Broad-market index funds transformed investing for millions of people. But even great ideas evolve. Today's research isn't about replacing index investing; it's about implementing it more thoughtfully to preserve its benefits while reducing unnecessary costs. Here's how Open Window applies the scientific pursuit of a better way to invest, seeking greater expected returns and peace of mind for investors.
The negative effect of holding too much cash (or bonds) for even a short time can be profound. Missing a period of strong returns can drastically impact overall performance. Fortunately, markets tend to do just as well (maybe better) after a new high than before, as we show in our updated article.
An illustrated world review of capital market results in 2025, along with timeless advice for informing investment decisions in the years ahead.
As private equity, private credit, and other “alternative” investments become more accessible, many investors feel the pull to join in. The promise of higher returns and diversification is appealing, but the reality is more complex. Before chasing what’s new, it’s worth asking whether these opportunities truly fit your goals, liquidity needs, and ability to evaluate them. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the trendiest one, it’s staying steady with what’s proven.
Uncover your Financial Elements with a quick, powerful, and private financial health assessment available to clients and friends at www.openwindow.com/financialelements.
Trade wars, tariffs, and economic uncertainty, while unsettling, are unfortunately nothing new. History shows that disruptive events often cause short-term market declines. Fortunately, they don’t necessarily spell disaster for long-term investors. Despite sharp "intra-year" drops, markets have finished in positive territory 17 of the last 20 years. The key? A disciplined, well-structured investment strategy that anticipates bumps before they appear. Ensure your portfolio is built to weather uncertainty. Need guidance? We’re here to help.
An illustrated world review of capital market results in 2024, along with timeless advice for informing investment decisions.
Nobody wants to make mistakes. And yet, we’re human; mistakes happen. Mistakes are part of life. So, here’s how to minimize the investment mistakes that matter the most, and make the most of the ones that remain. And since some misfortunes are just bad luck, here is a link to Charity Navigator's "Give Now" page, a collection of the most critical charitable issues that need a helping hand right now.
An illustrated world review of capital market results in 2023, along with timeless advice for informing 2024 investment decisions.
If there is a universal investment ideal, it is probably this: Buy low and sell high. There exists an unassuming process for doing just that, called "rebalancing," but it is often overlooked for more exciting ideas.
Which specific investment ideas work, and can they be relied upon going forward? Within, we review the most important academic insights that, in aggregate, offer us a clearer pathway with which to navigate the world's daily twists and turns.
The "4% rule" is a handy rule of thumb for estimating a safe and sustainable level of spending in retirement. Does it hold up? Let's learn more about the rule, including how to personalize it for your life.
The 80/20 rule suggests 80% of an outcome is the result of 20% of the effort put into it. In that spirit, here are three financial best practices that pack a lot of value per “pound”.
An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) of someone experiencing heart trouble looks eerily similar to the stock market from month to month. With so much volatility - up one day, down the next - and with the average individual investor’s portfolio declining 27% last year, it's no wonder investing in the stock market is viewed as risky. However, with the right investment approach, positive results are still the expectation rather than the exception, as we show within.
An illustrated world review of capital market results in 2022. Stocks had their worst year since 2008, and bond prices fell as inflation reached a four-decade high. Markets may have been down, but history suggests there are brighter days ahead.
Believe it or not, another year has rounded third base and is dashing toward home plate. That said, there’s still time to make a few good plays in 2022, while positioning yourself to score in the year ahead. Here are a few of the base hits and home runs that we're sharing with clients.
Some investors worry about the stock market sinking after a recession is officially announced. But history shows that markets incorporate expectations ahead of economic reports. Investors who look beyond headlines may be better positioned for long-term success.
Do you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Here's how to identify lost accounts and reclaim your money! From retirement accounts to refunded utility payments, safe deposit box contents, and more, you’d be surprised at what may have disappeared over the years!
Heightened levels of market uncertainty across stock and bond markets alike may have left you once again wondering whether this time is different. Let's examine the severity of current events and consider what causes them to loom so large, while also recognizing how easy it is to rewrite memories of past challenges.
Markets often surge, just when we’re most convinced they never will. When you guess wrong, missing out on even a few of the market’s best days each year can have a significant impact on cumulative returns.