Compute Your Net Worth Once a Year (2009-01-05)

by David John Marotta

Last year's storm has blown you miles off course, and not making any adjustments is destined to end in a shipwreck. Computing your net worth annually is like taking a sextant reading to chart your course toward financial security.


Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=318

Financial Resolutions for the New Year (2008-12-29)

by David John Marotta

Financial planning concerns very likely threaten to consume your life and ruin all your other New Year's resolutions. Few of us are disciplined enough to accomplish what we need to do without help.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=317

Financial Time Perspective (2008-12-15)

by David John Marotta

Philip Zimbardo's latest book, "The Time Paradox"  suggests that understanding your own time perspective may help you unlock the secrets of financial freedom. In other words, how we think determines who we are and what we do.


Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=315

Owners of Second Homes: Beware of New Tax Laws (2008-12-08)

by David John Marotta

If you own two homes, sell the one you are living in and move into your second home as soon as possible. Tax changes taking effect on January 1 will make owning a second home much less attractive in 2009. As a result, the already depressed market for vacation homes will deflate even more.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=314

When Will the Markets Stop Dropping? (2008-12-01)

by David John Marotta

For the many investors glued to the news, the markets doesn't appear rational, and they worry it could go to zero. From high to low, losses have halved account values. Waiting appears foolish, and selling seems cowardly.


Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=313

Dropping the Baton in Estate Titling (2008-11-24)

by David John Marotta

How you "title" the property you own is a lot more important than you might think. Failure to title your assets properly could undo the best will and trust planning that money can buy.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=311

Marotta Advisors join NAPFA Bus in Richmond, Virginia (2008-11-20)

by David John Marotta

NAPFA members from across the state of Virginia met in Richmond on Thursday, November 20th, 2008, to conduct free advice events and symposiums to help consumers get their financial life back in order.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=312

Give Generously During Hard Times (2008-11-10)

by David John Marotta

As a response to the recent market correction, consider giving more generously to charities.


Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=309

The Assault on Free Markets (2008-11-03)

by David John Marotta

Free markets are under assault in America. We have seen much hyperbole and slander in these past two years of political polarization. But the idea of capitalism and free markets has received more negative campaigning and vicious attack than both candidates combined.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=308

Avoiding Another Lost Decade (2008-10-27)

by David John Marotta

Don't wait for an undiversified portfolio to recover. You can't afford to miss another decade.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=307

Part 1: Social Security Is Still Broken (2008-10-13)

by David John Marotta

If you think the $700 billion bailout of the mortgage crisis was expensive, wait until we need to bail out Social Security. Between 2037 and 2075 the Social Security program is projected to run deficits totaling $30 trillion. And annual shortfalls are projected to start as soon as 2017.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=305

The Seven Steps of Financial Preparedness (2008-10-06)

by David John Marotta

When a hurricane threatens, making a plan and gearing up for emergencies is imperative. Economic emergencies happen too, but it may be less obvious how to prepare. Here are seven steps you should take to weather any financial storm.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=304

The Seven Steps of Financial Preparedness (2008-10-06)

by David John Marotta

When a hurricane threatens, making a plan and gearing up for emergencies is imperative. Economic emergencies happen too, but it may be less obvious how to prepare. Here are seven steps you should take to weather any financial storm.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=304

Our Financial Crisis: The Result of Centralized Planning (2008-09-29)

by David John Marotta

Regulation and centralized planning have caused financial instability and failing institutions. If this is the root cause, then many of the proposed solutions will only make matters worse.


Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=303

Eastern Europe and Turkey: BRIC Wannabes (2008-09-22)

by David John Marotta

The BRIC acronym made four emerging market countries sound like more attractive investment opportunities than the other two dozen. BRICET is the term used to add Eastern Europe and Turkey to the in-crowd.

Read the complete column at http://www.emarotta.com/article.php?ID=302