Essential Investing Tips for New Physicians

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

HOW TO COMMENCE THE FINE ART OF MONEY

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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Investing may seem complicated, but today there are many ways for the newly minted physician [MD, DO, DPM, DMD or DDS] to begin, even with minimal knowledge and only a small amount to invest. Starting as soon as possible will help you get closer to the retirement you deserve.

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Why is investing important?

Investing often feels like a luxury reserved for the already wealthy physician. Many of us find it difficult to think about investing for the future when there are so many things we need that money for right now; medical school loans, auto, home and children; etc. But, at some point, we’re going to want to stop working and enjoy retirement. And simply put, retirement is expensive.

Most calculations advise that you aim for enough savings to give you 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income for 20 years or more. Depending on your goals for retirement, that means you could need between $500,000 and $1 million in savings by the time you retire. That may not sound attainable, but with the power of compounding growth, it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. The key is starting as soon as possible and making smart choices.

INVESTMENT TYPES: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/26/

When should you start investing?

The short answer is “now,” no matter what your age. Due to the way the gains in investments can compound, the earlier you start the better. Money invested in your 20s could very easily grow over 20 times before you retire, without you having to do much. That is powerful. Even if you’re in your 50s or older, you can still make significant progress toward meeting your goals in retirement.

How much should you invest per month?

Most financial experts say you should invest 10% to 15% of your annual income for retirement. That’s the goal, but you don’t have to get there immediately. Whatever you can start investing today is going to help you down the road.

So, if 10% to 15% is too much right now, start small and build toward that goal over time. You can actually start investing with $5 if you want. And you should. Some investment products require a minimum investment, but there are plenty that don’t, and a lot of online brokerage accounts can be started for free.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

Good beginner investments.

The best investments for you are going to depend on your age, goals, and strategy. The important thing is to get started. You’ll learn as you go. If you have questions, a dedicated DIYer or investment advisor can help give you the guidance and options you need.

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/06/06/risk-aversion-and-investment-alternatives/

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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STOCK MARKET INDEX OPTIONS: Puts and Calls

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Understanding Stock Market Options: A Strategic Investment Tool

Stock market options are financial instruments that offer investors a versatile way to participate in the equity markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, options provide the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified time frame. This flexibility makes options a powerful tool for hedging, speculation, and income generation.

There are two primary types of options: calls and puts. A call option gives the holder the right to buy a stock at a specific price, known as the strike price, before the option expires. Investors typically purchase call options when they anticipate a rise in the stock’s price. Conversely, a put option grants the right to sell a stock at the strike price, and is used when an investor expects the stock to decline. Each option contract typically represents 100 shares of the underlying stock.

Options are traded on regulated exchanges such as the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and their prices are influenced by several factors. These include the underlying stock’s price, the strike price, time until expiration, volatility, and prevailing interest rates. The premium, or cost of the option, reflects these variables and represents the maximum loss for the buyer.

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One of the most compelling uses of options is hedging. Investors can use options to protect their portfolios against adverse price movements. For example, owning put options on a stock can offset potential losses if the stock’s value drops. This strategy is akin to purchasing insurance and is especially valuable during periods of market uncertainty.

Options also enable speculative strategies with limited capital. Traders can leverage options to bet on price movements without owning the underlying asset. While this can lead to significant gains, it also carries substantial risk, particularly if the market moves against the position. Therefore, understanding the mechanics and risks of options is crucial before engaging in such trades.

Another popular strategy involves writing options, or selling them to collect premiums. Covered call writing, for instance, involves holding a stock and selling call options against it. This generates income but caps potential upside if the stock surges beyond the strike price. Similarly, cash-secured puts allow investors to earn premiums while potentially acquiring stocks at a discount.

Despite their advantages, options are not suitable for all investors. Their complexity and potential for rapid loss require a solid grasp of financial concepts and disciplined risk management. Regulatory bodies and brokerages often require investors to pass suitability assessments before granting access to options trading.

In conclusion, stock market options are dynamic instruments that offer a range of strategic possibilities. Whether used for hedging, speculation, or income, they provide flexibility that traditional stock trading cannot match. However, their effective use demands education, experience, and a clear understanding of market behavior. For informed investors, options can be a valuable addition to a diversified financial toolkit.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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ECONOMICS: Micro V. Micro Differences

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Understanding the Differences Between Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

Economics is the study of how societies allocate scarce resources to meet the needs and wants of individuals. It is broadly divided into two main branches: microeconomics and macroeconomics. While both aim to understand economic behavior and decision-making, they differ significantly in scope, focus, and application. Understanding these differences is essential for grasping how economies function at both individual and national levels.

2025 Nobel: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/14/nobel-prize-economics-2025/

Microeconomics: The Study of Individual Units

Microeconomics focuses on the behavior of individual economic agents—such as consumers, firms, and households—and how they make decisions regarding resource allocation. It examines how these entities interact in specific markets, how prices are determined, and how supply and demand influence economic outcomes.

Key concepts in microeconomics include:

  • Demand and Supply: Microeconomics analyzes how the quantity of goods demanded by consumers and the quantity supplied by producers interact to determine market prices.
  • Elasticity: This measures how responsive demand or supply is to changes in price or income.
  • Consumer Behavior: Microeconomics studies how individuals make choices based on preferences, budget constraints, and utility maximization.
  • Production and Costs: It explores how firms decide on the optimal level of output and the costs associated with production.
  • Market Structures: Microeconomics categorizes markets into perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly, each with distinct characteristics and implications for pricing and output.

Microeconomic analysis is crucial for understanding how specific sectors operate, how businesses strategize, and how consumers respond to changes in prices or income. For example, a company might use microeconomic principles to determine the price point that maximizes profit or to assess the impact of a new competitor entering the market.

Macroeconomics: The Study of the Economy as a Whole

Macroeconomics, on the other hand, deals with the performance, structure, and behavior of an entire economy. It looks at aggregate indicators and phenomena, such as national income, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Macroeconomics seeks to understand how the economy functions at a broad level and how government policies can influence economic outcomes.

Key areas of macroeconomics include:

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): This measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country and serves as a key indicator of economic health.
  • Unemployment: Macroeconomics examines the causes and consequences of unemployment and the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing it.
  • Inflation and Deflation: It studies changes in the general price level and their impact on purchasing power and economic stability.
  • Fiscal and Monetary Policy: Macroeconomics evaluates how government spending, taxation, and central bank actions influence economic activity.
  • International Trade and Finance: It explores exchange rates, trade balances, and the impact of globalization on national economies.

Macroeconomic analysis is essential for policymakers, economists, and financial institutions. For instance, central banks use macroeconomic data to set interest rates, while governments design fiscal policies to stimulate growth or curb inflation.

TRILEMMA Economics

Interdependence Between Micro and Macro

Despite their differences, microeconomics and macroeconomics are deeply interconnected. Micro-level decisions collectively shape macroeconomic outcomes. For example, widespread consumer spending boosts aggregate demand, influencing GDP and employment levels. Conversely, macroeconomic conditions—such as inflation or interest rates—affect individual behavior. A rise in interest rates may discourage borrowing and reduce consumer spending, impacting businesses at the micro level.

Economists often use insights from both branches to develop comprehensive models and forecasts. For instance, understanding consumer behavior (micro) helps predict changes in aggregate consumption (macro), which in turn informs policy decisions.

Austrian Economics: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/11/keynesian-versus-austrian-economics/

Conclusion

Microeconomics and macroeconomics offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on economic activity. Microeconomics provides a granular view of individual decision-making and market dynamics, while macroeconomics offers a broader understanding of national and global economic trends. Together, they form the foundation of economic theory and practice, guiding businesses, governments, and individuals in making informed decisions.

HEALTH ECONOMICS: Who Should Study and Learn this Dismal Science?

A well-rounded grasp of both branches is essential for anyone seeking to understand how economies function and evolve in an increasingly complex world.

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EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Understanding 4 Key Financial Psychological Biases

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The following are 4 common financial psychological biases.  Some are learned while others are genetically determined (and often socially reinforced).  While this essay focuses on the financial and investing implications of these biases, they are prevalent in most areas in life.

STOCK MARKET: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/10/13/stock-market-a-zero-sum-bias/

Loss aversion affected many investors during the stock market crash of 2007-08 or the flash crash of May 6, 2010 also known as the crash of 2:45. During the crash, many people decided they couldn’t afford to lose more and sold their investments.

Of course, this caused the investors to sell at market troughs and miss the quick, dramatic recovery.

Overconfident investing happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading.

Data convincingly shows that people who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time.

Mental accounting takes place when we assign different values to money depending on where we got it.

For instance, even though we may have an aggressive saving goal for the year, it is likely easier for us to save money that we worked for than money that was given to us as a gift.

Herd mentality makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.

For example, we may hear stories of people making significant profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

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What is the S&P 500 Stock Index?

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The S&P 500, short for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, is one of the most widely followed stock market indices in the world. It tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, offering a broad snapshot of the overall health and direction of the U.S. economy. Created in 1957 by the financial services company Standard & Poor’s, the index has become a benchmark for investors, analysts, and economists alike.

Composition and Criteria The S&P 500 includes companies from a wide range of industries, such as technology, healthcare, finance, energy, and consumer goods. To be included in the index, a company must meet specific criteria: it must be based in the U.S., have a market capitalization of at least $14.5 billion (as of 2025), be highly liquid, and have a public float of at least 50% of its shares. Additionally, the company must have positive earnings in the most recent quarter and over the sum of its most recent four quarters.

Some of the most recognizable names in the S&P 500 include Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and ExxonMobil. These companies are selected by a committee that reviews eligibility and ensures the index remains representative of the broader market.

How It Works The S&P 500 is a market-capitalization-weighted index, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater influence on the index’s performance. For example, a significant movement in Apple’s stock price will affect the index more than a similar movement in a smaller company’s stock. This weighting system helps reflect the real impact of large corporations on the economy.

The index is updated in real time during trading hours and is used by investors to gauge market trends. It also serves as the basis for many investment products, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which aim to replicate its performance.

VIX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/12/vix-the-stock-market-fear-gauge/

Why It Matters The S&P 500 is considered a leading indicator of U.S. equity markets and the economy as a whole. When the index rises, it often signals investor confidence and economic growth. Conversely, a decline may indicate uncertainty or economic slowdown. Because it includes companies from diverse sectors, the S&P 500 provides a more balanced view than narrower indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which only tracks 30 companies.

Investment and Strategy Many investors use the S&P 500 as a benchmark to measure the performance of their portfolios. Passive investment strategies, such as index funds, aim to match the returns of the S&P 500 rather than beat it. This approach has gained popularity due to its low fees and consistent long-term performance.

In summary, the S&P 500 is more than just a number—it’s a powerful tool that reflects the pulse of the American economy. By tracking the performance of 500 major companies, it offers insights into market trends, investor sentiment, and economic health. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding the S&P 500 is essential to navigating the world of finance.

VIX Today: 20.81USD▲ +1.78 (+9.35%) today

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CRYPTO-CURRENCY: Crisis Risks

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters and A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedialPlanner.org

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The Looming Cryptocurrency Crisis: Risks on the Horizon

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the financial landscape, offering decentralized alternatives to traditional banking and investment systems. However, as digital assets become more integrated into global markets, concerns about a potential future cryptocurrency crisis are mounting. From regulatory uncertainty to systemic vulnerabilities, the risks associated with crypto are increasingly being scrutinized by economists, governments, and investors.

One of the most pressing concerns is regulatory instability. Cryptocurrencies operate in a fragmented legal environment, with different countries adopting varying stances—from full embrace to outright bans. The lack of unified global regulation creates loopholes that can be exploited for money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. If major economies suddenly impose strict regulations or sanctions, it could trigger a rapid devaluation of crypto assets and erode investor confidence.

Another risk stems from market volatility and speculative behavior. Unlike traditional assets backed by tangible value or government guarantees, cryptocurrencies are often driven by hype, social media trends, and speculative trading. This creates a fragile ecosystem where prices can swing wildly. A sudden crash—similar to the 2022 Terra/Luna collapse—could wipe out billions in investor wealth and destabilize related financial institutions.

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Technological vulnerabilities also pose a threat. While blockchain is considered secure, the platforms built on it are not immune to hacks, bugs, or exploitation. High-profile breaches of exchanges and wallets have already resulted in massive losses. As crypto adoption grows, so does the incentive for cybercriminals to target these systems. A coordinated attack on a major exchange or blockchain network could have cascading effects across the entire crypto economy. Geopolitical tensions may also catalyze a crisis. For instance, recent reports suggest that aggressive trade policies—such as the U.S. imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports—can indirectly impact crypto markets by shaking investor sentiment and triggering sell-offs.

The interconnection with traditional finance is another area of concern. As banks and hedge funds increasingly invest in crypto, the line between decentralized finance and conventional markets blurs. This integration means that a crypto collapse could spill over into broader financial systems, potentially triggering a global crisis. The 2023 banking collapses, which were partially linked to crypto exposure, serve as a warning of how intertwined these systems have become.

