone and Associates in Bellevue. "The existing clients hopefully have learned that somewhere along the way. But we are experiencing good demand of people coming in saying, 'I just felt like I was recovering from 2002, and here we are all over again.'"

To see more of this Puget Sound Business Journal article, featuring Michael W. Boone, please click on the link below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/04/28/focus4.html?page=2  

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:33 AM |

June 25, 2008

If You Can’t Sell a Home, Is Renting a Good Idea?

In this increasingly tough economy, people are not only having a tough time selling their homes in slow markets, they’re also having a tough time keeping their jobs. 

That means there are families facing a dangerous squeeze.  For those who have a chance to seek employment in other markets or simply want to move for any reason, they’re facing the prospect of their current home sitting empty while the lender still wants their monthly check.

No wonder why renting seems like a good solution. But before you make that decision, consider the pros and cons.

Continue reading "If You Can’t Sell a Home, Is Renting a Good Idea?" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:47 AM |

June 24, 2008

Weekly Economic Commentary

"Last week's batch of economic data was largely ignored by financial market participants, who were preoccupied with oil prices and another leg down in the perceived fortunes of the financial sector. In short, the incoming data continue to paint a picture of an economy that is slow growth mode - but not a recession, with core inflation in check and ongoing weakness in housing and the non-exporting sectors of the manufacturing economy".

For more of John Canally's Weekly Economic Commentary, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_Economic_Commentary_6_24_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:56 AM |

Investor Taxes and the Stock Market

"We have frequently highlighted the investment implications of this year's elections. One of the ways the election impacts the markets is through the candidates' stances on tax policy. The market impact of the investor tax cuts in 2003 that lowered dividend and capital gains tax to 15% was difficult to discern, given the geopolitical and economic environment at the time, and the impact of the reversal of these provisions may be equally difficult to discern separately from their macro context".....

To see the rest of the LPL article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_Weekly_Commentary_6_24_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:48 AM |

June 19, 2008

Financial Planners: A Guide

"..... By and large most people are paid now as a percentage of assets. If assets drop by 10 percent and you are paid as a percentage of the assets, your income drops by 10 percent," said Michael Boone of MWBoone and Associates in Bellevue."

To see the rest of this Puget Sound Business Journal article featuring Michael W. Boone, please click on the link below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/04/28/focus5.html 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:25 AM |

June 18, 2008

Want to Avoid Medical Debt? Take These Preventative Measures

Medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy in this country – a fact made even more frightening because it is devastating people who actually have health insurance. According to January statistics from the Commonwealth Fund, a non-profit health care action group, more than one in six Americans—or 17.7 percent of the non-elderly population—lived in families spending more than 10 percent of after-tax income on health care in 2004, up from 15.9 percent in 2001.

Continue reading "Want to Avoid Medical Debt? Take These Preventative Measures" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:09 AM |

June 17, 2008

Economic Market and Outlook

To view Lincoln Anderson's most recent Economic Market Outlook, please click on the link below:

www.mwboone.com/blog/Econ_Update_June_16_20081.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:35 AM |

Perception and Reality Collide on the Economy and Inflation........and Reality Wins

Last week, perception met reality on the economy and inflation....and reality won out on both accounts.

  • The date released on the economy last week suggest that contrary to the perception that the consumer is dead and the economy is in recession, the consumer is alive and well and the growth rate of the economy is likely to have accelerated between Q1 and Q2 2008, due to a booming trade sector and suprisingly strong consumer spending.
  • The pre-dominate concern in the financial markets last week was the fear that runaway inflation in the coming months would lead to draconian Fed rate hikes. The reality - is that there has been no discernable spillover of higher commodity and import prices into core inflation in the U.S.

