the informed investor
ICC conducts research to help clients and friends of the firm enhance their knowledge and perspective. In our blog, The Informed Investor, we present timely commentary on relevant investment, political, economic and other trends and events. We offer our insights and analysis so that we can all make more proactive decisions.
Financial Advisors for Business Owners: Why Owners Need One
April 16, 2024
As a business owner, you are likely accustomed to directing much of the high-level planning in your operation. Your business probably would not be where it is today without your willingness to put in hard work in a variety of roles. In some cases, though, doing it all yourself is not a wise strategy. In fact, when it comes to…
Retirement Income Planning: Develop a Plan in 4 Easy Steps
April 15, 2024
You may think you’re prepared for retirement by having a retirement savings account, but have you developed a retirement income plan? Here’s what you need to know to help ensure a more confident retirement. Much has been written about how to save for retirement. It’s harder to find information on what to do when you’re ready to retire and need…
The Benefits of Working with a Wealth Manager
April 8, 2024
Wealth managers are financial advisors or planners who build and maintain their clients’ accumulated wealth. If you have significant assets, ensuring you are doing the right things to protect and grow your wealth is worthwhile. But can working with a wealth manager help you do more with your money? The answer is: …it depends. What is critical is finding the right…
Wealth Management Strategy For Investments During Uncertain Times
April 3, 2024
Turbulence is a normal and expected part of air travel. Similarly, volatility is a completely normal part of investing. Stocks move up, but they also move down. And whether we like it or not, sometimes the markets will experience long periods where things remain volatile. All of this market movement can make you feel uncertain about your investment strategy. This…
Independent Financial Advisor vs. Brand-Name Firm: Which To Use
March 30, 2024
As a consumer, we often gravitate to brand names. Usually, we assume that brand-name products or services are a safer buy and offer higher quality and consistency. While this might make good sense when buying a car or refrigerator—is it smart to apply that same thinking when choosing a financial advisor in Las Vegas. Great question! After all, we’ve all…
What Is A Fiduciary Financial Advisor & Why Do You Need One?
March 30, 2024
When you hire a Las Vegas financial advisor, you want them to give you advice, right? Of course, that sounds like a dumb question. But unfortunately, it’s not. Believe it or not, the financial advisor you hire may not be required to give you real advice. Instead, they might just be giving you product recommendations that are better for the…
How to Use Trusts in Estate Planning
March 27, 2024
A living trust, or a revocable or family trust, can provide invaluable benefits for you as the trustor and your beneficiaries. It’s widely regarded as a must-have in a comprehensive estate plan. In certain situations, an irrevocable trust may also offer benefits, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. This article will focus on how and why you should consider adding a revocable…
Empower Your Financial Future: Expert Insights into Effective Retirement Planning
March 22, 2024
Introduction: Navigating the Path to Financial Freedom Embarking on the journey towards effective retirement planning can feel like navigating through uncharted waters. The anticipation of finally reaching your golden years is often tinged with concerns about financial security. Will your retirement savings be sufficient? How can you ensure a steady flow of income to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of?…
What is the Difference Between Estate Planning and a Will?
March 18, 2024
In Nevada, a last will and testament is an important component, and arguably the foundation of your overall estate plan. However, a will should never be considered sufficient in and of itself, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. On the contrary, a will should be considered the bare minimum, when it comes to estate planning. Here is a look at some of…
Pitfalls to Avoid When Getting Started with ESG Investments
March 11, 2024
This is the third article in a series on ESG Investing. Read the additional articles: ESG a Real Thing or Passing Trend in Investing? ESG Investing: Can You Do Good and Do Well at the Same Time? Financial Planning: Getting Started with ESG Investing In this third article in our series on ESG Investing, we want to provide practical…
Integrating ESG Investing Into A Financial Planning Strategy
March 4, 2024
This is the fourth article in a series on ESG Investing. In this final article in our series on ESG investing, we are providing an overview of how to integrate ESG into your financial planning and investment strategy. First, in case you missed the previous articles, we will define ESG, also known as Socially Responsible Investing. What Exactly is ESG?…
Does Listening to Investment News Make You a Better Investor?
