My Comments: Six months ago, I “loaned” $50 to Starbucks. In exchange, I got a plastic card that I can use to buy coffee and/or other assorted goodies whenever I frequent any Starbucks shop on the planet. I now realize they’ve had the use of my money for months now and have given me nothing …
Continue reading The Caffeine Buzz of Hot-desking in a Coffee Shop
My Comments: This headline caught my attention. Perhaps you’ve read recently about student loans and how they can put a noose around the neck of a college graduate, a noose that stymies rational planning for years, including marriage, buying a house, doing a lot of things that I never gave a second thought to when …
Continue reading Class of 2013: Your Degree Doesn’t Mean Squat
My Comments: This is certainly a different slant on things. As a financial planner and advisor these many years, running out of money has been the major threat for those of us thinking about retiring or who are already retired. How do we make sure we’re not broke before we die? Just what I need; …
Continue reading Biggest Retirement Threat? It’s Not Running Out Of Money
My Comments: It's been a few years since my wife and I last travelled out of the country. During this time, she and I both became eligible for Medicare benefits. And given my health history over these past few years, without Medicare we would have been financially stressed. We still have expectations of visiting family …
My Comments: It would be easy to get overly excited about this. Certainly it’s good news but to believe it’s a fundamental shift in the economy is stretching things. For one thing, the sequester that happened recently simply means that the Federal government is spending less money. But for those of us looking for good …
My Comments: I recall a conversation I had some three years ago where someone asked me if I followed Keynes or did I follow the Austrian approach. Not knowing at the time just what this person was asking, I responded “Keynes” since I knew more or less how Keynes mind worked and had no idea …
Continue reading Stuck in the Mud: Beyond America’s Fiscal Trench Lines
Momentum is building for a tax code overhaul, and lower taxes on stock transactions could be doomed. By Joy Taylor, May 6, 2013 Tax breaks for capital gains and dividends are likely to end by 2015, as lawmakers look for ways to broaden the tax base, allowing income tax rates on individuals to be cut. …
My Comments: Yesterday, the focus of my comments was that if you want to go it alone, that's OK. Here, however, are some reasons for not attempting to go it alone and be solely responsible for your decisions. I can confirm, after 38 years in this business, that emotions play a huge role in whether …
Continue reading Even Skilled Investors Can Use a Financial Advisor
My Comments: From the beginning, I've told prospective clients and clients alike that it's OK to go it alone. But if you decide you want help, my hand is in the air as someone who does this for a living and I'm ready to help you. If you are trying to decide, here are some …
Continue reading Tired of Financial Advisor Fees? Try Going It Alone
My Comments: There is good news here and there if you look beyond the crisis de jour. By: Michael Mackenzie / Published: Tuesday, 30 Apr 2013 / The Financial Times, London The U.S. Treasury expects to pay down debt in the second quarter of 2013 as the budget deficit that has dominated national politics starts …
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