Investing

10 Commonly-Used Terms for Investment Beginners

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Open Dictionary And Reading GlassesGetting your feet wet in the world of investing can be intimidating. The investment jargon used often sounds like a foreign language. It can be difficult to make decisions about your financial future when you’re trying to remember what some of the technical terms mean.

With that in mind, here is a short list of some commonly-used financial terms. We hope this gives you some background, and confidence, as you enter the world of financial planning.

1. Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

An IRA is a tool to help you save for retirement by setting money aside from your current income. There are different types of IRAs: Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and SEP IRAs. Ask your advisor which plan or plans will work best for you. Some IRAs allow you to make tax-deductible contributions if your income level qualifies. Continue reading →

Tell me about your investment process

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Karlton does an excellent job of summarizing our investment process in the video above. The investment process with us is more than a onetime event, it is an ongoing process.

The process looks like this:

  • Define Goals and Objectives
  • Set Portfolio Expectations
  • Determine Asset Allocations
  • Monitor Investments
  • Review Regularly

We never consider our investment process to be ‘finished.’ Your circumstances change over the years and we will make sure we keep the process going to keep your portfolio on track. We’d love to set up a complimentary consultation for you to come in and learn more about our investment process and SH&J philosophy. Give us a call today at 303.639.5100.  

How do you manage investments?

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Great relationships are formed by taking time to get to know each other. That’s exactly how we start our investment management process with you.

We want to:

  • Learn about who you are
  • Discover your goals
  • Understand your risk tolerance

 

 

As Stephen said in the video, “We know our clients are unique and canned plans just don’t fit.” So once we have gotten to know each other, we begin building a customized portfolio.

Our portfolios typically include:

  • Mutual Funds
  • ETFs
  • Individual Stocks and Bonds

After we have built your portfolio, we continue to monitor your investments. We meet regularly to take a hard look at market trends and the global economy. We work on your portfolios as a team in order to make the best possible decisions with our client’s investments.

As the years go by and circumstances change, we will continue to meet with you to update your goals and make changes to your portfolio. Our goal is to not only have you as a client, but also as a friend.

If you’d like to learn more about our investment management process or our other services, please give us a call at 303.639.5100.

Inside the Economy with SH&J: February 16, 2015

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In this week’s economic discussion, Larry takes us through more details about the Eurozone and Greece, looks at deficits and surpluses from the Congressional Budget Office, gives us some education on U.S. Fiscal Multipliers and ends with a picture of natural gas consumption in Europe. As usual, it is an enlightening discussion and an excellent way to learn about the economy.

Stock Market Recap with Joel Javer, CFP®

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Wall streetVolatility is increasing in the U.S. markets making it more difficult to determine what direction your investments should take in 2015. When Oil slid from $100 to $50/barrel, the U.S. stock market rallied in anticipation that lower gasoline prices would allow consumers to spend this windfall somewhere more interesting than the pump, but that hasn’t happened yet. So far, all we’ve seen are layoffs in the oil patch and more price swings in the S&P 500. Europe is justifiably concerned about Greece and its willingness to resolve its debt crises. They keep talking and positioning as well as negotiating via the media with the Germans, but nothing significant has happened yet. So far this year, international markets have had some gains even slightly more than the U.S., but the structural problems outside the U.S. make us remain cautious. Over the past 6 years, the best place to invest your money has been the S&P 500. This index is likely a bit overvalued right now, and perhaps the international markets are a bit undervalued, but no one knows when the trend will change. It appears that the U.S. dollar will maintain the dominant currency for the foreseeable future making our exports more expensive. This does however, allow foreign companies to increase their sales to the U.S., likely making them more profitable. The U.S. has seen substantial job growth but minimal wage growth over the past year, which is encouraging news for corporate profits. We have yet to see consumer spending rebound to its pre great recession levels, but as more people get reemployed and old debts are repaid, the outlook for the U.S. appears to be the brightest around. How does this translate into your portfolio design? A large part of your portfolio will remain invested in the U.S. with some allocations hedged to the U.S. dollar in International stocks and bonds. Bond positions will remain primarily in U.S. corporations with some international exposure, but the U.S. looks like the place to be right now.

