Blog

Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Politics & Portfolios Don’t Mix

Should we let political uncertainty and our political views affect the way we invest? Are Democrats or Republicans better for the stock market? Do politics and portfolio mix? Let’s dig in.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

The Name’s Bond, I Bond

Not that Bond. Those Bonds.

I Bonds have been very popular investments during the past few years. But as inflation has cooled down, so has the interest rate on I Bonds.

Where do things stand? Should you sell? Or stay put?

Let’s take a quick look.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Rebalancing, Our Old Friend

What does it mean to “rebalance” your portfolio?

Is it important to do? How do you do it?

Let’s take a look at this important topic, as rebalancing can help you manage risk, enforce discipline, and optimize your investment returns.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Are Forecasts Useful?

Are forecasts related to the markets and economy useful?

Or are they useless?

You could even argue (persuasively) that predictions and forecasts are more a source of risk rather than a tool to help you avoid risk.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

A New Bull Market

It's official. We've entered a new bull market in the United States.

At least according to the generally-accepted definition of stocks going up by 20%.

Does it matter? What should we do about it?

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

U.S. Debt Default?

What happens if the U.S. doesn’t raise the debt ceiling and then defaults on its debts?

What about a different type of crisis?

Are our investments in danger? Should we sell?

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Bank Failure Lessons and FDIC Insurance

What can we learn from the recent bank failures?

Here are three major takeaways:

1) Transfer cash over FDIC limits
2) Match investments with your time horizon
3) Importance of diversification

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Wait … Stocks Go Down?

The stock market has taken us for a bit of a rough ride recently.

You might be wondering whether you should sell everything. To stop the bleeding.

The answer is fairly simple: Stick to your plan, as long as you have a well-balanced portfolio that’s appropriate for you.

Stock downturns are painful, but you still need to let stocks play their appropriate role in your portfolio.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Investment Buckets During Retirement

How should you be invested during retirement? Where will your spending money come from? What happens if the stock markets go down? Are your investments safe enough? Let’s take a look at the concept of Investment Buckets.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

What Issues Should I Consider Before the End of the Year?

Behold. The end of the year is upon us.

If you’re anything like me, you probably lay in bed late at night wondering whether there are any additional last-minute strategies you can enact to optimize your finances.

That's how everyone thinks, right?

Good news! No need to miss out on your beauty sleep anymore, as there are some ideas below.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

I Bonds? Yes Please.

U.S. Series I Savings Bonds (aka "I bonds") are making some waves in financial circles.

Why, you ask? Let’s see if we can unpack it a bit.

Read More
Keith Spencer Keith Spencer

Should I Buy a House Now?

Several of my clients are in the process of either buying or selling a home. The top two questions for those who are buying are:

  1. Should I buy a house now or should I wait?

  2. How much house can I afford?

Here are some high-level thoughts.

Read More