KIM: Here’s timeless advice that will serve you well
Every once in a while I come across timeless advice like Davis Advisors’ “The Wisdom of Great Investors: Insights from Some of History’s Greatest Investment Minds.”
Investing Column
Articles
SKARBECK: Hidden 401(k) fees can kill retirement savings
Remarkably, a recent AARP survey found that seven out of 10 participants (employees) incorrectly believe they do not pay any fees for their 401(k) plan.
KIM: When credit evaporates, cash is king … so save some
Like many, I eagerly await the publication of Berkshire Hathaway’s annual reports, which always contain timeless lessons from Warren Buffett.
SKARBECK: Judge says no-fault SEC deal is weak, ineffective
A federal judge in Manhattan took a stand against lax oversight of the financial industry, rejecting a $285 million settlement between the Securities and Exchange Commission and Citigroup—and setting a July trial date.
KIM: Even money market funds can be risky for investors
Unlike bank deposits or CDs, investments in money market funds are not guaranteed.
KIM: Tax credit gives Hoosiers edge in saving for college
There may be a $5 or $1,000 bill lying on the sidewalk, but it’s up to you to pick it up.
SKARBECK: Bankruptcy shows how far financial system has to go
The failure of brokerage MF Global—the eighth-largest bankruptcy in U.S. history—is troubling: It demonstrates that behavior and incentives have not really changed in some corners of our financial system, and that regulators are still behind the curve.
KIM: For long-term investment treats, don’t be tricked
Don’t let the excitement and envy of somebody else’s hitting an improbable jackpot blind you to the cold, hard, mathematical probabilities of long-term investment success.
SKARBECK: Recovery will require sacrifices on all fronts
While Wall Street bankers are the chosen target of the protesters in New York City’s Zuccotti Park, the breadth of the movement clearly is a sign of citizens’ frustration with the economic and political landscape.
KIM: Tumble in third quarter spurred by investor panic
Sentiment has been crushed. Some investors have lost faith, thrown in the towel, and abandoned the stock market.
SKARBECK: Gain fortitude by knowing what companies you own
It is essential to understand that shares of stock represent the fractional ownership of an operating business.
SKARBECK: Don’t wait for the robins when making investments
As Warren Buffett counseled in October 2008, “If you wait for the robins, spring will be over.”
KIM: Think outside the (style) box to improve returns
The “Morningstar Style Box” was introduced by the Chicago-based research firm in 1992 to help investors and advisers determine the investment style of a fund.
KIM: Predicting market’s swings is both futile and expensive
Wouldn’t it be nice to be smart enough to sell at the top and nimble enough to buy back in at the bottom?
SKARBECK: Global investors should heed exchange rate trends
Exchange rates are determined, at least in theory, by purchasing power parity.
KIM: MainSource story shows community banks’ volatility
First, by and large, community banks did not participate in the activities that led to the financial crisis.
SKARBECK: Market volatility should be seen as an opportunity
To a long-term, value-oriented investor, volatility should be viewed as opportunity. The crazy prices that are occasionally offered up by a roller-coaster market in periods of uncertainty allow for the purchase of undervalued securities.
KIM: Managers with skin in game most likely to perform well
It seems perfectly logical that you want to invest with a manager or fund where the manager has a significant amount invested alongside you.
SKARBECK: Regulators aren’t so bad, and we really need them
while the cost of regulatory compliance can be annoying, they do serve a vital societal function—consumer protection.
KIM: Contrarian mind-set is key to unearthing opportunities
For investors, the time to be nervous is when there’s nothing but blue skies on the horizon. The time to be opportunistic is when there’s blood running down the street and the high-paid talking heads are screaming that the sky is falling.