February 21, 2024
It’s easy to think that checking in daily with Bloomberg or CNBC equates to achieving better returns with your investments. After all, they bring on top experts: PhDs, hedge fund managers, and economists, all waiting with updates and their thoughts on what is going to happen next in the market. That’s all critical to managing your investments and will help…
Importance of a Personal Investment Statement for Investors
February 6, 2024
If you work with an investment advisor or wealth manager, you probably have a financial plan or a personal investment statement. That’s a vital document, as it creates a roadmap from where you are now to where you want to be. Funny thing about roadmaps, though. It is incredibly tempting to second-guess the plan at times, especially during stressful periods…
Why You Should Check Your Financial Advisor’s Background
January 24, 2024
Financial advisors are assumed to be trusted professionals who help you manage your money. The keyword in the last sentence is “assumed.” Most people automatically believe financial advisors are trustworthy, but assumptions like that can be hazardous to your wealth. If you work with a financial advisor or are considering hiring one, here is a statistic you need to know: Twenty…
Understanding How To Create A Financial Plan For Your Future
January 15, 2024
Recently, the media has been less than optimistic about our financial future. Across all mediums, the reports and statistics point to the difficulties of saving, investing, spending, and planning for you and your family’s future. Even for those who are meticulous investors or those with higher incomes, preparing for the future can often seem like an impossible task. Several factors…
Top 8 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial or Investment Advisor
January 3, 2024
When searching for the right financial or investment advisor, it’s crucial to be armed with knowledge. Delve into our comprehensive guide, providing answers to the top 8 questions to ask when hiring a financial or investment advisor, ensuring you make informed decisions for your financial future. Will I be working with an advisor or a group? Our Firm’s 4 fiduciary…
Can a Divorced Person Collect Social Security Using Their Ex’s Salary History?
January 2, 2024
KEY POINTS You may be able to collect based on your ex-spouse’s work record if you were married for at least 10 years. To do so, the requirements say you cannot have remarried and you must be at least 62 years old. Gender is irrelevant. The relative size of incomes during the marriage is what matters. Yes, it’s complicated. A…
Tips to Protect Your Identity and Finances
September 19, 2023
Protecting your identity and finances is a constant challenge. Here are some suggestions that may help to protect you. Is it safer to pay with a debit card or credit card? Credit cards offer fraud protection benefits that debit cards don’t. Nearly all of today’s top credit cards offer zero fraud liability on unauthorized charges, which means you won’t owe a penny on any…
We Are in a Recession If You Ask High-Income Earners
July 20, 2023
The unemployment rate still hovers around historic lows, inflation is finally falling, and GDP keeps ticking up. But for high-earning Americans, fresh off a couple of rollicking pandemic years, it’s beginning to feel a bit more like a recession, according to a recent analysis by The Wall Street Journal. Thanks to the tight labor market, wage growth among lower-paid and less-educated laborers has…
How Working in Retirement Can Impact Medicare & Social Security Benefits
July 6, 2023
Many people equate Medicare and Social Security benefits with retirement – but what if, when that day arrives, you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to your day job? Maybe you haven’t yet saved enough for retirement or would like a little more financial wiggle room than Social Security provides. Perhaps you own a business you’d rather not exit –…
What You Should Know About Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
May 20, 2023
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account designed to help you save money for healthcare expenses and provide you with certain tax benefits for doing so. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which is another popular medical savings account, HSA funds do not expire at the end of the year and can be invested, which may…
Budgeting Basics
May 1, 2023
Of all the steps you can take when managing your personal finances, budgeting may be one of the most impactful over the long term. A budget is a tool you can use to optimize your spending and assess how much money you have available to advance your larger financial goals such as saving for a home, paying off debt, or…
Talking to Family About Charitable Giving
April 20, 2023
From choosing the right causes to navigating different perspectives, your family’s charitable giving is a team effort that requires collaboration. To help you navigate these conversations, just in time for the holidays while families gather, we’ve rounded up several strategies you can use to talk about charity with your family. Start a Conversation Giving back is done best when there…
Q2 2023
April 17, 2023
What happens when depositors want their money all at once? You get SVB (Silicon Valley Bank)! To prevent a further run on banks, the Federal Reserve recently established the Bank Term Funding Program. In addition to restoring confidence in the U.S. banking system, an indirect benefit of the Program provides stability to equity and fixed income markets. Banks can access…