Geopolitical tensions may also catalyze a crisis. For instance, recent reports suggest that aggressive trade policies—such as the U.S. imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports—can indirectly impact crypto markets by shaking investor sentiment and triggering sell-offs. In such scenarios, cryptocurrencies may not serve as the safe haven they were once believed to be.

Lastly, overreliance on stablecoins and algorithmic assets introduces systemic risk. Many investors use stablecoins to hedge volatility, but these assets are only as stable as their underlying reserves and governance. If a major stablecoin fails, it could lead to a liquidity crunch and panic across exchanges and DeFi platforms.

In conclusion, while cryptocurrency offers transformative potential, it also carries significant risks that could culminate in a future crisis. To mitigate these dangers, stakeholders must push for clearer regulations, stronger technological safeguards, and more transparent financial practices. Without proactive measures, the next financial meltdown may not come from Wall Street—but from the blockchain.

NOTE: A crypto mogul has been found dead inside his luxury car in Ukraine after the digital currency market nosedived. Konstantin Galich, 32, also known as Kostya Kudo, has died after one of the worst turmoils shook the cryptocurrency market. The entrepreneur, who became a well-known figure in the crypto industry, was reportedly found with a gunshot wound to his head in his black Lamborghini parked up in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi neighbourhood. His death was later confirmed on his Telegram channel in a post saying ‘Konstantin Kudo tragically passed away. The causes are being investigated. We will keep you posted on any further news.’

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OCTOBER: The 2025 Stock Market Crash

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The October 2025 Stock Market Crash: A Perfect Storm of Geopolitics and Investor Panic

The weekend of October 10–12, 2025, marked one of the most dramatic downturns in global financial markets in recent memory. What began as a series of unsettling headlines quickly snowballed into a full-blown market crash, sending shockwaves through economies and portfolios worldwide. This event was not the result of a single catalyst but rather a convergence of geopolitical tensions, speculative excess, and investor psychology.

At the heart of the crisis was a sudden escalation in U.S.–China trade relations. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a scheduled diplomatic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced a sweeping 100% tariff on all Chinese imports. This move reignited fears of a prolonged trade war, reminiscent of the economic standoff that rattled markets in the late 2010s. Investors, already jittery from months of uncertainty, interpreted the announcement as a signal of deteriorating global cooperation and retaliatory economic measures to come.

VIX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/12/vix-the-stock-market-fear-gauge/

The impact was immediate and severe. Major U.S. indices plummeted: the S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Nasdaq fell 3.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.9%. These declines marked the worst single-day performance since April and triggered automatic trading halts in several sectors. The selloff was not confined to the United States; European and Asian markets mirrored the panic, with steep losses across the board.

Compounding the crisis was a massive liquidation in the cryptocurrency market. As traditional assets tumbled, investors rushed to offload digital holdings, leading to the largest crypto wipeout in history. Trillions of dollars in value evaporated within hours, further destabilizing investor confidence and draining liquidity from the broader financial system.

Another underlying factor was growing concern over the valuation of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recently issued a warning that the AI sector was exhibiting signs of a speculative bubble, drawing parallels to the dot-com era. With many AI companies trading at astronomical price-to-earnings ratios, the crash exposed the fragility of investor sentiment and the dangers of overexuberance in emerging technologies.

Perhaps most telling was the psychological shift among investors. The weekend saw widespread capitulation, with many choosing to exit the market entirely rather than weather further volatility. This behavior—marked by fear-driven decision-making and herd mentality—is often a hallmark of deeper financial crises. It underscores the importance of trust and stability in maintaining market equilibrium.

Abbvie: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/04/abbvie-the-economic-recession/

In conclusion, the October 2025 stock market crash was a multifaceted event driven by geopolitical shocks, speculative risk, and emotional contagion. It serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected and fragile global markets have become. As policymakers and investors assess the damage, the focus must shift toward restoring confidence, recalibrating risk, and ensuring that future growth is built on sustainable foundations rather than speculative fervor.

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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

EDUCATION: Books

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What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

DEFINED

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), often referred to simply as “the Dow,” is one of the oldest and most well-known stock market indices in the world. It was created in 1896 by Charles Dow, the co-founder of The Wall Street Journal, and is designed to represent the performance of the broader U.S. stock market, specifically focusing on 30 large, publicly traded companies. These companies are considered leaders in their respective industries and serve as a barometer for the overall health of the U.S. economy.

The Composition of the DJIA

The DJIA includes 30 companies, which are selected by the editors of The Wall Street Journal based on various factors such as market influence, reputation, and the stability of the company. These companies represent a wide array of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and energy. Notably, the companies chosen for the DJIA are not necessarily the largest companies in the U.S. by market capitalization, but rather those that are most indicative of the broader economy. Some of the prominent companies listed in the DJIA include names like Apple, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson.

However, the list of 30 companies is not static. Over time, companies may be added or removed to reflect changes in the economic landscape. For example, if a company experiences significant decline or no longer represents a leading sector, it might be replaced with another company that better reflects modern economic trends. This periodic reshuffling ensures that the DJIA continues to be a relevant measure of economic activity.

How the DJIA is Calculated

The DJIA is a price-weighted index, which means that the value of the index is determined by the share price of the component companies, rather than their market capitalization. To calculate the DJIA, the sum of the stock prices of all 30 companies is divided by a special divisor. This divisor adjusts for stock splits, dividends, and other corporate actions to maintain the integrity of the index over time. The price-weighted method means that higher-priced stocks have a greater impact on the movement of the index, regardless of the overall size or economic weight of the company.

For instance, if a company with a higher stock price like Apple experiences a significant change in value, it will influence the DJIA more than a company with a lower stock price, even if the latter has a larger market capitalization. This makes the DJIA somewhat different from other indices, like the S&P 500, which is weighted by market cap and gives more weight to larger companies in terms of their economic impact.

Significance of the DJIA

The DJIA is widely regarded as a barometer of the U.S. stock market’s performance. Investors and analysts closely monitor the movements of the Dow to gauge the overall health of the economy. When the DJIA rises, it generally suggests that investors are optimistic about the economic outlook and that large companies are performing well. Conversely, when the DJIA falls, it often signals economic uncertainty or a downturn in market conditions.

Despite being a narrow index, with only 30 companies, the DJIA holds substantial sway in financial markets. It is widely covered in the media and is often cited in discussions about the state of the economy. In fact, the performance of the DJIA is considered a key indicator of investor sentiment and economic confidence.

However, the DJIA has its limitations. Since it only includes 30 companies, it does not necessarily represent the broader market or capture the performance of smaller companies. Other indices, like the S&P 500, which includes 500 companies, offer a more comprehensive view of the market’s performance.

Conclusion

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a key metric for understanding the state of the U.S. economy and the stock market. Although it has evolved over the years, it continues to provide valuable insights into the performance of large, influential companies. While it is not a perfect reflection of the market as a whole, the DJIA remains one of the most important and widely recognized indices in global finance. Through its historical significance and its role in shaping market sentiment, the Dow has cemented its place as a cornerstone of financial analysis.

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Understanding Behavioral Finance Paradoxes

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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 “THE INVESTOR’S CHIEF problem—even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself.” So wrote Benjamin Graham, the father of modern investment analysis.

With these words, written in 1949, Graham acknowledged the reality that investors are human. Though he had written an 800 page book on techniques to analyze stocks and bonds, Graham understood that investing is as much about human psychology as it is about numerical analysis.

In the decades since Graham’s passing, an entire field has emerged at the intersection of psychology and finance. Known as behavioral finance, its pioneers include Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky and Richard Thaler. Together, they and their peers have identified countless human foibles that interfere with our ability to make good financial decisions. These include hindsight bias, recency bias and overconfidence, among others. On my bookshelf, I have at least as many volumes on behavioral finance as I do on pure financial analysis, so I certainly put stock in these ideas.

At the same time, I think we’re being too hard on ourselves when we lay all of these biases at our feet. We shouldn’t conclude that we’re deficient because we’re so susceptible to biases. Rather, the problem is that finance isn’t a scientific field like math or physics. At best, it’s like chaos theory. Yes, there is some underlying logic, but it’s usually so hard to observe and understand that it might as well be random. The world of personal finance is bedeviled by paradoxes, so no individual—no matter how rational—can always make optimal decisions.

As we plan for our financial future, I think it’s helpful to be cognizant of these paradoxes. While there’s nothing we can do to control or change them, there is great value in being aware of them, so we can approach them with the right tools and the right mindset.

Here are just seven of the paradoxes that can bedevil financial decision-making:

  1. There’s the paradox that all of the greatest fortunes—Carnegie, Rockefeller, Buffett, Gates—have been made by owning just one stock. And yet the best advice for individual investors is to do the opposite: to own broadly diversified index funds.
  2. There’s the paradox that the stock market may appear overvalued and yet it could become even more overvalued before it eventually declines. And when it does decline, it may be to a level that is even higher than where it is today.
  3. There’s the paradox that we make plans based on our understanding of the rules—and yet Congress can change the rules on us at any time, as it did just last year.
  4. There’s the paradox that we base our plans on historical averages—average stock market returns, average interest rates, average inflation rates and so on—and yet we only lead one life, so none of us will experience the average.
  5. There’s the paradox that we continue to be attracted to the prestige of high-cost colleges, even though a rational analysis that looks at return on investment tells us that lower-cost state schools are usually the better bet.
  6. There’s the paradox that early retirement seems so appealing—and has even turned into a movement—and yet the reality of early retirement suggests that we might be better off staying at our desks.
  7. There’s the paradox that retirees’ worst fear is outliving their money and yet few choose the financial product that is purpose-built to solve that problem: the single-premium immediate annuity.

How should you respond to these paradoxes? As you plan for your financial future, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.”

In other words, make financial plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and rethink your priorities.

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FINANCE: Artificial Intelligence

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Co-Pilot

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Artificial Intelligence in Finance: Revolutionizing the Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the financial services industry, reshaping how institutions operate, manage risk, and serve customers. By leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, AI is enabling smarter decision-making, greater efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences across banking, investing, insurance, and regulatory compliance.

One of the most impactful applications of AI in finance is in fraud detection and prevention. Traditional systems rely on rule-based algorithms that often fail to catch sophisticated schemes. AI, however, can analyze vast amounts of transaction data in real time, identifying patterns and anomalies that signal fraudulent behavior. Machine learning models continuously improve as they process more data, making them increasingly effective at detecting threats and reducing false positives.

AI also plays a pivotal role in algorithmic trading, where decisions are made at lightning speed based on complex data inputs. These systems can process news articles, social media sentiment, and market data to execute trades with precision. Hedge funds and investment banks use AI to optimize portfolios, forecast market trends, and identify arbitrage opportunities that human analysts might miss.

In personal finance and banking, AI enhances customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools handle routine inquiries, assist with transactions, and offer financial advice based on user behavior. AI-driven platforms like robo-advisors provide personalized investment strategies, adjusting portfolios automatically based on market conditions and individual goals. This democratizes access to financial planning, making it more affordable and scalable.

Credit scoring and lending have also been revolutionized by AI. Traditional credit models often rely on limited data and can be biased against certain demographics. AI can incorporate alternative data sources—such as utility payments, social media activity, and online behavior—to assess creditworthiness more accurately and inclusively. This opens up lending opportunities for underserved populations and reduces default risk for lenders.

In insurance, AI streamlines underwriting and claims processing. By analyzing historical data and customer profiles, AI can assess risk more precisely and tailor policies to individual needs. During claims, AI can automate document review, detect fraud, and expedite payouts, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Regulatory compliance, or RegTech, is another area where AI shines. Financial institutions face increasing scrutiny and complex regulations. AI tools can monitor transactions, flag suspicious activity, and ensure adherence to legal standards. Natural language processing helps parse regulatory documents and automate reporting, reducing the burden on compliance teams.

Despite its benefits, AI in finance raises ethical and operational challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency are critical concerns. Financial institutions must ensure that AI systems are explainable, fair, and secure. Regulatory bodies are beginning to address these issues, but ongoing collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders is essential.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is not just enhancing finance—it’s redefining it. From fraud prevention to personalized banking, AI is driving innovation and efficiency. As the technology matures, its integration must be guided by ethical principles and robust governance to ensure that the financial system remains fair, resilient, and inclusive.

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INVESTING TRANSFORMATION: Artificial Intelligence

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Co-Pilot and A. I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Artificial Intelligence and Investing: A Transformative Partnership

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of investing, reshaping how decisions are made, risks are assessed, and portfolios are managed. As financial markets grow increasingly complex and data-driven, AI offers powerful tools to navigate this landscape with greater precision, speed, and insight.

At its core, AI refers to systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. In investing, this translates into algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of financial data, detect patterns, and make predictions with remarkable accuracy. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables these systems to improve over time by learning from new data, making them especially valuable in dynamic markets.

