Beacon Wealthcare |

10 Jan 2014 Does Monte Carlo-Based Financial Planning Really Work?

Posted at 14:45h in Briefs about our Process, The Friday Brief by Sam Bass Jr.

A few days ago after wrapping up a productive planning meeting, my client asked me a question in total earnest. He had come to our meeting with concerns that new information he brought would wreck his plan. We made the changes he needed to make and we reviewed...

26 Jul 2013 Persistence

Posted at 16:39h in The Friday Brief by Sam Bass Jr.

One of the great secrets of success in investing is that of persistence; defined as "firm or obstinate continuance on a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." In this age of information overload, particularly in the area of investing, persistence has become considerably more difficult than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Throw into the mix an ever-expanding supply of 'financial advisors' backed by sophisticated marketing machines designing products to address today's 'opportunities' and its easy to see why staying the course is more difficult than ever.

09 Jul 2013 Why Do We Own US Treasurys and Why Do Ships Sink?

Posted at 11:02h in The Friday Brief by Sam Bass Jr.

Why do we insist on owning Treasurys when 'everyone' knows they are going to go down in value? Please allow me to answer this question metaphorically, beginning with another question:

21 Jun 2013 Removing the Bandage

Posted at 10:10h in The Friday Brief by Sam Bass Jr.

How we hate the idea of removing a bandage. It so nicely covers the damage and the pain underneath that we soon prefer the façade to the reality. We especially fear its removal as we know the adhesive will only reluctantly and painfully give up its sticky hold on our very sensitive skin. Knowing the quick yank is best, we often resort to the painfully slow tugging approach.