Financial Checklist for Recent Widow(er)s & Divorcees
April 5, 2023
Although divorce and the death of a spouse are vastly different events in one’s life, they’re both profoundly difficult to deal with. Even if it’s expected, there’s no way to truly be prepared for the ramifications. Before you have time to process what happened, you’re faced with a litany of financial decisions. No matter the situation, being on your own…
Talking to Family About Charitable Giving
January 31, 2023
From choosing the right causes to navigating different perspectives, your family’s charitable giving is a team effort that requires collaboration. To help you navigate these conversations, we’ve rounded up several strategies you can use to talk about charity with your family. Start a Conversation Giving back is done best when there are clear and strong motivating factors behind your actions.…
Retiring in a Bear Market: Things to Consider
January 19, 2023
Economic conditions took a turn for the worse in 2022, punctuated by persistent inflation, stock market declines, and geopolitical uncertainty brought on by the war in Ukraine. Borrowing costs are surging on the back of several consecutive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (Fed), making mortgages and other types of loans more expensive than they were just a year…
The Difference Between Investing and Saving
January 1, 2023
Investing and saving are both ways to financially prepare for the future, but they are not interchangeable. While saving refers to putting money away for things like an emergency fund or a goal like a new home or car, investing refers to a long-term strategy with the intent of generating a financial gain. Both investing and saving are important parts…
Conducting a Financial Analysis for Retirement Planning
December 19, 2022
Retirement planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. In fact, when you have different financial accounts and assets to consider, it can be easy to be overwhelmed with the complexities of making sure you are on track for retirement. By reviewing all your finances with an experienced, fiduciary financial advisor you can develop a plan to help continue growing your assets…
Why Socially Responsible Investing Is Important
December 5, 2022
Socially responsible investing (SRI) involves taking your investment dollars out of companies or funds whose values or actions you find objectionable and putting them into companies that align with your values and that have impactful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. In this way, socially responsible investing can support issues like climate change, pollution, discrimination in the workplace, and diversity.…
That Profit You Made on the Sale of Concert Tickets is Reported to the IRS
November 21, 2022
According to Bloomberg Law News, 11/21/2022, people who have resold tickets to concerts or sporting events on PayPal, Venmo, StubHub, Ticketmaster, or other third-party payment networks. will be receiving a 1099-K to file with their 2022 income taxes. Sellers may not realize that any money they make is subject to income taxes. Starting in tax year 2022, anyone making more…
5 Years Before You Retire: Retirement Planning You Need Most
October 19, 2022
The five years before you retire usher in a transformative period in life. The good news is that you’re nearing a life of fewer deadlines, projects, days spent in an office, and waking to an alarm clock. But in the meantime, there is a great deal of work to be done to ensure your retirement is as enjoyable as possible.…
How Can Wealth Management Benefit You?
October 6, 2022
The pathway to financial stability involves much more than finding a good job, saving money, and living within your means. There are many bumps in life you can’t anticipate, each of which can eat away at your wealth. Unexpected health issues, family financial expenses, taxes, or legal services, along with emergencies and the rise of inflation, can all impact your…
How to Manage Your Investments When Close to Retirement
August 24, 2022
If you are nearing retirement, many emotions may be bubbling to the surface. Will the investments you’ve made over your life sustain you? Do you need to be investing more aggressively? Has your risk tolerance changed? And how should you be investing at this stage in life? Here’s an overview of what to know about managing your investments as you…
6 Tips for College Students Interested in Investing
August 10, 2022
It is never too early to begin planning for retirement. That means it is never too early to begin investing. There is no such thing as putting aside too little money, especially when you are in college. Even putting away as little as $50/month can add up significantly over decades. So, if you are a college student, consider forgoing a…
Important Lessons Learned From Market Volatility
June 27, 2022
This letter represents some of the important lessons learned and the valuable mindset useful to enduring times like this to achieve and maintain sustainable wealth. Watching financial markets continue rising with minimal volatility will not test investors’ patience but maintaining discipline through turbulent markets like these can be difficult for many. After a prolonged bull market in both stocks and…
Choosing the Right Location For Your Retirement
May 18, 2022
