Maybe We Should Take Socialism Seriously

My Comments: To me, it’s both pathetic and amusing to hear political candidates rail against the idea of ‘socialism’ and declare it’s mankind’s greatest threat. Like so many of the ‘…isms” applied to economic models of all stripes, socialism is no more a threat to the health and welfare of any society than is capitalism …

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A Glossary of Basic Investment Terms

My Comments: Financial literacy has to start somewhere. If you are planning for an eventual retirement and want to grow your money between now and then, a degree of financial literacy is mandatory. Start here… by Emma Johnson \ June 1, 2018 If you’ve ever scanned the business headlines, you’re probably familiar with terms like …

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The Danger From Low-Skilled Immigrants: Not Having Them

My Comments: To Make America Great Again, the presumably well intended mantra for those leading the GOP these day, someone has to overcome ignorance of economics and start paying attention to reality. A positive corporate bottom line is the driving force for a healthy US economy. To reach that goal, we need people willing to …

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Higher Tariffs Won’t Work Now Because They Never Did

My Comments: At the national level, if we want more money to spend, both on ourselves as citizens and at the Federal level on things that require money to finance, please tell me why this administration insists on doing things that will result in less money. Yes, I know, the old and wealthy white cadre …

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The Forgotten Architect of the American Social Security System

My Comments: I’ve never understood the fear that surfaces among some people when the term ‘socialism’ appears. What threat do they feel from this poorly understood word? Yes, I remember the McCarthy hearings and the red menace of Communism. It manifested itself in Russia and China, and was perceived as a global threat to capitalism. …

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The Truth About Trump’s ‘Great Economy’

My Comments: Few of you reading this are confused about my politics. So I share these words with you as someone trained in economics and finance who has been an entrepreneur in financial services for over 42 years. Our society gives us, via the Constitution, the ability to express which values are important to us …

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Medicare Open Enrollment Runs from October 15th to December 7th

My Comments: Medicare is an absolutely critical component if you expect to have a joyful and happy retirement. As someone who benefits monthly from it, I can attest to its value in contributing to my peace of mind.  Don't vote for any politician who in any way threatens is viability. Each year, there is an …

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‘Rolling Bear Market’ Will Paralyze Stocks for Years: Morgan Stanley

My Comments: It became accepted wisdom that a properly diversified stock portfolio can indefinitely absorb an annual 4% withdrawal rate to satisfy a need for retirement income. That assumption is now disappearing. There is growing sentiment that over the next decade, if not longer, a 4% withdrawal rate will lead to the exhaustion of your …

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Millions Of Americans Are Leaving Social Security Spousal Benefits On The Table

My Comments: Facing retirement without enough money is a frightening prospect. And leaving money on the table that you can claim doesn’t make much sense. These words from Laurance Kotlikoff might apply to you if you’re between ages 64.9 and 68. by Laurence Kotlikoff \ October 15, 2018 Summary • The 2015 Social Security amendments …

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The Next Bear Market is Coming, but it Should Be Less Fierce than the Last Downturn

My Comments: I’ve been cautious for a long time. Some would say too long since it means I’ve missed some great advances in the markets. But I’ve reached an age where I simply don’t want to be stressed and watch huge chunks of our money disappear. That being said, I can only urge you to …

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