I hope this issue of the LuminaFi Report finds you doing well and enjoying a relaxing summer! Many of us use this time of year to catch-up on some reading that we are too busy or tired to attempt at other times during the year. I tend to prefer non-fiction and am often asked to recommend books on personal finance topics. It is important for everyone to learn the basics of how to save and invest for the future and there are many good books which help (those of you who subscribe to the LuminaFi Personal Wealth Management System can access several free “e-books”). However, sometimes making good choices isn’t simply a matter of knowing how. It is also about gaining a better understanding of our own behavior and the habits we’ve developed over the years. For those who are interested in this topic, I recommend The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. It is an interesting look at the science behind habits and how individuals can use this information to make positive life changes. What are you reading this summer? I hope it includes the LuminaFi Report!
Download the July 2014 LuminaFi Report to read more about the following topics:
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Can You Make Some Green by Investing Green?
A United Nations report on climate change says that substantial changes are needed in how the world produces and consumes energy. That has focused fresh attention on so-called “green investing.”
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Tips for Traveling Abroad
Before you take off on an international adventure, consider that a little preparation and a few precautions can help prevent a lot of unexpected headaches.
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Why Not Make Your Next Trip a Volunteer Vacation?
If you enjoy lots of activity, traveling with a group, immersing yourself in a different culture, and using your talents and skills to help others, then a volunteer vacation might be the next trip you’ll want to plan.
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Have the rules for 401(k) in-plan Roth conversions changed?
Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the rules for making 401(k) in-plan Roth conversions have gotten substantially easier.
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What is duration, and why should I pay attention to it?
If you have bond holdings in your portfolios, you may want to pay attention to duration to gauge the potential impact if and when interest rates rise.