Insights, Opinions, & Information
Investment Advisory Information
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European Debt and Pepper – Spring 2012
Hello from Sycamore,
European Debt and Pepper
Have you decided whether the whopping Greek debt problem will topple the Euro zone?
There are major players, including Germany, who are optimistic a deal can be brokered, but there are many countries and cultures involved and it could be a serious problem. Streaming video of […]
Volatility Since the 1900’s – Winter 2010
Hello from Sycamore,
In early fall of 2008 we sent you a brief history of the frequency and amount of market declines. Since the Dow Jones Industrial Average has declined about 3.5% this January, we thought it would be a good time to refresh history and remind us all of what […]
Investments are Insured by FDIC – Summer 2008
Hello from Sycamore,
How Your Account with Sycamore is Insured?
With the recent failures of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, we thought that this would be a good time to tell you about the protection that you already have for your accounts with Sycamore.
First, we feel it’s important for you to understand […]
Riding Out the Stock Market – Summer 2008
Hello from Sycamore,
We thought it may be prudent to give you information on the markets in general, and to pass onto you some of our thoughts on all this.
As you likely know by now, the market has declined significantly this year. The Dow recently suffered its biggest percentage drop in […]
Save Taxes with an IRA – Spring 2008
Hello from Sycamore,
There is Still Time to Save Taxes with an IRA!
Under the current tax law, there are two significant ways that you may be able to benefit today by contributing money to an IRA.
- If you qualify for a deductible IRA, you can likely deduct the amount of the […]
Beneficiary Decisions – Summer 2007
Hello from Sycamore,
Beneficiary Decisions
Many of you have IRA’s, pension plans or annuities with beneficiary designations. Some of you have basic accounts that are designated as TOD (transfer on death), and more than a few of you have all four. These designations are designed to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries […]
529 College Savings Plans – Winter 2007
Hello from Sycamore,
Using 529’s and the Indiana Plan for College Expenses
Two important changes were made in 2006 that affect section 529 college savings plans and their use by Indiana residents . First the Federal government extended the tax free status of earnings withdrawn when used to pay secondary education expenses. […]
Elections and the Stock Market – Winter 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
There has been a lot of speculation recently about the affect the recent elections may have on the stock market, so I thought I’d do a little reading to see what the numbers say.
The White House: I came across an article written by Jeremy Siegal Ph. D., that […]
Investment Rates – Fall 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
Money Market Accounts, Free Checking and CD’s
Over the last year or so interest rates have risen to more normal levels. We thought this would be a good time to remind you of some of the “cash” type of investments that are available to you through your account with […]
Tax Increase Prevention – Summer 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005
We all received some good news on the tax front recently when president Bush signed the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 into law. This tax law basically extends the current tax advantages given to stock dividends […]
E-mail Delivery of Annual Reports – Spring 2006
Hello from Sycamore,
E-mail delivery of annual reports & proxy information
Many of you enjoy and benefit from the reports that arrive each year from the companies in which you own shares. Others are not interested and would prefer that we not send them. We are required to send the reports. However […]
Looking at Some Economic Indicators – Fall 2005
Better Than It Seems
As we’re meeting with our clients this fall, many are pleasantly surprised with the performance of their investment accounts. We frequently hear something like “ That’s great. With the market and economy being in so much trouble we were concerned that our investments may be as well” […]
Changing Interest Rates – Spring 2005
Hello from Sycamore,
Corporate Bonds and Changing Interest Rates
Many of you own corporate bonds and recently, after receiving your monthly statements, a few of you have called to see what’s wrong with you your “fixed” investments. Sooo….we thought this may be a good time to review how most corporate […]
Effects of Higher Energy Prices – Winter 2004
Hello from Sycamore,
What are the effects of higher energy prices on our economy?
This question comes up several times each day, and while all of us know the effect of higher gas prices at the pump, it’s more difficult to see the overall effect of higher energy prices on our economy. […]
Tax Freedom Day – Fall 2004
Hello from Sycamore,
Tax Freedom Day
I ran across some good (relatively speaking) news about taxes and wanted to share it with you. In 2004 it was estimated that, as a country, we reached Tax Freedom Day on Sunday April 11th. This is the earliest we have reached this date since 1967 […]