To see the rest of the article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_Weekly_Commentary_6_16_08.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:06 AM |

June 12, 2008

Want to Fight I.D. Theft? Be Careful How You Treat Your Information

Foiling I.D. theft is no longer just a matter of buying a document shredder and keeping track of your receipts – though it helps. I.D. theft evolves every day and according to security experts, net-savvy thieves are getting more efficient about blending their illegal activity on the ground and online. Here are some examples from Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a non-profit group focusing on the latest I.D. theft trends and assistance for victims:

Continue reading "Want to Fight I.D. Theft? Be Careful How You Treat Your Information" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 01:40 PM |

June 10, 2008

Weekly Economic Commentary

"The much anticipated May jobs report sent mixed signals to the economy. While the small decline in the monthly payroll job count is consistent with a mid cycle slowdown, the sharp 0.5 percentage point gain in the unemployment rate suggests that the economy may be in recession.

The other reports released last week for April and May painted a decidedly more upbeat picture of the economy in Q2 2008:"

To see the remaining of this LPL Financial article by John Canally, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/LPL_WeeklyCommentary_6_10_08.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 03:52 PM |

June 05, 2008

How Not To Go Broke If Your Kids Move Back After Graduation

The after-college reality is much different from a generation ago. Two thirds of college graduates owe significant money after graduation. According to the Project on Student Debt, debt levels for graduating seniors with student loans from 1997 to 2007 more than doubled from $9,250 to $19,200 – a 108 percent increase.

Continue reading "How Not To Go Broke If Your Kids Move Back After Graduation" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:07 AM |

June 04, 2008

The Inflation Tipping Point

"The month of May added to the gains of April for stocks as signs of improvement were evident. For the month, Treasury yields rose refelcting better economic growth prospects, credit spreads narrowed as the crisis faded, the dollar strengthened as the U.S. outlook recovers, and the Information Technology sector was the best performer despite soaring oil prices"

To see the rest of this article by Jeff Kleintop, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/Market_Update_June_2_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:46 AM |

June 03, 2008

Lincoln Anderson's thoughts on the Economy

In my view, the seemingly unstoppable rise in energy prices is the biggest problem confronting the U.S. economy and financial markets.   Compared to 1999 when oil prices were low, we are now spending an additional $250 billion per year on imported crude oil.  U.S. households bear the brunt of the burden where total energy price increases (petroleum products, gas, electricity, etc.) have added nearly $400 billion in additional annual consumer costs compared to 1999.  Given that consumer spending, in a good year, increases about $500 billion, this added energy burden is very significant and is slowing real consumer spending sharply.  On the other hand, personal income did rise $681 billion last year.

Continue reading "Lincoln Anderson's thoughts on the Economy" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:26 AM |

May 29, 2008

The Oil Bubble

"In last week's commentary, we noted that the powerful stock market rebound from the low of mid-March was now likely to give way to a volatile, but range-bound summer leading up to election. Last week's performance likely marks the start of this summer of volatility, which is typical of presidential election years. This big contributor to last week's stock market pullback was the sure in oil prices".

To see the rest of Jeff Kleintop's article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_WeeklyCommentary_5_27_08.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:51 AM |

May 27, 2008

What Is Momentum Investing?

Most stocks make some kind of decisive move every year. This move, according to the philosophy behind momentum investing, follows the 80-20 adage: The stocks exhibit about 80% of their movement over 20% of the time. There are always those high flyers that seem to have 1 to 2 years of hyper-performance, but, generally speaking, most stocks have a “burst” of movement during a relatively short period. Fortunately for investors, different stocks seem to move at different times.

Continue reading "What Is Momentum Investing?" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 04:13 PM |

May 23, 2008

Aimée Huff, CFP, CFA, in the Seattle Times

"Aimée Huff, a certified- financial planner and chartered financial analyst with MWBoone and Associates, of Bellevue, is working with Glenn and Laurie Griffin to produce a plan that will allow them to pay for their daughter's college, retire in 10 years and meet the purchase of a new house." 

To see the the rest of these Seattle Times articles that highlight Aimée Huff CFP, CFA, and her work with the Griffin's, please click on the links below: 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004390839_pfmakeover04.html

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004390841_pfmakeoverbar04.html

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:54 AM |

May 22, 2008

My Financial Adviser Is Losing Me Money!

"Don’t lose faith in your planner just because he keeps you invested in a down market. Ask yourself these questions first."

