I often get asked by clients and friends if it is time to buy stock in Apple. Chances are you likely have one or more of their products, which range from the iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac computer, and iWatch. Apple products are so popular that retailers, such as Macy’s and Dillard’s, are citing that consumers would rather own the latest iPhone than purchase a trendy purse.

The last few months have taken investors on a wild ride! The S&P 500 had its first significant market correction in the last three years, and we continue to be bombarded by negative news stories again and again. Topics vary from higher interest rates to the strengthening dollar, collapsing oil prices, and contagion from China, and most investors are left confused and wondering if the world is falling apart.

Four primary factors included an easy monetary policy, easy underwriting standards for home purchases, pervasive and extreme uses of leverage by financial institutions and, of course, greed.