Integrate, v. ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt To form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole A frequent complaint we hear from Intel employees surrounds the investment restrictions in their retirement accounts. While the investment options in the accounts are increasing, you are still limited to a preset menu in each account. Those wishing to expand their allocation beyond this list of funds cannot... Read More
How to Set Financial Goals [Free Intel Financial Goal Worksheet]
“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” ~ Napolean Hill Anytime is the right time to set financial goals. The beginning of the year may be a popular time to set them—with nearly half of all Americans reporting that they “usually make” a New Year’s resolution—but, January isn’t the only time of the year to do it. It’s never too... Read More
The Myth of Wall Street and Ben Graham on The Power of a Simple and Consistent Approach
Everyone enjoys a good story. Whether reading a book, watching a movie, or talking with friends, stories are a great way to share, learn, and connect. But when it comes to investing, the stories we believe—the stories told in the financial media and by Wall Street—often lead us astray. The entire purpose of a good story is to trigger an... Read More
The easy way to avoid financial ruin
“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” Josh Billings Occasionally clients or prospects will ask: “What changes have you recently made? What action have you taken on my behalf?” The implication is: what are you doing to add value? Sometimes it’s not doing that adds value. Often, a good... Read More
6 Steps to Help Your Children Avoid Feeling Entitled
*This is a guest post written by Cordant Ambassador, Dave Unzicker. Are Your Children Exposed to Affluenza? Don’t let them get infected! Recent news stories based on the capture of the fugitive “victim of affluenza,” Ethan Couch, have really brought to the forefront an issue that I have been struggling with for years—in this world of plenty that glorifies... Read More
Why Own Bonds?
The Foolish Fish In a huge pond lived many fish. They were arrogant and never listened to anyone. In this pond, there also lived a kind-hearted crocodile. He advised the fish, “It does not pay to be arrogant and overconfident. It could be your downfall.” But the fish never listened to him. “There is that crocodile, advising us again,” they... Read More
Intel Settlement Check: A Reminder About the Importance of Alignment
If you’re a current or former Intel employee, you may have received a settlement check that resulted from a class action lawsuit. Some of our clients contacted us about the legitimacy of the check. You may remember reading about the lawsuit filed in 2011 which alleged four Silicon Valley companies (Apple, Google, Intel and Adobe Systems) agreed to not poach each others' top... Read More
This Is The Hard Part
In 2014 Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and described as one of Silicon Valley's most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, wrote a book titled “The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers.” Many people talk about the benefits, rewards and good things that come with starting a business. Few talk about the risks,... Read More
2015 Market Recap: Good Riddance
During a holiday gathering, a family member made the following toast: "May 2016 be as good as 2015 was bad." To start the year, investors may have felt the same way. Bloomberg called 2015 “The Year Nothing Worked” as stocks, bonds and cash all went “nowhere.” US stocks (S&P 500) were up 1.4%, International stocks (MSCI World ex/US) down 3.0%,... Read More
The Goal of Wall Street: ‘To Wring More Profit From Its Clients’
“It doesn't matter what people say. Watch what they do.” In an unsurprising, but refreshingly straightforward article Reuters wrote recently about Morgan Stanley’s latest product push to boost its profit. The article titled “Morgan Stanley Turns To Stodgy Bank Accounts To Boost Profit” is a glimpse inside how the traditional Wall Street sales culture works and how these firms view... Read More