New Year’s Resolutions

We have been publishing these resolutions in every January issue since 2005. Except for minor wording changes, they have not been altered. Our approach is well grounded in empirical research that may at times appear daunting. But the progress our readers and clients have achieved toward meeting their objectives is generally attributable to a steadfast commitment to these simple, timeless guidelines.

• I will understand my own circumstances and formulate an investment plan based on my needs, not in anticipation of market trends.
• I will remind myself that investing is not a form of entertainment—if I have an urge to gamble, I will go to Las Vegas.
• I will stick to my plan.
• I will not attempt to pick winning stocks.
• I will ensure that my holdings are adequately diversified within each asset class I own.
• I will focus on minimizing my investment-related costs.
• I will stay abreast of changes in investment-related tax laws.
• I will not purchase any financial instrument I do not understand.
• I will ignore money managers or others selling products rather than advice.
• I will ignore market prognosticators.
• I will take full advantage of my qualified retirement plans by making the maximum allowable contributions consistent with my budget.
• I will hold my least tax-efficient assets in my tax-deferred accounts.
• I will rebalance my portfolio infrequently, but at regular intervals regardless of the current state of the markets.
• I will not allow the price I have paid for a security to influence my future investment decisions—except for tax considerations regarding capital gains and losses.
• At year end I will harvest tax losses simply, without deviating from my target portfolio allocations, by selling and buying index-type funds within the same asset class.
• I will appreciate the simplicity of the AIS approach; instead of worrying about factors that are not within my control, I will establish my plan and turn my attention to enjoying life.

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Also In This Issue:
A New Opportunity for Roth Conversions
Quarterly Review of Capital Markets
The High Yield Dow Investment Strategy
Recent Market Statistics
Dow Jones Industrials Ranked By Yield
Asset Class Investment Vehicles