Retirement planning usually focuses on developing a prudent investment strategy to produce reliable post-retirement income. When you sit down with an investment advisor, you can discuss how much you need to save, how to make the most of your retirement account contributions, and what active and passive income strategies you can employ today to help you ensure a comfortable and…
7 Steps College Students Can Take to Financially Prepare for the Future
April 15, 2022
To avoid financial shock and strain post-graduation, college students should begin taking specific steps to ensure financial stability while seeking higher education. Whether you work part-time, full-time, or don’t work while earning a college degree, there are still ways to financially prepare for the future. Here are 7 steps college students can take, to ensure financial security after leaving college.…
Inheritance Planning: How to Prepare the Next Generation
March 17, 2022
When our clients begin to think about inheritance planning, most are under the assumption that the assets they leave to the next generation will improve their lives. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case—sometimes, an inheritance can have a detrimental impact on beneficiaries’ lives. This is most likely to happen when beneficiaries aren’t adequately prepared for handling their inheritances. Here are…
Market Volatility and Financial Security in 2022
March 3, 2022
As the U.S. slowly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy, and the markets are in far better shape than many predicted given all that we’ve been through. However, just as the nation seemed poised to embrace fewer restrictions on commerce and rapidly declining cases of coronavirus, the war in Ukraine began in earnest. As of this writing, the…
Tax Update: Adjusting for 2022
February 22, 2022
It is that time of year again. The IRS has released its 2022 annual inflation adjustments for many different provisions. In fact, over 60 tax provisions have been adjusted with this new release. Below we will review a summary of some of the newly released information so that you know what to look forward to in the coming tax season.…
How Retirement Planning Is Different For Women
February 8, 2022
It’s not surprising that when it comes to saving for retirement, women aren’t saving nearly enough to cover their future needs. You don’t have to go far to understand why. Women live longer than men. Women, historically, have made less money than men. And women — whether they choose to or not — often have to prioritize their lives differently…
How to be Confident You Have the Right Financial Advisor During Economic Turmoil
January 26, 2022
The last few years have been full of economic, political, and social turmoil encased in a global pandemic that has put even the most optimistic among us on edge. If you aren’t stressed about the future in general — and your financial future in particular — you are in the minority. With everything going on in the world, the last…
What Is Philanthropic Planning and How Does It Benefit You
January 11, 2022
When you can leave a meaningful legacy and make smart decisions to help you meet your personal wealth management goals, it’s a win-win situation. Philanthropic planning is a valuable tool in financial planning because it helps our clients achieve both. Philanthropic Planning and Tax Planning: Taking Control of Your Legacy There are many strategies to consider when it comes…
Retirement Investment Strategies For Female Executives
December 28, 2021
To succeed in the business world, many female executives sacrifice a great deal. Long hours on the job can make it difficult to find the time to plan for retirement, much less find time for all the other demands in your life. In our opinion, the more successful you are in business, the more important it is to have a…
5 Tips To Gain Financial Security As A Female Executive
December 13, 2021
As a female executive, you’ve worked hard to get where you are today, and you deserve the financial security to live the way you want tomorrow. Smart decisions now can give you the financial security you need to take care of yourself and lay the foundation for a comfortable retirement. Our advisors provide financial tips for women in the upper…
5 Things to Know About Your Roth IRA
November 30, 2021
Roth IRAs are an excellent choice for retirement savings because they offer tax-free growth on investments, as well as tax-free withdrawals. Whether you already have a Roth IRA or you’re considering one, here’s what you need to know. There Are Variable Contribution Limits First, it’s important to know the contribution limits for each year, as they can change from one…
Guide to Gray Divorce: Protecting Your Financial Assets
November 16, 2021
Gray divorce is a term used to describe a divorce between two people over the age of 50. There are many reasons gray divorce is on the rise, but as financial advisors, our focus is not on why couples are divorcing later in life, but how we can protect their financial assets. When generational wealth, family businesses, and sizable investments…
Tips For Teaching Your Kids About Money
October 26, 2021
Many of our clients have the means to provide their children with everything they could possibly need or want—but doing this isn’t the best way to teach good money management habits to the next generation. In order to be good stewards of family wealth, children must learn financial responsibility, which means understanding the value of money through personal economic experiences.…
Wealth Management Tips for Female Executives
October 12, 2021
