Blog
Risky Business- The "Gamification" of Investing
Building wealth requires time and discipline- not a gambling app.
Read More
Keep Calm and Carry On
"It's OK to have emotions- just don't let them near your stock portfolio."- Sam Ro
Read More
The Overconfidence Problem
That magical moment when your knowledge goes up 5%.... and your confidence goes up 500%
Read More
Foreign Countries Own Our Debt- Is that bad?
There are enough things in life to worry about- let's clear up misconceptions so we can worry less!
Read More
Does Your Garden Die in Winter?
With a positive outlook for 2026 ahead, let's still remind ourselves what successful investors do when life throws a curveball!
Read MoreShow All
Cheers! A December Greeting
2025 is almost in the books- congratulations on another year of working your plan!
Read More
The Whack-A-Mole Fallacy
Why reacting isn't investing- arguably the most important concept to understand if you want to build wealth. *See also "AI Bubble Panic" on the blog.
Read More
"AI Bubble" Panic
What the Headlines Say- and What They Really Mean.
Read More
Riding Out the Bull Market
You don’t need to predict the next downturn — you need to participate in the next recovery. *Be sure to read the other October post on retirement income sources.
Read More
Guaranteed Income- Do You Have Enough?
A retirement income plan isn't one-size-fits-all. It's personal!
Read More
8 Things to Know about Government Shutdowns
LPL's blog puts shutdowns into perspective.
Read More
Mindset is Key
A little video about how to cultivate the mindset of a successful investor.
Read More
What's on my fall checklist- your financial plan!
A quick video explaining what's coming up in Q4 for you.
Read More
Looking Under the Hood: A Review of Our Investment Strategy
Your portfolio is constructed with purpose and intention- let's take a look.
Read More
Should You Worry About Buying At Market Highs?
(Spoiler: Not Really)
Read More
From Paychecks to Purpose
Prepare your mind for retirement- you've earned it!
Read More
Forecasting 2: Predictions are still irrelevant!
Predictions make headlines — discipline builds wealth.
Read More
Huddle Up!
After an eventful summer, do you need to revisit the game plan?
Read More
Finally, An Honest Stock Market Story
Headlines age like milk, while discipline ages like a fine wine.
Read More
Will Social Security be there when we need it?
Future Social Security benefits are always an area of concern- let's take a closer look!
Read More
"The Opposite"
While the character of George Constanza is an unlikely behavioral model- in one episode he was onto something!
Read More
"Where Are the Customers' Yachts?"
Where indeed- what age were you when you began to save and invest for the future?
Read More
History doesn't repeat, but it can rhyme
After a whirlwind month, let's reset our perspective.
Read More
Forecasting, Inc.
Why are we bombarded with forecasts? A look at the dismal record and irrelevance of forecasts can help us tune them out.
Read More
Patience pays off
A look at what stock prices have done after past declines reminds us why long-term investors hang tight.
Read More
Let's touch base on our strategy
A personal message about handling volatile days
Read More
Win by not losing!
Uncertainty can make us second guess the timeless truths of investing. Don't make an unforced error!
Read More
Investing by Personality: How Your Traits Shape Your Financial Success
We're all unique individuals- sometimes a little introspection can help us as we struggle with the emotions that can come with investing.
Read More
March Bonus- This time isn't different!
We don't need a crystal ball- we have something better. A long-term plan!
Read More
Savings Alpha- How can you achieve it?
Let's get back to basics and remember what does the heavy lifting as we accumulate assets for retirement. It is in our control!
Read More
Armchair Investment Psychology
These 2 Types of People Could Derail Your Personal Plan—Are You Listening to Them?
Read More
Happy New Year! 2025
January is a time of renewal- let's all recommit to staying on the right path to financial freedom.
Read More
The Enduring Value of Advice
Sometimes choosing to go it alone can be much costlier than hiring professional advice.
Read More
Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving
Perhaps this year, more than ever, Thanksgiving gives us a chance to appreciate what we have – friendships, relationships, and a sense of connection. These gifts are priceless. I also want to thank you for choosing me as your trusted...
Read More
Markets in Turmoil- Halloween Edition
The media does a great job.... of scaring people!
Read More
Election Year Jitters
An election is not a good reason to try your hand at market timing.
Read More
School is back in- we all have something we can teach!
To set them up for success, kids need financial education too. Let's pass on to our kids what many of us learned too little, too late!
