Some financial advisors try to bowl you over with fancy language. Disarm them - and arm yourself for your future - with a few simple questions. One complaint you hear as a financial advisor is that investment jargon - ETFs, P/E ratios, DRIP plans and other terms loaded with capital letters - bores, confuses and overwhelms people seeking advice. To stop the buzzing in your head, apply the 80/...
Learn MoreCleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health. January Organize paperwork. This obvious starting point eludes many. Are your financial documents organized, in paper or virtually, so information is at y...
Learn MoreSINCE 1981, J. L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc. has been building and managing wealth for clients throughout the U.S. From the company’s genesis as a side pursuit to founders Jerry and Fay Bainbridges’ day jobs, operating out of a spare bedroom in their home, to serving clients in its downtown Sarasota building, it has found success for itself and its clients with a disciplined strategy centered ...
Learn MoreMany people hesitate to seek out financial planners’ advice for fear of judgment. Why’d you blow that paycheck? Why’d you invest in that? You’ve saved what for retirement? Others wait to seek guidance until that golden day when they’re financially set. Others think financial planners are just for the wealthy. All are wrong and here’s why. It’s true that you must accept a degree of...
Learn MoreWhen you give $100 to your favorite charity, you are probably not overly concerned about how your donation is spent, as long as it advances the mission of the charity. On the other hand, if you are making a large donation, it is more likely that you have specific goals in mind, whether to fund a particular program or support another endeavor. This desire to specify exactly where your donation doll...
Learn MoreHeading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To help you wade easily into the waters, here are ten essential things you need to know about Medicare.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help and you think you can – or should – handle things yourself. Whether it’s taking care of a nagging injury, fixing the sink, changing the oil in your car or doing your own taxes. The same questions often arise about finances and financial planning. You have questions that you consider silly or stupi...
Learn MoreThere’s nothing like an economic recession brought on by a global pandemic to throw a wrench into your financial planning – or pretty much any planning, for that matter. Also, unfortunately, this unprecedented combination of realities creates a perfect environment for snap decisions and knee-jerk reactions fueled by the adrenalin of sheer panic. A recent article in Learn More
Various factors have brought about a flurry of changes in IRA rules. It is important that individuals understand these modifications, what they mean now and what they could mean to their retirement planning. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement (SECURE) Act, which became effective January 1, 2020, enacted several changes with regard to required minimum distributions (RMDs), beneficiary...
Learn MoreA recent survey, conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Insured Retired Institute and Jackson National Life Insurance Company, showed a marked increase in concerns among financial professionals as to the ability of their clients to retire with adequate funds. That concern, obviously, pales against the worries of individual investors in these uncertain times. The survey, not unex...
Learn MoreThe technical term for short-sightedness, “myopia,” literally means to shut one’s eyes. Prescription glasses or contacts fix actual short-sightedness. But the figurative kind of myopia, which is really referring to an inability to think and plan for the long term, can be disastrous in the world of financial planning and investing. Hedging against market volatility has always been consider...
Learn MoreLong-term investors develop a habit of looking further over the horizon than short-term investors do. Even beyond that, those with a dedication to establishing and maintaining family wealth that truly endures need to consider not only how far ahead they can see, but how far their children and then their grandchildren can see into their own respective investment futures. In short, there is no “in...
Learn MoreBe kind to yourself… It wasn’t that long ago that many of us monitored our accounts on a monthly basis—if even that often. Today, with mobile apps and browsers at the ready on our smartphones and computers, we can see how our accounts and the markets are doing by the minute, in real time. For some, checking one’s account values frequently has become a habit. For others, it’s practical...
Learn MoreLiving to 100 is not such a rarity these days, and it will become even more commonplace in the future. While actuaries don’t predict anything close to the majority of people living to that age in the near future, the likelihood of living into one’s 90s is already a reality. So, if phrases such as “...
Learn MoreWhat a difference a year can make when planning for your future. Of course, you’re 12 months closer to, or farther into, retirement. Unexpected obligations may have arisen. Your family may have grown or taken on a new structure. Your income may have changed. You may have developed new interests or set new life goals. And, even if you think you haven’t changed, the world around you has. The...