One of the most significant applications of AI in investing is algorithmic trading. These systems can execute trades at lightning speed, responding to market fluctuations in milliseconds. By analyzing historical data and real-time market conditions, AI-driven trading platforms can identify optimal entry and exit points, often outperforming human traders. High-frequency trading firms have long relied on such technologies to gain competitive advantages.

AI also enhances portfolio management through robo-advisors—digital platforms that use algorithms to provide personalized investment advice. These tools assess an investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, then construct and manage a diversified portfolio accordingly. Robo-advisors democratize access to financial planning, offering low-cost, automated solutions to individuals who might not afford traditional advisory services.

Risk assessment is another area where AI shines. By processing alternative data sources—such as social media sentiment, news articles, and satellite imagery—AI can uncover hidden risks and opportunities. For instance, a sudden spike in negative sentiment around a company on Twitter might signal reputational issues, prompting investors to reevaluate their positions. AI models can also forecast macroeconomic trends, helping investors anticipate shifts in interest rates, inflation, or geopolitical events.

Moreover, AI is transforming fundamental analysis. Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to read and interpret earnings reports, SEC filings, and analyst commentary. This enables investors to extract insights from unstructured data that would be time-consuming to analyze manually. AI can even detect subtle linguistic cues that may indicate a company’s future performance or management’s confidence.

Despite its advantages, AI in investing is not without challenges. Models can be opaque, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made—a phenomenon known as the “black box” problem. There’s also the risk of overfitting, where algorithms perform well on historical data but fail in real-world scenarios. Ethical concerns, such as bias in data and the potential for market manipulation, must also be addressed.

In conclusion, AI is reshaping the investing landscape, offering tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. While it’s not a panacea, its integration into financial markets marks a profound shift in how capital is allocated and wealth is managed. As technology continues to evolve, investors who embrace AI will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

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VARIABLE ANNUITIES: Retired Physicians Beware!

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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After a lifetime of hard work practicing medicine and saving, you’re at the retirement finish line. Instead of a paycheck, you’re relying on your nest egg and investment income to cover the bills. Picking the right investments is even more important, as you won’t have much chance to recover as a retired MD, DO, DPM or DDS.

“You made it to the top of the mountain through a systematic approach and are trying to make your way down safely,” says retirement planner John Gillet John Gillet in Hollywood, Fla. “Why throw all caution to the wind and try something different now?”

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Definitions

An annuity is an insurance contract designed to grow your money and then repay it as income. There are different versions. An immediate annuity turns your lump sum into future guaranteed income payments, like your own personal pension. They are simple to understand with no or small fees.

Fixed annuities pay a guaranteed interest rate over a set period to grow your money, like 5% a year for five years. These options could make sense as part of a retirement plan.

A variable annuity, on the other hand, invests your savings in mutual funds. While you can buy riders that guarantee a minimum income, you’ll be paying very much for it. “All in, the annual fees can be 3% or more of your balance,” says Jeff Bailey, an advisor from Nashville. “That’s a huge withdrawal rate from your portfolio versus investing on your own.”

The variable annuity will lock up your money for years. If you cancel early, you owe a surrender charge that could start at 7% or more of your annuity balance before gradually going down as time goes by. “Clients believe they can walk away with their contract value, but that’s often not true,” says Bailey.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Using Debt Wisely to Build Wealth

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Sometimes debt is a necessary tool in building wealth

Using debt to build wealth might seem counterintuitive. After all, when you calculate your wealth, you look at what you own (assets) and subtract what you owe (debts and liabilities) to determine what your net worth (wealth) is.

It’s easy to oversimplify that debt is bad and is harmful to your wealth. Because some debt is really harmful, like credit cards, automobile, debt gets lumped into the category of “bad.”

But some types of debt can be useful and sometimes necessary to create wealth; home, education, business, etc. For folks that don’t readily have access to large sums of cash or capital, debt may be the tool that allows them to expand.

Borrow Carefully * Invest Wisely!

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Financial Planning for Physicians: Achieve Your Goals

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Your medical practice. Your personal goals. Your financial plan. Our experienced confirmation guide.

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When you know exactly where you are today, have a vision of where you want to be tomorrow, and have trusted counsel at your side, you have already achieved so much success. Marcinko Associates works to keep you at that level of confidence every day. We use a comprehensive economic process to uncover what’s most important to you and then develop a financial strategy that gives you the highest probability of achieving your monetary goals.

We assess, plan, and opine for your success

To accurately see where you are today, chart a strategic path to your goals and help you make the most informed decisions to keep you on financial track, our key services for physicians and high net worth medical clients include:

  • Investment Portfolio Review
  • Fee, Charge and Cost Review
  • Comprehensive Financial Planning
  • Insurance Reviews
  • Estate Planning
  • Investment and Asset Management Second Opinions

We take a deep dive into your financial retirement plans

Physicians and dental employers now have options for how to design and deliver retirement benefits and we can help you make the best choice for your healthcare business. Our services for retirement plans include:

  • Fee, Charges & Fiduciary Review
  • Portfolio Analysis
  • Single Employer Retirement Plan Advisory
  • Retirement Plans Risk Analysis
  • Capital Funding and Financing
  • Business Planning and Practice Valuations
  • Career Development
  • and more!

We take a broad and balanced look at your financial life life

We coordinate our recommendations with your other advisors, including attorneys, accountants, insurance professionals and others, to ensure each decision is consistent with your goals and overall strategy. For example, through our partnerships we offer physician colleagues deeper expanded advisory services, like:

  • Estate, Gift, and Trust Planning
  • Tax Planning and Compliance
  • Medical or Dental Practice Worth
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Practice Exit Planning
  • Transaction Advisory Services
  • and more!

EDUCATION: Books

CONTACT US TODAY: Ann Miller RN MHA at: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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Fiduciary Financial Colleagues Advising Medical Colleagues … in Turbulent Times!

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Unlocking the Power of Compounding in Investments

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Time is both our ally and our enemy?

In the case of financial investments, compounding interest relies on time to reveal its true magic.

Here’s how: a young investor can invest less money over a longer period of time than an older investor who invests more money over a shorter period and ends up with more in the end. Compounding returns grow exponentially, making time more than an ally – but a force of the universe driving growth. 

Time is certainly our ally in investing, but according to ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd, you’ll kick yourself wishing you had invested earlier when you witness compounding after a few years (or a decade).

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Overcoming Financial Psychological Traps

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Psychological Traps

As human beings, our brains are booby-trapped with psychological barriers that stand between making smart financial decisions and making dumb ones. The good news is that once you realize your own mental weaknesses, it’s not impossible to overcome them. 

PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/01/05/maurice-allais-behavioral-finance-paradox/

In fact, Mandi Woodruff, a financial reporter whose work has appeared in Yahoo! Finance, Daily Finance, The Wall Street Journal, The Fiscal Times and the Financial Times among others; related the following mind-traps in a September 2013 essay for the finance vertical Business Insider; as these impediments are now entering the lay-public zeitgeist:

  • Anchoring happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. For instance, when shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.
  • Myopia makes it hard for us to imagine what our lives might be like in the future. For example, because we are young, healthy, and in our prime earning years now, it may be hard for us to picture what life will be like when our health depletes and we know longer have the earnings necessary to support our standard of living. This short-sightedness makes it hard to save adequately when we are young, when saving does the most good.
  • Gambler’s fallacy occurs when we subconsciously believe we can use past events to predict the future. It is common for the hottest sector during one calendar year to attract the most investors the following year. Of course, just because an investment did well last year doesn’t mean it will continue to do well this year. In fact, it is more likely to lag the market.
  • Avoidance is simply procrastination. Even though you may only have the opportunity to adjust your health care plan through your employer once per year, researching alternative health plans is too much work and too boring for us to get around to it. Consequently, we stick with a plan that may not be best for us.
  • Loss aversion affected many investors during the stock market crash of 2008. During the crash, many people decided they couldn’t afford to lose more and sold their investments. Of course, this caused the investors to sell at market troughs and miss the quick, dramatic recovery.
  • Overconfident investing happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. Data convincingly shows that people who trade most often under perform the market by a significant margin over time.
  • Mental accounting takes place when we assign different values to money depending on where we get it from. For instance, even though we may have an aggressive saving goal for the year, it is likely easier for us to save money that we worked for than money that was given to us as a gift.
  • Herd mentality makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does. For example, we may hear stories of people making significant profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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Financial Self-Discovery for Medical Professionals

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

PHYSICIAN COACHING: https://marcinkoassociates.com/process-what-we-do/

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A Financial Self Discovery Questionnaire for Medical Professionals

For understanding your relationship with money, it is important to be aware of yourself in the contexts of culture, family, value systems and experience.  These questions will help you.  This is a process of self-discovery.  To fully benefit from this exploration, please address them in writing.  You will simply not get the full value from it if you just breeze through and give mental answers.  While it is recommended that you first answer these questions by yourself, many people relate that they have enjoyed the experience of sharing them with others who are important to them. 

As you answer these questions, be conscious of your feelings, actually describing them in writing as part of your process. 

Childhood

  • What is your first memory of money?
  • What is your happiest moment with Money? Your most unhappy?
  • Name the miscellaneous money messages you received as a child.
  • How were you confronted with the knowledge of differing economic circumstances among people, that there were people “richer” than you and people “poorer” than you?

Cultural heritage

  • What is your cultural heritage and how has it interfaced with money?
  • To the best of your knowledge, how has it been impacted by the money forces?  Be specific.  
  • To the best of your knowledge, does this circumstance have any motive related to Money?
  • Speculate about the manners in which your forebears’ money decisions continue to affect you today? 

Family

  • How is/was the subject of money addressed by your church or the religious traditions of your forebears?
  • What happened to your parents or grandparents during the Depression?
  • How did your family communicate about money?
  • How?  Be as specific as you can be, but remember that we are more concerned about impacts upon you than historical veracity.
  • When did your family migrate to America (or its current location)?
  • What else do you know about your family’s economic circumstances historically?

Your parents

  • How did your mother and father address money?
  • How did they differ in their money attitudes?
  • How did they address money in their relationship?
  • Did they argue or maintain strict silence?
  • How do you feel about that today?

Please do your best to answer the same questions regarding your life or business partner(s) and their parents.

Childhood: Revisited

  • How did you relate to money as a child?  Did you feel “poor” or “rich”? 
    Relatively?  Or, absolutely?  Why?
  • Were you anxious about money?
    Did you receive an allowance?  If so, describe amounts and responsibilities.
  • Did you have household responsibilities?
  • Did you get paid regardless of performance?
  • Did you work for money?

If not, please describe your thoughts and feelings about that.

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Same questions, as a teenager, young adult, older adult.

Credit

  • When did you first acquire something on credit?
  • When did you first acquire a credit card?
  • What did it represent to you when you first held it in your hands?
  • Describe your feelings about credit.
  • Do you have trouble living within your means?
  • Do you have debt?

Adulthood

  • Have your attitudes shifted during your adult life?  Describe.

Why did you choose your personal path? 
a)      Would you do it again?
b)      Describe your feelings about credit.

Adult attitudes

  • Are you money motivated? 
    If so, please explain why?  If not, why not? 
    How do you feel about your present financial situation? 
    Are you financially fearful or resentful?  How do you feel about that?
  • Will you inherit money?  How does that make you feel?
  • If you are well off today, how do you feel about the money situations of others? 
    If you feel poor, same question. 
  • How do you feel about begging?  Welfare?
    If you are well off today, why are you working?
  • Do you worry about your financial future?
  • Are you generous or stingy?  Do you treat?  Do you tip?
  • Do you give more than you receive or the reverse?  Would others agree?
  • Could you ask a close relative for a business loan?  For rent/grocery money?
  • Could you subsidize a non-related friend?  How would you feel if that friend bought something you deemed frivolous? 
  • Do you judge others by how you perceive they deal with their Money?
    Do you feel guilty about your prosperity?
    Are your siblings prosperous?
  • What part does money play in your spiritual life?
  • Do you “live” your Money values?

Conclusion

There may be other questions that would be useful to you.  Others may occur to you as you progress in your life’s journey. The point is to know your personal money issues and their ramifications for your life, work, and personal mission. 

This will be a “work-in-process” with answers both complex and incomplete.  Don’t worry. 

Just incorporate fine-tuning into your life’s process.

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VALUE STOCKS: Discovering Under Priced Investment Gems

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Value Stocks – Looking for Bargains!

The bargain-hunting value style is looking for shares that are under priced in relation to the company’s future potential. A physician value investor will invest in a company in the expectation that its shares will increase in value over time. Value investing is based essentially on quantitative criteria; asset values, cash flow, and discounted future earnings. The key properties of value shares are low Price/Earnings, Price/Sales ratios, and normally higher dividend yields. 

On observing a company’s earnings growth, a value manager will decide whether to buy shares based on the company’s consistency or recovery prospects.

