The Bedminster Group Blog

Animal Welfare in the Lowcountry

2012-02-17T21:28:33Z

Beginning in 2012, The Bedminster Group will contribute a portion of our company profits to selected animal welfare organizations. At Bedminster, we maintain a corporate commitment to the welfare and protection of animals, and we actively support those agencies whose efforts focus on their humane treatment and safety, and whose missions include providing food, shelter, veterinary resources and responsible pet ownership education, as well as preventing mistreatment of animals.

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Love and Money

2012-02-09T21:08:32Z

"He who marries for love without money has good nights and sorry days." - Anonymous

Valentine’s Day is a day for candy, special events and quiet candlelit dinners. For some, it’s a time to express love and gratitude to their partner; for others, an opportunity to renew and rekindle a relationship. It may seem an awkward time to talk about money.

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Market Insight - Year End 2011

2012-01-13T14:57:52Z

Last year financial markets delivered a proverbial rollercoaster ride to investors. While a year end Santa Claus rally was enough to undo much of the damage, the view in October seemed very grim, and we looked much more likely to go right off the rails, than to end up where we did.

You Say You Want A Resolution

2012-01-04T20:49:18Z

Financial and investment planning are important year-round, but the best and most successful investors use January as an opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of their money moves in the year past, and make their plans and resolutions for the year ahead. So while it’s entertaining to speculate about where interest rates or the Dow will be in 2012, consider a few of our New Year’s smart money resolutions that may help make the year ahead a financial “goal mine,” and really make a difference in the long term.

Making Losers Pay

2011-12-14T19:49:18Z

A volatile year in the stock and bond markets means many investors are looking at losses on stocks or mutual funds they have purchased. As we approach the end of 2011 it makes sense to review how you might make these losers pay, or at least use some tax strategy to ease the pain.

October is Adopt a Shelter Animal Month!

2011-10-25T19:31:27Z

And you have one week left! October is Adopt a shelter animal month, and the Bedminster Group would like to recognize several organizations that provide care, shelter and adoption services for animals in Beaufort and Jasper County, as well as their staff, volunteers and donors.

Five Wishes

2011-10-19T13:36:10Z

For most of us, end of life decisions, those issues relating to medical care and advanced directives to doctors and health care providers, are among the most difficult to discuss. They carry their intimations of illness and mortality along with them like so much excess baggage, and grow increasingly heavier as we age. In addition, there are religious beliefs and moral considerations that are deeply personal, and these can result in conflict between spouses, parents, children, and siblings. It’s a shame, because this kind of discord can be easily prevented...

Market Insight - 3rd Quarter 2011

2011-10-12T18:40:29Z

Investors have been thoroughly wrung out over the first 9 months of 2011. The first quarter of 2011 was the best first quarter in over two decades. Then markets took a tumble in May and early June, but a strong finish during the closing days of June pushed the S&P 500 ahead, still managing a 5.98 percent gain.

Tennis in the Pink & the Woodworker's 10th Anniversary!

2011-10-03T16:43:44Z

It was a busy Saturday in Sun City for The Bedminster Group! We were delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor both the Sun City Women's Tennis Organization and the Sun City Woodworker's Guild. Thank you to all the members and all those who participated.

Market Insight - Sept 23, 2011

2011-09-23T20:21:22Z

The financial markets were battered this week, as global uncertainty and a downbeat assessment by the Fed of the current state of the economy combined to send the markets reeling. Despite a modest rebound on Friday, the Dow has fallen more than 6 percent for the week, and 15 percent since its recent peak on July 21.

Social Capital: Maximizing Your Charitable Impact

2011-09-06T18:02:33Z

Late last year the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act into law. One of its important provisions reinstated for 2011 the option for direct distribution of funds from IRAs to qualified charities. This applies to investors over 70 ½, and who are taking their required minimum distributions.

From the Dow to the S&P - What's in an Average?

2011-08-24T15:36:58Z

When we ask “how did the market do today?” we usually answer with averages like the Dow and the Standard & Poor’s 500. Yet we tend to be a little unclear about the way these averages are computed, how they came about, and what they really reflect. A better understanding of market indices and benchmarks can make you a better informed and more confident investor.

Last Week In The Financial Markets

2011-08-16T15:52:46Z

We’ve had a chance to reflect on the stunning events that have taken place in the financial markets last week. Gale force economic winds, treacherous credit currents and a downpour of negative sentiment, all conspired to brew up a perfect storm over the past fortnight, and led inexorably to the whirlwind of the last 8 days.

"Why Our Economy Has Gone to Sleep - An Analogy"

2011-08-12T19:55:06Z

It has been said that the lifestyle we live today is not “real”. We have lots of material things, but when you come down to it, we don’t own them. We don’t own the houses we live in, for example, the bank does. Our “real” wealth is a lot lower than it appears to be – just try selling the house you live in.

108 Stores with Senior Discounts

2011-07-29T18:13:26Z

Gone are the days of your grandmother’s “early bird special” at the local diner. Hundreds of retailers are featuring new and improved discounts exclusively for the 60 and older crowd.

Thanks to one of our clients, we have this informal but suprisingly helpful list for you.