US Economy: Misaligned Policies to Blame, Not Structural Flaws

My Comments: More than once a week, I have conversations with a client, or prospect or someone I run into, who are gloomy to the point of absurd. There is a pervasive expectation that life will be miserable going forward. I suppose it’s a natural phenomenon, but I don’t share it. That it will be …

Continue reading US Economy: Misaligned Policies to Blame, Not Structural Flaws

According to the Supreme Court…

Corporations Have More Religious Freedom Than Taxpayers My Comments: My initial reaction to the Hobby Lobby issue was to commit to never stepping foot in any of their stores. Beyond that, my reaction was pretty typical of those to the left of center in American politics. But I've not become truly engaged in this issue as …

Continue reading According to the Supreme Court…

Buckle Up! The New Bear Market Has Begun!

My Comments: The writer has a powerful message to send. He was right about this back in 2008 but that doesn't mean he's right this time. I have clients and prospective clients asking when the next downturn is going to begin. And yet there are many articles that suggest it’s still a long way off. …

Continue reading Buckle Up! The New Bear Market Has Begun!

Powered by the U.S., Global Assets Forecast to Hit $100 Trillion

My Comments: So, just how much is $100 Trillion? Can you say "A lot!"?  What’s equally mind boggling to me is that in 1967 ( or maybe it was 1966?) I built a house for myself and my wife. In those days I acted as my own general contractor. Back then, I could also dig …

Continue reading Powered by the U.S., Global Assets Forecast to Hit $100 Trillion

US Cable Barons And Their Power Over Us

My Comments: Professionally, I live in the world of finance and investments. Regulation is pervasive, most likely increasing, since there is a pervasive threat of abuse by the big players. I think it would help all of us to have a level playing field, including individuals, corporate America, and society as a whole. I cannot …

Continue reading US Cable Barons And Their Power Over Us

World Weather Gone Haywire: Effect On… and the Economy

My Comments: No, we are not doomed. But it’s worth paying attention to from time to time. If you are looking for solace, you won’t find it here. My cousin in England just wrote to tell me their weather is noxious and unpleasant. Have you thought about the price of vegetables and fruit in the …

Continue reading World Weather Gone Haywire: Effect On… and the Economy

Some Hints About Inflation

My Comments: How many of you remember the inflation numbers from the late 70’s? 12% comes to mind. And was that ever exciting and frightening. Since then, the people who pull most of the strings have been sensitive to this and have taken steps to keep inlfation under control. The other extreme from high inflation …

Continue reading Some Hints About Inflation

Ten Brands That Will Disappear in 2014

My Comments: From time to time we see predictions about all sorts of things. But as time passes, they fade into oblivion and rarely do we consider whether any of those predictions came to pass. We give great credence to those who make those predictions since they usually appear in print, or on television, and …

Continue reading Ten Brands That Will Disappear in 2014

The Cost of Medical Care – Where Do you Live in the US?

These cities are all over the map—and so are their medical prices My Comments: A lot of my posts lately have been about healthcare. I guess that’s because as I get older, I find myself paying more and more attention to my personal health circumstances. It doesn’t help that my clients are also older and …

Continue reading The Cost of Medical Care – Where Do you Live in the US?

The Rise of Tactical Asset Allocation

My Comments: Yesterday I talked about investment risk, and how we, both clients and advisors alike, should understand it. Today, I’m reposting an article that describes, for me, a way to help clients achieve their perceived objectives, and keep the risk element under control. As before, risk is not to be avoided, but to be …

Continue reading The Rise of Tactical Asset Allocation