The key research questions are: 1) Does the current P/E ratio warrant an investment in a slow growth company or, 2) Is the company a higher growth candidate that has dropped in price due to a temporary problem.  If this is the case, will the company’s earnings growth recover, and if so, when? The key to value investing is to find bargain shares (priced low historically or for temporary and/or irrational reasons), avoiding shares that are merely cheap (priced low because the company is failing).

The buying opportunity is identified when a company undergoing some immediate problems is perceived to have good chances of recovery in the medium to long term.  If there is a loss in market confidence in the company, the share price may fall, and the value investor can step in. Once the share price has achieved a suitable value, reflecting the predicted turnaround in company performance, the shareholding is sold, realizing a capital gain.

And, a potential risk in value investing is that the company may not turn around, in which case the share price may stay static or fall.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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Understanding Merger Arbitrage Strategies

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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3 Behavioral Biases Hurting Your Finances

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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The study of behavioral economics has revealed much about how different biases can affect our finances—often for the worse.

Take loss aversion: Because we feel a financial setback more acutely than a commensurate gain, we often cling to failed investments to avoid realizing the loss. Another potential hazard is present bias, or the tendency to prefer instant gratification over long-term reward, even if the latter gain is greater.

When it comes to money, sometimes it’s difficult to make rational decisions. Here, are three behavioral financial biases that could be impeding financial goals.

ANCHORING BIAS

Anchoring Bias happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. Anchoring is the mental trick your brain plays when it latches onto the first piece of information it gets, no matter how irrelevant. You might know this as a ‘first impression’ when someone relies on their own first idea of a person or situation.

Example: When shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this financial advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.

Example: Imagine you’re buying a car, and the salesperson starts with a high price. That number sticks in your mind and influences all your subsequent negotiations. Anchoring can skew our decisions and perceptions, making us think the first offer is more important than it is. Or, subsequent offers lower than they really are.

Example: Imagine an investor named Jane who purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation at $100 per share several years ago. Over time, the stock price declined to $60 per share. Jane is anchored to her initial price of $100 and is reluctant to sell at a loss because she keeps hoping the stock will return to her original purchase price. She continues to hold onto the stock, even as it declines, due to her anchoring bias. Eventually, the stock price drops to $40 per share, resulting in significant losses for Jane.

In this example, Jane’s nchoring bias to the original purchase price of $100 prevents her from rationalizing to sell the stock and cut her losses, even though market conditions have changed. So, the next time you’re haggling for your self, a potential customer or client, or making another big financial decision, be aware of that initial anchor dragging you down.

HERD MENTALITY BIAS

Herd Mentality Bias makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.

Example: We may hear stories of people making significant monetary profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

Example: During the dotcom bubble of the late 1990’s many investors exhibited a herd mentality. As technology stocks soared to astronomical valuations, investors rushed to buy these stocks driven by the fear of missing out on the gains others were enjoying. Even though some of these stocks had questionable fundamentals, the herd mentality led investors to follow the crowd.

In this example, the herd mentality contributed to the overvaluation of technology stocks. Eventually, it led to the dot-com bubble’s burst, causing significant losses for those who had unthinkingly followed the crowd without conducting proper research or analysis.

OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS

Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.

Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.

Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).

ASSESSMENT

Finally, questions remain after consuming this cognitive bias review.

Question: Can behavioral cognitive biases be eliminated by financial advisors in prospecting and client sales endeavors?

A: Indeed they can significantly reduce their impact by appreciating and understanding the above and following a disciplined and rational decision-making sales process.

Question: What is the role of financial advisors in helping clients and prospects address behavioral biases?

A: Financial advisors can provide an objective perspective and help investors recognize and address their biases. They can assist in creating well-structured investment and financial plans, setting realistic goals, and offering guidance to ensure investment decisions align with long-term objectives.

Question: How important is self-discipline in overcoming behavioral biases?

A; Self-discipline is crucial in overcoming behavioral biases. It helps investors and advisors adhere to their investment plans, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals reducing the influence of emotional and cognitive biases.

CONCLUSION

Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological biases to your mutual success!

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

REFERENCES:

  • Marcinko, DE; Dictionary of Health Insurance and Managed Care. Springer Publishing Company, New York, 2007.
  • Marcinko, DE: Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2016.
  • Marcinko, DE: Risk Management, Liability and Insurance Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2017.
  • Nofsinger, JR: The Psychology of Investing. Rutledge Publishing, 2022
  • Winters, Scott:  The 10X Financial Advisor: Your Blueprint for Massive and Sustainable Growth. Absolute Author Publishing House, 2020.
  • Woodruff, Mandy: https://www.mandimoney.com

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How Investment Banking Works for Corporations

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Investment bankers are not really bankers at all. The fact that the word banker appears in the name is partially responsible for the false impressions that exist in the medical community regarding the functions they perform.

For example, they are not permitted to accept deposit, provide checking accounts, or perform other activities normally construed to be commercial banking activities. An investment bank is simply a firm that specializes in helping other corporations obtain money they need under the most advantageous terms possible. When it comes to the actual process of having securities issued, the corporation approaches an investment banking firm, either directly, or through a competitive selection process and asks it to act as adviser and distributor.

MORE: https://www.amazon.ca/Management-Liability-Insurance-Protection-Strategies/dp/1498725988

Investment bankers, or under writers, as they are sometimes called, are middlemen in the capital markets for corporate securities. The corporation requiring the funds discusses the amount, type of security to be issued, price and other features of the security, as well as the cost to issuing the securities. All of these factors are negotiated in a process known as negotiated underwriting. If mutually acceptable terms are reached, the investment banking firm will be the middle man through which the securities are sold to the general public. Since such firms have many customers, they are able to sell new securities, without the costly search that individual corporations may require to sell its own security.

Thus, although the firm in need of additional capital must pay for the service, it is usually able to raise the additional capital at less expense through the use of an investment banker, than by selling the securities itself. The agreement between the investment banker and the corporation may be one of two types. The investment bank may agree to purchase, or underwrite, the entire issue of securities and to re-offer them to the general public. This is known as a firm commitment.

When an investment banker agrees to underwrite such a sale; it agrees to supply the corporation with a specified amount of money. The firm buys the securities with the intention to resell them. If it fails to sell the securities, the investment banker must still pay the agreed upon sum.

Thus, the risk of selling rests with the underwriter and not with the company issuing the securities.

INVESTMENT BANKING: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/04/17/understanding-tnvestment-banking-rules-securities-markets-brokerage-accounts-margin-and-debt/

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The alternative agreement is a best efforts agreement in which the investment banker makes his best effort to sell the securities acting on behalf of the issuer, but does not guarantee a specified amount of money will be raised. When a corporation raises new capital through a public offering of stock, one might inquire where the stock comes from. The only source the corporation has is authorized, but previously un-issued stock. Anytime authorized, but previously un-issued stock (new stock) is issued to the public, it is known as a primary offering.

If it’s the very first time the corporation is making the offering, it’s also known as the Initial Public Offering (IPO). Anytime there is a primary offering of stock, the issuing corporation is raising additional equity capital.

A secondary offering, or distribution, on the other hand, is defined as an offering of a large block of outstanding stock. Most frequently, a secondary offering is the sale of a large block of stock owned by one or more stockholders. It is stock that has previously been issued and is now being re-sold by investors. Another case would be when a corporation re-sells its treasury stock.

STOCK BROKERS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/04/understanding-traditional-full-service-brokers/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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INVESTING PARADOX: Flexibile and Dogmatic

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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A paradox is a statement or situation that seems contradictory but actually makes sense when you think about it more deeply. It challenges logic and often reveals a hidden truth.

FLEXIBLY DOGMATIC PARADOX

The Flexibly Dogmatic Paradox suggests that no matter how sensible your financial planning, investing or wealth management process is there will be uncomfortably long periods when it looks broken. And process is the best way of ensuring you keep standing for something because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. This is why, when assessing an investment fund, focus 50% on the manager’s character and 50% on their process. Everything else is detail. There are few guarantees in investing, but the fact that markets will batter you emotionally is one of them.

FINANCIAL PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/27/paradox-of-financial-health/

Example: During volatile times, the temptation to abandon the process is strong. But that’s why it’s there. Process is what forces one fund manager to keep buying unbroken companies when everyone else thinks they’re bust, and another to keep faith with a top-quality company when the mob says it’s too expensive The best fund managers dogmatically stick to their process when it’s out of favor. Then, when it returns to favor, the elastic pings back: they recapture lost ground surprisingly fast. However, every rule has an exception. And spotting the exceptions to their process is something the true greats have a knack for buying and selling.

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Example:  In 2007, US value manager Bill Miller had the makings of an investment legend, but the financial crisis wrecked all that. His process told him to double down into falling share prices, which had worked well for years. But it doesn’t work if the companies go bust, which many of his financial stocks did in 2008.

ADVISORS PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/20/paradoxical-contradictions-all-financial-advisors-must-know-to-win-clients/

Conclusion

The fact is that no matter how good it is, a process operated without human judgment is just an algorithm. The best fund managers and financial prospectors and sales men/women know this.

They stick dogmatically to their process but somehow remain flexible enough to spot the occasions when it’s about to drive them into a brick wall.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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BIAS: Financial Myopia

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

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BIAS

Bias is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

MYOPIA

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common condition that’s usually diagnosed before age 20. It affects your distance vision — you can see objects that are near, but you have trouble viewing objects that are farther away like grocery store aisle markers or road signs. Myopia treatments include glasses, contact lenses or surgery.

MYOPIA BIAS

Myopia Bias makes it hard for us to imagine what our lives might be like in the future.

Financial Example: When we are young, healthy and in our prime economic earning years it may be hard for us to picture what life will be like when our health depletes and we no longer have the earnings necessary to support our standard of living.

Irony: This short-sightedness makes it hard to save adequately when we are young … when saving does the most good.

DOCTORS: Going Broke and Living Paycheck to Paycheck!

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EDUCATION: Books

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FIXED INCOME SECURITY RISKS: All Physician Investors Should Know

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Here are some of the most common risks associated with fixed income securities.

Interest Rate Risk

The market value of the securities will be inversely affected by movements in interest rates. When rates rise, market prices of existing debt securities fall as these securities become less attractive to investors when compared to higher coupon new issues. As prices decline, bonds become cheaper so the overall return, when taking into account the discount, can compete with newly issued bonds at higher yields. When interest rates fall, market prices on existing fixed income securities tend to rise because these bonds become more attractive when compared to the newly issued bonds priced at lower rates. 

Price Risk

Investors who need access to their principal prior to maturity have to rely on the secondary market to sell their securities. The price received may be more or less than the original purchase price and may depend, in general, on the level of interest rates, time to term, credit quality of the issuer and liquidity.

Among other reasons, prices may also be affected by current market conditions, or by the size of the trade (prices may be different for 10 bonds versus 1,000 bonds), etc. It is important to note that selling a security prior to maturity may affect actual yield received, which may be different than the yield at which the bond was originally purchased. This is because the initially quoted yield assumed holding the bond to term. As mentioned above, there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. Therefore, when interest rates decline, bond prices increase, and when interest rates increase, bond prices decline.

Generally, longer maturity bonds will be more sensitive to interest rate changes. Dollar for dollar, a long-term bond should go up or down in value more than a short-term bond for the same change in yield. Price risk can be determined through a statistic called duration, which is featured at the end of the fixed income section.

REVENUE BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/12/20/bonds-revenue/

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Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that an investor will be unable to sell securities due to a lack of demand from potential buyers, sell them at a substantial loss and/or incur substantial transaction costs in the sale process. Broker/dealers, although not obligated to do so, may provide secondary markets.

Reinvestment Risk

Downward trends in interest rates also create reinvestment risk, or the risk that the income and/or principal repayments will have to be invested at lower rates. Reinvestment risk is an important consideration for investors in callable securities. Some bonds may be issued with a call feature that allows the issuer to call, or repay, bonds prior to maturity. This generally happens if the market rates fall low enough for the issuer to save money by repaying existing higher coupon bonds and issuing new ones at lower rates. Investors will stop receiving the coupon payments if the bonds are called. Generally, callable fixed income securities will not appreciate in value as much as comparable non-callable securities.

ZERO COUPON BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/11/12/bonds-zero-coupon/

Prepayment Risk

Similar to call risk, prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer may repay bonds prior to maturity. This type of risk is generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. Homeowners tend to prepay their mortgages at times that are advantageous to their needs, which may be in conflict with the holders of the mortgage-backed securities. If the bonds are repaid early, investors face the risk of reinvesting at lower rates.

Purchasing Power Risk

Fixed income investors often focus on the real rate of return, or the actual return minus the rate of inflation. Rising inflation has a negative impact on real rates of return because inflation reduces the purchasing power of the investment income and principal.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/03/24/general-obligation-and-revenue-bonds/

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EDUCATION: Books

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DOCTORS: Early Investing Needed for Retirement

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

NEW FINANCIAL STRATEGIES?

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Starting early is key to saving for retirement

Although 97% of people aren’t yet millionaires, many could eventually meet that target if they start investing sooner rather than later; especially doctors [MD, DO, DPM, DDS or DMD].