A CNN Money article on answering questions that you may have on investing with a financial advisor during a down market. To see the rest of this article, please click on the link below:

http://finance.yahoo.com/focus-retirement/article/104946/My-Financial-Adviser-Is-Losing-Me-Money?mod=retirement-preparation

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:52 AM |

May 21, 2008

Before the Summer Hurricane and Tornado Season Begins, Develop Your Own Disaster Plan for Home and Business

Here are some key planning ideas that will help you and your family emerge more effectively from any weather-related disaster:

Call your insurance agents. We say agents in case you deal with more than one agent for home, life, health, auto and business coverages. Talk to them about whether they feel your coverage is adequate based on any number of emergency scenarios. If you had a huge medical bill, could you pay your deductible and any uncovered costs out of your own reserve funds? How’s your life insurance for you and your spouse? Is your home insurance based on the highest replacement value figures for your neighborhood? If you are in a designated flood area, is your insurance up to date? While you’re at it, see if your insurance will cover temporary relocation and car replacement if you need it.

Continue reading "Before the Summer Hurricane and Tornado Season Begins, Develop Your Own Disaster Plan for Home and Business" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:24 AM |

May 20, 2008

The Fed is not Printing Money

"A number of economists have been asserting that the Federal Reserve (the Fed) has engaged in a prolonged bout of money creation, creating a "sea of liquidity" tha has been expected for some time to generate a sizable rise in inflation. My problem with these asertions is that I cannot see the sea.

While it is true that broad money measures, notably Money with Zero Maturity (MZM) and Broad Money(M2), have experienced higher growth over the last year or so, the Federal Reserve balance sheet (Reserve Bank Credit), bank reserves plus ....."

 To see the rest of Lincoln Anderson's Market Update, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_LincolnMarketUpdate_May_15_2008.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:24 AM |

May 16, 2008

Inflation Infactuation

"As we have highlighted in recent commentaries, the widely watched challenges such as a sluggish economy, falling home prices, and rising unemployment are all lagging indicators of stock market direction. One of the key factors we are watching to assess the sutainability of the stock market rally over the past couple of months is the outlook for inflation. The year-over-year pace of inflation, excluding energy and food prices, remains in line with the 10 year average and in the middle of the 2-3% range it has been for the past three years".

To see the rest of this Commentary from LPL's Jeff Kleintop, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/lpl_weeklymc_5_15_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 01:19 PM |

May 15, 2008

Weekly Economic Commentary

"Last week's muted data calendar was largely ignored as financial markets fretted about rising oils prices and another leg down for financial firms. On balance the data that was released suggested that first quarter real GDP will be revised up to over 1.0%, from the originally reported +0.6%, and that GDP growth in Q2 2008 is still tracking to the positive side of zero".

To see the rest of this article from LPL's John Canally, please click on the link below:

   http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/lpl_economic_update_5_12_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 12:29 PM |

May 14, 2008

Estate Planning for the Worst Possible Scenario –

The reason why some parents hesitate to make an estate plan is understandable.  It calls into consideration your worst fears – the possibility of your death or your kids facing life without one or the other parent.

Continue reading "Estate Planning for the Worst Possible Scenario –" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:14 PM |

May 08, 2008

A Long-term Care Insurance Primer

As millions of Baby Boomers head into their retirement years, it’s surprising how few actually know that the government provides little more than a few weeks of financial support for home-based or nursing home care when the average person needs it for at least a year.

Continue reading "A Long-term Care Insurance Primer" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 03:24 PM |

May 07, 2008

Economic Statistics failed to Satisfy the Gloom and Doomers

A wide array of statistics and policy actions were reported this week that failed to satisfy the gloom and doomers.  Economic statistics, while weak, are generally not falling off a cliff, and continue to support my view that we can avoid an economy wide recession.  It’s still too early to declare victory over the gloomy ones, but many parts of the economy are looking stable, and in fact, looking up.

Continue reading "Economic Statistics failed to Satisfy the Gloom and Doomers" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:47 AM |

May 01, 2008

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Stop Filling It!

"On April 10th, Senator McCain stated that the Bush Administration should halt oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). He makes a very good point. Over the last eight months..."

