Insights

Fourth Quarter 2014|Jim Williams| As we age, we experience a constant and continuous and increasing series of losses. Some of the losses, like loss of a parent or sibling or a spouse, are substantial and significant. Some losses are pretty minor, but in aggregate, become substantial. Gradual loss of physical strength and endurance, loss of recuperative powers, and lower energy levels are minor on a daily basis, but cumulatively represent fairly large transitions. Each of us can formulate his or her own approach to dealing with aging. This can run the gamut from denial to acceptance, from passivity to frantic exercise; from withdrawal to energetic engagement. I think a large part of how we approach aging is based on how we frame and understand the aging process.

Second Quarter 2010|Jim Williams| I’ve been quite busy over the last three months attending to the affairs of my Uncle Frank who died in April. This has been quite a learning experience for someone who holds themselves out as a planner and who advises clients on matters of estate planning and preparation.

Fourth Quarter 2008|Jim Williams| We are all economists these days. We try to consider whether the proposed stimulus will be good or bad for ourselves and/or for the country. What to do about market uncertainties. How do we manage our own affairs in these times that seem to be so worrisome?

Second Quarter 2006|Jim Williams| I frequently find myself in conversations about young people and money. Usually a large component of the conversation deals with teaching responsibility with money and preparing young people to handle money appropriately and prudently.

Fourth Quarter 2005|Jim Williams| Identity theft continues to be a significant threat to financial peace of mind. High tech schemes continue to proliferate. Reduce these risks by the following:

First Quarter 2005|Jim Williams| Last quarter I aired some of my misgivings about the personal accounts proposal for Social Security system. My greatest concerns center around the potential for poor decisions, mischief and abuse. I expressed concern about the potential for government intrusion into the fundamental capital market decisions. These concerns remain, but I think they are outweighed by the potential benefits of private accounts.