2015
Our Picks for Best Clicks
As another year comes to a close, we take a look back -- through blog posts, original articles and engaging videos from the BAM ALLIANCE website -- at the key stories, big headlines and inside analysis that had our community talking in 2015, on a topic-by-topic basis.  
IN YOUR BEST INTEREST
Fiduciary was a hot word in the financial world in 2015, thanks largely to the Department of Labor's proposed rule that would implement a broader application of the standard that puts a client's best interests first, always. Director of Investor Advocacy Dan Solin weighed in on this topic throughout the year, including his take on the " real agenda " behind this " phony " fiduciary debate.

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A NEW VOICE
Early in 2015, Manisha Thakor joined the BAM ALLIANCE as director of wealth strategies for women. In no time, she was sharing her powerful, thoughtful voice on a wide range of subjects -- from telling Glamour magazine about the value of having regular financial checkups with yourself to having a discussion with CNBC about the power of rebalancing as an investment strategy. 
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(DON'T) PANIC!
Late summer was marked by extreme market swings, which can test the discipline of investors as financial headlines tell you to do something, anything! This   proactive discussion , featuring Director of Research Larry Swedroe and Chief Investment Officer Jared Kizer, provides needed perspective on times of market volatility and explains how it should be viewed through the lens of our long-term overall approach to financial planning.

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The One-Page Financial Plan
Director of Investor Education Carl Richards' new book was released at the end of March. Colleague and fellow author Tim Maurer shared his takeaway of "The One-Page Financial Plan": simple but not simplistic.

> More, from Yahoo Finance: How to Create a One-Page Financial Plan
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QUICK TAKES
BAM launched the "Quick Take" video series in 2015, breaking down -- in 3 minutes or less -- some of the hottest topics that regularly come across the Fixed Income Desk.

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CHANGES TO SOCIAL SECURITY
In early November, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 went into law. With it, two popular Social Security benefits claiming strategies fell to the wayside. This article takes a look at what you need to know about these changes.
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LANDSLIDE WINNER
The passive investing vs. active management debate is a never-ending one. Larry Swedroe and Dan Solin , staunch proponents in the passive camp, state their cases.

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SPEAKING TO ALL AGES
You are never too young to learn about money, nor are you ever too old to learn even more than you already know. Throughout the past year, the BAM ALLIANCE offered myriad money tips and financial planning suggestions to people across the age spectrum.

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NEW  YEAR, OLD RESOLUTION: STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE
A key, recurring message shared by Carl Richards in his New York Times column throughout 2015 was to keep your focus on you: your values, your goals, your money ... Now that's a message worth repeating in 2016.


December 2015




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Go Simple
in the New Year



Consider the new book by Tim Maurer a labor of love. After all, Maurer, the director of personal finance for the BAM ALLIANCE, has built his career out of demystifying complex financial concepts. On March 1, that passion comes to life on the pages of Simple Money: A No-Nonsense Guide to Personal Finance.

Among the testimonials for Simple Money, Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC's Today show, writes, "(Tim's) straightforward, candid, and -- yes - simple prescriptions are always right on target."

Maurer provides practical advice on establishing your priorities and articulating your goals, designing a personal budgeting system, creating an investment portfolio, and planning for financial independence in retirement. 
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2016
Trending

Insiders from various industries offer their educated takes on what people will be talking about as the new year plays out.


Travel

Food
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2016
Circle the Calendar

Key dates to remember in the world of ...

MOVIES 
March 25  ~  Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
June 17 ~  Finding Dory 
Dec. 16 ~  Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

SPORTS
Aug. 5-21  ~ Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

POLITICS
July 18-21  ~ Republican National Convention
July 25-28 ~ Democratic National Convention
Nov. 8 ~ Presidential Election Day