Monday, March 31, 2014

What's The World Coming To?

1 - Our world has some serious long-term challenges that need attention -- but policy makers don't seem to be looking. I invite you to spend a couple minutes with this week's article, which comes from the brilliant mind of Professor Kenneth Rogoff. 

2 -  On the other hand, there is some good news to report. You know the U.S. imports much more in the way of goods and services than we sell to the rest of the world. Well, don't look now but the situation has improved a lot. Spend another minute with this week's second article.

3 - Over the last few years, many investment professionals (including us at Millard & Company) have gradually moved away from mutual funds in favor of exchange-traded funds, commonly known as ETFs. Watch this week's video to see why.

4 - A HEADS-UP FOR CLIENTS: Today is the last day of the quarter, so quarterly reports will be coming soon. We have spent the last six months transitioning to a new portfolio management and reporting system, so your report will look different than what you're used to. Please let us know what you think.

Have a great week!

~Andy

Monday, March 24, 2014

The Power of Expectations

1 - Last week's article on saving prompted some thoughtful comments by one of our clients. He sent them to me in an email and gave permission to use them in this week's newsletter. The author shall remain nameless due to industry regulations and privacy concerns, but I think you'll enjoy it.

2 - As a follow-on to Michael's identity theft video last week, we have an article on the same topic but with a few different strategies for protecting yourself. Check it out

3 - What are the odds that a child's very first day of school would turn out to be one of the luckiest days of his or her life? It happened to me, and it illustrates the power of our own expectations. Watch this week's video to see what I mean.

Have a fantabulous week!

~Andy