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My latest No Load Fund/ETF Tracker has been posted at: http://www.successful-investment.com/newsletter-archive.phpSideways to downward bias had the markets in a retreating mode. Our Trend Tracking Index (TTI) for domestic funds moved lower but still sits +3.75% above its long-term trend line (red) as the chart below shows: The international index eased up as well and currently sits +7.89% above its own …

In my advisor practice, a client brought up the question as to whether he could save some money by referring a relative or friend and have that person’s assets to be considered when management fees are calculated. Here’s how it works. All fee-based investment advisors have a sliding fee schedule for their clients. The higher your portfolio value, the smaller …

While on the subject of annuities this week, here’s another doozey I come across every so often: The IRA Annuity. As you know, an IRA is a tax-deferred investment vehicle and so is an Annuity. In my advisor practice I find that, occasionally, a new client comes aboard and his portfolio contains one of those rarities. If you ask your …

Ok, I admit it—I am biased when it comes to annuities. My generally negative view is not based on my own experiences but those of clients and a good portion of my newsletter readers (even though their preferred investments are no load mutual funds and ETFs). The stories I hear are very similar in that most people I have talked …

My latest No Load Fund/ETF Tracker has been posted at:http://www.successful-investment.com/newsletter-archive.phpA strong rally supported by the Federal Reserve’s action, and a neutral statement, had all major indexes showing signs of life. Our Trend Tracking Index (TTI) for domestic funds moved higher and now sits +4.94% above its long-term trend line (red) as the chart below shows: The international index rallied as …

Lately, I have seen a variety of articles touting the benefits of using target-date funds (also known as Lifestyle or Life-Cycle funds) to reach your retirement goals. One write-up in particular started out by intelligently stating that “low contribution rates could leave investors with a retirement shortfall.” Duh! If I don’t contribute to anything, I’ll be facing some kind of …