The Divided States of Europe

Critical explanation from Stratfor about Europe. Like it or not, these events will greatly influence how your investments perform over the next several months. Here is a key paragraph: "That is because the real crisis is the more fundamental question of how the European continent is to be ruled in the 21st century. Europe has …

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The Truth About the Economy…

Robert Reich is Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations, most recently as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton. He has written thirteen books, including The Work of Nations, Locked in the Cabinet, Supercapitalism, and his most recent book, Aftershock. One can …

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The Case for Alternative Investments – Part V

In my last post on this subject, I referenced a small selection of investments that employ "alternative investments" in their portfolio mix. Today, I'm going to describe a stand alone option. Technically, its a hedge fund, and as such, you are required to meet a personal financial threshold before you can buy into it. But …

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Captial Markets Insight – June 27, 2011

Here’s your Weekly Insights update from Curian’s Asset Management Group. This informative capital market update is designed to help you stay informed about important developments from the past week, as well as provide thoughtful commentary on how these events might... Continue reading...

Top 10 Worst Tax States for Retirees

Some states offer attractive tax benefits for retirees, others don’t. Kiplinger runs through the worst (or "tax hells," as the magazine bluntly states). Many, surprisingly, are in the Northeast United States. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to settle down following a life long career, you'll do well to avoid the following states. …

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Investment Markets Today

If you are committed to making your own investment decisions, based on your personal observations about the markets, here is what one of our third party investment managers is telling us today: "As we enter a new trading window, we are coming off a volatile period within the market. After trading down to nearly 1265 …

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Commonsense Ways To Fix Social Security

As someone who has willingly accepted Social Security payments monthly for about four years, I have no strong motivation to upset the status quo. However, and this is a big however, I understand that the current path is not sustainable. When it began in the 30's, there were less than 3 people getting benefits for …

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U.S. and Pakistan: Afghan Strategies

Interesting and helpful read as it relates to our involvement in Pakistan. This conflict, which I would like to see us end quickly, has implications for the economic future that you and I will encounter. And that influences our investment decisions going forward. George Friedman is not Thomas Friedman but he does a great job …

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Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)

Studies show that socially responsible investing, or SRI, is becoming increasingly popular. • SRI in the United States is now growing at a much faster pace than the broader universe of all investment assets under professional management. • From 2007 to 2009, SRI assets increased more than 13% while all investment assets under management edged …

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Capital Market Update – June 20, 2011

Here’s your Weekly Insights update from Curian’s Asset Management Group. This informative capital market update is designed to keep you apprised of the important developments from the past week, as well as provide thoughtful commentary on how these events might impact investment portfolios.