To read the rest of  Lincoln Anderson's newest market update, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LincolnAnderson_SPR.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 11:49 AM |

April 30, 2008

Do Stock Prices Rise More Often Than They Fall?

" The Subprime mortgage crisis that began in August of 2007-and a series of other financial sector events that battered stocks for months - will likely be remembered as a very turbulent time for investors. But, there is more than a century of proof that despite periodic downturns in stock prices, ....."

To view the he rest of this article from Oppenheimer, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/Stocks_Oppenheimer.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 12:01 PM |

April 24, 2008

Why do Houses Cost So Much?

This is an article from the Seattle Times discussing one of the reasons why housing prices are so high. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004181704_eicher14.html

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 01:53 PM |

April 23, 2008

Tax Freedom Day® today

America Will Work Three Days Less to Pay Taxes in 2008 than in 2007; Stimulus Rebates Push Date of Celebration Up

Tax Freedom Day® will fall on April 23 in 2008, according to the Tax Foundation's annual calculation using the latest government data on income and taxes. That’s three days earlier than in 2007. Stimulus rebates and a projection of slow growth in 2008 are the principal reasons for the earlier celebration.

Continue reading "Tax Freedom Day® today" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:06 PM |

April 22, 2008

Our Green Roots

So what can a firm that helps people with their finances do to celebrate Earth Day?  Actually, we ask ourselves this question all year around and what follows is what we have come up with.  Maybe it will encourage you as you think through your choices.  Liz and I are avid backpackers and students of the natural world, as are a number of people here in the firm, so environmental issues are very important to us.

Continue reading "Our Green Roots" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:50 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

Cimate Change: Special Report

"Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. This movement can cite some important successes. Environmental efforts established many years ago are paying off with ....... "

To see the rest of this LPL article on how how climate changes affect investors, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/LPL_EarthDay.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 06:43 AM |

April 18, 2008

Northwesterners Using Less Gas

"Residents of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho cut per capita gasoline consumption by 11 percent from 1999 to 2007, or nearly a gallon a week on average, according to a new report by Sightline Institute, a sustainability think tank".

To see the rest of this Puget Sound Business Journal article, please click on the link below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/04/14/daily27.html?f=et80&ana=e_du

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:00 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

April 17, 2008

FDIC Insurance up to $2 million

LPL Insured Cash Account Program - FDIC insurance up to $2 million for joint account holders 


With the recent financial debacle, you may be asking “Is my “safe” money safe?” Where do you save or invest money for liquidity and security?  Many people would reply they use savings accounts, money market accounts and certificate of deposit (CDs) for these purposes.  But is the money truly safe? 

Continue reading "FDIC Insurance up to $2 million" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:10 PM |

April 16, 2008

MWBoone & Associates' Aimée Huff, CFP, CFA on King 5 News

On Friday March 14, 2008, King5 News did a piece on the current market situation and interviewed MWBoone's & Associates own Aimée Huff, CFP, CFA for the piece. Please click on the link below to see the full clip:

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=227257

Continue reading "MWBoone & Associates' Aimée Huff, CFP, CFA on King 5 News" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:40 AM |

April 15, 2008

LPL's Weekly Commentary

LPL's John Canally has put out his weekly economic update. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/WeeklyCommentary_4_14_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:26 AM |

April 11, 2008

Lincoln Anderson's Weekly Update

Well, one of my least favorite days of the year – April 15 – is approaching. So if I sound a little grumpy, it’s because of our looming tax deadline, poor equity performance over the first quarter, market volatility, high oil prices and further revelations of egregious behavior by some big banks and mortgage originators.  The S&P 500 stock price index fell 9.9% over the first quarter, with all 10 sectors down.  Employment also fell over the quarter, with payroll employment down 232,000 and the unemployment rate up slightly to 5.1%.  Does this data signal the onset of a recession?  Possibly, but if so, I continue to expect it will be mild.  The Federal Reserve has been very aggressive with interest rate cuts and really big balance sheet operations to take risk off bank and primary dealer balance sheets.

