Like It Or Not, All Advisors Are Now Fiduciaries

My Comments: In my capacity as a financial planner and investment advisor, I’ve long embraced a fiduciary standard. This means I’m bound morally, ethically and legally to do what, in my professional opinion, is in my client’s best interests. Corporate financial America (Wall Street in general, the insurance industry, money managers, et al) and their …

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The End of Florida?

My Comments: I have just two. One is that Florida has about 1350 miles of coastline and that does not include rivers that are somewhat tidal. Two is that if God is all seeing and all knowing, how come he’s only telling some of us to be aware of what’s coming and to properly prepare …

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What Oil Price Is Sustainable?

My Comments: Buying gas for your car at the pump is now an adventure fraught with uncertainty. Is the price going up or is it going down? What can I expect the next time I need to fill the tank? Is there a station on the other side of town willing to lower their price …

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What It Means to Be a Liberal

My Comments: I no longer make any apologies for being liberal. It does not mean I cannot embrace positions held by conservatives, but on balance, I see myself as being a liberal. As much as anything, I identify this way as I refuse to live in the past. As I age, I have a longer …

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The Obamacare Curse: What If, This Month, the Republicans Finally Get What They Want?

My Comments: After 6 years and counting, I’m still waiting for a valid, alternate idea to come from the political right. As an insurance agent for 40 years, and having sold individual and group policies for many of them, I understand many of the dynamics involved. Why is it not in our best interest as …

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Americans Need Jobs, Not Populism

My Comments: This post reflects my values about the role government should play in our society these day. Written by Jack Markell, it is long, congratulatory, somewhat self serving, but is so well articulated that I feel compelled to share it. Another resonance for me happens when I recall the two years I lived in …

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Why Poor People Vote for Republicans

My Comments: OK, that's too simplistic, but there is a point to be made here. Back in 2007, with the presidential election cycle in full swing, I recall seeing an old, bent and rusty pickup truck. In the front was mom, dad and 2 kids. The truck bed was full of odds and ends that …

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Iraq’s Least Worst Options

My Comments: If I had to personally make definitive decisons about the US role in the middle east, I have absolutely no idea what would be in our best interest. That’s why they don’t pay ME the big bucks. But history has made us the world’s only policeman. Since I have no idea about what …

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Biggest Retirement Mistakes

My Comments: This is a dramatic headline, intended for those of us already retired or thinking about it. Most of us already understand that "retirement" today is very different from what it was 25 years ago. The changes that we see are influencing my life and millions of others. Many people plan on supplementing their …

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Boondoggle U

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor those who have served our country. That so many came home wounded, and so many did not come home at all, more than justifies our reverence for their contributions to our society. Born in England in 1941, I also extend my thanks to my mother, …

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