Retirement means many different things to everyone. It’s generally the goal for most people to do something they love with the last quarter of their life. It should be an exciting time, but when you hear that most Americans won’t be able to afford retirement, it can be worrisome. There are certain aspects that can’t … Continued
Despite a panoply of investor concerns, domestic equity markets continue their march higher. Many of these concerns focus on the uncertainty of the post election world. Not only are investors keeping a close watch on which candidate is elected as our next president, equally important is whether there is a change in control within the … Continued
British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that the UK would trigger the process of disentangling itself from the European Union (EU) by the end of March 2017. This would set the stage for Britain to leave the EU by March 2019. Once the process is started, the UK has a two-year window to negotiate its … Continued
This is a critical question that frequently crops up in job interviews. Connecting able and willing workers with potential employers is a major challenge in urban America. This may also account for some of the unusually low level of work force participation. It is not unreasonable for someone with no realistic way to get to … Continued
During the years 1815-1914, when Britain, through the Royal Navy, was the de facto world’s policeman, some leaders of smaller countries would see how far they could provoke Britain, without precipitating serious consequences. In other words, “twisting the lion’s tail.” Currently, we have the Philippines recently elected President, Rodrigo Duterte, threatening to distance his country … Continued
Corporate tax rates, both in the U.S., and abroad, have gained increasing visibility following the EU assessment of a $15 billion penalty relating to Apple and Ireland’s tax strategy, and the ongoing U.S. election rhetoric. Incentives get less publicity and are generally promoted as a jobs policy or the pursuit of some other social good, … Continued
My colleague, Walter Kirchberger, does a lot of world travel and recently brought back with him not a tee shirt or other souvenir, but an article he had read on the ship titled, “The millionaires next door.” It was an Associated Press piece by Liz Weston. Many years ago, a book was written of the … Continued
The technical details behind corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards are complicated and controversial. At an automotive conference held in Traverse City, MI, public sparring between regulators and industry representatives suggest that the path to the current goal of 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2025, is going to be bumpy. Predictably, the auto industry … Continued
Many clients ask about the taxability of inherited assets. Generally, funds or assets you inherit are not taxable; if estate taxes (sometimes referred to as death taxes) are due they are paid by the estate prior to distribution to beneficiaries. A few states (not Michigan) have an inheritance tax. The rules regarding how to treat … Continued
Taxes are always a controversial topic with widely divergent opinions as to who should pay, how much, and on what basis. An old saying “Don’t tax you, don’t tax me, tax the fellow behind the tree,” may be more appropriate than ever, as politicians increasingly seek to obscure the full amount they are collecting and … Continued
As investment professionals, we tend to take a lot of “investment content” for granted and, like many professions, assume that the general public has the same awareness on wealth planning concepts that we do. Our recent college intern, Daria Lenderman (Northwestern University), shared her observations following her very successful session at Sigma Investment Counselors this … Continued
Investors should be cautious in reacting to “consensus” opinions and investment strategies. For example, running up to, and immediately after, Apple’s new iPhone announcement, analysts, both financial and technical, were somewhat less than enthusiastic about the phone’s prospects. Comments included, not enough new stuff, taking out the headphone jack is a mistake, etc. As a … Continued
Copyright © 2024 - Sigma Investment Counselors