What do presidential elections mean for your portfolio? Should you change your investing strategy based on who wins? Elections bring a lot of noise, and I wanted to dispel some… The post Elections Myths appeared first on Bertram Financial ..read more

As a parent, I recently talked with my son about the importance of consequences. If you don’t complete your schoolwork, no treat after school. It’s a simple but powerful lesson… The post The Fed Move, Election Implications, and More appeared first on Bertram Financial ..read more

April Friday Focus: Upcoming Election and Your Retirement   As election season approaches, many find themselves facing uncertainty about how political events will impact their financial well-being and their retirement.… The post April Friday Focus: Upcoming Election and Your Retirement appeared first on Bertram Financial ..read more

  As you approach retirement, a significant shift in mindset and strategy becomes essential. This transition, which I like to call the “retirement shift,” involves changing how you manage your investments and finances. It’s a critical period that requires careful planning and adjustment to ensure a smooth transition from accumulating assets to distributing them. The Accumulation Phase When you’re in the early stages of your career, your primary focus is on building your wealth. This often involves investing in mutual funds, no-load funds, or index funds that provide growth opportunities ..read more

  Pulling the Curtain on Financial Advisors What is a financial advisor? Who are financial advisors? Are financial advisors important especially in today’s world with robo investing and online platforms? What exactly do financial advisors do, and why are they essential? Join me as we unravel the intricacies of this profession, exploring different licenses, fee structures, and how to find the right advisor for your needs. Understanding the Broad Spectrum of Financial Advisors: The term “financial advisor” encompasses a wide array of professionals, each with varying specialties and qualifi ..read more

  In the quest for a conservative investment approach, many investors often turn to bonds as a primary component of their portfolio mix. Traditionally, this strategy has been viewed as a safe haven during times of market volatility. However, recent shifts in the financial landscape have highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the bond market and its complexities. Unlike the stock market, where efficiency is relatively high due to streamlined trading processes and a limited number of ticker symbols, the bond market presents a different scenario. With its sheer size surpassing t ..read more

Today, I’m excited to delve into a topic that’s unique to how we manage accounts as we talk about the rationale behind building our portfolios primarily with individual stocks rather than mutual funds. I’m joined by Guy, our Portfolio Manager, who will shed light on why we opt for this approach and when we consider incorporating ETFs into the mix. Guy kicks things off by emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances between individual stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. While mutual funds and ETFs offer diversification benefits, especially for smaller accounts or within qualified plans ..read more

  As election season approaches, many find themselves facing uncertainty about how political events will impact their financial well-being and their retirement. From market volatility to potential changes in tax policy, the intersection of politics and finance can feel daunting. However, with careful planning and strategic thinking, individuals can navigate these challenges and safeguard their financial future. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key considerations for protecting your finances during election season. Understanding Market Dynamics: One of the most immediate concerns fo ..read more

  Have you ever found yourself questioning the peculiarities of life, such as a snowstorm in April or the curious blend of Easter bunnies with the profound celebration of resurrection? These instances often prompt deeper reflection, urging us to uncover the true essence amidst the distractions. Similarly, in the world of finance, concepts like portfolio diversification and risk assessment can sometimes be obscured by superficial explanations, leaving investors craving for more substantial insights. Delving Deeper into Portfolio Analysis Picture this: you’re sitting down with your financi ..read more

  In the realm of investment management, ensuring the effectiveness of your portfolio strategy is paramount. It’s not just about knowing what funds you hold or their current balances; it’s about understanding the underlying composition and potential risks associated with your investments. This is where portfolio stress testing and risk analysis come into play. Understanding Portfolio Stress Testing and Risk Analysis Portfolio stress testing and risk analysis are essential components of effective portfolio management. These processes involve evaluating your investment portfolio to identif ..read more