Scottsdale Wealth Planning

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Key Benefits of Independent Advisors

At Scottsdale Wealth Planning, we pride ourselves on being an independent registered financial advisor and fiduciary to our clients. But exactly what is an independent financial advisor, are what are some of the benefits to engaging this type of professional? Independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) are professional independent advisory firms that provide personalized financial advice to their clients, many of whom have complex financial needs. Because we are independent, we are not … [Read more...] about Key Benefits of Independent Advisors

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When 9% CDs Roamed the Earth

By Anthony Tanner, CFA SWP Guest Contributor My first job on "the Street" was an unpaid internship at Dean Witter Reynolds during my senior year at St. Louis University.  The year was 1983: The Dow had just crossed 1,200 points, the Prime Rate was 11.50%, and bank CD rates averaged 9%. Just let that sink in for a minute. 9% CDs! I remember it so well. It was my job to cold-call prospects for brokers with my script hawking 9% CDs: "Good evening, Mr. or Mrs. John Q. Public.  I hope … [Read more...] about When 9% CDs Roamed the Earth

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Out of the Matrix: Part 2

It's a great big world out there. At Scottsdale Wealth Planning, we build well diversified, global portfolios as the cornerstone of our long-term wealth plans. And each spring when the latest Dimensional Funds Matrix Book is released, our commitment to this approach is further confirmed. In today's video, DFA VP Joel Hefner uses Matrix Book data to illustrate the importance of global diversification and discipline by comparing the historical performance of US and emerging markets stocks over … [Read more...] about Out of the Matrix: Part 2

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Out of the Matrix: Part 1

There's an exciting buzz around the office whenever the new Dimensional Fund Matrix Books are delivered.  The books themselves are beautiful: Page after page of mesmerizing returns data, large enough to share comfortably around a conference table.   As we flip the pages, endless opportunities present themselves to discuss the benefits of global diversification and the value of balanced investment portfolios. Over the course of the next week, we'll be presenting a few of those discussions and … [Read more...] about Out of the Matrix: Part 1

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What Is Fiduciary Advice?

Anyone searching for investment advice is undoubtedly confronted with many choices of service providers operating under titles such as certified financial planner, financial consultant, registered investment advisor, stockbroker, and insurance agent. These titles can be confusing because on the surface it is not clear whether these professionals are legally required to have a client's best interest in mind when making investment recommendations. Many investors may have read that the … [Read more...] about What Is Fiduciary Advice?