As 2019 approaches, and with US stocks outperforming non-US stocks in recent years, some investors have again turned their attention towards the role that global diversification plays in their portfolios.

These days most companies offer some form of employee benefits. Among the most common are insurance plans (health/dental/vision), and if you’re lucky, a savings plan for retirement. 

The true value of financial advice is a topic of intense debate these days. And, to be completely fair, both sides have a reasonable basis for their arguments. With technological advances (including the advent of Robo-advisors), there are more available options for consuming financial advice than ever before.

A recent survey conducted by PWC determined that 45% of American workers attribute money matters as their number one source of stress. That ranked higher than their jobs (20%), relationships (15%), and health concerns (15%), by a wide margin.

With its far-reaching effects, and controlling influence on other areas of life, it's no wonder that unresolved financial stress continues to be a leading cause of concern for many adults.

Imagine this: You’re a relatively healthy person. You eat right and exercise regularly -- perhaps you even run a few miles every other day to stay in shape. From the outside, you’re the picture of good health.

But at recent annual check-up, your family physician notices something on your chart that is alarming.

Pfizer's Total Shareholder Return Units (TSRUs) entitle you to a payment in Pfizer stock equal to the Total Shareholder Return (profits earned from holding a share of Pfizer stock including dividends) over a five-year period.

A hypothetical example: If, over the five-year period, the profit made from holding a Pfizer share and receiving the dividends is $20, each TSRU for that period will be worth $20, payable in the equivalent number of shares of Pfizer stock.