Sharkey, Howes & Javer is a Denver-based financial planning and investment management firm. For additional market updates and financial news, please follow our LinkedIn page.  If you are interested in setting up a complimentary consultation with one of our Certified Financial Planners™, please call 303.639.5100 or visit shwj.com.

10 Ways to Show Your Money Some Love

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The love of moneyIn the month of love, we thought it was important to share our tips on how to show your money some love so it can help you attain your goals. While we could add many more tips to the list, the 10 below are an excellent place to start when thinking through your financial strategy.

1. Don’t Wait

“Oh, I’ll do that tomorrow… or next week… or next month.” We can all find excuses about getting fit, starting a diet, cleaning the house or… taking care of our finances. When it comes to showing your money some love, the first step is to put the excuses aside and take action. Money problems are associated with stress, relational challenges and decreased happiness. Waiting to take care of your finances only prolongs the hurt.

2. Save First

When a paycheck comes in, it can be tempting to pay the bills, buy a few things on the wish list and head out to a nice steak dinner. While it may be well deserved, saving before splurging can really show your money some love. When money is saved, it earns interest and the more interest it earns the more money you have later. Savings accounts, 401(k)s, IRAs and other investments are all part of a good saving strategy.

3. Look for Tax Free

Many retirement plans, such as a 401(k), allow you to save with certain tax advantages. Look into your employer’s retirement plan and possible matching programs, as well as other available programs such as the 529 plan for college education savings. Financial advisors, like the team at Sharkey, Howes and Javer, can be excellent resources when it comes to creating a smart saving strategy.

4. Make a Budget

A 2013 Gallup poll revealed only two-thirds of Americans prepare a detailed household budget (source). Budgeting is such an easy way to stay on top of your finances and meet your financial goals. Set guidelines for your spending in categories such as housing, transportation, groceries, medical, recreation, saving and investing. There are many free online tools that can help track spending and keep you moving towards your budgeting goals.

5. Needs vs. Wants

Along with creating a budget, it’s important to take some time to really think through your long-term goals and how your financial decisions now can help you down the road. Filter your needs and wants through a long-term lens. For example…Do you really need a new house or do you want a new house? How is purchasing a new home going to help you achieve your long-term goals? Asking yourself the tough questions now could lead to a happier retirement later.

6. Watch Your Debt

Debt can make achieving financial goals more challenging, but not impossible. The average U.S. household carries $15,611 in credit card debt, $155,192 in mortgage debt and $32,264 in student loan debt (source). If you are in the same boat as many Americans, take some time to analyze your debt and look for creative ways to pay it off. Think carefully before making big purchases or getting caught up in interest free sales. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to help you make the most of your income now and create a strategy to manage your debt while investing for the future.

7. Protect Your Identity

Our private information is being compromised more and more frequently. It seems like every day we hear of another large corporation with a data breach. Keeping close tabs on your identity can keep your money where it belongs and your credit on the up and up. Start by watching for scams. Never give out your personal information such as your social security number over email. Always call your financial institution directly if you receive a suspicious phone call or email asking for your account information. Make sure to check your statements regularly. The sooner you catch fraudulent charges, the quicker they can be resolved. See more helpful identity theft resources on our website >

8. Plan for the Unexpected

Showing your money some love also means saving for a rainy day. Consider starting an emergency fund with 3 to 6 months of living expenses saved. Consider putting your funds in a savings account, or a money market account, where it can be easily accessed in the event of a job loss, medical challenge or other unexpected tragedy. It is also important to let your trusted family and loved ones know where your funds are and how to access them in the event you are unable to.

9. Find a Friend

Perhaps the best way to show your money some love is by finding it a friend you trust. Financial advisors, especially advisors who don’t work on commission, can become your money’s best friend. Starting to work with a financial advisor early will help keep you on track as you work toward your long term goals. When looking for an advisor, ask your friends and family members for referrals, but also be sure to take a hard look at their strategies, team and BBB ratings to make sure they align with your goals. For more on finding the right financial advisor, check out our post: 3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor.

10. Don’t Give Up

Taking good care of your finances is a process. We will all experience some missteps and setbacks along the way. No matter what, it’s important to persevere. Maybe you have a year where the markets don’t cooperate. Reevaluate your investment strategy and try new tactics in the next year. Or maybe you have a longer period of unemployment than your emergency fund allowed for. With the right planning and the right team, you can rebound. Showing your money some love isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong commitment, and with diligence your money will love you back in the long run.

