My Comments: While I don’t worry about how folks around the world see the United States, I do find it interesting to read their observations from time to time. I grew up and was overseas when the phrase “ugly Amercian” gained popularity. It diminished over time until the Bush years when we attempted to impose …
Continue reading Arsonists Versus Architects: Republican Civil War
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
PBR is the short version name of a company registered as Physicians Benefits Resources Risk Retention Group, Inc. For the past four years, I’ve invested significant time and energy with this company as I was convinced since day one ( and am still) that it had a unique value proposition. This value proposition is significant …
My Comments: I’m an American and I intend to work until I drop. I enjoy what I do, I’m think I’m pretty good at it, I have people to talk with who want the skills I bring to the table, so why not? By Maria Wood Has the U.S. become the work forever society? According …
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
Helping Define Your Financial Future 