July 2010 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (July 1, 2010) — So much for a lackadaisical summer! Even as we celebrate America’s 234th birthday, we cannot escape the strong sense that things may get worse before they get better. The last six months appear to be an overture for a drama that will take years to unfold: political uncertainty, a struggling global economy, the tragic gulf oil spill, tepid housing and jobs figures, and Afghanistan, to name a few burdens. And specific to the stock market, the Dow Jones has bounced under 10,000. Weren’t we past worrying about the Dow going below this point? Many thought so. Read more...

April 2010 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (April 6, 2010) —“Where are we going? When are we going to get there?” When my wife and I get in the car with our children, we must answer these two questions immediately. Any delay or lack of detail in answering these habitual inquiries only make the trip seem longer, much longer. Because our children are still quite young, an answer like, “to a friend’s house, 11:15 am” will not be helpful. Our response has to be more like, “Kirk and Heidi’s house, and we’ll be there before lunch”. The destination is clear and the time frame is understood. In investment terms, many of us are asking the same questions. Your voyage, financially speaking, is your stated purposes and goals. Our mandate as your fiduciary advisors is to provide clear guidance and thoughtful solutions toward your objectives through outstanding long-term planning and investment advice. Read more...

January 2010 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (January 7, 2010) —The year 2009. No presidential election. No Wall Street panic. No massive stimulus package. No devastating ice storm. Nothing remarkable? Last year at this time we were hopeful that 2009 would bring some much needed relief. As far as ice storms and the stock market were concerned, we graciously received what was hoped. Even more importantly, we were very pleased and thankful for your trust and resolve as we implemented successful strategies during one of the most volatile periods in stock market history. Well done! Read more...

October 2009: Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (October 5, 2009) —Two dramatic events will happen in October: peak foliage and the first frost. These are two very different, both beautiful, occurrences that will take place very close to one another. One is a finale, the other a beginning. We hope that over the course of the next several months, two events will unfold in the economy: a public stimulus finale and an overture of increasing private sector spending. Although the timing is in debate, we are certain that this is the eventual solution for the recession’s end. Read more...

Carl Amos at NATO in Belgium with the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In September, Carl Amos spent several weeks at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. His participation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff included many high level strategic policy issues, including Afghanistan and the mission’s assessment from General McChrystal. Also on the landscape was coordinating the European Union and the United Nations with several key meetings including the UN Summit, G-20 Summit, and a NATO Chiefs of Defense meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. Carl Amos will be working remotely for several months on various issues but plans to be back at NATO headquarters in January and/or March for another round of key meetings. If you’re interested in hosting a presentation on “NATO’s Changing Face and Challenges”, given by Carl Amos, please contact the office for details. Read Carl Amos' Navy Biography...

Monadnock Living Spring.Summer 2009: An Interview with Ames Planning Associates

PETERBOROUGH, NH (June 2009) — Challenging Economic Times Bring Investment Opportunites Read more...

Peacemaker and Former Defense Department Official Meets with Ames Planning Associates Clients

PETERBOROUGH, NH (July 2, 2008) — Dr. Doug Johnston of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., met with clients of Ames Planning Associates at the Greenfield Library on June 30, the day after he spoke to a large crowd at the Monadnock Summer Lyceum at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church. Carl Johnson, a principal at Ames Planning Associates, met Dr. Johnston while working part-time in Washington and Brussels with the U.S. Navy and NATO, and invited him to speak at both venues. Dr. Johnston and Johnson are working together on several point papers for publication within the government and diplomatic communities. Read more.

From offices in Peterborough, Ames Planning Associates serves clients in southern NH, including Manchester and Nashua, the Monadnock Region, Lakes Region, throughout New England and beyond. For more information on their financial planning and investment management services, visit www.amesplanning.com or contact them at 603-924-9939 or 800-258-9939.