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

A 20-year-old, for instance, needs to invest just $330 a month into an asset class that delivers a 7% to 8% annual return to reach $1.26 million by the time s/he turns 65 years old. The luxury of time significantly boosts your chances of becoming a millionaire.

This doesn’t mean it’s too late for middle-aged savers to reach that millionaire milestone, but it will take a significantly greater investment. If a 50-year-old doctor hasn’t started saving for retirement, s/he would need to invest $3,958 a month at a steady 7% return to reach $1.26 million by retirement.

MONEY ADDICTION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/07/moiney-addicted-physicians-the-investing-and-trading-personality-of-doctors/

However, according to one Goldman Sachs report, investors could expect the S&P 500 to deliver just 3% annualized nominal returns over the next 10 years.

After an average 13% yearly return for the past decade, a new strategy outside of the stock market may be needed for that level of outsized gain, especially if you’re late to investing.

RETIREMENT VISION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/04/physicians-determine-your-retirement-vision/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

AI/HIT: https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Health-Information-Technology-Security/dp/0826149952/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254413315&sr=1-5

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PSYCHOLOGICAL BIAS: The Ikea Effect in Finance?

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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IKEA EFFECT BIAS

Ikea Effect Bias describes the tendency of people to place a higher value on products they have partially created or assembled themselves. This phenomenon is named after the Swedish furniture retailer Ikea, known for selling furniture in flat-pack kits that customers must assemble at home.

he IKEA effect was identified and named by Michael Norton of Harvard Business School, Daniel Mochon of Yale University and colleague Dan Ariely PhD of Duke University, who published the results of three studies in 2011. They described the IKEA effect as “labor alone can be sufficient to induce greater liking for the fruits of one’s labor: even constructing a standardized bureau, an arduous, solitary task, can lead people to overvalue their (often poorly constructed) creations.”

Example: A prospect is more likely to pursue his/her own financial plan than that one from an informed financial planner, CPA or professional advisor.

2011 study found that subjects were willing to pay 63% more for furniture they had assembled themselves than for equivalent pre-assembled items.

IN FINANCE AND INVESTING

The IKEA effect can contribute to reducing panic selling. Investors typically reduce their stock market exposure after a financial crash which often results in “buy high, sell low” strategy that is detrimental to long-run wealth accumulation.

Ashtiani et al.’s study proposes a nudge utilizing the IKEA effect to counteract this phenomenon: “actively involving investors in the selection process of the risky investments, while restricting their selections in a way that preserves a large degree of diversification.”

DIVERSIFICATION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/17/correlation-diversification-in-finance-and-investments/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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INVESTMENT TYPES: Young Physicians and Medical Practitioners

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Types of investments

Once a physician [MD, DO, DPM or DDS] has a brokerage account, the young doctior will need to decide what to invest in. There are lots of options, and each comes with different benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common options for new physician investors.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

Individual stocks.

Stocks are the first thing most people think about when they are considering investing, but they are not the only option. The prices of stocks change daily, sometimes by large amounts, as the market adjusts to news and various cycles. For that reason, it’s important to do your research. If you’re just beginning with a retirement account, you could also consider the longer-term products listed below.

Index funds and mutual funds.

Index funds attempt to replicate the performance of an un-managed market index. The performance of mutual funds [open and closed] varies. You can often get involved for a lower initial investment, and they can provide good diversification, which makes your portfolio better equipped to handle market fluctuations [active and passive].

For that reason, many financial experts say they should form the core of your retirement portfolio. While they have many similar characteristics, there are important differences. Read more about some of the differences in index funds and mutual funds.

Why Some Career Doctors Still DO NOT Get Rich?

Annuities.

These technically aren’t investment products; they are a contract between you and an insurance company. However, they work to accomplish a similar goal. There are immediate annuities that convert some of your existing savings into lifetime payments, but if we’re talking about saving for retirement, a deferred income annuity is the closest comparison. You make premium payments into the deferred annuity on a regular or irregular basis depending on the contract terms, and when you reach retirement age, you annuitize those savings and receive payments for the rest of your life. They can make a valuable addition to a retirement savings strategy.

Other investments.

There are many other types of investments and financial vehicles: bonds [local, state or US], money market funds, certificates of deposit through a brokerage account or investment apps. Even the cash value of life insurance can play a part. They are all designed to address different needs and have benefits and drawbacks and may be important to your overall strategy.

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ALTERNATE INVESTMENTS: 401[k] Accounts

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Crypto-Currency.

Crypto.com is a cryptocurrency company based in Singapore that offers various financial services, including an app, exchange, and noncustodial DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace, and direct payment service in cryptocurrency. As of 2024, the company reportedly had more than 100 million customers and more than 4,000 employees.

CRYPTO CURRENCY: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/03/27/cryptocurrency-real-money-or-not/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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PHYSICIANS BEWARE: The APR Car Lease “Money Factor”

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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What is it?

The so-called money factor (abbreviated as MF on invoices) is a number in a decimal form that dealers use to calculate the APR of a car lease. It’s a major part of your monthly payment and dealers are known to jack up the money factor to pad their profits.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

How it works

Most doctors don’t ask to see it because they’re not aware of it or don’t know how to calculate it. Ask to see the money factor, then multiply it by 2,400.

For example, if the money factor is .00150, you multiply it by 2,400 to get 3.6%. If that’s higher than the prevailing rate, you have room to talk them down.

How to reduce it

So how do you get a good interest rate when you lease a vehicle? The same way you do when borrowing for any other reason, whether it’s buying a home or applying for a personal loan: by having good credit. This may reduce your interest rate because you’ll represent a lower risk to a lender.

A high residual value on the car could also help you get a better interest rate. A higher residual value means you’d have lower monthly payments because there would be less depreciation on the vehicle. Since interest is applied to your monthly payment, a lower monthly payment would equate to reduced interest charges.

MONEY DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/04/08/psychology-a-money-relationship-questionnaire-for-doctors/

Financial implications

The money factor is one of the many numbers you may want to learn about when leasing a car. It’s one of the transactional costs that come with leasing, and allows dealers and finance companies to make a profit on every lease they execute. As a consumer, it’s a smart idea to learn the financial implications of this number and how it’ll affect your overall costs over the course of a multi-year lease.

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If the interest rate is too high, you may need to shop around for a better rate, negotiate with the dealer or lender to lower the money factor, or consider leasing another vehicle that’s more in line with your budget. Either way, make sure you explore all your financial options before taking a car off the lot.

SALARY NEGOTIATIONS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2016/08/21/salary-negotiations-skills-for-doctors-hospitalists/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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NET WORTH: Defined for Physicians

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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What does net worth really mean?

Net worth is everything you own of significance (Assets) minus what is owed in debts (Liabilities). Assets include cash and investments, real estate, cars and anything else of value.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

How is net worth calculated? Assets – Debt = Net Worth. Net worth is calculated by adding all owned assets (anything of value) and then subtracting all of your liabilities.

Is net worth yearly? No, net worth is not yearly. Net worth isn’t inherently yearly but is often tracked on an annual basis to assess financial progress year over year.

What net worth is considered wealthy, rich and upper class?
In the U.S. salary average is around $59,000, and only 20% of Americans have a household income of $100,000 or more.

MONEY ADDICTION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/07/moiney-addicted-physicians-the-investing-and-trading-personality-of-doctors/

Is net worth the same as net income? No, net worth is not the same as net income. Net income is what you actually bring home after taxes and payroll deductions, like Social Security and 401(k) contributions.

Can one measure their net worth if they don’t have many assets or a high income? Yes. Knowing your net worth isn’t about the amount you have; it’s about understanding your financial position. It helps you track your progress, informs your financial decisions, and motivates you to improve your financial health, regardless of where you start.

HEDGE FUNDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/08/hedge-funds-defined-for-doctors/

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PHYSICIANS: Determine Your Retirement Vision

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Determining Retirement Vision

There’s an aspect to retirement that many physicians do not plan for … the transition from work and practice to retirement.  Your work has been an important part of your life.  That’s why the emotional adjustments of retirement may be some of the most difficult ones.

For example, what would you like to do in retirement? Your retirement vision will be unique to you. You are retiring to something not from something that you envisioned. When you have more time, you would like to do more traveling, play golf or visit more often, family and friends. Would you relocate closer to your kids?  Learn a new art or take a new class? Fund your grandchildren’s education? Do you have philanthropic goals? Perhaps you would like to help your church, school or favorite charity? If your net worth is above certain limits, it would be wise to take a serious look at these goals. With proper planning, there might be some tax benefits too. Then you have to figure how much each goal is going to cost you.

If you have a list of retirement goals, you need to prioritize which goal is most important. You can rate them on a scale of 1 to 10; 10 being the most important. Then, you can differentiate between wants and needs. Needs are things that are absolutely necessary for you to retire; while wants are things that still allow retirement but would just be nice to have.

RETIREMENT SCAMS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/04/15/online-scams-retirement-accounts/

Recent studies indicate there are three phases in retirement, each with a different spending pattern [Richard Greenberg CFP®, Gardena CA, personal communication]. The three phases are:

  1. The Early Retirement Years. There is a pent-up demand to take advantage of all the free time retirement affords. You can travel to exotic places, buy an RV and explore forty-nine states, go on month-long sailing vacations. It’s possible during these years that after-tax expenses increase during these initial years, especially if the mortgage hasn’t been paid off yet. Usually the early years last about ten years until most retirees are in their 70’s.
  • Middle Years. People decide to slow down on the exploration.  This is when people start simplifying their life.  They may sell their house and downsize to a condo or townhouse.  They may relocate to an area they discovered during their travels, or to an area close to family and friends, to an area with a warm climate or to an area with low or no state taxes.  People also do their most important estate planning during these years.  They are concerned about leaving a legacy, taking care of their children and grandchildren and fulfilling charitable intent. This a time when people spend more time in the local area.  They may start taking extension or college classes.  They spend more time volunteering at various non-profits and helping out older and less healthy retirees. People often spend less during these years. This period starts when a retiree is in his or her mid to late 70’s and can last up to 20 years, usually to mid to late-80’s.
  • Late Years. This is when you may need assistance in our daily activities.  You may receive care at home, in a nursing home or an assisted care facility.  Most of the care options are very expensive.  It’s possible that these years might be more expensive than your pre-retirement expenses.  This is especially true if both spouses need some sort of assisted care. This period usually starts when the retiree is their 80’s; however they can sometimes start in the middle to the late 70’s.

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[A] Planning issues – early career

Most retirement lifestyle issues do not have to be addressed at this point.  Keeping a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help to ensure a more productive retirement.  This is the time to focus on the financial aspects of retirement planning.

[B] Planning issues – mid career

If early retirement is a major objective, start thinking about activities that will fill up your time during retirement.  Maintaining your health is more critical, since your health habits at this time will often dictate how healthy you will be in retirement

 [C] Planning issues – late career

Three to five years before you retire, start making the transition from work to retirement. 

  • Try out different hobbies;
  • Find activities that will give you a purpose in retirement;
  • Establish friendships outside of the office or hospital;
  • Discuss retirement plans with your spouse.
  • If you plan to relocate to a new place, it is important to rent a place in that area and stay for few months and see if you like it. Making a drastic change like relocating and then finding you don’t like the new town or state might be very costly mistake. The key is to gradually make the transition.

RETIREMENT INCOME: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/10/18/fast-facts-retirement-income-in-the-usa/

Conclusion

For physicians, like most folks, retirement is the stage in life when one chooses to leave the workforce and live off sources of income or savings that do not require active work. The age at which a person retires, their lifestyle during retirement, and the way they fund that lifestyle, will vary from one person to the next, depending on individual preferences and financial planning. Usually it is age 65.

Some doctors may opt for early retirement to enjoy their hobbies and travel, while others may continue working part-time to stay engaged and supplement their income. Effective retirement planning often involves a combination of savings, investments, and possibly pension benefits to ensure a comfortable and secure post-work life.

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DIRECT TO PHYSICIAN [D-2-P] INVESTOR ADVISORY PLATFORMS

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

Enter Artificial Intelligence and the “Robo-Advisors”

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MED CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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DIRECT TO INVESTOR ONLINE ADVISORY PLATFORMS

Since the financial crisis in 2008, several start-up companies from Silicon Valley and Boston [Learn Vest, Betterment, Financial Guard, Quovo, WealthFront, Nest Egg Wealth. Wealth-Front and Personal Capital] have emerged with the mantra that individual investors, younger and informed clients will receive portfolio strategies, financial advice and performance metrics directly from various internet and online advisory platforms. Termed “robo-advisors” by some, their existence heralds the doom of financial advisors; or at least drives down the value of Financial Advisory guidance; reduces fees and holds them more accountable to clients.

