Second Quarter 2011|Jim Williams| We are all being bombarded with concerns about increased debt limit, not increased debt limit, bond rating agency threats, continued federal overspending, and on and on. As much as I assiduously avoid making predictions, I would like to address a few of these concerns.
First Quarter 2011|Jim Williams| Over the last several years, I’ve come to realize and recognize that I’m essentially an optimist. Whether this is by my essential nature or by the force of the professional position I’ve chosen; that of counseling others on investment matters and financial planning, I’m not sure. But I tend to think it is the former.
Fourth Quarter 2010|Jim Williams| You may recall that when Congress enacted the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the act included a requirement that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study the need for regulation of financial planners. Well, the study was just released. Most industry observers believe that the study falls short.
Third Quarter 2010|Jim Williams| The markets we’ve been through over the last three years have left investors uncertain and a bit shell shocked. Our intuition tells us that something has changed since we have just been through something big and ugly.
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.
First Quarter 2010|Jim Williams| Zweig delves into the inner workings of the human brain as decisions about finances and money are processed. This is a fascinating subject.