A Higher Minimum Wage is the Tonic America Needs

My Thoughts: Employment numbers are higher than normal, though coming down slowly, and the argument made by those who oppose this idea is that it will cause more unemployment. Some marginal workers will lose their jobs, but the ability of those who do not and instead receive higher wages will spur consumption. That will have …

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Workplace Safety, 1926

My Comments: Amid all the discussion about whether to raise the minimum wage, or whether it’s in our best interest for ALL of us to have health insurance, and how to keep the Social Security system solvent for the next generation or two, it’s easy to forget how it was before all that happened. I …

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10 Tax Law Changes You Need to Know About

My Thoughts: Having the IRS look closely at you is not something you are likely to enjoy. But the good news is there are fewer agents than before and unless your “mistake” is grievous, you are likely to be overlooked. But you can’t count on it. With computer technology advancing by the minute, it will …

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Next Steps for the U.S.-Iran Deal

My Comments: We live in a world of competing economic forces that in the past were almost always resolved by conflict. Since the end of WW2, those types of conflicts have diminished, even though the media would have us believe its the end of the world as we know it when they happen. All of …

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What went wrong with HealthCare.gov – and what now

My Thoughts: Here we are, it’s December 2, and the President has assured us the website issues are fixed. I doubt they are; there were too many issues to get fixed. But they will get fixed since the PPACA is here to stay, and all the paranoia and hysterics will fade over time and we’ll …

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A Glimpse Into the Recent Past…

I hope everyone had a fine Thanksgiving, with family and friends, as did all of us (27 people plus 7 dogs!). Great to see everyone on this annual event. But back to reality... I’ve long been fascinated by the scale of time and my inability to get my arms around the concept. I suspect I’m …

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The Worst Investment Advice I’ve Heard All Week: Barry Ritholtz

My Thoughts: I can see! Sort of! But I have to wait a couple of weeks to get my new glasses. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving to all, and here is a idea that some of my clients have asked me about. Personally, I like to effect a rebalance every 12 months. by: BLOOMBERG NEWS …

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A Thanksgiving Feast Of Rational Optimism

My Thoughts: My favorite all time writer in the world of finance, Nick Murray, brings another fine thought to the table. Being optimistic seems so much more reasonable than getting bogged down, week after week, month after month, in woe and gloom. Being positive seems so much more productive. And it reinforces the notion I’ve …

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Long Term Care Thought for the Week

My Thoughts: Last evening, I attended a meeting where the presenter talked about Long Term Care and how it, or the lack of it, will have critical implications for families going forward. Fifty years ago, the issue was resolved by the elderly when they simply assumed their children would take care of them. Today, with …

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Bits and Pieces – November 20, 2013

DOW AND S&P 500 AT RECORD HIGHS - The Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 100 points on Tuesday, to finish at a record closing high. The S&P 500 ended Tuesday at a record high for the third straight day. The S&P 500 has risen 6.4% since October 8, when it hit its lowest …

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