Confused by what the difference is between Fiduciaries and Brokers? This two minute video is the best explanation we’ve come across.

NEW YORK, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Findings released today by S&P Indices for its full year 2011 S&P Indices Versus Active Funds Scorecard (SPIVA) show that approximately 84% of actively managed U.S. equity funds underperformed their relative S&P benchmark in 2011. Over the previous three-and five-year periods, approximately 56% and 61% of actively manage equity funds underperformed their benchmark.

“The hardest arithmetic for human beings to master,” wrote the great American working man’s philosopher Eric Hoffer, “is that which enables us to count our blessings.” It’s a piece of wisdom worth recalling after another year that has tested the nerve of many investors and prompted questions about what current generations have done to deserve to live in such a tempestuous stage of history. Read More

The current renewed volatility in financial markets is reviving unwelcome feelings among many investors-feelings of anxiety, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. These are completely natural responses. Acting on those emotions, though, can end up doing us more harm than good. Read More

Giving back to the community in which we work and live holds importance to us. Adam Drake’s volunteer work at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM) Alumni Association is admirable and noteworthy.

Highland Investment Advisors’ Giving Back: Adam Drake’s Alumni Spirit Runs Deep can be viewed by clicking here.

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Access the entire Highland Columns Volume 2, Issue 2 by clicking here.

I recently probated the estate of a young man who died unexpectedly. John was tech-savvy, paid all of his bills online, and received all of his bank statements and investment account statements electronically. The problem was that no one knew his user names or passwords.

Highland Investment Advisors’ What’s the Password? can be viewed by clicking here.

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Access the entire Highland Columns Volume 2, Issue 2 by clicking here.

The reality is that there is no entrepreneurship gene that is passed down from generation to generation. While any given entrepreneur may have the skills, experience and passion required to make his business successful, there is no guarantee that his heirs will have what it takes, let alone the desire, to successfully pursue the “family business”.

Highland Investment Advisors’ Business Succession Planning for Family Businesses can be viewed by clicking here.

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Access the entire Highland Columns Volume 2, Issue 2 by clicking here.

By ignoring overheated headlines, passive investors can ride out bumps in the market that more reactionary investors get stuck in.

Highland Investment Advisors’ Financial News vs. Financial Noise can be viewed by clicking here.

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Access the entire Highland Columns Volume 2, Issue 2 by clicking here.

One mutual fund company rose to the top of nearly 700 companies nationwide last year. For Highland clients, the company’s name is a familiar one. For most other investors, it is one of the largest mutual fund complexes nobody has heard of.

Highland Investment Advisors’ The Biggest Fund Company You Have Never Heard Of can be viewed by clicking here.

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Access the entire Highland Columns Volume 2, Issue 2 by clicking here.