http://www.brightbridgewm.com/financial-planning.php
As financial advisors and investment consultants, we believe in the following fundamental principals with regard to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations. The purpose of a client's investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives. The design of the portfolio must take into account the client's financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. We believe that having a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, following long-term buy-and-hold strategies, and having patience, increases the likelihood that one will achieve their long-term financial objectives.
Diversification, dollar cost averaging, comprehensive portfolio reviews and analysis are beneficial methods of managing assets. Dollar-cost averaging has some advantages in a declining market--or, more precisely, in a market whose general direction may be downward but still has ups and downs. An investor who bought the Dow in 1929 and held it until 1939 would have seen a -46% return; but an investor dollar-cost averaging would have been able to take advantage, for example, of all the months in 1932-1934 in which the Dow closed at less than 100. In these months, that investor would have gotten a lot more for his money. This effect adds up to a nominal return of 5% during the period for the dollar-cost average method, which compared favorably to bond interest rates over the same period.
We believe that low cost mutual funds that consistently perform above average against their peers are wise choices. We also recognize the importance of culling a portfolio from time to time. How do you create this personal financial plan? What makes Brightbridge different is our commitment to working jointly with clients to produce a comprehensive, custom financial plan, enabling them to make wiser financial choices. First we focus on your goals, objectives, priorities and values.
For instance, the reduction of current and future income taxes may be an immediate goal, funding a quality education for your children and/or grandchildren may be an intermediate goal, and enjoying a secure financial future in your retirement years is likely to be one of your most important long-term goals. Another goal in life for some people is creating wealth and/or leaving a legacy for your chosen beneficiaries or charities. You may already be on the road to meeting these objectives and simply need a new strategy, professional insight, or to fine-tune your plan. You may just be starting out, or you may be somewhere in between.
Next, we collect detailed personal financial information and make a thorough analysis of this information: current financial situation, employee benefits, children's educational funding, retirement situation, pension and retirement plans, living estate, insurance and investment portfolios to produce a written financial plan with specific recommendations to achieve your goals. Then, we share the results with the client, who determines if the recommendations are sensible and reasonable. Once comfortable and satisfied with the final recommendations, clients take action or direct us to take the steps necessary to attain their objectives. Finally, to achieve the intended results, you must implement and monitor your plan. Your financial plan is a living document, reviewed periodically for progress and adjusted appropriately. Whatever your unique situation may be, everyone needs a periodic assessment of where they are on the road to meeting their financial goals. As a Fee-Based certified financial planner, we work with people based on their preferences and needs. Some may want a second opinion or help on a specific situation. Others would like more comprehensive, coordinated financial advice.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Don’t let a natural disaster become a financial disaster
http://brightbridgewealth-management.com/2011/06/brightbridge-wealth-management-headlines-dont-let-a-natural-disaster-become-a-financial-disaster/
HEADLINES routinely ring with news of natural disasters this spring. With wildfires in the west, earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, and flooding and record tornadoes across the country, it’s a dose of reality that disaster can strike anytime and anywhere.If the unthinkable occurs, would your family be prepared? The following tips will help make sure you are ready to weather any devastation that may come your way.
First things first
Take care of basic things first like installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and knowing how to shut off utilities. Familiarize yourself with extreme weather conditions in your area and how to prepare for them. Advance preparation may ultimately save valuable time, money and resources during a crisis.
Disaster-proofing your home
Certain improvements may help disaster-proof your home. Before deciding to invest in home improvements, assess whether the changes will reduce your insurance premiums, increase the value of your home or offer you peace of mind if there is a disaster.
HEADLINES routinely ring with news of natural disasters this spring. With wildfires in the west, earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, and flooding and record tornadoes across the country, it’s a dose of reality that disaster can strike anytime and anywhere.If the unthinkable occurs, would your family be prepared? The following tips will help make sure you are ready to weather any devastation that may come your way.
First things first
Take care of basic things first like installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and knowing how to shut off utilities. Familiarize yourself with extreme weather conditions in your area and how to prepare for them. Advance preparation may ultimately save valuable time, money and resources during a crisis.
Disaster-proofing your home
Certain improvements may help disaster-proof your home. Before deciding to invest in home improvements, assess whether the changes will reduce your insurance premiums, increase the value of your home or offer you peace of mind if there is a disaster.
