Brian Fees

Balance the budget; curtail spending; reduce debt – three aspects of simple fiscal management. At one time or another, nearly every American has done these things to keep their financial house in order. Now it’s the government’s turn. Trouble is, the powers that be haven’t agreed on how to do it. Meanwhile, all the posturing in Washington is fueling investor frustrations as experts warn that failing to raise the debt ceiling will have disastrous consequences. Why is this such a complicated issue?

Whether you’re a novice investor or you’ve been following the market for years, one thing you know is true: the market is constantly changing.  The never-ending ups and downs can make it hard to determine when would be a good time to buy.  Fortunately, there is an investment strategy that can help compensate for swings in the market and make the decision a little less troublesome for you.

Today’s investor has a wide variety of choices. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, and annuities all have a mixture of requirements, rates and risk levels that must be carefully weighed against your personal goals and risk parameters. Making the right choice begins with a clear understanding of your investment objectives. Are you hoping to accumulate cash for immediate or near-term expenses? Are you trying to build your children’s college education fund? Are you looking for shelter from inflation and taxes? Are you setting aside money for retirement?