Insights on markets, emergent trends, history, innovation, risk management, global economics, strategy, policy, and other topics that catch our attention. Inspired by ongoing research, conversations and events. Written and edited by Osbon Capital Management and published every Thursday morning.
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Getting It Half Right Is Still Wrong
We all see the light in different ways at different times. Here’s how it went for Osbon Capital editor Steve Mott. I don’t remember exactly how I was introduced to index investing, but I was well ahead of the curve. I liked the idea of owning all the big company stocks without having to figure out which ones would be…
You Have More Than You Think
Where, you might ask? Look at the Social Security website and online benefits calculator from an asset point of view. Since the Social Security administration stopped sending out paper statements to you on your birthday, you can now go online and get personal benefit information along with valuable extras. 13 million people have already registered and collected their data. One…
Will The River Run Dry?
There are many ways to gauge financial well-being, but there’s one measure that is universally relevant, regardless of age or income: will my money last longer than I do? Or stated in more drastic fashion: will I run out of money? Will the River Run Dry? The Osbon Labs retirement calculator is a great tool to answer that question. We like…
Three Investment Tools For You
Make it personal If you’ve ever used a power saw, food processor, or lawn mower, you know that the right tool makes any job much easier and faster. That’s the spirit behind the interactive, personalized tools in the Osbon Labs. With a few clicks of the mouse these tools will help you better understand your own financial situation and plan for…
5 Ways to Compare Investment Advisors
The relentless search for “better” is a basic, and essential, human instinct. We want better shelter, better food, better people in our lives. We want better goods and services so badly that entire industries have developed to create, advertise and sell them. We strongly encourage all investors to seek and demand better. Considering the time we spend choosing restaurants, detergent…
When You Are Acquired: the Three R’s
More than 20 Boston area companies have been acquired so far this year. Almost all were privately held. When you are acquired, it’s not just a life-changing liquidity event, it’s validation of your business model and a hard-earned reward for your ideas and long hours. In the big deal, you’ll receive cash, stock and/or incentives to continue working. Then what?Based…
Normal? Who can say?
Gary Shilling sells economic forecasts to institutional investors and corporations. He also provides investment advice to individuals. He basically makes a living by predicting what will happen in the economy and markets. Over his 35 year career he has sometimes been right, and sometimes been wrong. In general, he has predicted far more doom and gloom than has materialized. His…
6 Questions to Ask Your Advisor
Are you considering a new investment advisor? Or reflecting on an existing investment relationship? Or just wondering if you are getting the best for your money? Then use this six question investment checkup checklist as your guide. Ask your current advisor and any prospective advisor. By the time you are done, you’ll know if you and your money are in…
5 Healthy Investment Priorities for the Summer
Summer is a great time to accomplish things; it’s more relaxed and you have more time. With time to focus and prioritize, why not put the most important person – you – first? Here are five tasks with long and short-term payoffs for your to-do list. 1. Cut your taxes Let’s get started with the easy steps, like cutting taxes….