 

In conclusion, we want to remember while money is a part of our lives, it shouldn’t consume our lives. Take the time to show your money some love using these tips so you can focus on what’s most important in your life.

What tips would you add to the list? Comment below!

2014 Q4 Quarterly Commentary

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In our quarterly reports to clients, we always include commentary on the markets, economy and other financially relevant information. Our 2014 Q4 reports recently went out, and we wanted to share our commentary with you as well. We would also love to hear your questions and comments in the comments section below.

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New Year’s Resolution – “Do More of What Makes You Happy”

We think that would be a good resolution.  However, focusing on the financial markets around the world will rarely help!  The Media elicits emotions that cause lots of dissatisfaction and fear.

In 2014, for example, few categories did as well as big blue chip American companies.  The S&P 500 index did great, so now the news is full of advice about how you “should” have invested!  Of course with us, you DID invest in the S&P 500 – and your diversified portfolio also invested in bonds and other assets worldwide.  Remember 1987, 2000, and 2008 when the S&P 500 was, as the pundits later agreed, the one place to avoid investing in – EVER AGAIN! (Source)

Our society seems to love being unhappy about markets!  “Are they going to correct?”  Yes – we just don’t know which ones, when, and how badly.  “Did we miss out on the ‘best performance of the year/decade/century?”  “Which asset class was the one we should have exclusively chosen?”

If you had thought that the S&P 500 was the best place to be in 2014, think again.  The top performing market of 2014 was China (up 44%)!  Who would have guessed?!

We saw a fascinating report from the Medical Media about that other perennial New Year’s resolution – wanting to lose weight.  There exist as many, if not more, diets as there are sure fire ways to “beat the market”.  The American Medical Association threw up its hands and opined that although all diets may work, the only one certain to do so is “the one the patient will stick with!”  We think that makes a lot of sense, and we try hard to design investment portfolios that “the client can stick with.”

2015 will probably be the year the Federal Reserve raises interest rates – very carefully (Source).  We expect that our US bonds and stocks will weather the change well, despite turbulence and dire headlines.

Continue reading →

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

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Finances are intimately woven into our lives. Choosing a financial advisor to guide you in your financial decisions can be a stressful process, but an important one. Having the right financial advisor on your team gives you peace of mind and can put you on a good financial path.

Whether you are looking for a financial advisor for the first time or you are looking for a new advisor, here are some key questions to ask:

1. How are you compensated?

Starting with this question is key to understanding the type of financial advisor you are working with. They should be able to answer the question quickly and with specifics. Are they receiving kickbacks for recommending certain investments? Do they have sales quotas to meet? Are they paid by salary or commission? Are they recommending the same investments to all of their clients? Why or why not? A planner who is paid by commission or sales versus a salary or hourly rate could have an incentive to steer you in a specific direction.

Ask for information about all of their fees and how much you will be paying per transaction, product and service. Also, ask about any additional fees you can expect from other services they offer. If the advisor is unwilling to answer or vague in their responses, consider looking elsewhere for a financial advisor. Continue reading →

What do you charge for your services?

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We knew we didn’t want to be bound to selling products to our clients. We wanted freedom to offer objective advice to our clients without an agenda to sell them products. Therefore SH&J was founded and still is a fee-only or non-commissioned firm.

Fee-only means our clients pay us a flat fee for our advice, not for products. We do not work on commission and are only paid by our clients. One of our founders, Larry Howes, says, “All of our efforts are designed to get you a better result.”

Melissa does a great job of giving you a quick rundown on our fees.

Here’s a quick overview of the information Melissa shared:

Financial Planning

  • One-time fee depending on case complexity
  • Planning fees range from $500-4,500.00
  • No additional charge for planning updates

Investment Management

  • 1% of assets under our management up to the first million
  • Reduced rate on managed assets above $1,000,000.00
  • Fees billed at 0.25% at the end of each quarter in arrears

Other small charges may include a fee for portfolio design, strategic implementation and asset transfers.

