The Legality of Offshore Planning: an Introduction

My Comments: This blog post by Hale Stewart, derives in part from his expertise with captive insurance companies, and the fact that they are often set up in an offshore jurisdiction to provide a layer of asset protection for those using the concept. There are now approximately 17 states that allow and encourage the creation …

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Nothing Is More Expensive Than A Cheap Lawyer

My Comments: There’s an old adage that “you get what you pay for...” But it doesn’t mean you should look for the most expensive under the assumption that a higher cost will mean a better advisor. Some professionals charge more simply because they can. After all, if you only want to work 50 hours a …

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Healthcare Through the Lens of Socialism, Communism, and Capitalism

My Comments: I’ve been a supporter of the Affordable Care Act from the beginning. I saw it as a necessary evil to force the various stakeholders in this country come to terms with the unsustainable growth in the cost of health care. Couple that with less desirable medical outcomes such as longevity, and I felt …

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Biggest Retirement Threat? It’s Not Running Out Of Money

My Comments: This is certainly a different slant on things. As a financial planner and advisor these many years, running out of money has been the major threat for those of us thinking about retiring or who are already retired. How do we make sure we’re not broke before we die? Just what I need; …

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The Plug is Pulled on PBR

PBR is the short version name of a company registered as Physicians Benefits Resources Risk Retention Group, Inc. For the past four years, I’ve invested significant time and energy with this company as I was convinced since day one ( and am still) that it had a unique value proposition. This value proposition is significant …

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Will Americans Work Forever?

My Comments: I’m an American and I intend to work until I drop. I enjoy what I do, I’m think I’m pretty good at it, I have people to talk with who want the skills I bring to the table, so why not? By Maria Wood Has the U.S. become the work forever society? According …

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US Expects First Cut in Debt Since 2007

My Comments: There is good news here and there if you look beyond the crisis de jour. By: Michael Mackenzie / Published: Tuesday, 30 Apr 2013 / The Financial Times, London The U.S. Treasury expects to pay down debt in the second quarter of 2013 as the budget deficit that has dominated national politics starts …

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Fallout for States Rejecting Medicaid Expansion

My Thoughts on This: As you know, I fully support the passage a few years ago of the Affordable Care Act. I’m also a realist in that I expect it to change shape over the years. Here’s an article that suggests what might happen in those states where the governor is married to the “anyone …

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7 Must-Have (Free) Mobile Apps to do Your Job Better

My Comments: Mindful that I have clients who do not have computers at home, and whose cell phones were purchased 7 years ago, I confess to trying to be as up do date as possible with technology. I find it fascinating and fun to use. Having said that, I don't do much with Twitter or …

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Two Lists You Should Look at Every Morning

My Thoughts on This: I saved this article when I found it about a year ago. This morning, I happened upon it again and saw when it was first published. Almost FOUR YEARS AGO! And I’ll bet nothing has improved since then. But the message is still very real. Enjoy. 11:00 AM Wednesday May 27, …

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