Lifeboat Drills (Version 2021)
Long-term clients and readers of this newsletter will recall my occasional discussions of “LifeBoat Drills.” Unlike when you board a cruise ship and learn what to do in case of emergency, my LifeBoat Drills focus on what not to do in case of a market emergency.
Read MoreBe Wary of Election Year Narratives
Clearly election season is upon us. How do we know that? Well, of course the Democrats are debating and campaigning in order to secure a presidential nominee. Also, President Trump’s rallies are occurring more frequently in swing states. These are the obvious cues. There are also less obvious cues.
Read MoreWhat’s not important now? What is?
Market volatility has once again made headlines. What's important to know and understand?
Read MoreThe Platform of Confidence
We often talk about the Platform of Confidence that we try to construct for our clients at The Planner’ Edge. By way of review for some readers and a fresh explanation for others, I am going to provide an overview of the elements that (hopefully) comprise your personal Platform of Confidence. Three Fundamental Conditions Let’s begin with an understanding that building and maintaining...
Read MoreLifeboat Drill
“I must state at the outset that I have no idea when the next correction will occur. This piece does not constitute a prediction that the current uptrend is about to end—only that will end. Jeffrey Ross, Serious Money Talks, December 2013 Our December 2013 newsletter raised the topic of Lifeboat Drills, a discussion to help prepare us for the next inevitable correction in the markets. As my...
Read MoreThe Beginning of a Correction?
We have been experiencing increased market volatility since the S&P 500 Index peaked on September 18th with lots of big swings both up and down. We don’t worry too much about big swings to the upside, but the big swings to the downside certainly get our attention. When the market has a string of days with the Dow Jones Average falling 200-300 points, one’s natural tendency is to worry...
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