We’d love to meet you to share our firm’s philosophy with you in person. Give us a call at 303.639.5100 to set up a time to come in.

2015 Financial Check-Up

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By Julie Fletcher, Certified Financial Planner™ at Sharkey, Howes & Javer

Piggy bank with stethoscope1. Even if you are “maxing out” your retirement plan contributions, is it enough?

The retirement plan contribution limits are set by IRS guidelines and reviewed each year. However, the IRS is not a personal financial advisor and does not know how much you need to be saving to meet your financial goals. Just because you are “maxing out” your plan does not necessarily mean you are saving enough. 

Many people choose to contribute to the company 401(k) plan, which will allow you to contribute up to $18,000 in 2015 (with an additional $6,000 catch-up for those over age 50). A 401(k) plan allows an employee to contribute a portion of his/her salary on a pre-tax basis to a retirement savings account. Taxes are not paid until money is withdrawn from the account.

Beyond the company retirement plan, another popular choice is contributing to a Traditional or Roth IRA, which will allow you to contribute up to $5,500 (with an additional $1,000 catch-up for those over age 50). When you contribute money to a Traditional IRA, you typically are making pre-tax contributions. Taxes are not paid until money is withdrawn from the account. However, a Roth IRA is opposite. The contributions are made after-tax and the money is withdrawn tax-free from the account (both the contributions AND the growth). Warning: Contributions for both Traditional and Roth IRA’s can be limited due to your adjusted gross income. Be sure to consult your tax advisor.

If you are a business owner with no employees, you could consider contributing to a Solo (“Solo” is slang or shorthand for one-participant) Traditional 401(k) with profit-sharing provisions. Total contributions in the participants account are limited in 2015 to $53,000 (with an additional $6,000 catch-up for those over age 50).

If retirement plan contributions aren’t enough to reach your goals, you could also create a brokerage account to begin after-tax investing for retirement. There are no limitations to contributions and you could receive preferential capital-gain tax treatment. Although a brokerage account can be “ear-marked” for retirement, the account can technically be used for any purpose and does not have early withdrawal penalties. Taxes are paid “as you go” each year as reported on a 1099. Capital gains could potentially be offset by capital losses. Also, investment expenses (fees/commissions) could be deductible on your tax return.

2. Are you paying too much in taxes?

Meet with your tax advisor throughout the year to take advantage of tax strategies. Your tax advisor will help ensure you are taking the appropriate deductions for your personal and/or business tax return. A few items to review with your tax advisor throughout the year:

  • Are you paying more into FICA than necessary? FICA is the payroll tax paid by both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare (in 2015 the maximum amount of earnings subject to FICA is $118,500).
  • Have you properly explored a home refinance option? If you are paying more than 5% in interest on your mortgage, it could be beneficial to explore ways to reduce your monthly payment dependent upon the number of years remaining on the mortgage and how long you plan to remain in the home.
  • Would a year-end charitable tax deduction benefit you and/or your business? Your tax advisor will help you determine how a charitable contribution would affect your overall tax liability.
  • Is your small business receiving Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) tax credits for employer-paid health insurance premiums? You can learn more about ACA at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website (www.hhs.gov/heathcare).
  • Is there a need for new business equipment? Purchasing equipment for your business can have tax advantages if structured appropriately (Section 179 of the IRS regulations).

 3. Are your hard-earned business and personal assets protected?

You have worked extremely hard to build your personal and/or business net worth. Be sure not to leave any gaps in your insurance coverage that would leave you vulnerable. Potential gaps include premature death, disability, health, liability, business, car and homeowner’s insurance. Having the proper insurance in place is essential for your protection. During your insurance coverage review, revisit the Affordable Care Act and how it will affect your individual or group health insurance in 2015.

4. Where is your investment advice coming from?

Are your friends, family, or co-workers your main source of investment advice? Are you acting on “hot stock” tips or investing in your friend’s investment real estate? Have you thoroughly researched these investment ideas to ensure you are aware of all the pros and cons? Almost every investment has risks. Remember, just because investment advice is “free” does not mean it is appropriate for your personal situation.

Cheers to you and your financial health in 2015!

To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of the Certified Financial Planner™ professionals at Sharkey, Howes & Javer, please call 303-639-5100 or visit shwj.com.