Brought to you compliments of John F. Reutemann, Jr., CLU, CFP®
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December 2008
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Friday, September 3, 2010
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Should You Consider International Investing?
During the 1990s, the U.S. stock market
significantly outperformed international stock markets. International
investments drew little attention during that time. But now the
situation has reversed, with international investments outperforming
U.S. stock investments over the past few years. Is now the time
to take another look at international investments? Before deciding,
consider these points.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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The Basics of Currency Fluctuations
An international investment's return is
based on two factors - the investment's return in its local currency
plus currency fluctuations. For example, suppose you purchase
a British stock whose price increases 10% in one year in terms
of British pounds. If, during that same year, the British pound
increased in value by 5% compared to the U.S. dollar, your total
return would be 15% - 10% from the investment's return and 5%
from currency fluctuations. However, if the British pound decreased
by 5%, your total return would be 5%.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Don't Underestimate Inflation
Inflation has been tame for so long that
it's easy to ignore when planning for retirement. However, even
inflation of 2% or 3% per year, over a period of many years, can
seriously erode the purchasing power of your funds. At 2.5% inflation,
$1 today will be worth 78 cents in 10 years, 61 cents in 20 years,
and 48 cents in 30 years. That can have a major impact on those
entering retirement
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Make Saving a Habit
Habits are all about the principle of human
inertia: we tend to keep doing what we've always done and shy
away from doing something new. That principle may work against
you at first. If you're not used to saving money, it can be hard
to get started. But once you gain some inertia in your new saving
habits, it'll be relatively easy to keep it up.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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The Changing Dynamics of Home-Equity Loans
When home prices were increasing, home-equity
loans were a convenient way to finance numerous types of expenditures.
While the loan is secured by the home's equity, the proceeds can
be used for anything, including expenditures that have nothing
to do with the home. But with declining home values and increasing
numbers of foreclosures, lenders are not as anxious to approve
home-equity loans.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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John (Jack) F. Reutemann, Jr., CLU, CFP® is the Branch Manager for the Rockville, MD office of LPL Financial. LPL is the largest independent investment firm in the United States,* offers no proprietary products and does not engage in investment banking activities. We are able to provide unbiased and independent investment recommendations to our clients. Jack is committed to providing the finest service and investment advice. He specializes in serving the needs of high-net-worth individuals, successful professionals, business owners and retirees. Jack is highly knowledgeable in the areas of tax-advantaged investing, retirement planning, financial planning, business planning and professional fee-based asset management. Our firm pays close attention to the often-overlooked area of risk management coupled with a strict sell discipline.
After earning his BS in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, Jack entered the investment business. For over 30 years, Jack has been helping families and businesses throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, and the United States, achieve their financial goals.
Jack lives in Potomac, MD with his wife Toni and their five children.
For a no obligation, no fee appointment, feel free to call us at, (301) 294-7500.
*Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2007
You can also contact us via e-mail at
brian.lane@rfsadvisors.com
or visit our Web site
www.rfsadvisors.com
Securities, financial planning and asset management offered through LPL Financial
Member FINRA/SIPC
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Published by
John F. Reutemann, Jr. CLU, CFP®
Copyright © 2008 Integrated Concepts Group, Inc.. All rights reserved.
The articles in this newsletter were prepared by Integrated Concepts. This newsletter intends to offer factual and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed, but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. Professional advisers should be consulted before implementing any options presented. No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material.
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