My Comments: The author of this article, which appeared in the Financial Times, is no stranger to economists, investors, and politicians. My first reaction, however, was that it tends to endorse Keynesian economics, from a source that up to now has argued that the way to achieve economic recovery and more jobs, is for there …
Continue reading Why Public Investment Really Is a Free Lunch
My Comments: Those of us old enough to be taking SSA benefits have experienced minimal increases in the last few years. That’s because the ‘official’ numbers for inflation have been low. There is an argument they should be even lower as a way to keep the so-called SSA reserves from going to empty. In my …
Continue reading Social Security Cost-of-living Adjustments Projected to Increase Slightly in 2015
My Comments: I admit to a strong bias in favor of the Democrats and the values they deem important. As someone with a good understanding of economics and finance, this article that appeared about ten days ago itemizes several positives that have become clear during the past six years of Obama’s presidency. They are worth …
Continue reading Corporate U.S. Healthiest in Decades Under Obama With Lower Debt
My Comments: I’ve written before that it’s my belief that at some point, if income inequality between the haves and the have nots gets too large, social chaos will follow. The spread or relative level of spendable income between these two groups is continuing to widen. So it becomes just a matter of time until …
Continue reading Why Income Inequality Is a Drag On Economies
My Comments: Lots of questions about the markets these days. I came across this short summary and thought it relevant. I didn’t understand the chart until after I finished reading, so be warned. I’m in a very cautious mode and have my clients positioned to avoid large losses and perhaps make money as things go …
Continue reading What Should We Expect From Our Stock Investments?
As a parent, I remember this question well from days past. This time, however, it’s being asked by those of us with money invested in the global stock and bond markets. All of us are following a life path that includes stops along the way. Some stops we choose to make and others are forced …
My Comments: This is a major question for investors. Whether you are accumulating money for the future or are already retired and focused on making sure you have enough money to last, knowing what is likely to happen in the near future leads to peace of mind and financial freedom. This is one opinion. Watch …
My Comments: This has nothing to do with financial planning. However, for me it has a lot to do with my perception of myself as a contributing member of society. I vote at every opportunity, which I think gives me the right to voice my opinions, which sometimes includes a lot of bitching and moaning. …
Continue reading America’s Perpetual War on Terror By Any Other Name
My Comments: Some of my responsibility as an investment advisor is to provide warning if I think there are pending changes in market direction. But since I have no idea what I may eat for lunch today, telling folks about the next crash will happen is pure speculation. But... I compensate for this inability by …
My Comments: The US Federal Reserve took a very different approach to helping the economy recover from the financial crisis that began in the fall of 2008. Pushed by Mr. Bernancke, the Fed provided what came to be called QE, which stands for quantitative easing. It kept interest rates low and effectively flooded the economy …
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