My last post, "Nailing Financial Predators," may have left some feeling like an easy mark. But what if we could take our six natural human responses to persuasion and make them work in our favor? Well, we can. Here are some ideas on how to proactively take charge and shoot that inner, sitting duck: 1. Authority - If we respond to the perception that someone has expertise or power over us, it's best to make sure that that reverence is actually warranted before heeding their advice. Read on...
Nailing Financial Predators
“A prize fighter in a corner is told, hit where it hurts. Silver and gold.” - U2* Every time Tony and I have met with prospective clients who have come from traditional brokerage channels (literally, every single time) there is an uncomfortable point in the meeting where they are ashamed at the fact that they received no financial plan; no real coherent diversification strategy to minimize risks; no exit strategy as to when they can jump off the hamster wheel and enjoy the fruits of their Read on...
When the Meter is Running Out on College Planning
Your child is just a few years away from going to college, and the acid in your stomach is churning. You worry if you will have enough; you're mad that you didn't focus on this sooner. Desperation is a dangerous thing. It can cause reckless behavior -- a gambler's mentality of, "Let's try and hit it big!" Of course, anything that can rocket can plummet; that's the way it is with investing. When any goal is short-term (5 years or less), the money needs to remain "safe". You can't afford to Read on...