October 2011 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (October 1, 2011) — Economic Armageddon predictions are flourishing. How can I scare thee? Let me count the ways: another U.S. recession, unemployment, home prices stagnant for another decade, U.S. dollar decline, threat of inflation, imminent Greece default, European Union collapse, Arab-Israeli conflict, terrorism. Then there are trivial issues like the newly appointed Congressional super committee charged with creating a plan by Thanksgiving that will cut $1.2 trillion from the Federal budget and the recognition that we have entered a presidential election year! [I am sure that I have missed something in the above list that scares you. Feel free to add to the list.] Volatility or uncertainty is the word investors are using to describe the stock market. The correct word is fear. Read more...

July 2011 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (July 7, 2011) — It feels great to be back in New England! As usual, there are numerous topics about which I would like to write, and upon returning from my year away I am blessed with additional contacts and an enriched perspective to provide even more material. Let me jump into the headlines: The sky is falling. Or is it?

The big stories in Washington are the debt ceiling with its August 2nd deadline, and the new fiscal year budget with austerity measures beginning October 1st, all in the face of high unemployment and a slow recovering economy. Read more...

April 2011 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (April 8, 2011) — I have a confession to make: I love writing this market commentary. This is fun and engaging to me, especially when it is hard. And with all that has happened in the world the last three months, you have to know that writing this quarter’s commentary is no exception. On the other hand, I also dislike writing this review. Let me explain. Read more...

January 2011 Market Commentary

PETERBOROUGH, NH (January 4, 2011) — 1/1/11. Often, we may think the future could not be as head-spinning as the past and present. Something tells me when it comes to change, we haven’t seen anything yet. Globalization is just getting started.

I love the “year-in-review” articles and programs that appear in late December and early January; especially those that review the last 10 years (remember Y2K?). It is fascinating to see how much, and how rapidly, things have changed. Technology is but one example. A decade ago, when I started working for APA, the office had one internet connection – and 5 people took turns sharing it. Today, a video chat with a client in Florida, colleagues in Europe, or with friends in Thailand is simply routine. What will the new decade bring? I think it will bring an amazing new and prosperous reality. 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.