Continue reading "Lincoln Anderson's Weekly Update" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:12 AM |

April 04, 2008

Prepare for Your Power Years!

 MWBoone & Associates, LLC, presents: Prepare for Your Power Years. This is a workshop that is aimed at helping you learn how to live your dream.

“I have been helping clients for over two decades and this is the best life planning presentation I have seen
                                                                  
                                                                 ~ Michael W. Boone, CFP, CFA

Continue reading "Prepare for Your Power Years!" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 07:01 AM |

Raging Bull: The Technological Sector

There are still many reasons to like Tech, though heightened recession risk warrants some caution. To see these reasons and the rest of the article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/Raging_Bull_3_18_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 06:44 AM |

April 02, 2008

Lincoln Anderson's Economic Update

LPL's Lincoln Anderson has put out another weekly commentary. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/lpl_lincoln_Anderson_4_1_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 03:55 PM |

April 01, 2008

Feeling the Real Estate Freeze, Vacation Homes Might Be a Warm Spot

Many of us have taken a vacation and found an idyllic spot where we’d love to retire, spend the weekend or telecommute. Some people have actually bought property spontaneously while on vacation – and while that’s not always a horrible idea, it is better to have a strategy.

Continue reading "Feeling the Real Estate Freeze, Vacation Homes Might Be a Warm Spot" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:52 AM |

March 31, 2008

LPL Weekly Market Update

Jeff Kleintop, Chief Economic Strategist at LPL Financial has put out a new weekly market update. To view this market piece, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/WeeklyMarketCommentary_3_25_08.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:03 AM |

March 25, 2008

Thank you! Our clients have selected us “Seattle’s Best in Client Satisfaction” again for 2008

Thank you very much to our clients for nominating and selecting us as a 5-Star award winner “Best in Client Satisfaction”, every year since its inception.  The FIVE STAR award is the only award that is based primarily on independently-verified customer satisfaction and only the top 7 percent of professionals are selected for the honor.  Again, thank you to our clients for making this possible!

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:22 AM |

March 20, 2008

LPL's Market Update

LPL's Lincoln Anderson has put out the newest market update, for the week March 18-21. To see this article, please click on the link below: 

http//www.mwboone.com/library/MarketUpdate_3_18_2008.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:47 AM |

March 19, 2008

Most People Don’t Have Enough Disability Insurance ─ Don’t Make That Mistake

Disability insurance protects your ability to earn an income. It provides money to pay your rent, mortgage and all your basic living expenses if you are injured or sick for an extended period. It is called disability Insurance or disability income protection but think of it as income replacement when you are sick or hurt and cannot work. At any age, you are about six times more likely to be disabled for some period of time than to die.

Continue reading "Most People Don’t Have Enough Disability Insurance ─ Don’t Make That Mistake" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:44 AM |

March 14, 2008

Get A Head Start On Tax Planning For 2008

It’s still a month until most of us will file our 2007 tax returns, but it’s a good idea to keep in mind key tax changes that will affect our 2008 returns.  Here are some of the highlights:

Continue reading "Get A Head Start On Tax Planning For 2008" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:49 AM |

March 13, 2008

LPL Lincoln's Anderson Market Update

 I have to say honestly – as I always do – that this sub-prime problem is obviously bigger than I anticipated.  The amount of leverage in “hedge” funds and many of the big banks has caused some serious dislocations.  Also, we have had bad actors – some secondary mortgage companies that have not allowed folks to refinance their first mortgages, primary dealers that have backed away from supporting auction rate securities markets, predatory lenders, etc.  The scope of this problem also caught the Treasury and the Federal Reserve (Fed) by surprise, but they are catching up fast. 

Continue reading "LPL Lincoln's Anderson Market Update" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:36 AM |

Investing for Women Seminar

Are you confident in your ability to achieve financial freedom? Do you have a fear of becoming financially destitute? Are you equipped with the knowledge and skills required to ensure financial security over your lifetime?

Continue reading "Investing for Women Seminar" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:11 AM |

March 07, 2008

Fools Gold: $1000 per ounce

LPL's Lincoln Anderson has a brand new commentary piece on the current price of gold and the reasoning behind the dramatic increase in price. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/Lincoln_Anderson_FoolsGold_3_5_08.pdf.

