In Plus episode 449, we answer a member's question about retaining an investment advisor. We compare bank-offered money market accounts and money market mutual funds. We review what repurchase agreements are and discuss at what point the Federal Reserve will need to stop allowing its bond holdings to mature as part of quantitative easing. … [Read more...]
421 Plus: Follow Up to Hiring an Investment Advisor and DoubleLine’s New Bond ETF
In Plus episode 421, we revisit a situation from Episode 389 in which a member was interviewing investment advisors to see what he decided to do. We also compare DoubleLine's new DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond ETF (DBND) to other ETFs and mutual funds the firm offers. … [Read more...]
398: When Should You Hire An Investment Advisor? Two Case Studies
We analyze two listeners' portfolios. One who is close to retirement and considering hiring an outside money manager. The second is 45 and just sold a business and is trying to decide whether to fire Schwab's robo-advisor service and manage his portfolio on his own. Topics covered include: What elements are part of a financial planWhat to consider when researching an investment advisorWhat is a core-satellite investment approachWhy Schwab was fined $180 million for misleading its … [Read more...]
354 Plus: Advisory Fees, A Mortgage Note Fund and Safe Haven Investing
In Plus Episode 354, we explore how to evaluate an advisor's business model to estimate their firm revenue to see if their fees seem fair. We consider the impact of valuation changes on stock performance. We review a fund that invests in private mortgage notes and promises an 8% preferred return. Finally, we review Mark Spitznagel's new book on safe haven investing. … [Read more...]
340 Plus: Asset Allocation Assumption Update, Ponzi Schemes, and Hiring Investment Advisors
In Plus Episode 340, we review the semiannual expected return and risk update for stocks, income strategies and bonds. We review new tools available for analyzing the model portfolios. We answer a member's question on how to avoid Ponzi schemes and discuss what to consider when hiring investment advisors including hedge fund strategies. … [Read more...]
313 Plus: Advisors for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, Annuities, Trading, and a Commercial Real Estate Update
In Plus episode 313, we assist a member who is seeking an investment advisor. We consider the role of investment-oriented annuities in a portfolio. We answer a member's question about trading. Finally, we review the commercial real estate market as a member who is looking to buy a rental office has not seen prices fall despite the recession and pandemic. … [Read more...]
248: How to Avoid Investment Fraud
Here are precautions we can take to avoid ponzi schemes and not become victim to investment fraud. In this episode you’ll learn: What are sources to determine the background of individuals and firms who are selling investment products and advice.What is the difference between registered investment advisors, registered investment companies and registered securities.How to analyze performance and fees to make sure they are acceptable before we invest.Why we need to be more wary if … [Read more...]
242: Should You Let Warren Buffett Manage Your Money?
Does it make financial sense to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock and let Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger manage your money? We evaluate Berkshire Hathaway's people, investment process and performance to determine what to do. Photo by Mike B. In this episode you’ll learn: How to evaluate a money managers by focusing on people, process and performance. What is Berkshire Hathaway's investment process and who is making the decisions. How has Berkshire Hathaway performed as a money … [Read more...]
212 Plus: Laddered Short-term Treasuries versus Short Term Bond ETF
This week July 14, 2018, we compare investing in a short-term bond ETF versus buying and holding one and two year Treasury bonds. We answer a members question about hiring an outside money manager once he is married. We look at the new U.S. tax law on the price of real estate in New York City. 212 Plus View and Listen To Other Plus Episodes Audio Download Download the audio file Transcript Welcome to Money for the Rest of Us, Plus. This is the companion episode to episode 212. Trade wars … [Read more...]
148: Is Your Financial Advisor Loyal to You?
Why some financial advisors must show undivided loyalty to you while others can have undisclosed conflicts of interest. How to tell the difference. Photo by Matthew Henry In this episode you'll learn: What is the difference between an investment advisor and a financial advisor.What are fiduciaries.Are robo-advisors fiduciaries.Why is the Department of Labor's new fiduciary rule controversial.Things you should ask a financial advisor before hiring him or her. Show Notes Who Is … [Read more...]
