December 2008 |
Monday, December 15, 2008 |
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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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Michael has been helping investors achieve their goals for the past eight years. He began his career with Fidelity Investments, and then in 2002 he launched his independent advisory practice.
Michael is among a select group of 150 investment professionals in the US to hold certifications in wealth preservation (CWPP) and asset protection (CAPP). Using this expertise, Michael helps our clients to minimize tax expense, protect their assets, and plan their estates with some of the most effective strategies available to investors and business owners anywhere today. He also holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses.
Michael currently resides in Prosper, Texas with his wife Barbara, and son Zachary.
Feel free to contact Michael via e-mail at
michael@selectwealth.net
or visit our Web site
www.selectwealth.net
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Published by Michael Sylkatis
Copyright © 2008 Integrated Concepts Group, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Securities and advisory services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser and member FINRA/SIPC. Select Wealth Management and VSR Financial Services are not affiliated companies.
Some information provided in this newsletter was 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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