KIM: Mutual fund choices influenced by conflicts
Have you ever wondered how and why the mutual funds your brokerage firm recommends or those that appear on your 401(k) plan’s menu of investment options were chosen?
Mickey Kim
Articles
KIM: Protect yourself when buying mutual fund shares
While the concept of a mutual fund is beautiful in its simplicity, actually investing in one can be complicated.
KIM: Disciplined approach key to ’13 investing success
Investors who heeded FDR’s advice—“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on”—were amply rewarded for staying the course.
KIM: Look for ways to invest without following the herd
We don’t waste time trying to anticipate events that are uncontrollable. Still, some highly experienced and skilled investors make unconventional predictions I think are worth noting.
KIM: Turn off TV and heed this timeless investment advice
In today’s era of 24/7 media bombardment, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the “expert” opinions out there.
KIM: Buffett believes philanthropy is our investment in society
In June 2010, Buffett joined Bill and Melinda Gates to announce the Giving Pledge—their effort to persuade the richest Americans to donate at least half their wealth to charity.
KIM: Don’t be fooled by ‘hot hand’ fantasy in hoops or investing
With basketball a metaphor for life for many passionate fans, what lessons hold true both on and off the court?
KIM: Let Indiana help you pay for gift of college education
If there’s one absolute truth in investing, it’s that there is no such thing as a sure thing. However, for Indiana residents who want to help children, grandchildren or other loved ones save for college, there is the next best thing.
KIM: Consider value proposition of various college choices
Two-thirds of bachelor’s degree recipients borrow to attend college. The average debt is $26,500, but some is much higher.
KIM: Election may not sway markets like expected
With election rhetoric reaching a fever pitch, investors are curious about what an Obama re-election or Romney win will mean for the stock market.
KIM: Disrespecting bull market can be costly to investors
What a difference a year makes. Last October, we wrote of the U.S. stock market’s dismal third-quarter performance.
KIM: Don’t let ‘urgent’ tasks trump what’s truly important
Deep down, we know we need to make important life decisions, like updating investment portfolios, creating estate plans, or crafting a college savings strategy. All of these are hard work, take time and are nobody’s idea of fun.
KIM: Investors can find treasure in ‘discarded’ businesses
Our experience has been that corporate restructuring often creates market inefficiencies, allowing us to buy at a significant discount.
KIM: Why the Libor lie matters to the man on the street
Libor, the London interbank offered rate, certainly sounds like an obscure, technical bit of financial jargon. However, Libor directly affects the pricing of more than $800 trillion in securities and loans.
KIM: Is high-frequency trading ‘Knightmare’ on Wall Street?
Much like the fictional Skynet in the “Terminator” movies, firms engaging in “high-frequency trading” have unleashed a torrent of unbridled technological firepower that seems to have overwhelmed its human makers’ ability to control.
KIM: Beware conflicts of interest when seeking financial help
There is no such thing as unbiased advice, and conflicts of interest are not automatically bad. However, it’s up to you to take steps to protect yourself from becoming “skinned” in this jungle.
KIM: Have we seen second quarter of 2012 before?
The U.S. equity market tested the confidence and resolve of investors in the second quarter of 2012.
KIM: Compounding, Rule of 72 work for you if you let them
Saving/investing more and earlier is a simplistic strategy, but it requires discipline, patience and hard work.
KIM: When planning finances, balance wants and needs
I think our educational system needs to do a much better job of equipping students to make wise financial decisions.
KIM: European debt crisis is deja vu all over again
The European debt crisis has reignited and quickly heated to a full boil. Stock markets across the globe have been slammed.