Recently, Jason Zweig, the personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal, wrote an article titled, “The 19 Questions to Ask Your Financial Adviser.” It’s a very good list. We agree with most of his answers and we recommend you consider asking these questions to the financial advisor who works with you. Here are a few of his key questions …
Equifax Announces Security Breach
Equifax, one of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies, issued a statement about a cybersecurity breach that occurred earlier this summer. The incident MAY impact half of U.S. consumers—Equifax estimates as many as 143 million accounts were compromised. Experts recommend: Sign up for Equifax’s credit monitoring service (which is available whether or not your personal information was compromised in this breach). Visit the …
I Have No Words
Brilliant Advice’s Danya Karram and her family recently traveled to Amman, Jordan as part of a humanitarian and medical relief trip organized by the Atlantic Humanitarian Relief (“AHR”) organization. There are about five million Syrian refugees who have sought safety in surrounding countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt. Many have limited means to cover even basic needs and are …
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005 and an unfathomable amount of rain has fallen: some areas southeast of Houston have already received more than 48 inches of rain. Harvey will have a generalized economic impact, mostly in the storm affected region. There will be a slow-down to the …
Do You Need a Second Set of Eyes?
When it comes to your finances, you should get a second opinion. Here’s why. When it comes to your financial life, the consequences of your decisions—or your advisor’s decisions—can be long-lasting and significant. Mistakes can be very costly and they can have a big impact on how well you can enjoy your retirement years. How will you feel if 10 …
If Our Roles Were Reversed
One of the founding questions of Brilliant Advice is this: “If our roles were reversed, and you were our advisor, how would we wish to be treated by you? Then that is exactly how we will treat our clients.” In other words, we wanted to design a firm that we ourselves would want to engage as our advisor. We have …
How to Stay Ahead of Cyber Thieves
According to the FBI, “Cyber intrusions are becoming ever more commonplace, more dangerous, and more sophisticated.” Cybercrime has become a $114 billion organized, underground economy that employs thousands of hackers around the globe. Unfortunately, the cybersecurity industry is having a tough time keeping up with ongoing and new threats that put all of us at risk. As cybercriminals get more …
Fiduciary vs. Non-Fiduciary, Does It Really Matter?
There are many things to consider when selecting a financial advisor. One aspect which is often overlooked or misunderstood is knowing what a financial advisor’s responsibility is toward you, their client. One way to know for sure is to ask your advisor this question: Are you a fiduciary in all of your dealings with me? This is a very important …
The Cost of Not Paying for Advice
Advice: “Guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action, typically given by someone regarded as knowledgeable.” It’s important to note that there is plenty of free advice available to anyone. Anywhere. Anytime. All you have to do is ask a few friends, your colleagues at work, surf the internet or watch TV, and you’ll receive more advice than you need! The …
Great Article about Cern’s Ability to Overcome Obstacles
Regus, the owner of our office building, wrote an inspiring piece on our very own Cern Basher and the challenges he has faced and conquered. Read the full article here.