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Preparing for a Recession
For the past ten years, we’ve had a strong bull market in equities; in fact this is one of the longest bull markets in history. That doesn’t mean that it’s been all upside for the past decade. For instance, the S&P 500 Index declined by more than 10% in late January / early February of ... Preparing for a Recession
The Leap of Faith
Growth is an important theme at Brown and Company. We place a tremendous emphasis on hiring great people, utilizing the latest technology to improve efficiency and re-investing back into the client experience. It is through growth that we are able to deliver our best work to our clients. As part of our growth trajectory, we ... The Leap of Faith
What Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs Both Said 20 Years Ago
It is not uncommon to see old video footage of Steve Jobs or Jeff Bezos on social media. We’re all interested in what these influential leaders of two of the most iconic companies in the world have had to say. What is unusual is to see both of them say nearly the exact same thing ... What Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs Both Said 20 Years Ago
Multiple Income Streams in Retirement: Putting Together All of the Puzzle Pieces
A common fact pattern for our clients is that they will have multiple income streams when they stop working. Social Security benefits, private pensions, annuity payments, income from real estate holdings, income from private equity and mineral royalty checks: these sources of income will often play a vital role in creating a successful long-term plan ... Multiple Income Streams in Retirement: Putting Together All of the Puzzle Pieces
5 Key Questions for Business Owners
Sir Edmund Hillary is widely known as the first man to have climbed Mount Everest. Hillary and his companion Tenzing Norgay reached the peak in 1953. There is some controversy, however, that another man named George Mallory was actually the first to reach the summit. Mallory’s climb occurred nearly 30 years earlier, but was never confirmed ... 5 Key Questions for Business Owners
Falling Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve announced its expectation not to raise short-term interest rates any more in 2019, reflecting a more subdued forecast for economic growth in the remainder of the year. Previously, the Fed had indicated that it expected to hike short term rates by a quarter percentage point twice more in 2019. The current Fed ... Falling Interest Rates
Barron’s 2019 Conference Recap
Martin Walsh attended the Barron’s Team Summit in Las Vegas in early February. The conference is an invitation-only event, aimed at recognizing the achievements of the top financial advisors in the United States. Mark R. Brown has been a perennially leader in Colorado atop the Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisors list. An annual event which Brown ... Barron’s 2019 Conference Recap
Challenges and Benefits of Simplicity
In a world of increasing complexity and unprecedented technological advancement, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. As a result, simplification can be a real gift. Ask anyone who has recently tried to research and enroll in health care benefits, and they will gladly accept an expert’s offer to simplify all of it. When done well, ... Challenges and Benefits of Simplicity
When to file for Social Security benefits?
The question of when to file for Social Security benefits is a frequent topic of conversation with our clients. Even with ultra-high net worth clients, the value of the income stream from Social Security is large enough to warrant a careful discussion. Indeed, the capitalized value of an inflation-adjusted income stream that pays several thousand ... When to file for Social Security benefits?
Upfront Hindsight: Anticipating Problems Before They Occur
One of the most common descriptions of financial planners and advisors is that we are problem solvers. But while it is certainly true that advisors need to be able to solve problems for clients, we would argue that the value of problem solving is not what it used to be. The greater value an advisor ... Upfront Hindsight: Anticipating Problems Before They Occur
Why Do-It-Yourselfers Become Delegators
Historically, financial advisors have tended to think of two broad categories of investors: do-it-yourselfers and delegators. Delegators tend to seek out advice and are willing to pay for it. Whereas, DIY types are less inclined to see the value of wealth advice and, therefore, are less willing to hire someone to help them. That’s the ... Why Do-It-Yourselfers Become Delegators
Financial Planning for Widows: Do You Have a Plan If Your Wife Survives You?
We see a very common fact pattern among retired couples, a potential pitfall that can lead to unintended consequences if not planned for appropriately. Often, a husband has been the primary breadwinner for a family and has been the dominant decision maker on most financial decisions of consequence. These financial decisions include hiring a wealth ... Financial Planning for Widows: Do You Have a Plan If Your Wife Survives You?