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines:USDA food pyramid out, food plate in (PICTURES)
http://brightbridge-wealthmanagement.com/2011/06/brightbridge-wealth-management-headlinesusda-food-pyramid-out-food-plate-in-pictures/
(CBS) After almost two decades, the USDA food pyramid is history. First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the USDA’s update on America’s visual nutrition guide, replacing the familiar – and much maligned – pyramid with a plate.
PICTURES – Bye-bye pyramid, hello plate: Timeline of food guidelines
The food pyramid has been around since 1992, but nutrition experts don’t seem to be mourning its demise.
“It’s going to be hard not to do better than the current pyramid, which basically conveys no useful information,” Dr. Walter C. Willett, chairman of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health, told the New York Times.
The new design incorporates seven key dietary messages:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less
- Avoid oversized portions
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
- Make at least half your grains whole grains
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
Experts argued the now-defunct pyramid lumped all types of foods in its design – including unhealthy ones at the top of the pyramid . That made it hard to tell which foods were better choices.
“The original icon was a bit misleading, e.g., all fats are bad,” Dr. Sara Bleich, an assistant professor of public health at Johns Hopkins University, told ABC News.
USDA spent $2 million to design and promote the plate, the Times reported. Will this costly venture cause Americans to eat better?
Dr. Robert C. Post, deputy director of the USDA, told the Times that he hopes the new visual will prompt “consumers to say, ‘I need to be a little more concerned about what I choose to build a healthy day’s diet.’ ”
(CBS) After almost two decades, the USDA food pyramid is history. First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the USDA’s update on America’s visual nutrition guide, replacing the familiar – and much maligned – pyramid with a plate.
PICTURES – Bye-bye pyramid, hello plate: Timeline of food guidelines
The food pyramid has been around since 1992, but nutrition experts don’t seem to be mourning its demise.
“It’s going to be hard not to do better than the current pyramid, which basically conveys no useful information,” Dr. Walter C. Willett, chairman of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health, told the New York Times.
The new design incorporates seven key dietary messages:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less
- Avoid oversized portions
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
- Make at least half your grains whole grains
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
Experts argued the now-defunct pyramid lumped all types of foods in its design – including unhealthy ones at the top of the pyramid . That made it hard to tell which foods were better choices.
“The original icon was a bit misleading, e.g., all fats are bad,” Dr. Sara Bleich, an assistant professor of public health at Johns Hopkins University, told ABC News.
USDA spent $2 million to design and promote the plate, the Times reported. Will this costly venture cause Americans to eat better?
Dr. Robert C. Post, deputy director of the USDA, told the Times that he hopes the new visual will prompt “consumers to say, ‘I need to be a little more concerned about what I choose to build a healthy day’s diet.’ ”
Monday, July 4, 2011
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Zurich appoints CAO for General Insurance in the Middle East
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Zurich appoints CAO for General Insurance in the Middle East - Saeo
Reporting directly to Maroun Mourad, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich’s General Insurance business in the Middle East, Samer will be instrumental in supporting Zurich’s growth initiatives for the region across all segments and will work closely with country General Managers to accelerate the build-up of Zurich’s retail operation.
Maroun Mourad said, “The first half of 2011 has seen Zurich make a number of senior appointments which is testament to our commitment to growing our presence in the region. The addition of Samer Abou-Jaoude to the Zurich team comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it gears up to roll out its broader general insurance proposition. Samer brings both multinational and regional expertise to the table. He has extensive operational, project management and consultancy expertise in the insurance industry and will help us to speed up the integration of Compagnie Libanaise d’Assurances and the launch of our retail platform”.
Reporting directly to Maroun Mourad, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich’s General Insurance business in the Middle East, Samer will be instrumental in supporting Zurich’s growth initiatives for the region across all segments and will work closely with country General Managers to accelerate the build-up of Zurich’s retail operation.
Maroun Mourad said, “The first half of 2011 has seen Zurich make a number of senior appointments which is testament to our commitment to growing our presence in the region. The addition of Samer Abou-Jaoude to the Zurich team comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it gears up to roll out its broader general insurance proposition. Samer brings both multinational and regional expertise to the table. He has extensive operational, project management and consultancy expertise in the insurance industry and will help us to speed up the integration of Compagnie Libanaise d’Assurances and the launch of our retail platform”.