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:42 PM |

Oil & Gas Partnerships

Have you ever wondered what they are or whether they are an appropriate investment for you?

An oil and gas partnership is a direct investment in exploration and production for energy resources. These investments have minimum net worth and income thresholds, although do not generally require accredited investors. Investors typically receive monthly cash distributions (these are not guaranteed) that will continue as long as there are productive wells, years into the future.

Continue reading "Oil & Gas Partnerships" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:29 AM |

March 06, 2008

It’s Time to Start Thinking About the Estate Tax Again

It’s getting to be the case that virtually any standalone investment product sold to individuals can be repackaged into a mutual fund. It makes a lot of sense – everyone already knows what a mutual fund is, and all that’s left to explain is the objective, availability of capital, specific risks and fees.

Continue reading "It’s Time to Start Thinking About the Estate Tax Again" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:11 AM |

March 05, 2008

LPL's Weekly Update

Your weekly Update on Risks and Opportunities in the financial markets from LPL's Jeff kleintop. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/blog/Market_Update_March_3_2008.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 12:03 PM |

February 29, 2008

Financial To Do List: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

If you are over 65 and enrolled in Medicare, or if your parents (or grandparents) are over 65 and enrolled in Medicare, check on coverage for prescription drugs and make any changes during the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, November 15-December 31, 2007.  (NOTE: if you are over 65, enrolled in Medicare, AND have prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan OR are receiving prescription drug coverage through an employer sponsored retiree health plan, enrolling in Part D may cancel some of your insurance coverage and generally should NOT be done without consulting your current insurance plan.)

Continue reading "Financial To Do List: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 01:51 PM |

LPL Economic Update PowerPoint

Lincoln Anderson's PowerPoint on the current state of the economy. To view the powerpoint, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/Economic_Update_Feb_22_2008.ppt

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 12:57 PM |

February 28, 2008

Stock Market Observations: Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratios -- Check Your Numbers

It is commonly accepted that the P/E (Price Earnings Ratio) is a key metric in evaluating the not only individual stocks but the valuation of the stock market as a whole.

P/E ratios for the US stock market are generally understood to reflect fair valuation when they range between 14 and 20.  Exactly where depends on many factors including interest rates and whether looking at current year, trailing 12-month or forward twelve months.

Continue reading "Stock Market Observations: Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratios -- Check Your Numbers" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 11:02 AM |

February 27, 2008

Lincoln Anderson's Economic Update

  Financial markets continue to be roiled by sub-prime mortgage concerns. And a number of doom and gloom prognosticators are saying we are in a recession or predicting recession. I continue to disagree with these gloomy assessments of the U.S. economy. I am confident we are not in a recession, and I do not expect a recession this year.

Continue reading "Lincoln Anderson's Economic Update" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:05 AM |

February 26, 2008

The Dismal Science -- Economics: Black Swans and the Mortgage Crisis fine’

“A single observation can invalidate a general statement derived from millennia of confirmatory sightings of millions of white swans.  All you need is a single black [one].     

                                  ” From “The Black Swan”
                                   By Nassim Taleb (2007)

The mortgage crisis meets the description of a “black swan”.  Recently, the Wall Street Journal published a description of how one trader (Mr. John Paulson) was able to profit handsomely from betting on this “black swan”.  (January 15, 2008, Trader Made Billions on Subprime).  How handsomely?  Profits of $15 billion in 2007, nearly equal to Citigroup write-offs reported in their December 31 quarterly earnings announcement. 

Continue reading "The Dismal Science -- Economics: Black Swans and the Mortgage Crisis fine’" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:42 AM |

February 22, 2008

Keep Investing: Bad Markets are Better for Investors

There are some very basic things about investing that few people ever seem to fully grasp.  The most obvious is that investing at low prices is better than investing at high prices.  I should be able to end this piece here and let you figure out the implications, but since they seem so little understood I feel compelled to explain some.

