News and Commentary

It is Time for a Mid-Year Financial Checkup UPDATED 2019 by Scott Montgomery, CLU, ChFC

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Scott Montgomery

Mitigating investment risk and preparing portfolios and estate plans for an uncertain future requires investors to meet with their financial advisers on a regular basis, and especially mid-year, to ensure that long-term plans remain on track. Here’s a checklist of topics to consider: Are my investments still aligned with my long-term goals? Whether saving for […]

Relatable Finance Podcast Episode 25A – What Goes Into An Economic Forecast

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Joseph Karl

In this episode the relatable finance guys share the research and analysis that goes into a economic outlook.

Women Must Take Responsibility, Plan Early for Financial Independence in Retirement by Olga Ismail, AIF

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Olga Ismail

Women spend a significant portion of their lives putting their families first, tending to the needs of husbands, children and aging parents often before themselves. The problem is that as these women approach retirement age, they are finding themselves without the benefit of ample savings to carry them through their golden years. According to the […]

Avoid the Problems that Can Come with Cosigning Loans by Kathleen Marteney, CRPC

Posted on August 07, 2019 by Kathleen Marteney

Cosigning a loan for a friend or family member can spell financial disaster and ruin an otherwise healthy relationship. While it is not unusual for parents to cosign for a child’s student loans, car loans or even a mortgage, doing so can damage parents’ credit scores and leave them liable for paying off the entire […]

Relatable Finance Episode 25 – What China Means for the US Economy

Posted on August 06, 2019 by Joseph Karl

In this episode the relatable finance talk about why China is so impactful to the global economy. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. International investing involves additional risks such as currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible […]

Tips to Help Protect your Marriage from Financial Infidelity by Kathleen Marteney, CRPC

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Kathleen Marteney

If you think that the only form of cheating in a marriage happens in the bedroom, you would be wrong. In fact, a growing number of marriages are suffering the damaging effects of financial infidelity in which a spouse intentionally lies about and/or hides assets or other financial information from his or her betrothed. Both […]

Relatable Finance Episode 24 – Living Within Your Means

Posted on July 23, 2019 by Shane Phillips

In this episode, the relatable finance guys talk about the importance of living within your means and things to consider when you are thinking about your spending patterns.

Best Interest Rule Falls Short of Protecting Investors Best Interests by Todd A. Moll, CFP, CFA

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Todd Moll

The SEC recently adopted a new Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) standard code of conduct for stockbrokers and broker-dealers to follow when providing consumers with financial advice and investment recommendations. Unfortunately, the new rules do not go far enough to legally and morally bind brokers and their firms to the more rigorous fiduciary standard required […]

Joining an Independent Broker-Dealer Can Strengthen Financial Advisors’ Capabilities, Help to Improve Client Services by Eric Zeitlin

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Eric Zeitlin

Gone are the days when large, institutional banks and wirehouses were the only ones with pockets deep enough to arm financial advisors with the tools needed to attract and retain wealthy clients. Today, independent broker/dealers and registered investment advisories associated with independent wealth management firms have access to a wide array of customizable strategies and […]

Relatable Finance Episode 23 – Gambling vs Investing

Posted on July 09, 2019 by Joseph Karl

In this episode the relatable finance guys talk about gambling vs investing and how this plays into investing decisions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which […]

Lack of Estate Planning Can Lead to Years of Legal Woes by Scott Montgomery, CLU®, ChFC®

Posted on July 02, 2019 by Scott Montgomery

As the saying goes, there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. An unwillingness to plan for either is a recipe for disaster. Individuals who pass away without a will essentially hand the keys to their kingdom and control of their assets over to the states where they reside. Without a will, intestate […]

Weighing the Choice between a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA by Brendan Hayes

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Brendan Hayes

A Roth IRA is a unique retirement savings account that allows eligible individuals to set aside money today for a potentially tax-free income stream in the future. Like a traditional IRA, a Roth arrangement allows individuals to make annual contributions of up to $6,000 in 2019, or $7,000 for savers age 50 and older. That […]

Relatable Finance Episode 22 – Cannabis Investing

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Shane Phillips

In this episode the relatable finance guys consider the question of investing in cannabis stocks. Provenance Wealth Advisors (PWA) is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Provenance […]

How Much Planning Are You Putting Into Your Longest Vacation? Probably Not Enough by Olga Ismail

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Olga Ismail

Memorable vacations do not happen by chance. They require a certain level of effort and advance planning to ensure that you stay within your budget and maximize your actual time away for fun, sightseeing and relaxation. The more you plan, the more likely your getaway will meet your expectations. With this in mind, it is […]

Relatable Finance Episode 21 – FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Joseph Karl

In this episode, the relatable finance guys talk about the FIRE trend and smart steps for listeners to consider.