The Biggest Force Powering The Stock Market Is Starting To Disappear

My Comments: This is important if your financial future depends to some degree on retirement accounts that include investments in the stock and bond markets. If you think the turmoil is going to end soon, you should perhaps think again. Bob Bryan March 11, 2016 Since the beginning of the post-crisis bull-market run (2009), the …

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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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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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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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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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Why Things Could Soon Get Ugly For Stock Investors

My Comments: Another voice predicting woe and gloom. I’ve tried to protect myself and my clients but there are no guarantees. By Scott Barlow on Wednesday, Dec. 09, 2015 We’re about to find out what happens when a market rally built on a foundation of cheap borrowing rates is faced with the end of a …

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Middle Class Shrinks to Half of US Homes

My Comments: Amid all the hubbub about The Donald, ISIS and Christmas, this report has gone mostly unnoticed, but it has huge implications for our children and grandchildren. Since 1946 and the ending of WW2, American society has grown more prosperous and economically successful than any society on the planet. If you measure success by …

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Reclaim Republicanism for the Conservatives

My Thoughts: I vowed recently to stop posting anything political. All it does is encourage trolls who eviscerate those who dare to think differently. But from time to time I’m reminded that a viable two party system is probably critical for the long term survival of our democracy. There is a crisis bubbling up that …

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Always Think About Inflation

My Thoughts About This: Inflation is one of those existential threats I always talk about with clients. But it’s like watching a car rust. You simply don’t notice it on a daily or monthly basis. But the Oh MY God inflation that happened to the Weimer Republic in 1921-24 or perhaps more recently in Argentina, …

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And Now Trucking Is Suddenly Slowing Down

My Comments: Keep in mind the economy and stock and bond markets performance are not necessarily correlated. But there are sure indications the economy, and therefore employment numbers, are going to change. Income inequality will likely get worse. All of this is to help you prepare so your head does not explode. Oct. 28, 2015 …

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