Measuring What Matters
Measurement has historically been a catalyst for innovation, and companies concerned with environmental impact know that while measurable change is incremental, progress made is real.
Catastrophe, Resilience, and Growth
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, while devastating, did not paralyze the nation's economy; similarly, a diversified portfolio is structured to absorb volatility without jeopardizing overall performance.
Navigating Finances, Together
Whether couples combine their finances, keep them separate, or use some combination of both depends on their individual preferences, values, and circumstances. Whatever path they choose, having a full picture makes it easier to engage with major financial decisions.
Artificial Intelligence, Real Companies
AI has the potential to transform industries and reshape the way we live and work. It also carries significant risks for specific professions and our broader social fabric, presenting challenges for policymakers and regulators.
Student Loans As a Planning Tool
Even when you have sufficient assets to cover the cost of college, it doesn’t automatically mean that now is the best time to use them. There are still timing considerations that can significantly impact both taxes and liquidity. One strategy to consider in these scenarios is having your child take out student loans.
2023 Community Engagement Report
We experience the threads of community through our work with clients, interactions with people and local businesses, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Our Community Engagement Report explores how we strived to strengthen the fabric of our community in 2023.
A New Season Begins
When building your portfolio and saving for retirement, hitting singles and doubles is the safer, lower-risk route. It's the singles and doubles that win the game. Home runs are exciting, but good defense and strong pitching carry teams deep into the post season.
Illuminating the Next Chapter
In honor of our team member Ariana Alisjahbana welcoming her first child this week, we are rerunning an article from June 2022 that highlights financial considerations to keep in mind as you celebrate this next phase of life. Congratulations to Ariana and her growing family!
Companies Get Their Quarterly Report Card
Earnings reports include three key financial statements: the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement. When a company announces its quarterly results, investors immediately compare the actual results to what financial industry analysts had estimated.
A Team Grows at North Berkeley
The North Berkeley Team grew in many ways over the past year, from new team members, to new certifications and new roles.
Planning for College with 529s
Even while tuition bills seem far off in the future, 529 plans can be a powerful tool which can help parents establish the habit of saving early and ease some of the financial and psychological stress that can arise as college enrollment approaches.
The Coming Smorgasbord of Climate Disclosure
Over the past two decades, national commitments at global climate conferences and an array of new regulations have pushed companies to measure and publicly share information about the environmental impact of their operations.
Defying Expectations, Shifting Narratives
The strong rally over the final two months of 2023 has led to the question of whether potential 2024 price gains may have been pulled forward. To some extent, we would say yes. Stock valuations aren’t unreasonable given where interest rates are, but they are pricing in a strong probability of several interest rate cuts in 2024.
What We Can Learn From the Price of Cardboard
History indicates that when cardboard prices jump higher, the economy is revving up. Some analysts have said that it is too soon to tell whether price increases will persist or if they are a one-time adjustment in a retail market still reeling from the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
Community Capital Management: Bonds As an Engine for Equity
Community Capital Management (CCM), created a focused opportunity for investors to direct capital to underserved minority communities to accelerate the process of narrowing economic disparities: the Minority Cares Program. We profile three key investments made during 2023 as part of that program.
Charlie Munger: Lessons from Warren Buffett’s Right Hand Man
Charlie Munger was an inspiration to countless investors - including members of our team here at North Berkeley. His emphasis on acquiring a diverse range of mental models, understanding the fundamental nature of business, and maintaining a long-term perspective has become gospel for many in the financial world. Rest in Peace Charlie Munger.
Powered By the Sun
Taking steps to develop independence from the power grid saves energy and money and can also bring you peace of mind. Whether you are ready to make the change to solar energy or just beginning to explore your options, we can help you understand your financial landscape and provide support as you engage with experts to assess your personal situation.
Creating Impact Through Client Portfolios
Over the last decade, social and environmental issues have joined governance as top issues on annual shareholder ballots, reflecting both investor and popular concerns. We summarize a few ways in which investors are catalyzing conversations with corporate management
Markets Take the Long View
Prices have remained relatively stable over the past few weeks, and investors are closely watching the headlines from the Fed regarding US interest rate policy as well as further developments in the Middle East.
Getting Ahead of Year-End Planning
As the holiday season shifts into full swing, now is a good time to begin looking at your upcoming expenses ahead of end-of-year financial planning, along with fine-tuning your annual budget as you prepare for the coming new year.
2023 ESG News: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Impact in Action Report
Directing capital investment to – or away from – specific purposes is an effective way to support existing industry, to innovate new technology, to expand markets, or to scale both manufacturing and services.
Charitable Gifting in a Volatile World
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are powerful tools for charitable giving and legacy planning. They help with organizing a giving strategy, allow for potential asset growth, benefit yearly tax planning, and help mitigate gains from appreciated stock.
The Reality of a ‘Soft Landing’
Q3 2023 Market Commentary
With the economy remaining stronger than expected and the Fed signaling one more rate hike in 2023, investors are being forced to recalibrate their expectations for both stock and bond valuations.
When to Claim Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits are an important component of any retirement plan. The decision of when to claim Social Security benefits should be based on your individual circumstances.
Smoky Skies
While it's natural to feel uneasy when short-term risks such as wildfires or weak corporate earnings cast a shadow over the financial markets or local skylines, history reminds us that these risks will pass with time. Financial shocks are a natural part of being a long-term investor, which is why it is important to build a portfolio that prioritizes resiliency.