Female executives often have a different outlook when it comes to wealth management than their male counterparts. Our financial advisors take a personalized approach with all of our clients because ultimately, no two people have the exact same goals. Financial planning looks different from one client to the next. Here are some general wealth management tips for female executives in…
What You Should Know About Intergenerational Wealth Transfers
September 13, 2021
Whether through hard work, good fortune, or both, your family has been blessed with substantial wealth. Managing intergenerational wealth and transferring it from one generation to the next requires a team of skilled professionals: both financial advisors and attorneys who specialize in estate planning. At ICC, we specialize in helping you meet your goals regarding comprehensive wealth transfer strategies that…
Wealth Management: Managing Your Capital Gains Taxes
September 7, 2021
Capital gains. When you hear that term, do you feel good since it means you made a profit? Or instead, is the momentary joy overridden by the concern about taxes on it? Of course, you must pay taxes on your gains. But did you know there are strategies you can use to mitigate those gains? Many people are aware of…
Wealth Management: Why Cash May Be the Scariest Investment of All
August 23, 2021
In today’s volatile world, the stock market can move quickly, which can be unsettling. It may be tempting to put your money into cash to wait out all the market uncertainty and economic turmoil. Unfortunately, today’s markets are not as simple as they were in past decades. The traditional “flight to safety” seemed to make sense when certificates of deposit…
6 Things to Know About Your 401(k) Plan
August 10, 2021
For many people who have a 401(k), contributing a small percentage of each paycheck toward it is about all the knowledge they have about the retirement plan. What they don’t realize is that they have an incredible tool at their fingertips that can help them meet their future financial goals. Your 401(k)can be just another deduction from your paycheck or…
How To Maximize Your Roth IRA in 2021
June 15, 2021
A Roth IRA is one of the best ways to invest your funds this year. It can allow you to build your nest egg in a safe and steady manner, all the while tax-free throughout your life. Understanding how your Roth IRA works is key to making the most of your time and money. Below are several strategies you can…
Should Your Financial Planning Strategy Change With Global Events?
June 1, 2021
No one can predict when a crisis or global event will occur. Take the coronavirus: it came out of nowhere, and now has impacted most of the world. After its onset in China, the country was put into an unprecedented lockdown, which meant manufacturing came to a screeching halt in some areas. Since China is a hub for electronics, consumer…
Wealth Management Tips: What To Watch For in 2021 and Beyond
May 14, 2021
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of being nimble and resilient in the face of challenges. We have all had to quickly adjust to a new normal—some working from home instead of the office, delivery instead of dining out, and wearing face masks where required. Being resilient is also important when it comes to wealth management, and…
How to Maximize Your 401(k) Plan in 2021
April 2, 2021
If you are saving your retirement, it’s important to do whatever it takes to maximize your 401(k) contributions each year. Tax-advantaged retirement accounts allow you to save for the future before your income is taxed. Once you reach 59 1/2 years of age, you can withdraw funds as needed from your plan and it will be taxed as ordinary income.…
5 Considerations When Retirement Planning in 2021
February 6, 2021
If you’ve let retirement planning fall to the wayside this year, you’re not alone. With many small businesses struggling and even some professionals being furloughed, saving for retirement isn’t as much of a priority as having sufficient funds to make payroll, pay the mortgage, and meet other non-negotiable obligations. Now that vaccines are being rolled out, there is a light…
What You Need To Know For Retirement Planning During COVID
January 12, 2021
You’d be hard-pressed to find an area of our lives that COVID-19 hasn’t impacted, and retirement planning is no exception. We watch the markets with bated breath as stocks plummet with new waves of infections and soar with news of successful vaccines. trials. It’s enough to make even the most confident investor feel on edge, but our team of investment…
Wealth Management Tips to Consider Now That The Election is Over
December 22, 2020
At long last, this year’s dramatic election is ending. Whether your candidate won or lost, you may be wondering how that might impact your wealth management in the next four years. According to history, the stock market usually does not care whether a Republican or Democrat is in the White House. Data over the last 78 years shows very little…
ESG Investing: Doing Good and Doing Well at the Same Time
November 10, 2020
This is the second article in a series on ESG Investing (Environmental, Social, Governance Investing). Click here to read the first. Most long-time investors have sometimes felt that they had to choose between their values and making money. Usually, holding a large, diversified portfolio meant you likely ended up with an oil or tobacco company investment that paid well but…
ESG Investments: Is It The Real Thing or a Passing Trend?
