Where’s the Beef?
What a Difference a Year Makes! Those who thought the S&P 500 would be the best place to invest in 2016 may have been surprised to find that “the beef” was to be found in many other types of investments last year. Some of the most unloved asset classes recovered well after February with Energy, […]
What Christmas Means for Us
For our kids Christmas is a time to eat lots of sweets, decorate the tree and eagerly await the day when they can receive the presents they most dearly desire. Each year brings new joys and different experiences. Last year, Sydney developed a crisis of confidence with regard to her belief in Santa Claus. We […]
Do you have a loved one with a disability?
Sometimes the government gets things right. Recently, federal legislation has created a new investment vehicle called ‘ABLE Accounts’ (Achieving a Better Life Experience) to help families save for future expenses related the needs of a loved one with a long-term disability. For the first time, eligible individuals will be allowed to establish savings accounts that do not affect […]
Proud to be an American
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall; In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed, For heaven approves of each generous deed. John Dickenson This past weekend, Jennifer and I made the pilgrimage to Bristol to see the Volunteers play against the Hokies in […]
How To Get The Best Answers
The Key is Starting with Great Questions When you read something particularly good, it’s hard not to want to share with everyone. Many ideas are original but sometimes other ideas are just too good not to share. Ben Carlson wrote a particularly good blog last month that I felt I should share with everyone and […]
Freedom and Faith Revisited
The Franklin Family at the base of the Statue of Liberty, Facing the Freedom Tower. Last month, Jennifer and I took the family to New York and Philadelphia, the birthplace of our nation’s independence. We always like to take the kids places to see first-hand what they have been studying in school. Being a part of […]
Laddering versus Chunking
Many times clients come to us to find a better rate than what their bank is offering when a CD is coming due. Sometimes they are looking for the best short term rate because they fear interest rates are going up and want to have the money available sooner rather than later. Other times they […]
Memorial Day – Remembering the Ultimate Sacrifice
Five of Chattanooga’s own gave their lives last year for their country and our community. Memorial Day is a time to recognize those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It’s one of the few federal holidays that everyone is in agreement on: a day set aside to honor the military men and […]
Is a “Back Door” Roth IRA Right for You?
Have you ever known something was right for you and been told you couldn’t have it? It can be pretty frustrating. Many high-income earners, who would like to contribute directly to Roth accounts, cannot do so because of IRS income limits. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for high-earners to reap the benefits associated with […]
7 Reasons for Roth IRAs: Why Not Now?
It’s almost tax time. During April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some Americans, others may benefit by contributing to a Roth IRA that offers no immediate tax break, but has other tax advantages, such as tax-free growth potential and tax-free […]