STOCK MARKET HELL: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/01/30/escaping-stock-market-double-hell/

On the other hand, detractors say the financial advice may not be as good because the personalization will not be there; but pricing fees will be more competitive, at least initially. Going forward price will get even lower and service better. And ultimately, as consumers get more information on line, product and service will improve and be delivered to them faster than thru traditional human channels of distribution. The era of quarterly client meetings with TAMPs is fading. Clients will have access to their portfolios; in real time, all the time.

Turnkey Asset Management Program (TAMP) Defined

A turnkey asset management program offers a fee-account technology platform that financial advisers, broker-dealers, insurance companies, banks, law firms, and CPA firms can use to oversee their clients’ investment accounts.

Turnkey asset management programs are designed to help financial professionals save time and allow them to focus on providing clients with service in their areas of expertise, which may not include asset management tasks like investment research and portfolio allocation. In other words, TAMPs let financial professionals and firms delegate asset management and research responsibilities to another party that specializes in those areas.

PHYSICIANS: Do You Use A Financial Advisor?

Conclusion

The growth of more traditional direct to investment platforms like E-Trade and Schwab has outpaced Financial Advisors and recently human advisors must have the technology and niche space specificity to survive in the future. Realistically, robo-advisors, Artificial Intelligence and traditional flesh-and-blood FAs will seamlessly merge into a hybrid platform indistinguishable to most all.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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PHYSICIAN INVESTING: Understanding Risk and Return

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Investment Risk and Return

One of the major concepts that most investors should be aware of is the relationship between the risk and the return of a financial asset. It is common knowledge that there is a positive relationship between the risk and the expected return of a financial asset. In other words, when the risk of an asset increases, so does its expected return. What this means is that if an investor is taking on more risk, he/she is expected to be compensated for doing so with a higher return. Similarly, if the investor wants to boost the expected return of the investment, he/she needs to be prepared to take on more risk.

PORTFOLIO ALPHA: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/02/managing-for-endowment-portfolio-alpha/

Harry Max Markowitz (August 24, 1927 – June 22, 2023) was an American economist who was a professor of finance at the Rady School of Management at UCSD. He is best known for his pioneering work in modern portfolio theory, studying the effects of asset risk, return, correlation and diversification on probable investment portfolio returns.

One important thing to understand about Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is Markowitz’s calculations treat volatility and risk as the same thing. In layman’s terms, Dr. Markowitz uses risk as a measurement of the likelihood that an investment will go up and down in value – and how often and by how much. The theory assumes that investors prefer to minimize risk. The theory assumes that given the choice of two portfolios with equal returns, investors will choose the one with the least risk. If investors take on additional risk, they will expect to be compensated with additional return.

MARKOWITZ: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2011/01/19/the-living-legacy-of-dr-harry-markowitz/

According to MPT, risk comes in two major categories:

  • Systematic risk – the possibility that the entire market and economy will show losses negatively affecting nearly every investment; also called market risk
  • Unsystematic risk – the possibility that an investment or a category of investments will decline in value without having a major impact upon the entire market.

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Diversification generally does not protect against systematic risk because a drop in the entire market and economy typically affects all investments. However, diversification is designed to decrease unsystematic risk. Since unsystematic risk is the possibility that one single thing will decline in value, having a portfolio invested in a variety of stocks, a variety of asset classes and a variety of sectors will lower the risk of losing much money when one investment type declines in value. Thus putting together assets with low correlations can reduce unsystematic risks.

DIVERSIFICATION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/08/13/the-negative-short-term-implications-of-diversification/

a.   Understanding the Risk

Although broad risks can be quickly summarized as “the failure to achieve spending and inflation-adjusted growth goals,” individual assets may face any number of other subsidiary risks:

  • Call risk – The risk, faced by a holder of a callable bond that a bond issuer will take advantage of the callable bond feature and redeem the issue prior to maturity. This means the bondholder will receive payment on the value of the bond and, in most cases, will be reinvesting in a less favorable environment (one with a lower interest rate)
  • Capital risk – The risk an investor faces that he or she may lose all or part of the principal amount invested.
  • Commodity risk – The threat that a change in the price of a production input will adversely impact a producer who uses that input.
  • Company risk – The risk that certain factors affecting a specific company may cause its stock to change in price in a different way from stocks as a whole.
  • Concentration risk – Probability of loss arising from heavily lopsided exposure to a particular group of counterparties
  • Counterparty risk – The risk that the other party to an agreement will default.
  • Credit risk – The risk of loss of principal or loss of a financial reward stemming from a borrower’s failure to repay a loan or otherwise meet a contractual obligation.
  • Currency risk – A form of risk that arises from the change in price of one currency against another.
  • Deflation risk – A general decline in prices, often caused by a reduction in the supply of money or credit.
  • Economic risk – the likelihood that an investment will be affected by macroeconomic conditions such as government regulation, exchange rates, or political stability.
  • Hedging risk – Making an investment to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset.
  • Inflation risk – The uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of your investment.
  • Interest rate risk – Risk to the earnings or market value of a portfolio due to uncertain future interest rates.
  • Legal risk – risk from uncertainty due to legal actions or uncertainty in the applicability or interpretation of contracts, laws or regulations.
  • Liquidity risk – The risks stemming from the lack of marketability of an investment that cannot be bought or sold quickly enough to prevent or minimize a loss.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT CONSTRUCTION: For Physicians and Medical Professionals

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

THE ESSENTIAL DOCUMENT

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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In order to create and monitor an investment portfolio for personal or institutional use, the physician executive, financial advisor, wealth manager, or healthcare institutional endowment fund manager, should ask three questions:

  1. How much do we have invested?
  2. How much did we make on our investments?
  3. How much risk did we take to get that rate of return?

Introduction to the IPS

Most doctors, and hospital endowment fund executives, know how much money they have invested.  If they don’t, they can add a few statements together to obtain a total. But, few can answers the questions above or actually know the rate of return achieved last year; or so far this year. Everyone can get this number by simply subtracting the ending balance from the beginning balance and dividing the difference.  But, few take the time to do it. Why? A typical response to the question is, “We’re doing fine.”

POOR DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/29/why-too-many-physician-colleagues-dont-get-rich/

Now, ask how much risk is in the portfolio and help is needed [risk adjusted rate of return]. In fact, Nobel laureate Harry Markowitz, Ph.D. said, “If you take more risk, you deserve more return.” Using standard deviation, he referred to the “variability of returns;” in other words, how much the portfolio goes up and down, its volatility [Markowitz, H: Portfolio Selection. Journal of Finance, March, 1952].

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IPS Construction(1)Download

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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PHYSICIANS: Do You Use A Financial Planner?

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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TO: All Physicians and Dentists

QUESTION?

Do you use a financial advisor?

What has been your experience with him or her?

THANK YOU

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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PARADOX of Financial Health

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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FINANCIAL HEALTH

Classic Definition: Research from Ernst-Young [Nikhil Lele and Yang Shim] uncovered a chasm between how consumer patients think they’re doing financially, and the actual state of their finances. Even more striking, their study suggested that improving consumers’ financial health will become one of the top imperatives in reframing consumer financial services.

Modern Circumstance: For example, the study asked consumers to rate their own financial health, and 83 percent rated themselves “good,” “very good” or “excellent.”  Now, contrast this figure with what is known about their actual situation:

  • 60 percent of Americans say they are financially stressed.
  • 56 percent of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement.
  • 40 million American families have no retirement savings at all.
  • 40 percent of Americans are not prepared to meet a $400 short-term emergency.

Paradox Example: Fortunately, even though the vast majority of consumers rate themselves as financially healthy, the study found that most still want to improve. Importantly for health economists, the attractive 25-34 and 35-49 year-old age groups were most likely to be extremely or very interested in improving their financial and economic health.

Paradox Example: Massively affluent consumer patients are even more interested in improving this paradox than their mass market counterparts.

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DAILY UPDATE: Both ACA Premiums and Stock Markets Rise

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

MEDICAL EXECUTIVE-POST – TODAY’S NEWSLETTER BRIEFING

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Essays, Opinions and Curated News in Health Economics, Investing, Business, Management and Financial Planning for Physician Entrepreneurs and their Savvy Advisors and Consultants

“Serving Almost One Million Doctors, Financial Advisors and Medical Management Consultants Daily“

A Partner of the Institute of Medical Business Advisors , Inc.

http://www.MedicalBusinessAdvisors.com

SPONSORED BY: Marcinko & Associates, Inc.

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http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Daily Update Provided By Staff Reporters Since 2007.
How May We Serve You?
© Copyright Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc. All rights reserved. 2025

REFER A COLLEAGUE: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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ADVERTISE ON THE ME-P: https://tinyurl.com/ytb5955z

Your Referral Count -0-

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource

What’s up

  • Krispy Kreme and GoPro got caught up in the new meme stock craze—the donut maker jumped 4.60%, while the wearable camera company leaped 12.41%.
  • Nintendo rose 2.36% after the company’s new Switch 2 console sold 1.6 million units in June, making it the fastest-selling console in US history.
  • GE Vernova gained 14.58% thanks to an impressive beat-and-raise earnings report for the power equipment manufacturer.
  • USANA Health Sciences soared 12.37% after the nutritional supplement maker crushed earnings estimates.
  • Cal-Maine Foods, the biggest egg producer in the country, added 13.80% after profiting from the high cost of eggs over the previous quarter.
  • Lamb Weston sizzled 16.31% higher as shareholders applauded the french fry giant’s strong earnings report and new cost-cutting program.

What’s down

  • Texas Instruments tumbled 13.34% after the semiconductor company revealed a disappointing third-quarter earnings forecast.
  • Enphase Energy plunged 14.16% thanks to weak earnings guidance, with the solar company’s management blaming tariffs for squeezing its margins.
  • SAP lost 5.03% after the enterprise software company missed Q2 revenue estimates.
  • Fiserv may have beaten analyst forecasts last quarter, but the fintech still sank 13.85% due to weaker-than-expected financial guidance.
  • Going down: Otis Worldwide dropped 12.38% after the elevator manufacturer lowered its fiscal guidance due to weak demand.

CITE: https://tinyurl.com/2h47urt5

Insurers selling plans on ACA exchanges are expected to hike premiums next year as subsidies on them are set to expire, with the average person expected to be paying 75% more, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan research group KFF.

CITE: https://tinyurl.com/tj8smmes

Visualize: How private equity tangled banks in a web of debt, from the Financial Times.

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When Economic Facts Become Political Opinions: A Financial Advisor’s Dilemma

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Rick Kahler MSFP CFP™

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QUESTION: “How will this administration’s trade policies affect my retirement savings?” “What does it mean for our plans to travel internationally if the value of the dollar declines?” “Is it wise to borrow right now to expand my business?”

Clients who ask questions like these expect and deserve honest answers from their financial advisors. Their financial and retirement planning depend on accurate information. Yet in the current polarized and chaotic climate, every economic explanation carries potential political interpretations.

Historically, political parties and administrations debated policies on taxes, spending, and regulation. Yet they shared a basic understanding of core mechanisms. Both parties recognized that central banks fight inflation, that tariffs raise prices, and that court rulings are binding. Disagreements focused on applications and political philosophies, not fundamental aspects of our governmental system and the rule of law.

That consensus has collapsed.

This distortion creates a professional bind for advisors. To fulfill their fiduciary duty to clients, advisors must explain economic realities like the link between tariffs and increased consumer costs. They owe it to clients to consider the impact on the U.S. dollar when a president threatens the independence of the Federal Reserve. They should be aware of information such as a CNBC survey that found 66% of small business owners reported being or expecting to be impacted by tariffs. They cannot ignore the difficulties of making business and investment decisions when policies change almost daily and legal rulings are delayed or ignored.

Considering the ramifications of political decisions on clients’ affairs is not an abstract concern. When international confidence in American institutions is wavering and U.S. business owners are uncertain, the consequences affect real money in the accounts of real people.

Yet talking about such issues may trigger accusations of partisanship. Many people get the bulk of their political and economic information from social media and from competitive news outlets that may be as much entertainment as journalism. The biases in some of these sources go so far beyond partisan leanings that they offer conflicting information purporting to be factual. What was once a neutral middle ground where essential facts were agreed upon has become harder to find, particularly when reporting covers politics and the economy.

That neutral territory is exactly where responsible financial advisors need to get the facts on which they base their advice. It’s challenging to stay there if clients are getting their news from outlets that are strongly biased toward either end of the political spectrum. Nuanced explanations can be interpreted as bias or context seen as spin. For the advisor whose information is questioned, remaining silent fails the client. Speaking truthfully risks the relationship with the client.

I have seen advisors lose clients, on both ends of the political spectrum, when advisors and clients held different views. The professional cost of maintaining standards has become substantial.

The financial planning profession faces an unprecedented challenge. Our traditional advisory principles assume a shared understanding of economic fundamentals. That foundation is no longer solid, and trust in advisors’ expertise is eroding.

These disruptions raise a core question. Should financial advisors prioritize economic truth over client comfort or client retention? Or should they accommodate clients’ political sensitivity and compromise the integrity of the advice they provide? Either path risks the loss of clients and revenue.

