Annuities are wrong for almost everyone. If you’re unfamiliar with annuities here’s the gist – you pay a lump sum now in return for a future income stream, usually for the rest of your life. Annuities are essentially the opposite of life insurance. Think of it as you vs the insurance company – in a life insurance contract you “win” if you die prematurely, in an annuity you “win” if you live longer than expected.

“Financial advisor” has become a very broad title over the years. When someone says they are a financial advisor, what does that mean? What’s their background? What qualifications do they have? Do they focus more on insurance or do they have education and training related to investing.

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are individuals born between 1981 – 1996. Many millennials are currently reaching their prime working and earning years. In 2016, millennials passed baby boomers and Gen Xers and now make up the largest generation employed in the workforce, according to PEW Research Center.

Approximately 75% of Americans are content managing their money on their own, according to a recent CNBC survey. The decision to forgo professional financial advice could end up being a costly one.

Earlier this week, one of the most popular TV shows of all time announced that it would officially be leaving Netflix. The Office, which has gained a cult-like following over the years, will be leaving Netflix at the end of 2020 and will begin streaming exclusively on NBCUniversal’s forthcoming streaming service. Is this a bump-in-the road or are Netflix’s best days behind it?

For privacy purposes I’m not going to use my real client’s name, let’s call him Jack. Jack is an old high-school friend of mine, we manage to see each other once or twice a year despite living halfway across the country. Jack has moved up the professional ladder and has accumulated a sizable investment account for being in his late 20’s. Jack has a basic understanding of the market and began to grow leary of his portfolio. I offered to take a look to see if his suspicions were warranted.