In a recent WJ Notes, we discussed the very low interest rates paid by most banks on checking and savings accounts. To recap, the average checking/savings account is paying 0.09% interest even though... READ MORE

As we write this final WJ Notes for 2018, the US stock market has finally succumbed to the poor showing of most investments across the globe. As discussed below, most investment markets (includes... READ MORE

Why do I own International emerging markets stocks in in my portfolio? They are down 15% this year while the US market is up? Why don’t we just sell them? We have received these types of questions... READ MORE

In this WJ Notes we address three timely topics including: recent portfolio performance, a review of recent trading activity, and performance of the Stone Ridge Reinsurance Fund. Recent Portfolio... READ MORE

Your WJ Portfolio Cash yields have finally moved from nothing to something, making management of cash balances worthwhile. For your managed investments at WJ Interests, when money sits in your... READ MORE

In a continued effort to protect clients, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) modified its Custody Rule requirement for Investment Advisors as it relates to transfers from one account to... READ MORE

In a sharp reversal from 2017’s unending gains, volatility has returned to the markets in 2018. Asset class leadership has also dramatically reversed with the former leader, International emerging... READ MORE

If your home and automobile insurance policies have been renewed since Hurricane Harvey, you may have noticed a greater than usual increase in your premiums. According to the last update from the... READ MORE

If you have spent any time watching the market pundits on CNBC, you likely came away from it either very excited, or very worried. Often these shows or publications will feature very intelligent... READ MORE

Last week we announced the release of our new WJ Client Investment Portal App (“WJ App”) for Apple and Google devices. This is a major update and we hope it will make accessing important... READ MORE

We are pleased to announce a significant update to the WJ Client Investment Portal App (“WJ App”) for Apple and Google devices. The WJ App has been redesigned and is now available for both your... READ MORE

Late last year, we added the Stone Ridge Reinsurance Risk Premium Interval Fund (ticker: SRRIX) to most of our clients’ portfolios. To recap, SRRIX partners with reinsurance companies and shares... READ MORE

We decided to write this WJNotes, not because the declines we've seen recently are that unusual considering market history, but because they were quite rapid and seemingly came out of nowhere.... READ MORE

As many of you are aware, the new tax law, dubbed the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), was passed at the end of last year. In this WJ Notes, we will summarize many of the tax changes that have taken... READ MORE

The bitcoin mania is upon us. At the beginning of 2017, a single bitcoin cost $998.33. On December 31, 2017 that same bitcoin was worth $14,156.40, a more than 1,318% return (the price actually... READ MORE

As we approach the end of 2017, it's important to be aware of some tax strategies that can be implemented. There are some strategies that can wait until your tax filing deadline, however, the... READ MORE

Next week we are buying a fund called Stone Ridge Reinsurance Risk Premium Interval Fund (SRRIX) in most client portfolios. This fund invests in what are called Insurance Linked Securities (ILS). In... READ MORE

An article was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal by renowned author Jason Zweig titled, "The 19 Questions to Ask Your Financial Adviser". Zweig is the personal finance columnist for the... READ MORE

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” - Warren Buffett You may be familiar with this Buffett quotation, but have you thought about what it really means? At WJ... READ MORE

We hope you and your family are safe. As most of us who call the Houston area home were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, please note that you may qualify for tax relief from the IRS due to the disaster... READ MORE

In light of a much-anticipated active hurricane season, we're reminded that now is the time to prepare for the proverbial storm. There are many key facets to being financially prepared including... READ MORE

As a follow up to our WJNotes last week . "Our responsibility now is to keep dancing, but closer to the exit and with a sharp eye on the tea leaves." - Ray Dalio, Head of the largest hedge fund in... READ MORE

When the music stops, in terms of liquidity, things will be complicated. But as long as the music is playing, you’ve got to get up and dance. We’re still dancing. - Chuck Prince The intent of... READ MORE

Just over a year ago, we released our new WJ Client Investment Portal to replace our printed quarterly statement. Since that time, over 75% of our clients have logged into their portal. The feedback... READ MORE

Starting today and over the next couple of weeks, we are placing several trades in clients’ portfolios. These trades reflect changes in the market environment and some model adjustments we have... READ MORE

Welcome to 2017. You may have noticed some trades in your portfolio as we started the year. We were investing accumulated cash from 2016 capital gains distributions and rebalancing accounts. We... READ MORE

Emerging markets stocks down more than 5 percent. Municipal bonds down less than 5 percent. International developed markets stocks are down 0.7 percent and taxable bonds down more than 2 percent.... READ MORE

Financial markets typically don’t like surprises, and that’s exactly what we experienced last night in the election for the 45th President of the United States. A surprise given that the majority... READ MORE

We do a lot of reading in our business. Much of what we read is regurgitated market commentary of little value, but occasionally we come across some well-thought-out pieces that we think are... READ MORE