Blog
Robo Advisor vs. Financial Advisor
Blog“Robo Advisor vs. Financial Advisor" There has been a lot of debate, especially over the last 10 years, about the “value” that a real-life financial advisor brings to a client. During this time, the massive growth of rob-advisors such as Betterment, Ally,...
A Checklist a Decade Away from Retirement
Blog“A Checklist a Decade Away from Retirement" For many individuals, saving for retirement is not high on their priority list until those years begin to come into focus. As you begin the count down to retirement, the pressure can mount, and nerves can start to set...
Why Is the Stock Market Going Up?
Blog“Why is the Stock Market Going Up?" Despite record unemployment levels and economic uncertainty that we haven’t seen since 2008, the stock market continues to rally from it’s lows in late March. From January 1st, 2020 to March 23rd, 2020 the S&P 500 index was...
Realities of Recessions
Blog“Realities of Recessions” With everything going on we have heard the term “recession” get thrown around a lot over the past couple of months. So, what exactly is a recession and how do we determine if we are in one? Historically, the definition of a recession...
Increasing Retirement Success with Small Tweaks
Blog“Increasing Retirement Success with Small Tweaks" The last couple of months have challenged individuals, families, businesses, and governments around the world. While certain health experts have always cautioned against pandemics, they tend to operate like...
Is Now the Time for Individual Stocks?
Blog“Is Now the Time for Individual Stocks?" As people across the globe are being told to stay put in their homes, it’s not surprising to see some companies suffering more than others. Our normal routines are turned upside down, and so are our normal consumer spending...
Consistency Revisited
Blog“Consistency Revisited" Almost a year ago, we put out a post titled, “Consistency is Attractive.” With everything going on right now, we felt it was a timely reminder that being consistent, not only with our finances, can be a great source of strength in times of...
The Necessity of an Emergency Fund
“The Necessity of an Emergency Fund" If the last couple of months has taught us anything it is that the often talked about, but rarely pursued emergency fund is the essential cornerstone of a financial plan. Whether this is for a single individual, married couple,...
Highlights from Coronavirus Stimulus Package
“Highlights from Coronavirus Stimulus Package" The recent $2.2 Trillion stimulus package approved by the federal government is the single largest package in our country’s history. It shows that the federal government is taking this virus very seriously, and...
What Could a Recovery Look Like?
“What Could a Recovery Look Like?" A recent article coming out of the Capital Group did a great job of outlining what a recovery from the Coronavirus could look like. The unbiased takeaways are that COVID-19 will certainly have (and already has) major impacts on the...
Benefits of Buying Into the Market Over Time
“Benefits of Buying Into the Market Over Time" I’ve received several questions over the past month about where the “bottom” of the stock market is and when is the right time to buy back in? While I appreciate that these people have sought out my advice, the reality...
Making Sense of Market Volatility
“Making Sense of Market Volatility" No doubt most of you would have seen the headlines the past couple of weeks as markets rose and fell quite dramatically. While we agree there will be financial impacts felt by the global economy, we can’t help but think that...
Determining Life Insurance Needs
“Determining Life Insurance Needs" Life insurance is not a one size fits all game. Factors around someone’s stage in life, their financial commitments, and their current available resources all contribute to the answer. If you are wondering what type of life...
What to Make of the Corona Virus Impact
“What to Make of the Corona Virus Impact" We’ve all seen the news recently as cases of COVID-19 (AKA Corona Virus) have increased not only across China, but also spread into countries such as Italy, Iran, and South Korea. What should we make of this outbreak and the...
Financial Tips for Newlyweds
“Financial Tips for Newlyweds" Discussing finances is hardly a romantic idea for newly married couples but it is essential for any serious relationship. So many couples stick with their own individual way of managing money, which may or may not mesh with how their...
Showing Your Money Love on Valentine’s Day
“Showing your Money Love on Valentine's Day" I know what you’re thinking: “What a romantic topic for Valentine’s Day!” However, there is good reason to talk about finances on a day normally dedicated to romance and that’s because money matters are one of the main...
Best Advice Received by Financial Advisors
“Best Advice Received by Financial Advisors" As financial advisors and/or wealth managers we tend to focus the attention on providing advice and guidance to our clients without have the spotlight ever turned back on us. Much like a doctor or physician, when we have...
Client Headlines NOT News Headlines
“Client Headlines NOT News Headlines" We recently met with a fund manager who has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and we asked him what his outlook was for 2020. He proceeded to rattle off a number of global factors that could impact markets and the economy...
Term Life or Whole Life Insurance
“Term Life or Whole Life Insurance" When it comes to life insurance, most people know they should have something in place, but get confused with all of the different options in front of them. Life insurance? Eh, we will think about that once we hit that certain age....
9 Simple Tips for Financial Success
“9 Simple Tips for Financial Success" Having success with finances doesn’t have to be complicated or chalked up to some mystery that only ultra-wealthy individuals know. Success also isn’t necessarily about being smarter or working harder than everyone else. Most of...
The Importance of Zero-Based Budgeting
“The Importance of Zero-Based Budgeting" Budgeting isn’t the most exciting topic, but it is the nuts and bolts of someone’s financial picture and is a snapshot into what they value when it comes to money. While saving and investing are important parts of someone’s...
Setting Financial Goals for 2020
“Setting Financial Goals for 2020" The thought of new year’s resolutions makes some people cringe. I don’t think that resolutions are inherently bad, but I have found that they tend to be hopeful statements of achievement rather than clearly defined written down...
2010’s, A Decade in Review
“2010's, A Decade in Review" As the 2010’s decade draws to a close we thought it important to pause and take a look back at how the financial landscape has changed from 2010 through 2019. Remember how bleak things looked in 2010 as investors had just come off the...
SECURE Act Impact on Retirement
“What the SECURE Act Means for My Retirement" If you are still following the end-of-year political activity in Washington, you may know that Congress is voting on a spending bill to avoid yet another government shutdown. The House has already passed the bill and the...
Van Gelder Financial
Curious to know more?
We offer a free 30 minute introductory call for those interested in becoming clients with Van Gelder Financial. During this call we will ask a lot of questions and answer any that you may have to ensure there is a match.