We’re always surprised when meeting a new family and we see how little international stock exposure appears in their investment portfolio. We’ve long been believers in true global diversification. In Jonathan Clements’ recent piece, he provides four simple reasons to believe in international investing.

Sometimes, clients ask to ease into the market when they’re faced with the opportunity to invest a sum of cash. Although it feels more comfortable to wade given the uncertainty inherent with markets, the evidence shows that, approximately two thirds of the time, you are better off taking the plunge. This is true, both domestically and internationally, over the periods analyzed in a piece by Dimensional Fund Advisors. Plunging has some very positive implications for both average and sophisticated investors. In light of uncertainty, basing decisions on evidence actually reinforces your strategy each time you add money to your portfolio, whether it’s a lot or a little. Don’t let the failure to apply good strategy be your downfall. Click here to revisit this 2004 piece, To Wade or Plunge.

We often encourage our clients to share more than just facts and figures about their own estates with heirs. More importantly, you might consider preparing something like an Ethical Will. Check out this piece from The New York Times to explore in more detail.