Entry Submitted by Grumpy Old Wall Street Broker at 11:52 AM EST on December 14, 2017
It seems that we are on the threshold of the long awaited currency RV event along with the other changes associated with the return of our beloved Republic. I thought a few words from the sage position of a 32 year career investment adviser might come in handy.
As I have told my clients over the years early and easy money (lottery, inheritance and out-sized gifts) can serve up the three Ds of flawed financial planning:
- Death
- Divorce
- Drugs
The other risk is keeping your money safe from hustlers, hucksters and money addicted brokers promising you expertise for your holdings while you plan your eleemosynary(charitable) projects.
Rules of the road in dealing with new brokers, lawyers and accountants:
Due your due diligence and get referrals. Just because a big institution like the banks and large legal and accounting firms' name is behind them that does not mean they know their trade. Ask about any pending or prior litigation as defendant or plaintiff: both could be fair warning. Explain that you do not view legal/accounting bills like Moses tablets and that you expect the billing partners to review for cost benefits to YOU not their firm.
For financial advisers ask them about their own financial balance sheet and if it was inherited or developed by their skills in investments. If they cannot make wealth for themselves how can they do it for you? Avoid being the pioneers in such high wire- high risk investments as bitcoin. Conservative caveat from Mark Twain: It is not the return on my investment about which I am concerned but the return of my investment.
If the adviser cannot make money for their own account do you really want to be a guinea pig for some ambitions young buck or lass? Ask for a clear understanding of how they are compensated both overt and hidden fees, commissions. Consult broker check at FINRA.org. Unlike doctors, lawyers or accountants brokers must disclose all things financial. If you have questions but like the person hold their feet to the fire to explain entries you might find troubling. Sometimes there is a good explanation and sometimes not. I myself, mirroring the experience of Thomas Jefferson in his quest to found the University of Virginia which strained his finances to the limits of bankruptcy have myself repeated his mistake on an 18million horse facility to help a college recruit affluent students only to have a looser put in as President who torpedoed the program that I spent 10 years and 18 Million dollars of my own and borrowed treasure. Start up businesses carry a 1/10 success ration and is no place for a rookie.
Due diligence requires independent verification NOT puffing by a salesman or adviser.
There is a phenomena called the lottery curse. Sudden new wealth in inexperienced hands results in the 3Ds above and worse.
Count your blessings; share your blessings and don't be afraid to consult your higher power and little voice within: if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.
With love and affection to the changing universe I remain
Gene C. Valentine
Cell: 818-371-5200
Cell 412-417-1099
home: 304-737-2486
fax: 304-737-2541
work fax 304-737-2541
all about me: http://www.gcvper.com
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