The choice is not theoretical. It defines the advisor’s professional identity and the quality of financial guidance itself. When economic mechanisms are politicized, the profession’s standards weaken and client service suffers.

The stakes are clear. This is a conflict over whether facts still function as the basis of financial advice.

The resolution will determine whether financial planning remains a profession or becomes another form of political posturing.

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Beware of Borrowing That Helps Your Advisor – Not You

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Rick Kahler MSFP CFP™

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When Maria needed $400,000 for a down payment on a new home, her broker at a large Wall Street firm offered a solution: “Don’t sell investments and trigger capital gains. Just take out a margin loan.”

A margin loan is a line of credit from a brokerage firm, secured by the client’s investment portfolio. It offers quick access to cash with no immediate tax consequences and minimal paperwork. But the convenience comes at a cost. As of mid-2025, margin loan interest rates range from 6.25% to over 11%.

Margin loan recommendations are often presented by brokers as tax-savvy strategies that allow clients to access “tax-free” cash while keeping their portfolios intact. In many cases, however, the math benefits the advisor more than the investor. The cost of borrowing often exceeds what an investor is likely to earn by holding on.

For example, let’s assume an interest rate of 7.5% on Maria’s $400,000 margin loan. While borrowing delayed the payment of $20,000 in capital gains tax, she will eventually have to pay that tax anyway unless she holds the investments until her death. Two years later, with portfolio returns of 4% annually, she had earned around $32,000 from the $400,000 in investments she might have sold. Meanwhile, she had paid $60,000 in interest—leaving her some $28,000 worse off. That’s without factoring in ongoing interest payments, or the risks of a margin call if the investments securing the loan drop in value.

Why do advisors keep recommending margin loans? Because selling investments reduces the portfolio size and the advisor’s fee. Borrowing keeps the portfolio intact and the compensation unchanged—while the firm receives additional income from interest on the loan. In some cases, advisors suggest using margin loans to buy more investments, increasing both the portfolio and the fee they collect.

None of this is illegal. But when the borrowing cost is higher than expected returns and the advisor benefits financially, the ethics are questionable. The client takes the risk, while the advisor keeps the revenue.

This kind of conflict appears more often in portfolios where compensation is tied to asset volume and the company’s primary culture rewards gathering assets over delivering unbiased advice. By contrast, fee-only financial planning and investment advisors typically operate on simpler hourly, flat, or tiered fee structures. Their compensation doesn’t depend on whether a client borrows, sells, or holds. The culture of the firm focuses on conflict-free advice aligned with the client’s best interest.

Wall Street brokers are often held to a fiduciary standard, but structure still matters. In 2024 the SEC reported their examinations of brokers would continue to focus on advisor recommendations unduly influenced by the company’s compensation and incentives.

There are rare situations where a margin loan may be appropriate. A client with large unrealized gains might use a short-term margin loan to minimize taxes. An elderly investor might borrow tax-free rather than sell assets that will receive a step-up in basis at their death. Even in those cases, the math must be exact and the client must clearly understand the risks, including the possibility of a margin call.

If your advisor recommends a margin loan, especially to buy more investments, ask strong questions. What’s the interest rate? What return is realistic? What are the tax consequences of selling? How does this affect the advisor’s income?

If you don’t get direct answers, that’s a warning sign.

In a high-rate, low-return environment, margin loans rarely favor the client. The exceptions are narrow. The risks are significant. And the conflict of interest is measurable.

Sometimes the smartest move is the simplest: sell what you need, pay the tax, and leave leverage out of your plan.

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PARADOXES: Beware Financial and Investing Contradictions

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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As we plan for our financial future, I think it’s helpful to be cognizant of these paradoxes. While there’s nothing we can do to control or change them, there is great value in being aware of them, so we can approach them with the right tools and the right mindset.

Here are just seven of the paradoxes that can bedevil financial planning and investment decision-making:

  • There’s the paradox that all of the greatest fortunes—Carnegie, Rockefeller, Buffett, Gates—have been made by owning just one stock. And yet the best advice for individual investors is to do the opposite: to own broadly diversified index funds.
  • There’s the paradox that the stock market may appear overvalued and yet it could become even more overvalued before it eventually declines. And when it does decline, it may be to a level that is even higher than where it is today.
  • There’s the paradox that we make plans based on our understanding of the rules—and yet Congress can change the rules on us at any time, as it did just a few weeks ago.
  • There’s the paradox that we base our plans on historical averages—average stock market returns, average interest rates, average inflation rates and so on—and yet we only lead one life, so none of us will experience the average.
  • There’s the paradox that we continue to be attracted to the prestige of high-cost colleges, even though a rational analysis that looks at return on investment tells us that lower-cost state schools are usually the better bet.
  • There’s the paradox that early retirement seems so appealing—and has even turned into a movement—and yet the reality of early retirement suggests that we might be better off staying at our desks.
  • There’s the paradox that retirees’ worst fear is outliving their money and yet few choose the financial product that is purpose-built to solve that problem: the single-premium immediate annuity.

Assessment

QUESTION: How should you respond to these paradoxes? As you plan for your financial future, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.” In other words, make financial plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and rethink your priorities.

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The GENIUS Act

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I.

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The GENIUS Act is the law of the Land

President Trump signed the bill into law Friday, setting up a framework for regulating stablecoins—digital currency pegged to traditional assets—that are linked to the US dollar. It’s a big win for the crypto industry, and Trump said it was a “giant step to cement American dominance of global finance and crypto technology.”

The law could help push stablecoins into the mainstream, and major companies like Walmart and Amazon have been said to be considering launching their own, according to Morning Brew.

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Do Political Biases Shape Your Financial Planner’s Advice?

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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Can You Contribute to Both a Roth IRA & 401(k)?

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters, AI and the Linqto Team

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Yes, you can contribute to both a Roth IRA and a 401(k), provided you don’t exceed annual contribution limits for each account.

Determining whether to contribute to a Roth IRA, 401(k), or both can be an important step in planning for your retirement. Here are the key differences, including tax advantages, employer contributions, and investment options. 

Eligibility requirements are the first consideration when contributing to a Roth IRA and a 401(k). For Roth IRA contributions, your eligibility is determined by your income. Specifically, if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds, your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA may be reduced or eliminated. However, there are no income limits for contributing to a 401(k), making it accessible to anyone with earned income.

IRS rules do allow for contributions to both a Roth IRA and a 401(k), provided you adhere to the annual contribution limits for each account.

This means you can take advantage of the higher contribution limits of a 401(k) while also benefiting from the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA. This dual approach can be a strategy for maximizing your retirement savings. The advantages to contributing to both accounts present some key benefits, such as: 

  • Tax diversification in retirement, allowing for better management of taxable income. 
  • Potential reduction of overall tax burden. 
  • Maximization of savings potential by taking full advantage of the benefits each account offers.3

Balancing contributions between a Roth IRA and a 401(k) requires careful planning. You might start by contributing enough to your 401(k) to receive the full employer match, which is essentially free money, if your employer offers this. Once you’ve secured the match, consider maxing out your Roth IRA contributions, if you’re eligible.

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BIAS: Beware Overconfident Investing

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters and A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS

Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.

Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.

Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).

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ELDER ABUSE: Financial Exploitation Protection

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Rick Kahler CFP™

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One serious risk to financial wellbeing in retirement that is difficult to talk about is financial exploitation. Someone whose cognitive abilities are declining is vulnerable to harm from both financial predators and their own financial misjudgments. Protecting such clients is a crucial part of a financial advisor’s role.

A little-known but important law, the Senior Safe Act, was enacted in 2018. It encourages financial advisors and institutions to report suspected elder abuse by offering immunity from legal liability when reports are made in good faith and with reasonable care. To qualify for these protections, financial professionals must undergo annual training to recognize the signs of exploitation and know how to act on their suspicions.

In many ways, the Senior Safe Act mirrors the duty of therapists to report when clients are threats to themselves, such as when a client becomes suicidal. Just as a therapist must balance confidentiality with the moral and legal responsibility to protect their client from harm, a financial advisor must weigh privacy against the need to prevent financial exploitation. Both roles rely on professional judgment, training, and the courage to act when the stakes are high.

Financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys are often the first to notice troubling signs that someone is being taken advantage of financially. These might include sudden large withdrawals, changes to account ownership or beneficiaries, or a newly and overly involved friend or family member. Behavioral shifts like confusion, anxiousness, secretiveness, or uncharacteristic deference are also red flags. These patterns are unsettling and demand attention, even when stepping in is uncomfortable.

Reporting possible elder abuse isn’t always straightforward, especially if the suspected abuser is a family member. As an advisor, I worry about misunderstandings, potential conflicts with the family, and even the possibility of damaging a relationship with the client. None of this is easy, But when the signs of exploitation become clear, staying silent could mean allowing harm to continue. That’s a risk I can’t take.

One of the tools I started using decades ago is the trusted contact disclosure form. This simple but powerful document allows clients to name someone my firm can contact if they notice unusual activity, such as a suspicious withdrawal or transfer. The trusted contact does not have control over the client’s account but serves as a resource to verify their well-being and ensure that their financial decisions align with their long-term goals. If you as a client have not signed such a form, it’s worth discussing with your advisor as a preventative step.

If you are concerned about the financial well-being of an elderly loved one, it’s crucial to alert not only their financial advisor but also other professionals like accountants, attorneys, or bankers. These professionals may have insights or access to information you don’t have, and by sharing your concerns, you provide a broader picture that can help them detect and address issues more effectively. Even if they are already monitoring for red flags, your input can provide valuable context to guide their next steps.

Difficult though it may be, stepping into uncomfortable territory is often essential to protecting vulnerable individuals. Whether it’s a financial advisor detecting exploitation or a therapist intervening in a mental health crisis, the goal is the same—to prevent harm while respecting the person’s autonomy.

The Senior Safe Act is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful safeguards work quietly behind the scenes. Taking simple steps like completing a trusted contact form or encouraging your loved one to work with a reputable, fiduciary advisor can make all the difference. Vigilance is an act of care that helps protect someone’s financial assets as well as their dignity and well-being.

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FINANCIAL COACHING: For Physicians!

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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DEAR COLLEAGUES

If you are just starting out managing your finances and don’t know where to begin, a financial coach may be a good option for you. They are helpful for someone who wants to become proficient in the basics of finance, from learning how to budget or save money to building an emergency fund or creating a plan for paying off debt. If you have short-term money goals, like saving for a big purchase or just practicing better money habits, a financial coach can help you reach them by working with you to create a plan and holding you accountable. Even more for physicians and most all medical professionals.

Pros and Cons of Working with a Financial Coach
A financial coach can have a positive impact on your financial well–being and your life in a number of ways:

  • Financial coaches see the bigger picture of how you relate to money. They can help you develop better habits, resulting in positive personal growth.
  • By providing education and encouragement, they can reduce financial stress, confusion, and what it is about money that overwhelms you.
  • Through accountability and support, they can help you accomplish your goals and help you feel more confident in your finances.
  • Available 24/7/365.
  • Modest fees.

At you service.
Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

CONTACT: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

LINK: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/01/23/personal-coaching-dr-marcinko-at-your-service/

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MORE INVESTING TERMS: All Doctors Should Know

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Here is a list of the most common and helpful investment terms you’ll come across and should know.

  • Ask. The price that someone looking to sell stock wants to receive.
  • Bid. The price that someone is willing to pay for stock.
  • Buy. To acquire shares and thereby take a position in a company.
  • Sell. To get rid of shares whether because you’ve reached your goal or to prevent losses.
  • Bull market. Market conditions in which investors expect prices to rise.
  • Bear market. Market conditions in which investors expect prices to fall.
  • Dividend. A portion of a company’s earnings paid to shareholders.
  • Blue chip stocks. Shares of large and well-recognized companies that have a long history of solid financial performance.
  • Earning per share. A company’s net profit divided by the number of outstanding common shares.
  • Mutual fund. A collection of investments — stocks, bonds, commodities, and more — bundled together and held in common by a group of investors.
  • Asset. Something you own that could generate a return in the form of more assets.
  • Asset allocation. Your investment strategy, essentially — the mix of assets you choose to put your money into, whether that be cash, bonds, stocks, commodities, real estate or something else.
  • Broker. A person or firm — or robot — that arranges transactions between buyers and sellers in exchange for a commission (that is, a fee).
  • Capital gain (or capital loss). The money you make (or lose) on the sale of an asset.
  • Diversification. Investing in a variety of sectors, such as health care, energy and IT as well as across different geographic locations.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average. A price-weighted list of 30 blue-chip stocks. It’s often used to help get a sense of the overall health of the stock market, even though it only reflects a small portion of the players.
  • Exchange-traded fund (ETF). A collection of investments that is traded like a stock.
  • Index fund. A type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund that allows you to invest in a portfolio that mimics a market index, which is basically a list that tracks the performance of a group of investments either for a specific sector or the overall market.
  • Hedge fund. A type of investment partnership. Partners pool money from investors and try out a few different investing strategies. Generally, hedge funds will make riskier investments than your typical investor. They’ll also often use leverage (that is, borrowed money) or place bets against the market to get bigger returns. They make their money by charging their investors management fees based on a percentage of their profits.
  • Expense ratio. The percentage-based fee that mutual fund managers charge you to manage your investments.
  • Market price. How much it would cost right now to buy or sell an asset or service.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An independent government body that was created to protect investors and the national banking system. The SEC enforces laws that maintain orderly, fair and efficient markets.
  • Short selling. A tactic available to investors who predict a stock’s price is about to drop. An investor borrows a quantity of shares through a broker and then sells them, intending to repurchase them later, at a lower price, and return them to the lender.
  • Stock exchange. A place buyers and sellers come together to buy, sell and trade stock during set business hours. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the most important stock exchange in the world, but there are a total of 16 exchanges around the world.
  • Stock market. Refers in general to the collection of markets and exchanges where the buying, selling and trading of investment vehicles takes place.
  • Price per share. A simple way of calculating a company’s market value at a given moment. To find the price per share, you take a company’s most recent share price and multiply it by its total number of outstanding shares.
  • Prospectus. A legal document that contains in-depth information about anything you might be planning to invest in: stocks, bonds or mutual funds.

