Investment Planning

Ever feel like your investment portfolio is a tangled mess of fishing lines? You've got some stocks here, a mutual fund there, maybe some crypto on an app... but how does it all actually work together to get you where you want to go financially? That, my friends, is where asset allocation, the unsung hero of smart investing,...

"Michael, is the 60/40 asset allocation model portfolio dead?" After 25+ years helping folks untangle their finances, I swear, I hear that question more now than ever before. And you know what? It’s fair. We all felt that gut punch in 2022. And again in April 2025. That old reliable...

Ever get that hot stock tip? The one whispered at a BBQ or hyped on a flashy financial show. That "sure thing" destined to rocket? We all have. It's exciting! It feels like real investing. But let me ask you something I've asked countless clients over my 25+ years:...

Alright, let's talk real estate investing. Maybe you're scrolling Zillow dreaming of rental income streams, or perhaps the stock market's recent gyrations have you craving assets you can actually see. I get it. In my 25+ years advising families on their finances, I've witnessed firsthand how smart real estate moves...

What Is The Difference Between Asset Allocation And Diversification? Alright, let's cut right to it. If you hang around the investment world long enough, you’ll hear the same old debate, framed like a prizefight: Is it better to nail your overall asset allocation – the big-picture mix of stocks, bonds, etc. Or...

Ah, market timing. It's the siren song of investing – that seductive whisper promising you can effortlessly buy low, sell high, and sidestep every market dip perfectly. Everyone feels the pull, especially when headlines scream volatility. But after spending nearly 30 years advising clients. And seeing firsthand what works and...

Ever heard the saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"? That's the core idea behind Modern Portfolio Theory Calculators (MPT), but with a lot more math. MPT, developed by Nobel laureate Harry Markowitz in 1952, is a framework for building investment portfolios. It's not about picking individual...

Market volatility is a constant. In my near 30 years as a financial planner, I’ve guided clients through the dot-com bubble's euphoria, the 2008 financial crisis's panic, and today’s AI-driven frenzy. In these times of uncertainty, I always return to one indispensable resource: The Essays of Warren Buffett: (amazon)...

Ever glanced at your compensation statement, seen terms like "RSU Deferral Election," and felt a wave of confusion? Think you're alone? Equity compensation is a minefield of complexity. And I've seen way too many wrong moves with your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) lead to a massive, unexpected tax bill. As a...

Imagine securing an investment that's as solid as Uncle Sam's handshake, designed to outpace inflation, and shields your earnings from state and local taxes. That's exactly what U.S. Series I Savings Bonds offer—stability, growth, and peace of mind. Are you tired of watching your savings lose value due to rising...