Read More
Positive Thoughts for Volatile Days
Market corrections come and go- all part of our lifelong plan.
Read More
Rebalancing time!
Systematic rebalancing helps us resist the impulse to "buy high, sell low".
Read More
Total Return- What is it?
For most people, dividends aren't enough to live on. Even in retirement, we still need to pursue growth!
Read More
Skimming off the froth
Froth is good on coffee but not on markets- some pullbacks are a healthy sign!
Read More
Fraud and Scams- Be on the lookout!
Be aware of the scams and fraudsters going around that prey on vulnerable seniors.
Read More
New Year, New Highs
The language of gravity can lead investors to believe the markets are subject to the laws of physics!
Read More
Happy New Year!
A note on optimism, expectations, and what to do with forecasts.
Read More
Year-End Greeting from Rachel Kuss
Glad tidings and joy for the upcoming year!
Read More
YOLO! Or YULIR? (You Underestimate Longevity In Retirement)
Don't let excess spending create a hole that your retirement account can't climb out of.
Read More
What about gold?
Gold- it depends on how you view its role in your portfolio.
Read More
Getting Wealthy Part 2- Portfolio Returns
Sticking to an investment strategy is easier when you understand the purpose.
Read More
Horse Pants: Not all investments are equal!
Let's distinguish between investing and speculating.
Read More
Why Cash Still Isn't King
Higher short-term rates are still not a good reason to change your long-term plan.
Read More
Getting Wealthy Part 1
Investing alone cannot turn minimal savings into significant wealth. Saving does the heavy lifting!
Read More
Graduation day is almost here!
Big milestones turn into memory blips- market cycles are no different.
Read More
What, Me Panic? Debt Ceiling Drama
There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.- Harry S TrumanWe’ve been down this road before. If you were an investor in 2011, you may remember a similar threat that loomed over the news cycle and...
Read More
Want to earn higher interest? The pros and cons!
Higher interest rates shouldn't drastically alter a long-term plan for growth and income.
Read More
The Madness of Crowds
As a long-term investor, your patience continues to be tested as we head for a bumpy landing after a very bumpy ride in 2022.No one knows what will happen; the trajectory of inflation, a recession, and we might worry about our cash in...
Read More
Retirement Income- One Size Fits All?
“Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials – much to live on and much to live for.” – Author UnknownAs you approach retirement, there are many choices that come along that can be difficult to navigate...
Read MoreA January Action Plan!
Years ago when I used to work out at the Durango Rec center every day, I’d get tickled at the beginning of January when the exercise equipment would be completely occupied- for about a month! Now I find that I’m one of...
Read MoreYear-End Greeting from Rachel Kuss
Dear Friends and Valued Clients-Here at year-end I am reaching out to you, full of gratitude. It is a joy to get to know you better each year as we walk together on your journey toward financial freedom.I’m happy to say that...
Read More
Honoring Veterans Day
On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. This federal holiday – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect on their courage.Please take a moment this...
Read More
Is this bear about to hibernate?
Here’s the bear- in my front yard. I’ll be glad to see the backside of another bear too- the bear of 2022!
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...
Read MoreCharting a Course through Choppy Waters- It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!
Just a poking a little fun at all the metaphors thrown around in the wealth management business. Have your financial goals changed? If your destination hasn’t changed, then neither has your course for the journey...
Read More
1% Moves in S&P 500
If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...
Read MoreThe Seduction of Pessimism
Happy Friday! Lower inflation hopes lifted the markets up over several days last week, only to be shaken back down this week by the data. I would like to present another idea from the book “The Psychology of...
Read MoreFines versus Fees
In my last article I wrote that the behavioral aspect of investing is critical to long-term success. I realize enough people are still struggling with certain concepts during this difficult year that I felt it would be worthwhile...
Read MoreHappy Fall!
Happy Fall! I finally stopped saying “I love summer” or “I love fall” because I realized I don’t have a favorite; what I do love is the change from one season to another. I’m always ready...
Read MoreWhere There's A Will
"Where there's a will, there's a way." Sage advice that applies not only to our lives but to your estate strategy.When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent...
Read More
Midyear Outlook 2022 | Navigating Turbulence | July 12,2022
Midyear Outlook 2022 | Navigating Turbulence | July 12,2022Find the smoothest path towards your financial goals for the second half of 2022 with LPL Research’s Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence. READ MORE The...
Read More