fix your financesWellness. It's not just about your waistline any more... Researchers have long known that financial stress can take a toll on physical health. The American Psychological Association says that "for people coping with existing health problems, financial and interpersonal stress can exacerbate their conditions." Now a new survey finds that sticking to financial resolutions helps people stick to fitness goals. TD Bank surveyed 1,444 American adults about their New Year's resolutions and found that 80% made health-related resolutions and 69% set financial goals. The respondents who were satisfied with their current financial condition were more likely to stick to their … [Read more...]
The Stock Market Correction of 2015
Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence Investors were in sell mode ahead of the weekend, and again on Monday, as the major US stock markets sold off substantial amounts and officially entered the technical definition of a market correction (which means dropping 10% from the stock market's previous high water mark). This was the first stock market correction in just over 1,450 trading days, and most of the investment community felt it was long overdue. What caused the recent sell off? Mostly, the reason has been continued poor domestic economic data around lower oil and other commodity prices, and the news that China's economy is most likely slowing faster than the Chinese government would … [Read more...]
Leaving A Different Kind Of Legacy
As you prepare your estate documents, along with the usual gifts of personal property and financial assets, there is another bequest you may consider that can be just a valuable. One of the most loving gifts you can give to your family is a clear and comprehensive written “Legacy”; specifically a life’s narrative to be handed down through the generations. When you share the story of your life, you open a window to past events and make them real for your children and grandchildren. Those who hear your stories gain a sense of continuity and knowledge about where they “fit in”. Stories provide a sense of history and roots, and they transmit your values. There are more than six billion … [Read more...]
Stretch Your Retirement Nest Egg So It Lasts as Long as You
During the month of May, Vermillion Financial Advisors work with their clients to review their retirement goals and work to make sure their retirement plans are on track. We would like to provide you, our readers, with an article to supplement your retirement planning process! Americans are living longer than ever before, with an average lifespan that, according to U.S. government figures, has increased from 73.7 years in 1980 to 78.3 in 2010 and a projected 79.5 by 2020. While that means more time to enjoy life, it also presents a dilemma: How are we going to make sure our money lasts a lifetime so we can keep living the lifestyle in which we're accustomed, whether we live until 70, 80, … [Read more...]
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell?
how do you know when it's time to sellIn April, Vermillion Financial Advisors review their clients' investment portfolios and their financial objectives. To supplement this work, VFA has chosen to provide you, our readers, with an article to provide more insight into your investments. Most investors have a process for purchasing an investment. It usually involves performing research, comparing similar investments or investment types, and considering a number of more personal factors, including time horizon, risk tolerance and goals. Few investors, however, have a tried-and-true process for selling an investment. Yet knowing when to sell can be every bit as important as knowing what to … [Read more...]
Three-Step Retirement Plan Tune-Up
Even if your personal outlook hasn't changed, keep in mind that uneven returns provided by different investments may have caused your portfolio to shift from your intended asset allocation. Conducting an annual review of your retirement goals and strategy is a great way to help ensure that your plans for your financial future remain realistic and on track. With that in mind, taking the three easy steps outlined below will help you conduct your retirement tune-up. Step 1: Review your retirement goals Your first step should be to review your retirement savings goals and assess whether anything significant has occurred during the past year that might affect either your … [Read more...]
Investing Through Life’s Stages
investing through life's stages Investing is a lifelong process. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be in the long run. It's best to start saving and investing as soon as you start earning money, even if it's only $10 a paycheck. The discipline and skills you learn will benefit you for the rest of your life. But no matter how old you are when you start thinking seriously about saving and investing, it's never too late to begin. The first part of a successful lifelong investment strategy is disciplined savings habits. Regardless of whether you are saving for retirement, a new house, or just that extravagant dining room set, you will need to develop rigid savings habits. Regular … [Read more...]
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