Mutual Funds

When I first started thinking about long-term financial planning for my family, I realized that one of the first steps is to plan for a child’s future. Education costs, medical expenses, and general financial security all require careful preparation. For me, a baby mutual fund emerged as a practical solution: a mutual fund account specifically […]

In the evolving landscape of investing, a new class of funds has emerged that promises more than just financial returns. These are the B Corp mutual funds, vehicles that seek to align investor capital with a broader vision of social and environmental responsibility. In my practice, I have seen a growing hunger for this alignment,

When I first began exploring the world of mutual funds, I quickly learned that not all shares are created equal. Funds often issue different “classes” of shares—A, B, and C being the most common—with each class carrying its own fee structure and implications for long-term returns. In this article, I want to share my perspective

When I first came across the idea of an “awareness of mutual fund questionnaire,” I realized how powerful such a tool could be for measuring not just whether someone has heard of mutual funds, but also how deeply they understand them. Over time, I’ve found that questionnaires on financial awareness work best when they are

Introduction In my career, I have spoken with thousands of investors, from novices to the highly experienced. A consistent theme emerges: a significant gap exists between the public’s general awareness of mutual funds and a true, functional understanding of how they work. Most people know mutual funds exist—they see them in their 401(k) menus or

In my years of analyzing investment performance, I have observed a powerful and seductive pattern: the gravitation towards “award-winning” mutual funds. These funds, adorned with stars, medals, and glowing write-ups in financial publications, project an aura of undeniable success. They promise a shortcut to superior returns, a validation of skill in a world of uncertainty.

In the realm of investing, time is more than money—it is the defining line between a favorable tax rate and a punitive one. I have counseled countless clients who, in a moment of impulse or panic, sold a mutual fund holding only to be blindsided by a tax bill that erased a significant portion of

Introduction In my years of financial planning, I have seen too many families endure the frustration and delay of probate—the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets—when it could have been easily avoided. Probate in Texas can be a lengthy and costly affair, creating public record and adding stress during a time of

In my practice, I have witnessed a significant shift among investors seeking the lower costs and structural efficiency of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The most common and pressing question from those holding appreciated mutual funds is: “How do I move without triggering a massive tax bill?” This concern is paramount, as a taxable sale could erode

Introduction After analyzing countless portfolios, I have observed a persistent and frustrating trend: investors consistently underestimate the profound impact of costs. While they diligently track market performance, they often overlook the silent, relentless drain happening within their own holdings. Nowhere is this more evident than in actively managed mutual funds. These costs are not merely