Resources

The human brain uses a system of shortcuts to analyze and respond to potential threats. Thousands of years ago, this system helped us deal with dangers such as lions or poisonous berries. Today, however, these time-saving shortcuts can sometimes get in the way of making better longer-term decisions.

One of the perplexing things in our business is that only about four in 10 Americans choose to work with a financial advisor, even when doing so has been shown by multiple academic and industry studies to produce better outcomes for investors. Why don’t more people use an advisor?

The investment world is always changing, and the things you did in the past to be successful as an investor may not always work. Bruce Helmer discusses why it’s important to have diversification within account portfolios.

It might make sense to pay more today if it reduces your future burden.

In one of our team meetings to discuss what to write about this quarter, someone asked us a provocative question: “What, in your long experience as a financial adviser, is the one thing that keeps most people from achieving lasting wealth?” As is sometimes — not often— the case, Bruce and I diverge in our perspectives.