November 2, 2020
This is the first article in a series of four about ESG Investing. Investing trends often appear quickly and fade just as fast. But an interesting one has come on the scene—and stayed. That trend is Socially Responsible Investing, or “ESG” (which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance Investing). And this is good news for most investors. The idea that…
Should You Hire A Financial Advisor For Wealth Management?
October 23, 2020
Advancements in financial technology, availability of information, and, most recently, zero-commission trading have made it easier than ever to manage your own money. But should you? Many people give it a shot and may experience initial success. Many of those same people, however, may end up giving back a portion of their gains at a later time, when the market…
Investment Management: Tips for Investing Ahead of Elections
September 23, 2020
The upcoming November presidential election has many people unsure of what to do with their investments. Both the election itself and surrounding circumstances have created volatility and stress, so it is not surprising that people are wondering if they need to make changes to their investment management strategy. If you are unsure what to do, here is a rundown of…
How to Hire An Investment Advisor To Protect Your Best Interests
August 28, 2020
When you’re looking to hire someone to help manage your money, you may be surprised at the overwhelming array of choices out there. So many titles. What is the difference? Who is right for you? What’s In a Title? If you go to see a doctor, you can be reasonably sure you are getting help from someone who is educated…
How Your Investment Advisor Is Paid & Why It Should Matter To You
August 21, 2020
When you talk to your investment advisor or wealth manager, you probably assume that they are always giving you honest advice, right? After all, that’s what you likely hired them for: to help you make better investment and financial planning decisions. With some professionals, however, you may not be receiving genuine advice at all. You may simply be getting a…
Independent Financial Advisors: What to Expect in Volatile Times
July 28, 2020
A good independent financial advisor can offer you a full range of services, from investment advice, to planning for your financial goals and staying accountable to them when the unpredictable happens. In reality, however, many investment advisors are very busy, so while they may have the best intentions, they may not provide all the services you could benefit from unless…
Investment Management: The Role of ETFs in Your Portfolio
June 9, 2020
Exchange-traded funds, or “ETFs” for short, are all the rage. From their start in the early 2000s, assets invested in ETFs have recently passed the $4 trillion mark, according to a report by ETF.com. That’s huge for a product that didn’t exist 20 years ago. While a strong stock market has certainly helped, fixed-income ETFs are experiencing rapid growth as…
Delivering Critical Support to our Neighbors
June 1, 2020
We know those at highest risk for COVID, whether a child with cystic fibrosis or an 83-year-old who is immunity compromised, should not be leaving their homes for food. In Las Vegas there are many opportunities to obtain free groceries, meals, and school lunches, but every one of them requires leaving the house. Recently, the Investment Counsel Company (ICC), learned…
Importance of Retirement Planning: Tips from Financial Advisors
May 14, 2020
COVID-19 has brought the importance of financial planning and retirement planning squarely into the limelight. Now is a perfect time to start making adjustments to help you feel more secure about your future. To get you started, top Las Vegas financial advisors at the Investment Counsel Company, the first independent, fee-only financial advisor firm in Nevada, offer some ideas. These…
Las Vegas Financial Advisor Randy Garcia Honors WWII Veterans
May 1, 2020
Las Vegas Financial Advisor and community patron, Randy Garcia, brought seven-time Emmy-award-winning author, Mr. Martin King, to speak at a private event honoring Nevada’s WWII veterans. Randy Garcia, CEO of the Investment Counsel Company, is a strong supporter of veteran causes. He was inspired to organize and sponsor this event after visiting Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the Allied…
Important Client Update
March 24, 2020
During unusual times of great uncertainty that result in financial and emotional turmoil, people ask themselves and others the same six questions throughout history. I believe it is useful to raise these questions now as well as offer appropriate responses. Through this effort, I sincerely hope that it provides you the balanced perspective necessary for logic to triumph over emotion.…
ICC Continuity Plan
March 15, 2020
The Investment Counsel Company has been closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rapidly evolving circumstances relating to the outbreak. ICC’s top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, their families, and our clients. Therefore, we want to share with you information regarding how our Firm is proactively monitoring the situation, and the steps we are…
An Important Update from The Investment Counsel Company
March 15, 2020
Without exception, today everyone’s attention across the globe is focused on the movement of the coronavirus. One key difference between this crisis and the last is that although investors are deeply concerned, they better comprehend the economic and financial implications more clearly than the Great Financial Crisis. Regardless of the catalyst responsible for a crisis, reactions to financial markets seldom…
NBC Affiliate Interviews Financial Advisor Randy Garcia on the Coronavirus
March 3, 2020
Today, Randy Garcia, ICC Founder and financial advisor, was interviewed by the NBC Affiliate 3 News Las Vegas. In light of the continuing coronavirus activity as well as the emergency federal reserve rate cut, news viewers were looking for insight. Randy offered several recommendations including “buckle up and diversify.” Watch the interview at this link: https://news3lv.com/news/local/advice-for-local-investors-buckle-up-and-diversify.
