The Bedminster Group Blog

Going Global - Part 1

Bedminster Group — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:07:24 +0000

Over the past year economic turmoil in the Eurozone has taken its toll on US investors in international stocks. Here are some figures. The S&P 500’s annual return over the last three years has averaged 25.34%, and has added 4.08% over the 12 months ending 2/29/2012, while the MSCI EAFE index, a measure of developed market performance outside the US, averaged 19.8 %

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Bedminster Group Selects Noah's Arks Rescue for April 2012

Bedminster Group — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:15:20 +0000

One Good Deed Can Save Thousands of Lives

Have you ever wondered how many emails animal rescue organizations receive in a day, and how volunteers filter the mail and respond? Jennifer Smith, president of Noah’s Arks Rescue in Okatie, SC answered this question with a lilt in her voice that made me smile when I realized that in spite of how grave the situation, every email citing abuse gives Jennifer an opportunity to rescue another animal from cruelty

Market Insight - April 2012

Bedminster Group — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:03:03 +0000

The broad US stock market, measured by the S&P 500, gained 2.8 % in March and almost 12 % for the first quarter 2012. It was the index’s best start since 1998, and the best quarter since the third quarter of 2009. The Dow added 8.1% for the quarter and the tech heavy Nasdaq gained 18.7%. Smaller stocks, measured by the S&P Small Cap 600, rose11.7%

Fundraiser for Area Musician

Bedminster Group — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:53:44 +0000

Marc Cordray, son of Hilton Head Islanders Jackie & Maurice Cordray, needs a kidney transplant.

A self-employed are musician and private instructor, Marc suffers from IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that attacks his kidneys; and his kidney capacity is not down to about 10%. Transplant surgery, and all that goes with it, is of course very costly.

Bon Appetit Says Bon Voyage to Inhumane Practices

Bedminster Group — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:57:21 +0000

Bon Appetit Management Company and the Humane Society of the United States made history in the food service industry last week when they announced in a joint statement that by 2015, the company will cease serving all pork produced using the “cruel and inhumane practice of gestation crates”, and will...

Animal Welfare in the Lowcountry

Bedminster Group — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:57:58 +0000

“A community where every neglected animal has a second chance at life.” Palmetto Animal League

At Bedminster, our commitment to animal welfare organizations stems from a belief that as a community of volunteers and donors, we can help to improve the lives of homeless, abused and abandoned animals. So each month, we select one animal welfare organization to support, and Palmetto Animal League is on our list.

Market Insight - March 2012

Bedminster Group — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:15:19 +0000

Although the Dow slipped back from 13,000 on the last day of February, it marked an exceptional two months for both stock and bond markets, one of the best year beginnings in decades. Ten year treasury yields slipped below 2%, boosting bond prices, while equities continued to add momentum from their 4q 2011 relief rally. The Dow and S&P 500 gained...

Animal Welfare in the Lowcountry

Bedminster Group — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:28:33 +0000

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.

Love and Money

Bedminster Group — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:08:32 +0000

"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.

Market Insight - Year End 2011

Bedminster Group — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:57:52 +0000

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

Bedminster Group — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:49:18 +0000

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

Bedminster Group — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:49:18 +0000

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!

Bedminster Group — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:31:27 +0000

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

Bedminster Group — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:36:10 +0000

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

Bedminster Group — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:40:29 +0000

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.