Easy Change

This morning I watched Conseulo Mack: Wealthtrack and I found that it was extremely interesting advice about Diversification and Asset Allocation. The most interesting point is one that is probably proved out in your own investments and 401k: International Indexes and US Stock Indexes have extremely high correlations. One graphic at the beginning of the show shows that the correlation of the S+P 500 to the MSCI EAFE Index from about 2003-2009 is between 80 and 90% with some small changes. The point of this graphic really hits home for me. In my personal 401k, there is a basket of mutual funds to choose from, but if I am interested in equities, there's not much diversification necessarily when shifting from US to outside of the US for stock investing. A guest, David Darst, author of The art of Asset Allocation - The little book that saves your assets explained that asset allocation had to include a different asset class to prevent losses during the last downturn (I'm paraphrasi...

With the season of weddings behind us and having just finished working through my own big day, I thought it might make sense to share some of the key items that would make sense to consider if you're doing a cost-sensitive wedding. Of course, that first paragraph is a big disclaimer. But seriously, if you were not cost-sensitive, you probably wouldn't be reading this. Furthermore, anyone else reading this and thinking about a wedding should be cost sensitive in my opinion. Weddings are crazy expensive. Many vendors charge more for a service simply because they know it is in connection with a wedding and that people feel like they are going to spend through the nose on those events. Before reading this, understand that I am practical person before I am romantic. So, before the flames start coming about how I "don't understand," simply realize that these are my views. Take them or leave them. All that said, here are five ideas: 1. Keep the guest list small. Figure o...