Continue reading "Keep Investing: Bad Markets are Better for Investors" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:15 AM |

February 21, 2008

Fears of the Falling US Dollar

 We all know that it is more expensive to fill our gas tanks – did you know that there is also a direct relationship to the lower dollar? Many commodities are priced in U.S. dollars (e.g., gold and oil), which makes these items cheaper for non-U.S. citizens to obtain and makes them more expensive for us to purchase.

Continue reading "Fears of the Falling US Dollar" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 01:23 PM |

February 19, 2008

You May Love Each Other, But Should You Invest Together?

It’s one of the most important questions a couple will face in their relationship but it so rarely gets asked until a relationship is well underway – should we pool or separate our money for investment?

Continue reading "You May Love Each Other, But Should You Invest Together?" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 11:18 AM |

February 15, 2008

When Recession Fears Surface, Check Your Plan – Or Make One

It’s been a wild few weeks on Wall Street. When trading reopened on Tuesday after the Martin Luther King holiday, the Federal Reserve Board responded to world pressure and swooped in with a rate cut to put a floor on Dow losses that were approaching 20 percent since last October. By today, things seemed to be stabilizing.

Continue reading "When Recession Fears Surface, Check Your Plan – Or Make One" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 09:03 AM |

February 14, 2008

When is a Prenup a Great Valentine’s Day Gift? When it’s Time to Remarry

No, it’s not exactly candy and flowers. But for couples attempting another try at marriage, a prenuptial agreement can either set the groundwork for a new and trusting relationship, or a good reason to call it a day.

Continue reading "When is a Prenup a Great Valentine’s Day Gift? When it’s Time to Remarry" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:39 AM |

February 12, 2008

The Next Bubble

LPL's Jeff Kleintop has put out a new market update. To see the article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/lpl_thenextbubble_2_12_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:12 AM |

February 08, 2008

Lincoln Anderson Update for February 8th

Another wild week on Wall Street.  After staging a solid rebound beginning January 23, the Dow and other stock price indexes took a pounding again on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  We are still above the January 22 lows, but not by much.  Rereading this last sentence, I see that my focus has shortened a lot, which tends to happen when stock markets become highly volatile. In my experience, that is when about half of investment mistakes are made.  The other half usually happen when jumping on bandwagons at market peaks with eyes closed.  As one of the great investment gurus, Sir John Templeton, put it – “To buy when others are despondently selling and to sell when others are avidly buying requires the greatest fortitude and pays the greatest reward.”

Continue reading "Lincoln Anderson Update for February 8th" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:08 AM |

February 07, 2008

Raging Bull

LPL's Newest Raging Bull on equity market trends. To see this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/RB_Feb06_2008.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:14 AM |

February 06, 2008

LPL Market Update

LPL has put out a new market update for this current week of February 4th. Please click on the link below to see the article:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/MarketUpdate_Feb_4_2008.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:54 AM |

February 01, 2008

Pay Close Attention to So-Called “Default” Investments

One of the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was to allow companies to automatically enroll their employees in their companies’ 401(k) plans, but it wasn’t until last October that companies got guidance on the categories of investments they had to choose for their workers’ contributions.

Continue reading "Pay Close Attention to So-Called “Default” Investments" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 08:41 AM |

January 30, 2008

New LPL Economic Update

LPL Financial has put out an Economy and Financial Markets piece. To read this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/lpl_economic_update_1_30_08.pdf

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 03:04 PM |

January 25, 2008

Preparing for the Ups and Downs

An Article presented by American Funds describing how volatile markets can affect savings during a person's retirement. This article is coupled with a quarterly statsitical update from American Funds.

To view the American Funds article, please click on the link below:

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/AF_Preparing.pdf 

 

Continue reading "Preparing for the Ups and Downs" »

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 10:48 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

January 24, 2008

Is $100 the Peak? The Geopolitical Origin of $100 Oil

In this article, LPL's Jeff Kleintop writes on why the price of oil hit $100 a barrel and where the price of oil might be in the future. To read this article please click on the link below.

http://www.mwboone.com/library/articles/100barrel.pdf

 

Posted by MWBoone & Associates at 02:50 PM