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Crafting a robust financial plan is essential for helping to secure a financial future. In this article, we will highlight five crucial missteps that individuals should avoid when evaluating their financial strategies. Drawing from real-life experiences and insights, we will explore pitfalls associated with Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), hedge funds, indexed universal life insurance, asset commitments, and tax-related scams.
Investing in IPOs can be enticing, but it comes with its own set of risks. Some IPOs have been likened to pump and dump schemes, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence. Before jumping into IPO investments, it is crucial to research the company’s fundamentals. Understanding the potential risks can help investors make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls. Although IPO’s have had historic success, most have lost money in recent years (partially due to easy money being made to affluent investors while companies were private) and then quickly taking their chips off the table when the public buys the shares once on the stock market.
Hedge funds often promise market outperformance, but they come with many considerations. Investors should be cautious of hidden fees and the fact that most have not outperformed the general stock market indexes. There are also less systems for accountability as hedge funds do not have the same reporting requirements or set of rules as traditional index or mutual funds.
Indexed universal life insurance may seem like a comprehensive financial instrument, but it has its limitations. Hidden fees and restrictions can significantly impact returns and accessibility to capital. Surrender fees, and the lack of participation in the dividends of the underlying index also add to their unfavorable terms.
Certain assets demand significant time, attention, and financial resources. Whether it’s real estate, business ventures, or other complex investments, individuals need to be aware of the commitment required. Balancing these assets within a diversified portfolio is crucial. Overcommitting to assets that demand excessive resources can jeopardize overall financial stability.
As tax season approaches, individuals must remain vigilant against tax-related scams and phishing attempts. Cybersecurity risks are ever-present, with schemes targeting unsuspecting taxpayers during filing season. Prudent tax planning involves not only optimizing tax liability now and in future, but also safeguarding personal and financial information. Employing robust cybersecurity measures and staying informed about potential scams are vital steps in protecting one’s financial well-being.
Building a resilient financial plan requires careful consideration and avoidance of common missteps. By avoiding pitfalls associated with IPOs, hedge funds, indexed universal life insurance, private investment commitments, and tax-related scams, individuals can create a more secure financial future.
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Important Disclosures:
Securities and advisory services offered through EWA LLC dba Equilibrium Wealth Advisors (a SEC Registered Investment Advisor).
* Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value. However, the value of fund shares is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.
* Corporate bonds are considered higher risk than government bonds but normally offer a higher yield and are subject to market, interest rate and credit risk as well as additional risks based on the quality of issuer coupon rate, price, yield, maturity, and redemption features.
* The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. You cannot invest directly in this index.
* All indexes referenced are unmanaged. The volatility of indexes could be materially different from that of a client’s portfolio. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment. You cannot invest directly in an index.
* The Dow Jones Global ex-U.S. Index covers approximately 95% of the market capitalization of the 45 developed and emerging countries included in the Index.
* The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
* Gold represents the afternoon gold price as reported by the London Bullion Market Association. The gold price is set twice daily by the London Gold Fixing Company at 10:30 and 15:00 and is expressed in U.S. dollars per fine troy ounce.
* The Bloomberg Commodity Index is designed to be a highly liquid and diversified benchmark for the commodity futures market. The Index is composed of futures contracts on 19 physical commodities and was launched on July 14, 1998.
* The DJ Equity All REIT Total Return Index measures the total return performance of the equity subcategory of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) industry as calculated by Dow Jones.
* The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as “The Dow,” is an index representing 30 stock of companies maintained and reviewed by the editors of The Wall Street Journal.
* The NASDAQ Composite is an unmanaged index of securities traded on the NASDAQ system.
* International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. These risks are often heightened for investments in emerging markets.
* Yahoo! Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
* The risk of loss in trading commodities and futures can be substantial. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The high degree of leverage is often obtainable in commodity trading and can work against you as well as for you. The use of leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains.
* Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
* Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
* Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
* The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee it is accurate or complete.
* There is no guarantee a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
* Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
* Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
In 15 minutes we can get to know you – your situation, goals and needs – then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.
EWA, LLC dba Equilibrium Wealth Advisors, is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm providing investment advisory and financial planning services to clients.
Investments in securities and insurance products are not insured by any state or federal agency.
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*See reference 1 and reference 2 for more information about the above-mentioned statistic.
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In 15 minutes we can get to know you – your situation, goals and needs – then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.