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Ultra-High Net Worth Wealth Management: A Legacy Playbook (Michael Ryan’s Take)

Managing serious wealth, the kind that spans generations, isn't about chasing trendy stocks. It's about building something that survives economic hurricanes. This requires a deep understanding of asset allocation, diversification, and risk management. For those looking to create a solid financial foundation, knowing how to save $2 million quickly...

Why Time in The Market Beats Timing The Market? 2026 ‘Behavioral Armor’ You Need

Imagine leaving an 8.48% return on the table last year simply because of when you invested, not what you invested in. For many, that was the reality. Are you one of them?  I'm Michael Ryan, and for almost 3 decades as a financial planner, I've helped folks navigate these tricky markets. This latest DALBAR QAIB report? It’s...

Asset Allocation Guide: Michael Ryan Money’s Blueprint for Smart Investing

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,...

Beyond 60/40: Choosing the Right Asset Allocation Model in Today’s Market

"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...

Active Asset Allocation vs. Security Selection Differences: Which Really Drives Your Portfolio Success?

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:...

My Top 5 Real Estate Investing Books for Building Actual Wealth (2025 Update)

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...

Asset Allocation vs Security Selection? Your Asking the Wrong Question About Portfolio Returns

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...

Market Timing vs Asset Allocation: The Proven Strategy for Long-Term Wealth

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

Modern Portfolio Theory Calculator: Maximize Returns, Minimize Risk

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...

The Essays of Warren Buffett: A 30 Year Advisor’s Review for 2026

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)...