Research

Does Diversification Really Work?
Robert Ruggirello Robert Ruggirello

Does Diversification Really Work?

Investors have been indoctrinated to believe that diversification is unequivocally good, and that it lowers risk. You might ask, what risk are we lowering? And does diversification help when you need it most?

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Robert Ruggirello Robert Ruggirello

There is Always Something to Worry About

Interest rate changes have continued to support relentlessly strong US dollar moves against European currencies. Republicans and Democrats continue to debate the best way to address the nations aging infrastructure problems. A massive hurricane recently caused deaths and severe damage to parts of Florida.

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Peter Thomann Peter Thomann

Is Terminal Leave Deferral Worth the Wait?

The subject of terminal leave is often a common topic discussed among FD-PD pre-retirees. Terminal leave is a benefit generally given to Service or Disability retirees. The benefit is equal to 3 terminal leave days for every year completed plus 1 terminal leave day for every 4 additional months completed.

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Robert Ruggirello Robert Ruggirello

The NYC Deferred Compensation Plan is Bouncing Checks

In the past few months, we have experienced several instances of the NYC Deferred Compensation Plan bouncing rollover checks it has issued directly to participants of the plan. We will examine why this is happening and offer two potential solutions that would improve upon the Deferred Compensation Plans current process.

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Robert Ruggirello Robert Ruggirello

Stable Value Funds & Black Swan Risk

Stable Value Funds are popular choices in retirement plans in general. They are usually marketed as vehicles investing in high quality fixed income securities with a focus on safety of principal and consistent returns. Many investors are attracted to the “guaranteed returns”. However, guaranteed does not mean risk-free. The guarantee is only as good as the party providing the guarantee.

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Robert Ruggirello Robert Ruggirello

Two of The Worst Investments for FDNY & NYPD Retirees

When FDNY Firefighters and NYPD Police Offers retire their investment opportunity set is no longer limited to what is available in the NYC Def Comp Plan and the Union Annuity Plans. However, the increase in flexibility also increases the risk of stepping on an investment landmine.

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