The Monetary Madness of Trump, Cruz and Rubio

My Comments: On its face, this looks like just another political swipe at the remaining presidential hopefuls on the right. However, as an aspiring economist and financial planner, I appreciate the role played by government in the financial sector and know how critical it is. These comments point to some dubious thinking on the part …

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About That Fresh Fruit We Love So Much

My Comments: 20 years ago, I had no problems with the North American Free Trade Agreement. Today, 20 years later, I have no basic problems with the premise which allows goods and services to be translated freely across North America. But there are obvious unintended consequences, which are described in this article. By Susan Grigsby, …

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Negative Interest Rates: What This Means

My Comments: The word "interest" defines the price someone is willing to pay to use your money. In the world of economics, if the price is zero, and knowing price is a function of supply and demand, there is either no demand or the supply far exceeds the demand. Think oil prices these days. Interest …

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These Little-Known Tax Deductions Can Save You Thousands

My Comments: No, I am not an accountant and I cannot tell you how to file your tax return. I can, however, put ideas in front of you that you may not know about. Remember, none of us have an obligation to pay more in taxes each year that is absolutely necessary. It’s just that …

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When Collectors Call, Demand Proof of Your Debt

My Comments: A conversation with a client this morning revealed that she is getting annoying letters and calls from a Homeowner Association affiliated with a timeshare property she used to own in another state. It’s not her debt and she has sufficient documentation to support her claim that the property was sold to someone else. …

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Grab This Social Security Benefit While You Still Can

My Comments: Social Security has for many years been a critical financial component in the lives of almost every citizen of the US who is aged 62 or older. I know it is for me and my wife. Changes are going to happen to help maintain it’s viability as the population demographics change and society …

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TAX ESSENTIALS

My Comments: I think I found this article published in Medical Economics some months ago. I apologize for my inability to provide accurate sourcing. That aside, we have ZERO obligation to pay more in taxes that absolutely necessary. Just remember, the IRS has a responsibility to collect taxes. It’s up to us to figure out …

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A Breath of Fresh Air in Iowa

My Comments: This article appeared in the Los Angeles Times with these words as the title; In Iowa farm town, immigration debate yields surprising views. Given the political rhetoric and implications, I think this message is worth sharing. By Mark Z. Barabak - The Los Angeles Times – January 22, 2016 For the longest time, …

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Postal Banking: An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again

My Comments: Last month, while standing in line to buy stamps, I overhead the person behind me complaining about the apparent inability of the Post Office to adapt and have enough people behind the counter. His vitriol made me think he was probably a Trump supporter. I kept my mouth shut but reminded myself the …

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Starting to Invest in 2016? Here’s What You Need to Know

My Comments: After 43 years as a financial planner and investment company owner, I can say with certainty that the future outcome for your money is a combination of luck, discipline, timing and knowledge. I have no clue how we’ll do in 2016 but this is at least a start. By Jason Hall Published January …

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