Stuck in the Mud: Beyond America’s Fiscal Trench Lines

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

The Plug is Pulled on PBR

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 …

Continue reading The Plug is Pulled on PBR

Will Americans Work Forever?

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 …

Continue reading Will Americans Work Forever?

Even Skilled Investors Can Use a Financial Advisor

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

Tired of Financial Advisor Fees? Try Going It Alone

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

Bullish Market, Recovering Economy Deserve Respect

My Thoughts on This: Liz Ann Sonders is a highly respected and recognized thought leader in the world of money managment. While none of these people are right all the time, their track record suggests we should pay attention to what they are saying. by: Charles Paikert | Tuesday, April 30, 2013 The current investing …

Continue reading Bullish Market, Recovering Economy Deserve Respect

US Expects First Cut in Debt Since 2007

My Comments: There is good news here and there if you look beyond the crisis de jour. By: Michael Mackenzie / Published: Tuesday, 30 Apr 2013 / The Financial Times, London The U.S. Treasury expects to pay down debt in the second quarter of 2013 as the budget deficit that has dominated national politics starts …

Continue reading US Expects First Cut in Debt Since 2007

Austerity Exposes the Global Threat from Tax Havens

My Comments: Unless you have been to the Cayman Islands, or happen to make far more money than you actually need to live your life, the idea of an offshore tax haven is pretty remote. You’ve heard about them, but since they are so far removed from your reality, they seem to stay under the …

Continue reading Austerity Exposes the Global Threat from Tax Havens

Investor Optimism Rose in March

My Comments: I have no idea what I’m having for supper tonight, much less how the markets are going to perform over the next several months and years. However, assuming I haven’t left the building, I expect to eat something, and in like manner, I expect the markets to move up and down with a …

Continue reading Investor Optimism Rose in March

The New Deal for Europe: More Reform, Less Austerity

My Comments: There has been a disconnect in this country, typically along partisan lines, whether or not austerity is the way to solve the so called debt crisis at the federal level. As an economist, and a Democrat, my instinct has been to set the stage for growth, and as growth and increased economic activity …

Continue reading The New Deal for Europe: More Reform, Less Austerity