Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Your fiduciary financial advisor, Pharos Wealth Management, has developed a forum for keeping in close contact about or thoughts and ideas. Check in from time to time to see our regularly updated blog covering financial markets, financial planning strategies and other random, fun tidbits.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
There's not one right way to find a financial advisor but there are some basic principles that can help guide you through the process. We'll look at fees, what you get for those fees, and how to determine what's right for you.
Read MoreRelevance of LGBTQ+ Specific Financial Advice in a Post Marriage Equality Era
Why are LGBTQ+ focused financial advisors relevant in a world where marriage equality exists? In this discussion we'll look at the less recognized, but just as important, relevancies. We're in a bubble in the San Francisco Bay Area, but...
Read MoreEmployee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP): Let's take a look
Summary: This article presents a foundational look at Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Whether you’re an employee who has (or will have) access to an ESOP, or you’re an employer who’s considering a new ESOP...
Read MoreBlind Saving: How cash can impact your portfolio
Let's coin a new term: "Blind Savers." Blind Savers are people who sock money away in a savings account without intention - rather, they stockpile cash to a point where it actually becomes counterproductive. You may be asking yourself,...
Read MoreA little inflation research...
Inflation is the name of the game and inflation speculation opinions have been running rampant through every media outlet as of late. So, what does the future of inflation look like? What does all of the noise boil down to? We've cut...
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Basics of business cash flow management
The following was written by a guest blogger, Eleanor Wyatt. Whether your business is a $10 lemonade stand or a $1,000,000 tech venture, positive cash flow is intertwined with long-term success. But reaching and maintaining healthy...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs
Let's talk investment vehicles. Mutual Funds vs ETFs: Differences, similarities, and which one might be right for you. Many beginner investors have at least heard about the principle of diversification, which theoretically states that...
Read MoreA Few Simple, Yet Effective Estate Planning Tricks
Do you know what happens to your money when you die? Sure. This isn’t the most pleasant eventuality to think about, but we’re all going to have to face it at some point. We all die. Some with a plan. Some without a plan. It...
Read MoreInvesting when you're young. An essay by Sean Nolan.
A few weeks ago, an 8th grader in Novato, Sean Nolan, wrote to us to ask questions about investments. He was tasked with an assignment to write an essay on the importance of investing in your 20's, rather than waiting until your 30's,...
Read MoreThe market leading up to the election...and beyond
As we approach a political crossroads, we see two drastically different versions of leadership...
Read MoreHow to Spot COVID-19 Scams
Scammers, fraudsters, and other criminals are taking advantage of rapidly changing data and facts associated with COVID-19, both in the workplace and in our homes. Government agencies, corporations, and news outlets continue to warn...
Read MoreThe Evolution of the Family Archetype
As we advance into a modern world, traditional values fade while new values are established. In an article recently written by Amy Fontinelle, a personal finance writer for MassMutual, the concept of a new, non-traditional family...
Read MoreAcclaimed Author's New Book Mentions Pharos
Acclaimed author, Lawrence (Larry) R. Samuel recently released a new book titled, Future Trends: A Guide to Decision Making and Leadership in Business. In it, he referenced an article written by Scott Stanley of Pharos Wealth...
Read MoreWhat is Wealth Management?
What is Wealth Management? Wealth Management is a comprehensive financial planning approach used to analyze, understand, and improve a client’s financial situation. By doing a deep dive and implementing various financial...
Read MoreWe're Moving!
We have some exciting news! The Pharos Wealth Management office is moving from Sausalito to Novato. As always, I'll always remain flexible so if Novato isn't convenient for you, just say the word and we'll meet in the most comfortable...
Read MoreMarket Insights - Where do we go from here?
After nearly entering a bear market at the end of 2018, stocks have managed to edge upward so far this year. Stocks have climbed the “wall of worry” once again, but global uncertainty persists as the bull market continues....
Read MoreShould we be buying the dip?
Buy the dip? What dip? Beyond the gains in stocks this year and all of the all-time highs, perhaps the biggest story for the S&P 500 in 2017 is the absence of pullbacks. Here we discuss the lack of pullbacks, what could cause the next...
Read MoreHalfway into 2017 - What does the future of the financial markets hold?
A major shift is underway that may totally change the fundamentals of the remaining pieces of this economic cycle. The Federal Reserve (Fed) lived up to the expectation that it would stick to its rate hike path. That includes the...
Read MoreIs there uncertainty in the market?
Here are the key takeaways: Longer-term technical indicators on equities continue to look strong. Sentiment is mixed, but with uncertainty high, the potential for increased market volatility is on the rise. There are a few significant...
Read MoreEarnings Preview
We're looking at financial growth - The S&P 500 is pushing for double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter. Earnings season gets underway this week and public companies are poised to show a strong increase in their bottom line....
Read MoreThe Stock Market Review
This week we share four major factors driving the stock market in 2017: 1) economic growth, 2) earnings, 3) corporate tax reform, and 4) the Federal Reserve (Fed). We expect a hard-fought battle between these factors and market risks,...
Read MoreHow much is left in the tank?
Here are the key takeaways: The bull market celebrated its eighth birthday last week on Thursday, March 9, 2017. During that eight-year period, the S&P 500 Index tripled in value including dividends. Although valuations are rich and...
Read MoreOil: Where are we now?
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: Overall U.S. oil consumption is still below its 2007 peak. Changes in U.S. oil demand have occurred partially due to government regulations that either have changed or are...
Read MoreReal Estate: The Outlook
Here are the key takeaways: We evaluate real estate investments by looking at three key cycles: the economic cycle, the building cycle, and the interest rate cycle. We believe we are in a good spot in the economic cycle for real estate...
Read MoreNAFTA: The True Story
Here are the key takeaways:: NAFTA’s history is one of both bi-partisanship and deep-seated rancor. The agreement has been successful at increasing trade between all three countries. NAFTA remains controversial because its...
Read MoreAre small cap stocks the right place to be?
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: Small cap stocks have strongly outperformed large caps since Election Day. Strength has been driven by several election related factors, including prospects for corporate...
Read MoreA Look Back at 2016
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: Our stock market forecast was largely on target for the year, while we appropriately maintained our year-end stock market forecast during the February market lows....
Read MoreWhat to look for in a financial advisor
Ok, so you know you're supposed to hire a financial advisor to better prepare you for your future...but do you know what questions to ask? Do you know how to find the best financial advisor for you? We've compiled a list of just a few...
Read MoreCan't stocks and bond yields just get along?
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: Stocks and the 10-year Treasury yield have historically moved in the same direction when the yield has been below 5% as it is currently. Stocks have mostly interpreted...
Read More2017 Market Forecast
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the market had finally recovered from an August swoon that left the S&P 500 more than 10% off its all-time highs, the first 10% correction in more than four years, with the worst...
Read MoreWhat a Week
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: We reflect on last week’s surprising stock market reaction to Donald Trump’s unexpected election victory. The S&P 500 gained 3.8% last week, its best since...
Read MoreElection Results - 2016
November 9, 2016Donald Trump has completed his landmark quest and will become the nation’s 45th President after a contentious and often divisive campaign. In addition, the Republican Party has retained control of both houses of...
Read MoreWhat Might Scare the Markets?
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: Many measures of investor sentiment indicate widespread uncertainty about the direction of markets. The age of the bull market, U.S. elections, the possibility of a...
Read MoreThe Election. The Stock Market.
Here are the key takeaways from this week's market commentary: In our election playbook, we discuss some investments that could possibly receive an election boost. Some areas that may fare better under Clinton include: alternative...
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