Sep 15

Rise of the Machines

Written by Michael Sadowski, with special contribution from Tim Decker, AIF®. Posted in Central Penn Business Journal

robo-advisors

Feared on first sight, robo-advisers win fans

Fear struck the wealth management industry when robo-advisers--automated, online financial planners--first came on the scene a few years ago. "It was like Godzilla," said Thomas J. Terhaar, an investment consultant with Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors Inc. in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. "It would gobble us up and we'd all be out of the business."

Flash forward, and a tool poised to take the investment world by storm still might, but not in the way it was once feared.

Wealth management advisers now see robo-advisers as a useful tool—to an extent—and some firms have embraced the technology by integrating it into their work. A robo-adviser is a web-based tool that relies on a computer algorithm to decide how to invest a client's money without any input from a financial manager.

Sep 14

It's Never too Late to Plan for Retirement

Written by Cathy Molitoris. Posted in Lancaster Newspaper

If you're nearing retirement age, chances are you're thinking about your financial future.

Taking simple steps now can ensure that future is a stable one.

"You don't get a second chance at a secure retirement," says Tim Decker, financial adviser and president of ISI Financial Group Inc. in Lancaster. "You want to go into retirement with absolute confidence so you can enjoy your retirement years and not be worrying about anything financial."

So where do you start? How do you know how much to put aside for retirement?

This content is based upon information believed to be accurate by ISI Financial Group, Inc. However, it should not be relied upon for legal or accounting purposes. You should always use the custodian's brokerage statements as an accurate reflection of your portfolio. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always seek professional advice before making any financial or legal decisions.

Aug 25

The Essential Elements for Successful Family Wealth Transfers

Written by Tim Decker.

Communication & Planning vs. Shirt Sleeve to Shirt Sleeve in 3 Generations

It is inevitable; we get older every day. The time to begin the planning for the next generation is now. The complexities of the family and the amount of money moving to the next generation can help determine how much time and effort will be required to ensure success for future generations. The creation of wealth bares a new set of responsibilities. If you would like the transfer of your wealth to benefit the next generation, then you need to consider involving your family early. Each person's goals, values, and ambitions might not align, but this is a time to find common ground. For success, it will be important for each generation to understand each others' perspectives; square peg, round hole – futile.

Jul 26

Post Brexit Referendum

Written by Tim Decker.

There's an interesting phenomenon playing out in the financial press, in the form of a missing word that speaks volumes about human nature. That word is: "referendum."

Almost everywhere we turn, we're seeing headlines referring to the "post-Brexit" environment. To imply we are in a "post-Brexit" environment is like stating that a newlywed couple is enjoying a "post-marriage" honeymoon. Current headlines really should refer to the "post-Brexit referendum," because only the referendum is done. In it, a narrow majority of U.K. voters called for a disunion from the EU, but any actual Brexit is likely to be playing out for years to come. Only then will we be truly "post-Brexit."

There is a practical reason for the lapse. The media must keep its headlines short and snappy, and "referendum" is neither.