Learn MoreAn ostrich doesn’t actually bury her head in the sand out of fear. While you might see her head disappear into a hole, the mother ostrich is simply turning her eggs every once in a while. In other words, she’s not ignoring a problem, she’s tending to business. Long-term investing is not about ignoring anything at all. Instead, it focuses on nurturing growth by sticking to a plan that hist...
Learn MoreYou’ve worked hard to build your Social Security account. As with all financial assets, it makes sense to maximize the return on your investment—of time and effort. So, with decades of experience, why is it still so difficult to make the right choice regarding when to start claiming Social Security benefits? The short answer: it’s personal. It’s a sensitive topic, but a sizeable part ...
Learn MoreWhen the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the standard deduction, many predicted that charitable donations would decrease. While data about charitable giving for 2018 has yet to be released, we believe that this will not be the case. The U.S. is considered the world’s most generous country, having donated more than $410 billion in 2017 alone. In our opinion, Americans...
Learn MoreFor many, investing in a corporation is more like a trip to Las Vegas than a commitment to their financial future. However, when you think about long-term investing consider the parallels between purchasing a home and selecting high-quality investments. For the vast majority of Americans, their most profitable asset will continue to be their home. We believe the reason for this success is twofold:...
Learn MoreHow you save, invest and spend your hard-earned money is naturally going to change as you move through your life. In your 30s, there’s less room for big financial missteps, but with a few simple wealth management strategies and by making consistent smart choices, you’ll feel better knowing you’re on your way to securing your financial future. Get savvy with retirement ...
Learn MoreAs we dive into the New Year, economic uncertainty and the impact of rising interest rates are making some investors nervous. Before you get too concerned, let’s discuss the key takeaways from the interest-rate hike and why a long-term investment philosophy is beneficial — especially during times of volatility. Here are the facts:
As of the writing of this letter (Friday, Dec. 7) the futures for Monday's market open jumped measurably at the news of President Trump and President Xi's agreement to postpone the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese imports. While at some level this news is cause for encouragement, particularly for the speculative market participant, the investor, who is focused on a reasonable time hori...
Learn MoreAs listed in the image to the right the companies selected for investment posted very impressive earnings. For the most part, the earnings are remarkable when compared to the more moderate earnings results for the S&P 500. The earnings per share percentage changes are 2018 results versus a year earlier. (See EPS Growth in the image to the right) Since our founding in 1981, we have never ...
Learn MoreA recent survey found that most “younger” millennials — between the ages of 18 and 24 — have less than $1,000 in savings and the majority have nothing saved at all. This generation isn’t taking the situation lightly however, as 57% of millennial employees report that they’re stressed about their financial state. Fortunately, if you’re in this age group you can make a few simple chang...
Learn MoreAs listed below the companies selected for investment posted very impressive earnings. For the most part, the earnings are remarkable when compared to the more moderate earnings results for the S&P 500. The earnings per share percentage changes are 2018 results versus a year earlier. EPS Growth: -AT&T +21% -AmerisourceBergen +10% -Apple +41% -Blackrock +27% -Camping World...
Learn MorePatience is a very important factor in investment success. This is particularly valid when stocks selected for investment decline when the overall stock market is appreciating, such as the current case with Camping World Holdings (CWH) and Winnebago (WGO). However, because we do our own research at J.L. Bainbridge, we have extensive knowledge of each company carefully selected for investment. This...
Learn MoreAs Summer winds to a close and the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial, and Nasdaq are all makings new highs, it is more likely than ever for the human psyche to fall victim to the fool's errand of trying to time the market. With lots of experts on TV attempting to forecast the future of the markets, it is a good time to read Warren Buffet's quote, "We have long felt that the only value of stock fo...
Learn MoreOffering a 401(k) plan is a great way to attract and retain talent and help both business owners and employees save for retirement. The decision to sponsor such a plan, however, brings with it significant responsibilities, as well potential liability under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, doing it right is important. So is choosing the right type ...
Learn MoreBecoming a parent for the first time is one of the most exhilarating and joyful, yet equally terrifying, moments in any person’s life. In an instant, you gain a whole new perspective and set of responsibilities, especially in the area of finances. But with careful consideration and preparation, you can set your new family up for success. Here are a few financial planning suggestions for new p...
