investing

By Jeff Bernier

With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon (and with the search for a new strategic assistant on my to-do list!), I’ve been thinking a lot about luck. More specifically, I’ve been pondering the amazing power of ‘Who Luck’.

By Jeff Bernier

Years ago, Peter Lynch was famously quoted, offering this sage guidance for investors: “Buy what you know.” It’s a mantra that many investors have held as gospel ever since. But is it really wise advice?

By Jeff Bernier

I was at a conference years ago when a speaker walked onto the stage, looked directly at the audience, and asked this question: “At what age are you going to die?”

It may sound morbid, but he was making a great point. Everyone in the audience had a different answer, and every answer was based on ideas they had formed based on how long their parents and grandparents lived, their own health and lifestyle, and much more. If you’re like most people, you have ‘your number’ in your head. But what most people don’t consider is that modern medicine, better living conditions, more healthy work environments, and other factors all add up to create much greater longevity. According to recent research , the life expectancy of a 50-year old has increased by an incredible 33 years over the past century. What the facts tell us is that almost everyone’s number—including yours—is probably flat out wrong.

Yesterday was April 1st. I love that it was also Easter this year—the day of new beginnings—and the anniversary of my start as a financial planner 33 years ago.