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In turning to an alternative investment strategy, it’s essential to understand that it works best if it is tailored to the investor’s personal circumstances. It’s also critical to understand that investment in some of these assets should be made with consideration for an investor’s tax bracket, cash flow needs, risk tolerance, and time horizon requirements.

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You might not have any plans to borrow money once you reach retirement, but circumstances can change. You might need extra funds to cover a major home repair or medical crisis. You might discover a new activity to pursue, such as starting a business or helping a family member with an opportunity. Or, you may want to refinance or purchase a second home. The challenge for retirees is that it can be much more nuanced and problematic to secure a loan once you have left the workforce and no longer have a steady stream of income.

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Including asset classes in a portfolio that have low correlations to stocks is a great way to reduce portfolio volatility. Unfortunately, most traditional assets such as various equity segments, lower quality bonds, and even public real estate are more closely correlated with stocks than most people think. 

Private nontraded real estate funds have historically low correlations to both stocks and fixed income while providing exposure to the third-largest asset class after stocks and bonds, commercial real estate. Historically, commercial real estate has been one of the primary ways large institutional investors have diversified their portfolios. Now these alternative investments are becoming more widely available to retail investors.

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Family-owned businesses are often formed with the intent of passing ownership of the company to the next generation and beyond. However, the evolution of the family structure in today’s society could present some challenges for owners who want to ensure those who follow, share the same family values and business ambitions. As family units become more splintered through second and third marriages or children with different interests or values, it’s less certain that the business will end up in the right hands. 

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In the words of Ben Graham, arguably one of the most successful investors of all time, "The investor's chief problem – even his worst enemy – is likely to be himself." As Graham and decades of research have uncovered, most investors fall victim to their own emotional and irrational behavior based largely on the short-term outcomes of their investment decisions. The failure to adhere to a long-term strategy steeped in sound principles and practices results in a haphazard approach to investing that invariably leads to costly mistakes. 

Here are the most common blunders we often see investors make.

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The most significant fear most people have as they plan for their retirement is outliving their income. Though seven in ten workers say they have confidence in the planning they’ve done to live comfortably in retirement, many may not be prepared for certain risks that could threaten their lifetime income sufficiency.

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From their first steps to their first apartment, you’ve been there to support your children through life’s many ups and downs. Naturally, you have and always will want what is best for them. Sharing your wealth with them once you are gone, then, will be no different.

Traditionally, parents plan to share their wealth by leaving their children an inheritance. That is, assets are bequeathed and shared after the parents’ passing. But, should an inheritance strictly be just that? What if you could enjoy seeing your children receive and utilize parts of their inheritance while you are still alive? Read the full article...

If your employer retirement plan gives you a choice to contribute to a traditional 401k plan or a Roth 401k plan, which do you choose? While contributing to any retirement plan is a big step in the right direction, there may be significant advantages in choosing one type of plan over another—or participating in both. That choice mainly comes down to your current financial circumstances as well as your outlook for the future. Here are some key considerations when deciding between a traditional 401k plan and a Roth 401k plan. Read the full article...

Most people are familiar with physical atrophy, which is defined as a deterioration, wasting away, or reduction caused by non-use. But, this same concept of "atrophy" can be applied to your financial confidence, as well. Specifically, in the planning you have already done with your financial advisor. Read the full article...

Have you ever needed cash but didn’t want to sell any of your investments and have to pay taxes? A securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) could be a good solution.

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