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Zurich profits fall 33% in Q1 as it suffers $517m nat cat loss
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Zurich profits fall 33% in Q1 as it suffers $517m nat cat loss - Saeo
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) today reported a 33% drop in business operating profit of $849m (Q1 2010: $1.3bn) and a 32% drop in net income after tax of USD $637m (q1 2010: $935m) for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
“In a quarter marked by natural catastrophes, Zurich again delivered a solid underlying operating performance,” said chief executive officer Martin Senn.
Results were impacted by the significant catastrophe events in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three months of the year. Aggregate losses of $517m were recorded for the five natural disasters in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The slow economic recovery in the US and much of Europe also impacted results, Zurich added.
“Our alliance in Latin America with Banco Santander, which we announced in February, will enable us to access millions of new customers in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay,” Mr Senn continued.
Zurich also announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Deutsche Bank to extend an existing exclusive distribution agreement for life and general insurance products in Germany for a further 10 years until 31 December 2022.
Zurich and Deutsche Bank intend to complete definitive agreements during 2011.
“This extension of our existing distribution agreement with Deutsche Bank reaffirms Zurich’s position as a leading bank distribution partner,” Mr Senn concluded.
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Zurich appoints CAO for General Insurance in the Middle East
http://brightbridgewealthmanagement-facts.com/2011/06/brightbridge-wealth-management-headlines-zurich-appoints-cao-for-general-insurance-in-the-middle-east/
Reporting directly to Maroun Mourad, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich’s General Insurance business in the Middle East, Samer will be instrumental in supporting Zurich’s growth initiatives for the region across all segments and will work closely with country General Managers to accelerate the build-up of Zurich’s retail operation.
Maroun Mourad said, “The first half of 2011 has seen Zurich make a number of senior appointments which is testament to our commitment to growing our presence in the region. The addition of Samer Abou-Jaoude to the Zurich team comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it gears up to roll out its broader general insurance proposition. Samer brings both multinational and regional expertise to the table. He has extensive operational, project management and consultancy expertise in the insurance industry and will help us to speed up the integration of Compagnie Libanaise d’Assurances and the launch of our retail platform”.
Reporting directly to Maroun Mourad, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich’s General Insurance business in the Middle East, Samer will be instrumental in supporting Zurich’s growth initiatives for the region across all segments and will work closely with country General Managers to accelerate the build-up of Zurich’s retail operation.
Maroun Mourad said, “The first half of 2011 has seen Zurich make a number of senior appointments which is testament to our commitment to growing our presence in the region. The addition of Samer Abou-Jaoude to the Zurich team comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it gears up to roll out its broader general insurance proposition. Samer brings both multinational and regional expertise to the table. He has extensive operational, project management and consultancy expertise in the insurance industry and will help us to speed up the integration of Compagnie Libanaise d’Assurances and the launch of our retail platform”.
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Swiss Stocks Rise; Syngenta, UBS, Bucher Shares Climb in Zurich
Brightbridge Wealth Management Headlines: Swiss Stocks Rise; Syngenta, UBS, Bucher Shares Climb in Zurich - Saeo
Swiss stocks advanced, led by gains in chemicals companies and banks.
Swiss stocks advanced, led by gains in chemicals companies and banks.
Syngenta AG, the Basel, Switzerland-based pesticides maker, climbed 1.7 percent. UBS AG added 0.8 percent.
The Swiss Market Index of the biggest and most actively traded companies rose 0.5 percent to 6,527.16 at 10:28 a.m. in Zurich. The benchmark has rallied 8.4 percent since March 16 as company earnings exceeded estimates. The broader Swiss Performance Index increased 0.5 percent.
Syngenta added 1.7 percent to 292.5 Swiss francs after announcing the launch of Vibrance, a seed treatment fungicide based on the new active ingredient sedaxane.
UBS, Switzerland’s largest bank, increased 0.8 percent to 16.25 francs, its first gain in six days.
Bucher Industries AG rose 1.6 percent to 209.3 francs. The agricultural machinery maker said its Kuhn Group unit has a licensing and manufacturing agreement with Deere & Co. to cooperate on large square balers.
“The strategic cooperation with the world’s leading farm equipment producer underpins Kuhn’s product and manufacturing strengths in farming,” Fabian Haecki, an analyst at Vontobel Holding AG, wrote in a note to clients today.
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