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  • An Awesome Gift For Your Kids, Grandkids, or You

    This week, I veer from our usual economic and investment themes to tell you about what I believe is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give your children, grandchildren or others who are dear to you (or maybe even yourself). What I am about to describe is something that has literally changed the lives of dozens of my friends and relatives over the last 30+ years.

    Today we’re going to revisit the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation and how it can have a huge impact on the future of any young or middle-aged person who goes there for aptitude testing and career counseling. Johnson O’Connor helps people decide which career fields they are most naturally suited for based upon scientific testing of their unique set of individual aptitudes.

    I have published similar articles on Johnson O’Connor (J-O) in the past because it has been such a godsend to everyone in my immediate family, many relatives and dozens of friends and business associates over the years. So, I urge you to read the following, especially if you have any loved ones who are struggling to find a career path.

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  • 12 Market-Beating Investment Strategies

    From time to time, I like to share with readers what I do in my "real job" at Halbert Wealth Management. We are an Investment Advisory firm in Austin, Texas and we specialize in identifying successful independent money managers. However, these are not just any money managers, they all employ active management strategies in an effort to lessen the risks of being in the market.

    At the end of 2011, we ran our performance numbers on our AdvisorLink® programs and saw that ALL of our recommended managers beat the S&P 500 Index since the inception dates of each program. Not only were returns higher, but losing periods (drawdowns) were also significantly less. Higher returns with lower risk - that's the Holy Grail of investing.

    In this week's E-Letter, I'm going to review the performance of our active money managers as well as discuss how you can become one of our clients, if you are not already. Even more importantly, I'll tell you why NOW may be the best time to diversify your portfolio to include active strategies.

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  • The Quest for Low-Risk Retirement Income

    Over the years, our client surveys have consistently shown that there is a high degree of interest in investments that can be used to provide retirement income. As the Baby Boom generation continues to age, this demand is going to become larger and larger.

    Fortunately, the Wellesley Convertible Bond Program that I highlighted earlier this month can be an excellent vehicle for taking income. Since convertible bonds are a hybrid of stocks and bonds, they have the potential to provide the growth necessary for a stable retirement income investment as well as manage the risk of loss during down markets. If you or someone you know is at or near retirement, this is definitely a program you should consider.

    I also want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. With both of my kids now in college, Christmas has become extra special as they come home to celebrate during their break from school. It's like old times, even if just for a while.

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  • Bringing Financial Reform Closer to Home

    IN THIS ISSUE:

    1.  The Concept of Personal Financial Reform

    2.  What No Reform Act Can Do for You

    3.  Conclusions

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