Education
At James, we strive to help all who come to us for advice; using our gifts to improve lives and our community. We want to guide, assist and educate you to be a great steward of your assets.
Pensions
Although for many, pensions are a thing of the past. Those who have one often have many questions about their choices and what would be best for them.
What is the TSP?
A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement plan for groups of people who work for the federal government. Mail carriers, military personnel, and civil government workers are the main groups of people who make up the participants in the plan. We hope this helps you understand how the TSP works.
TSP Investments
One of the flagship benefits of the TSP is their low-cost investment options. However, a recent development with the TSP is that they are offering a mutual fund window. Read the article to understand the investment options available in the Thrift Savings Plan.
TSP Distributions
In this article we will cover options to take money out of the TSP. Find out how you can withdrawal while still working, and after you leave government employment.
Inflation
It looks like higher inflation will stick around for a while longer. What should you consider whether you are retired, close to retirement, or still in your working years?
Strategies for Retirement
Most retirees pull money from the wrong accounts at the wrong time. With better strategies, retirees can minimize their taxes and increase the inheritance they pass to their heirs.
Medicare Plans
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage? What does Medicare cost? How do I make a decision? Do I have enough saved to cover health care expenses in retirement? Read the full article here.
Social Security Funding
Determining when to start Social Security benefits is a common question. So is wondering how long Social Security will be around. There is a lot of misinformation out there, so we wanted to dispel some of the myths.
Volatility; Now What?
The market began 2022 with much volatility, which is very concerning. When someone is worried about an event, the best way to counteract that fear is to learn about what is happening and take advantage of the opportunities the worry presents.
Plan a Legacy
Why do 70% of wealth transfers fail? The results might surprise you. Focus on a family that has purpose outside of money as you create your legacy.
Should I Pay Down My Debt?
As Boomers head into retirement, the question becomes should they be paying that debt off? Well, the safest answer is: it depends. That's a cute answer, but what does it depend on?
7 Timeless Principles of Investing
Author: Barry R. James
Overview
In 7 Timeless Principles of Investing, you'll learn a simple guiding philosophy that can help people avoid investment pitfalls and raise their chances of financial success.
Introduction: Investing Isn't Gambling
Some people view the stock market as a casino. Others think of gambling as a form of investing. Neither is true, so let's dispel the myths by highlighting the three major differences between investing and gambling.
The First Principle: Know Yourself
"What does knowing myself have to do with investing?" In a word, everything. At James Investment Research, Inc., we've learned that truly successful investors achieve their goals based on their temperament, even if it means they don't make the highest possible returns. They match their investments to their comfort levels so they can stay with their choices for the long run, putting the odds of success in their favor.
The Second Principle: Avoid Losing Money
Warren Buffett, one of the world's wealthiest people, has two oft-quoted rules for investing. The first is the opening quote of this chapter, "Never lose money." The second is: "Never forget rule number one."
The Third Principle: It's Not What You Own - It's When
The goal of winning drove every decision legendary coach Vince Lombardi made for his team. But for investors, the goal is good timing.
The Fourth Principle: Hang On to Winners, Sell Losers
How do you know which stock to sell? First, keep in mind that your remaining stocks should be the ones with the best potential for advancing. Second, check with your financial or tax adviser about any tax consequences your sell decision could have. After that your choice is simple but not necessarily easy: whether to sell your biggest losers.
The Fifth Principle: Avoid Following the Crowd
There's a concept in investing called a mania, and it's got a lot in common with its psychological roots. It's what happens when a large number of investors' emotions cloud good, solid reason.
The Sixth Principle: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify
No matter how carefully you chose an investment, disaster can strike. Sometimes it is literally, as in the case of major hurricanes, droughts or earthquakes. Sometimes it is political in nature. Markets can be rocked by coups, government incentives or austere laws and regulations. When you diversify, you reduce your exposure to such risks.
The Seventh Principle: Let Time Work for You
The final principle sums up all the rest. Having made smart, diversified investments that fit your temperament, it's time to sit back and let your decisions play out over time.
How to Apply the 7 Principles
Complete five steps that will lead you to an investing style that matches your temperament and investing goals.
In Conclusion
As I close, I ask you to consider one last investing principle. It concerns what I think it is the greatest investment opportunity of all – eternity.