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Diversification: Always Something To Celebrate (And Apologize For)

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office by Scott Dougan

This may feel like an old, well-worn topic, but please bear with me; I hope to present a new twist.  Diversification is a time-tested way for investors to manage the inherent risks of investing by owning lots of different kinds of assets. Diversification takes many forms, but often looks like this example: owning 60% of a portfolio in stocks and …

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Cash: The Glue That Holds It All Together

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office by Scott Dougan

Have you ever gazed upon an heirloom-quality piece of furniture, a new gourmet kitchen, or a stunning sports car and thought to yourself, “The glue-work is simply exquisite.” Probably not. I know I haven’t. But what would that object look like if it wasn’t fastened together correctly, or at all? It’d be little more than a pile of individual parts …

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Report: Second Quarter Economic Update

In Special Reports, Special Reports: Kansas City Office, Special Reports: Salt Lake City Office by Scott Dougan

A new US president and the winding down of most government-led pandemic safety measures welcomed investors to 2021.  As we experienced the reopening of many countries, volatility appeared in the equity markets but resulted in new market highs in the second quarter. The S&P 500 has now gained ground for five quarters in a row. Notably, it has gained more …

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Spending In Retirement: More Or Less?

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office by Scott Dougan

The question is easy to ask but incredibly difficult to answer. When faced with the question, it seems that the inner monologue of many aspiring retirees is screaming “We really should know this, but…” Of course, the question is intended to discover what your expenses are now and what they’re likely to be once you’re retired, a key piece of …

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Predicting the Future of the Market

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office by Scott Dougan

Every so often I’ll read an article sent to me that says something to the effect of, “The stock market is poised for a HUGE loss, according to someone really smart.” I genuinely appreciate receiving these articles because I want to know what you’re reading out there, and if there’s validity to the article then let’s learn from it! With …

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Our firm is excited to announce the launch of Elevated Financial Wellness!

In Articles, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, SLC Spring 2021 by Scott Dougan

Studies show that eighty percent of employers’ report that financial stress is lowering their employees’ productivity level, and it’s costing them nearly half a trillion dollars annually.*   The EFW platform provides financial wellness technology with a human approach. Employees will not only have access to assessment tools to understand their financial/retirement needs but will also have access to our …

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Back to the Basics: Why Buying Luxury Items Is Less Harmful at 62 Than at 22

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Back to the Basics, SLC Spring 2021, Spring 2021 by Scott Dougan

Why Buying Luxury Items Is Less Harmful at 62 Than at 22 This rant may come as a surprise to you, at least coming from me. It’s actually a little surprising to me that I’m writing it because I wrestle with this topic quite a bit. The subject is that of luxury items; things like a ’69 Camaro, a Florida …

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Briefcase Study: Consider the Platinum Rule

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Briefcase Studies, SLC Spring 2021, Spring 2021 by Scott Dougan

Are You A Caregiver? Consider the Platinum Rule  In this Briefcase Study, we’re going to focus on a topic that isn’t financial, necessarily, but a heart issue instead. If you find yourself, like so many others, caring for a family member as they age, you’re doing some very challenging work. We hear a lot of the stories from the families …

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2021 Spring Newsletter: Salt Lake City

In Newsletters, Newsletters: Salt Lake City Office, Newsletters: Salt Lake City Office, SLC Spring 2021 by Scott Dougan

Walk outside. Do you smell that? Fresh-cut grass, turned-over dirt, worn leather, peanuts… It’s baseball season! The most wonderful time of the year!  As you all know, sports looked quite different in 2020. The Major League Baseball season was shorter than usual and didn’t start on time. The same thing happened with my son’s baseball season, but we were happy …