EDUCATION: Books

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STOCK PERFORMANCE: Growth v. Value Investing for Physicians

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO: MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Performance of Growth & Value Stocks

Although many academics argue that value stocks outperform growth stocks, the returns for individuals investing through mutual funds demonstrate a near match. 

Introduction

A 2005 study Do Investors Capture the Value Premium? written by Todd Houge at The University of Iowa and Tim Loughran at The University of Notre Dame found that large company mutual funds in both the value and growth styles returned just over 11 percent for the period of 1975 to 2002. This paper contradicted many studies that demonstrated owning value stocks offers better long-term performance than growth stocks. 

The studies, led by Eugene Fama PhD and Kenneth French PhD, established the current consensus that the value style of investing does indeed offer a return premium. There are several theories as to why this has been the case, among the most persuasive being a series of behavioral arguments put forth by leading researchers. The studies suggest that the out performance of value stocks may result from investors’ tendency toward common behavioral traits, including the belief that the future will be similar to the past, overreaction to unexpected events, “herding” behavior which leads at times to overemphasis of a particular style or sector, overconfidence, and aversion to regret. All of these behaviors can cause price anomalies which create buying opportunities for value investors.

Another key ingredient argued for value out performance is lower business appraisals. Value stocks are plainly confined to a P/E range, whereas growth stocks have an upper limit that is infinite.  When growth stocks reach a high plateau in regard to P/E ratios, the ensuing returns are generally much lower than the category average over time. 

Moreover, growth stocks tend to lose more in bear markets.  In the last two major bear markets, growth stocks fared far worse than value.  From January 1973 until late 1974, large growth stocks lost 45 percent of their value, while large value stocks lost 26 percent. Similarly, from April 2000 to September 2002, large growth stocks lost 46 percent versus only 27 percent for large value stocks. These losses, academics insist, dramatically reduce the long-term investment returns of growth stocks.

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However, the study by Houge and Loughran reasoned that although a premium may exist, investors have not been able to capture the excess return through mutual funds.  The study also maintained that any potential value premium is generated outside the securities held by most mutual funds.  Simply put, being growth or value had no material impact on a mutual fund’s performance.

Listed below in the table are the annualized returns and standard deviations for return data from January 1975 through December 2002.

Index                              Return                         SD      

S&P 500                            11.53%                     14.88%

Large Growth Funds         11.30%                     16.65%

Large Value Funds             11.41%                    15.39%

 Source:  Hough/Loughran Study

The Hough/Loughran study also found that the returns by style also varied over time.  From 1965-1983, a period widely known to favor the value style, large value funds averaged a 9.92 percent annual return, compared to 8.73 percent for large growth funds. This performance differential reverses over 1984-2001, as large growth funds generated a 14.1 percent average return compared to 12.9 percent for large value funds.  Thus, one style can outperform in any time period.

However, although the long-term returns are nearly identical, large differences between value and growth returns happen over time.   This is especially the case over the last ten years as growth and value have had extraordinary return differences – sometimes over 30 percentage points of under performance. 

This table indicates the return differential between the value and growth styles since 1992.

YEARLY RETURNS OF GROWTH/VALUE STOCKS

YearGrowthValue
19925.1%10.5%
19931.7%18.6%
19943.1%-0.6%
199538.1%37.1%
199624.0%22.0%
199736.5%30.6%
199842.2%14.7%
199928.2% 3.2%
2000-22.1%6.1%
2001-26.7%7.1%
2002-25.2%-20.5%
200328.2%27.7%
2004 6.3%16.5%
2005 3.6%6.1%
2006 10.8%20.6%
20078.8%1.5%
2008-38.43%-36.84%
200937.2%19.69%
201016.71%15.5%
20112.64%0.39%
201215.25%17.50%

Source:  Ibbottson.

Between the third quarter of 1994 and the second quarter of 2000, the S&P Growth Index produced annualized total returns of 30 percent, versus only about 18 percent for the S&P Value Index.  Since 2000, value has turned the tables and dramatically outperformed growth.  Growth has only outperformed value in two of the past eight years.  Since the two styles are successful at different times, combining them in one portfolio can create a buffer against dramatic swings, reducing volatility and the subsequent drag on returns. 

Assessment

In our analysis, the surest way to maximize the benefits of style investing is to combine growth and value in a single portfolio, and maintain the proportions evenly in a 50/50 split through regular rebalancing.  Research from Standard & Poor’s showed that since 1980, a 50/50 portfolio of value and growth stocks beats the market 75 percent of the time.

Conclusion

Due to the fact that both styles have near equal performance and either style can outperform for a significant time period, a medical professional might consider a blending of styles.  Rather than attempt to second-guess the market by switching in and out of styles as they roll with the cycle, it might be prudent to maintain an equal balance your investment between the two.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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PARADOXICAL CONTRADICTIONS: All Financial Advisors Must Know to Win Clients!

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

The Ultimate Psychological Challenge to Influence Clients and Close More Sales

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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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A psychological paradox is a figure of speech that can seem silly or contradictory in form, yet it can still be true, or at least make sense in the context given.

This is sometimes used to illustrate thoughts or statements that differ from traditional ideas. So, instead of taking a given statement literally, an individual must comprehend it from a different perspective. Using paradoxes in speeches and writings can also add wit and humor to one’s work, which serves as the perfect device to grab a reader or a listener’s attention and/or persuade them to action, sales and closing statements. But paradoxes for the financial sector can be quite difficult to explain by definition alone, which is why it is best to refer to a few examples to further your understanding.

One good psychological paradox example is The Paradox of Thrift which suggests that while saving money is generally considered a prudent financial behavior, excessive saving during times of economic downturn can actually hinder economic recovery. When consumers collectively reduce their spending and increase their savings, it creates a decrease in aggregate demand. This reduction in demand can lead to lower production levels, job losses, and ultimately a decline in economic output. In other words, what may be individually rational behavior (financial saving) can have negative consequences for the overall economy.  

The following paradoxical contradictions will help financial advisors guide clients to close more sales to the benefit of both.

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In the intricate world of finance sales, advisors are often at the crossroads of various paradoxes that challenge client decision-making. While the journey towards financial security involves calculated strategies, it’s the nuanced understanding of paradoxes that can help the advisor close more sales.

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But, what seems true about money often turns out to be false, according to colleague Finance Professor John Goodell, PhD from the University Akron:

  1. The more we try to trade our way to profits, the less likely we are to profit.
  1. The more boring an investment—think index funds—the more exciting the long-run performance will probably be.
  1. The more exciting an investment—name your latest Wall Street concoction, Special Purpose Acquisition Company [SPAC] or anything crypto—the less exciting the long-term results typically are.
  1. The only certainty is uncertainty and the only constant is change. Today’s market decline will eventually become a bull market, and today’s market leaders will eventually yield to other stocks.
  1. Big market trends play a huge role in investment results, and yet trying to time macroeconomic cycles or guess which market sectors will outperform is a fool’s errand. Many big market rotations are set in motion by something wholly unanticipated, like a virus pandemic or a war.
  1. To be happy when wealthy, we also need to be happy with far less money. The fact is, above a relatively modest income level, no amount of extra money will change our level of happiness. More money might even make us miserable, as many lottery winners have discovered.
  1. The more we hate an investing trait—or any trait for that matter—the more likely it is that we’re resisting seeing that trait in ourselves. It’s what Carl Jung MD called the Shadow of Undesirable Personality Aspects that we hide from ourselves. Do prospects get irritated listening to your unsolicited financial advice? There’s a good chance that you often give unsolicited financial advice but don’t like to admit it.
  1. The more we learn about investing, the more we realize we don’t know anything. We should just buy index funds and instead spend our time worrying about stuff we can actually control.
  1. The more an investor is convinced he’s right, the more likely he is to be wrong. Short sellers, in particular, are likely to succumb to this paradoxical trap.
  1. The more options we have, the less satisfied we’ll be with each one. This is the Paradox of Choice; revised. Anyone who has spent hours “optimizing” his or her portfolio knows this all too well. Its close cousin is information overload, another frustration paradox when investing.
  1. The more afraid we are of losing money, the more likely we are to take unwitting risks that lose us money. Sitting in cash seems wise during market selloffs. But the truth is, none of us can reliably time the market. Pull up any chart of the stock market over any period longer than a decade and you’ll see that the riskiest decision is sitting in cash, which gets destroyed by inflation.

The more we think about our investments and look at our financial accounts, the more likely we are to damage our results by buying high because of greed and selling low because of fear. It can pay to look away.

ASSESSMENT

How should you respond to these financial paradoxes? As you plan for your own financial future, as well as your own client prospecting endeavors, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.”

In other words, make financial and client acquisitions plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and paradoxes and rethink your priorities. Years of experience with clients certainly support the futility of trying to help them change their financial behavior by telling them what they “should” know or do.

CONCLUSION

Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological paradoxes to your mutual success!

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

REFERENCES:

1. Goodell, J: Full publication list on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=lJyDADsAAAAJ

 2. Jung, Carl, Gustav: Full publication list on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C11&q=carl+jung+publications&btnG=

READINGS:

Marcinko, DE and Hetico, HR: Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™]. CRC Productivity Press, New York, 2016.

Marcinko, DE: Dictionary of Health Economics and Finance. Springer Publishing Company, New York. 2006

Marcinko, DE and Hetico, HR: Risk Management, Liability Insurance, and Asset Protection Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™]. CRC Productivity Press, New York, 2015.

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ASSETS: Under Advisement V. Management

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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What are Assets Under Management?

Assets under management (AUM) is a significant parameter in the financial world. It answers financial questions like – how many investments does a company manage? What is the net value of the investments that the company manages? Finally, how many investors have trusted their assets with the company? The higher the answer to these three questions, the more glory to the company.

A wealthy investor who is not concerned by higher fees but wants maximum returns of their asset will probably choose an asset manager based on its AUM. Thus, the AUM indicates the financial performance of the firm. Also, based on the funds under management, the firm collects fees from other clients.

So, what are the investments which qualify as AUM? Any liquid asset of the investor they have entrusted the asset manager with monitoring and control. For example, bank deposits, cash balances, equity shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments.

What are the services an asset manager provides to their clients? The most important function is decision-making. With the constant fluctuations and rapid movements in the market, an asset manager has to make decisions about holding or selling an investment. The firm communicates with the investors and advises them about the necessary action.

Once the decision is taken, the firm acts on the decision, i.e., the investor does not have to enter the field. In addition, the asset management company will buy, sell, and make any other transactions on behalf of the investor. Finally, the firm also renders services like accounting, tax reporting, proxy voting (equity shares), client reporting, and other financial services.

What are Assets Under Advisement?

Assets under advisement refer to assets on which your firm provides advice or consultation but for which your firm does either does not have discretionary authority or does not arrange or effectuate the transaction. Such services would include financial planning or other consulting services where the assets are used for the informational purpose of gaining a full perspective of the client’s financial situation, but you are not actually placing the trade.

Assets under advisement could also be those which you monitor for a client on a non-discretionary basis, where you may make recommendations but where the client is the party responsible for arranging or effecting the purchase or sale.  A common example of this scenario is when an adviser reviews a participant’s 401(k) allocations. If the adviser does not have the authority or ability to effect changes in the portfolio, these assets are likely considered assets under advisement rather than regulatory assets under management.

Assets under advisement are permitted to be disclosed on Form ADV Part 2A as a separate asset figure from the assets under management.  There is no requirement to disclose the assets under advisement figure, but some advisers opt to include the figure to give prospective clients a more complete picture of the firm’s responsibilities.  If you choose to report your assets under advisement, be sure to make a clear distinction between this figure and your regulatory assets under management.

NOTE: Essay with thanks to Chat GPT.

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