My Comments: As a financial planner and insurance agent for almost 40 years, I’ve sold my share of life insurance policies. Many of them are still in force, though I have had my share of clients who pass away. The IRS is sensitive to those of us who promote the tax benefits of life insurance. …
Continue reading How to Get Tax-free Retirement Income With Life Insurance
My Comments: There are just as many ways to lose money with bonds as there are with stocks. The risk is different; what happens to interest rates in the future vs corporate earnings and their relative size. That’s an oversimplification but you get the idea. The chart above shows interest rates from 1790 – 2012. …
My Comments: The people at Kiplinger have created another great blog post for me to borrow. And if you insist, you have "my permission" to click on their links and get more good information from them. At the end of the day, however, you may need someone local, a dedicated, knowledgable professional whose experience over …
My Comments: Followers of this blog may remember my frequent mention of Thomas P.M. Barnett, a prolific writer and thought leader on global economics and political forces. Years ago he said that within a couple of decades, the US would become a net exporter of energy. He asserted this transformation would re-write a lot of …
Continue reading Energy Price Spread: Natural Gas Vs. Crude Oil In The U.S.
My Comments: Yes, the title above is a little odd, but the word "optimism" caused me to stop and read. By every contemporary, standard definition, I am a “financial advisor”. That term is restricted, or should be, to those of us providing financial advice to clients that conforms to a fiduciary standard. Simply put, we …
Continue reading It Is Informed Optimism To Wait For The Rain
My Comments: I’m conflicted. On one hand I’m disturbed by the growing threat to our individual privacy as demonstrated by what the NSA has been doing and will continue to do. On the other hand I’m disturbed by the threats I feel coming from those on the right who are more inclined to live in …
Continue reading The Imperial Presidency is Quietly Striking Back
My Comments: I’ve never been much of a gold bug. I recognize it’s value as a trading opportunity and the need for a large portfolio to include what are thought of as non-traditional investments. But since it tends to increase in value during times of high inflation and general woe and gloom, and being a …
My Comments: Monday morning, the sun is shining, and perhaps an exciting week ahead. Only I tried retirement, and it was not blissful (billsful maybe). So I’m back working full time, knowing that what used to take me an hour to accomplish, now takes at least two. That being said, whenever I see a list …
My Comments: I made a reference last week to the effect that what happened when the Russians took over part of the Ukraine had only a temporary effect on the markets. Today’s comments are directed toward those who hate Obama and everything he stands for. The gist of those who daily and routinely criticize our …
Continue reading Reset the Reset – Visa Bans Will Not Deter Putin
My Comments: Recently, two clients have asked me about asset protection and whether they should start thinking about a trust. The answer is maybe. First, I have to remind everyone that I am not an attorney, and cannot advise people on legal matters. However, I can share basic knowledge that I’ve picked up over the …
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