Learn MoreTransferring wealth when a family member passes away can prove to be a complex and confusing process. Inheriting a retirement account is not as simple as depositing the money into your bank account — there are stringent guidelines to follow, tax ramifications to keep in mind and long-term benefits and disadvantages to consider. IRS requirements and policies continually change, so make sure you <...
Learn MoreThe market has experienced renewed volatility over the past few weeks. Trade wars, interest rates, and privacy have dominated the headlines. When the Trump administration announced over $50 billion in tariffs on imports made in China, the DJIA(Dow) dropped more than 1,100 points. Only to be followed by the Dow rising almost 3% when the Chinese said they were open to improving access to their marke...
Learn MoreRecent market activity, like the abrupt decline we saw in February, has many people understandably unsettled about their financial future. If you’re a long-term investor, however, these minute-by-minute fluctuations should serve as an important reminder of your big picture strategy. Gains for long-term investors are won not on daily market oscillations, but rather from growth experienced over ma...
Learn MoreThis year, there has been one constant in the market... volatility. 2017 was one of the least volatile years in the last century, with only 4 trading days having more than a 1.5% downward move. We do not expect the recent extreme volatility, 1,000 point moves up and down, to persist, but relative to 2017, we anticipate that volatility will remain a fairly consistent part of the movements in the ma...
Learn MoreWhether you’re gearing up for retirement or just starting your career, regular financial checkups are critical to ensure your monetary well-being. With the rush of the holidays now behind us and before 2018 is in full swing, January is the perfect time to meet with your financial advisor, evaluate your personal finance objectives and adjust your investment strategy as necessary. Here are a fe...
Learn MoreAs market valuations continue to climb upward, investors can develop a fear of heights, nervously anticipating a major correction — or worse. While many of our own clients have expressed concern about the high market, long-term investors — rather than speculators— are among those who should feel the most secure. That’s because they are invested in companies with a proven record of double-d...
Learn MoreJ.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc. is supporting the Child Protection Center as the presenting sponsor for the 5th annual Men, Whiskey, Watches & Wheels. Event proceeds will support the CPC’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. “We all have a responsibility to do anything we can to support children in our community who need our help,” sai...
Learn MoreConventional wisdom encourages investors to decrease the amount of stocks in their portfolio as they near retirement. But what happens when the “bonds are better” axiom no longer rings true? In our low interest rate environment, the yields of bonds and other fixed income investments like Treasuries and CDs have plummeted. With the purchasing power of bonds considerably eroded, retirees relyin...
Learn MoreUpdate: 9-18-17 We're pleased to report that power has been restored in our office and our server is up-and-running. We can once again access our J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc. emails and our services are fully functional. Thank you for your patience! Our thoughts are with those who are still recovering in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Deciding whether to delay your Social Security benefits is a critical choice — and one that can have potentially significant financial payoffs. Take your benefits at your full retirement age and you’ll get 100 percent; wait a year and you'll get 108 percent; delay even further until you’re 70 and receive 132 percent. However, choosing to postpone is a very personal decision and there are man...
Learn MoreJ.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc. recently hired D. Ryan Thompson, CPA, as vice president. Thompson, a third generation Sarasota native, will be responsible for prospective client identification and portfolio management. He will also provide expert tax advice and participate in the identification and review of companies and instruments considered for investment. Thompson comes to J.L. Bainbri...
Learn MoreTechnology has shifted the approach of nearly every industry over the past decade, and the field of wealth management certainly hasn’t been immune to its influence. The use of automated investing has surged, with robo-advisors now managing more than $50 billion in assets. However, many financial experts are questioning the effectiveness of this approach for investors with more personalized, long...
Learn MoreWelcome to our new website! You may have noticed that J.L. Bainbridge has an updated look and feel, which includes a refreshed digital and print presence. We believe the rebranding encapsulates our legacy, unique promise and continued growth. You’ll see these brand updates reflected in our advertising, stationary and other materials. You may also recognize some of the elements of the archite...
Learn MoreWhether you’re building up a retirement nest egg, saving for your child’s education or exploring a new investment strategy, selecting an investment advisor to assist you with your financial goals can be intimidating. In a market saturated with choices, it’s important to take a thoughtful, informed approach when you pick an investment advisory firm. Here are a few considerations to keep in mi...
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