Life and the Stock Market Both life and the stock market can be unpredictable.  Sometimes it seems like everything is going smoothly and the future looks bright, and then something no one could predict happens.  As of today, the markets are looking strong and...

At the end of 2018 the market was in turmoil. The stock market was down over 19 percent by December 24th from the market highs and there was no end in sight. How did you react to seeing your portfolio shrink? If you felt sick to your stomach and wanted to sell...

How often do you look at your portfolio? We have some clients who look at it everyday and others that only check it quarterly.  Volatile markets tend to make people a little more nervous about how their investments are performing, and we believe it causes them to look...

After the first few days of trading to start 2016, I am sure this question is on the minds of many investors.  The start of 2016 has been less than stellar for the stock market and I am sure it has caused some nervousness in the investment community.  There are many...

by Jay Chapman | Oct 13, 2016 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments If you read my last article, you would already know that I thought market volatility would increase in October.  Well, it’s happening and now is not the time to panic.  Now is the time to take advantage of...

by Jay Chapman | Jun 20, 2017 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments Do you know the saying “If it sounds too good to be true it usually isn’t”?  Upfront bonuses on annuity purchases have been around for a while now, and they probably are not going away anytime soon.  I am...

by Jay Chapman | Sep 12, 2017 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments You have finally made it to retirement.  You saved your money and now it’s time to take withdrawals to provide an income stream to you during your retirement years.  The question is “how much can I take...

by Jay Chapman | Sep 14, 2017 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments On September 7, Equifax – one of the largest American credit agencies – announced a data breach by cyber criminals that may affect you.  The criminals gained access to millions of Americans’ personal...

by Jay Chapman | Oct 19, 2017 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments Can you tell the difference between someone who is trying to sell you something and someone who is trying to provide a service? Financial Advisors are there to provide a service. They should not be selling...

by Jay Chapman | Oct 22, 2017 | The Ship's Wheel | 0 comments Do you know how your Financial Advisor is compensated?  When I started in this business 20 years ago, the only way I made money was if one of my clients placed a trade.  I was young and at the time thought...