Mountain Money Blog

1st Quarter Client Note

By Steven Smith | April 14, 2012

The S&P 500 Index rose 12.59% during the quarter. This was on top of an 11.82% increase in the 4th quarter of 2011, reaching a four year high in March. After a difficult 2011, international developed markets stocks rose nearly 11% and emerging markets increased by 13.65%. Even Japan, the ultimate financial zombie, marked its […]

Children and Philanthropy

By Steven Smith | February 24, 2012

Denver Post columnist Bruce DeBoskey continues to nail it in his On Philanthropy column. This week’s column, on the subject of engaging children in philantropy, is chock full of ideas and resources for getting kids away from their computer screens and out there making a contribution. Involving children (and grandchildren) in philanthropy is a great way for […]

Tax Update: The Certainty of Uncertainty

By Steven Smith | January 25, 2012

The tax “fix” at the end of 2010 left us with a jumble of extensions, expirations, and new rules for 2012. We summarize some of the biggest changes and issues to watch for while planning your 2012 taxes.

Expanding Your Horizons: Examining the Role of Global Bonds

By Steven Smith | January 25, 2012

Historically low interest rates have tempted some fixed income investors to wander off course into exotic and untested new strategies. But there is a prudent way to expand your investment horizons into global bonds.

4th Quarter Client Note

By Steven Smith | January 12, 2012

From the debt ceiling fight to worries over foreign economies to phenomenal results for the fixed income markets, 2011 was a year of unprecedented volatility for the markets. Investors should, at least, prepared for a continued wild ride—but we also recommend a brief pause for appreciating our blessings, as we do.

Strategic Philanthropy

By Steven Smith | December 21, 2011

Denver columnist Bruce DeBoskey writes about transitioning from being a donor to becoming a strategic philanthropist.

Book Review: Saving the Family Cottage

By Steven Smith | October 27, 2011

Saving the Family Cottage: A Guide to Succession Planning for Your Cottage, Cabin, Camp or Vacation Home (Stuart J. Hollander, Rose Hollander & David S. Fry, 3rd Edition, Nolo 2009) is a comprehensive treatment of the perils of failing to plan carefully for passing a vacation home to the next generation and beyond.

Less Active is More Productive When Vanguard Gets More Passive

By Steven Smith | October 18, 2011

The Vanguard Group announces it is abandoning active management in favor of an all passive approach in two of its most popular strategies.

3rd Quarter Client Note

By Steven Smith | October 12, 2011

The S & P 500 index was down 13.90 % during the quarter, the worst quarter since the financial panic of 2008. The S & P 500 (US large cap stocks) was actually among the better performers of risky asset classes. Small caps were down 22% and international stocks fell 19.6%. On the other hand, […]

Remembering Philanthropy

By Steven Smith | September 22, 2011

We all have something to give — time, money, ideas or things that we can send out into the world — to make it a better place. The recession and agonizingly slow recover, however, have pushed most of us to ignore or slow down on various forms of giving. Don’t let your philanthropic intents slide; instead, great or small, make them a robust part of your financial planning and you will reap the rewards even during difficult times.

Right Path Investments Logo

Before you go...

Join our newsletter to stay in touch with the financial world and get information to help plan your retirement.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.