Asset Manager vs. Asset Gatherer: Choose The Right Financial Advisor
February 24, 2020
It would seem that hiring a financial advisor to manage your assets should be relatively simple. Unfortunately, that’s far from reality. Why? Because you have an entire industry — Wall Street — that benefits when you stay confused. So, let us help you choose the right financial advisor. Let’s say your investments have grown, and you are ready to get…
Las Vegas Financial Advisor Randy Garcia Updates Tax Advisors
January 20, 2020
When Nevada’s top CPAs and tax advisors were seeking an expert to discuss today’s market, they reached out to Randy Garcia, a Las Vegas financial advisor. Randy is CEO of the Investment Counsel Company, one of the first financial advisors in Nevada to adopt the fiduciary standard. Randy presented at Fair, Anderson & Langerman’s 15th Annual Year-End Seminar. This annual…
Financial Planning: Considering How To Invest During a Trade War
December 24, 2019
While the trade war with China has been grabbing the headlines, President Trump has been firing serious tariff warning shots at several regions, including Europe(1), Mexico(2), and Canada(3), over the past months. While the situation continues to evolve, it’s likely that tariffs and trade wars will remain a hot topic for the foreseeable future. So, many concerned investors want to…
The Investment Counsel Company Introduces New Website and Blog
December 11, 2019
The Investment Counsel Company, a Las Vegas-based independent financial advisory firm, is pleased to introduce our new corporate website. Founded in 1987, The Investment Counsel Company (“ICC”) became the first firm in Nevada to act in a fiduciary capacity (meaning we put our clients’ interests first). Over three decades later, we continue our leadership, and were voted the No. 1…
Federal Reserve Rate Cuts: Financial And Stock Market Insights
July 2, 2019
In recent weeks, you have likely heard increased discussion in the media and financial news about the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates in the near future. What are the immediate and longer-term implications of these Federal Reserve rate cuts? Why The Federal Reserve Rate Cuts are Significant The Federal Reserve was originally created with a dual mandate to “promote effectively…
Trade, Tariffs, And The Market: Reacting To Market Swings
May 17, 2019
In recent weeks, the increase of unpredictability in the U.S. stock market has become a constant concern for investors. The hardest hit stocks have been those of companies who do business that requires importing from or exporting to China. Investors are aware of the prevailing cause–turmoil surrounding trade talks and additional tariffs between the U.S. and China. But what we…
Safe Investing in Uncertain Times – Quarterly Insights: Q1 2019
April 10, 2019
Investing in uncertain times can be difficult, which is why it is important to stay on top of market insights. Stocks and bonds seldom rise together. Fortunately, 2019 is proving to be an exception along with many other investment, economic, and political precedents in recent years. Global financial markets have fully recovered from their modest declines in 2018, leading the…
Guide to Alternative Investments & Investment Diversification
February 4, 2019
Whether you are a seasoned investor or just getting started, the most common advice you may have heard is the importance of a diversified investment portfolio. Investment diversification means investing your money in various types of assets and financial markets, both domestic and international, to help ensure that your funds are not solely dependent on one country’s economy or a…
Understanding Wealth Management vs. Financial Planning
December 14, 2018
What does it mean to manage one’s wealth (or assets) versus financial planning? Some might think the two are synonymous and approach their wealth management and financial planning similarly. While the differences between the two are nuanced, knowing the distinction between wealth management vs. financial planning is important for any investor. When we talk about wealth management, we’re referring to…