My Comments: In my youth, Howard Johnson was the standard when it came to motels and places to eat when traveling in the US. They were everywhere. But times change, ideas reach their expiration date, and the business model falters unless someone brings a new vision to the table. Sometimes it's impossible to remain relevant …
Tag: investments
How the The Social Security Spouse Benefit Works
My Comments: Our Social Security system is a vital source of income for the vast majority of us who are age 62 and beyond. If you have a qualified earnings history, by the time you reach age 62 you can elect to start receiving a lifetime annuity, one that has a cost of living adjustment …
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A New Policy Orthodoxy Is Emerging
My Comments: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Or is it the other way around? If your future financial wellbeing depends on guarantees and positive market performance, the more you need to pay attention to these trends. Or at least interact with professionals who do follow and understand them. This is …
WHY IT MATTERS: Income Inequality
My Comments: I’ve argued frequently that if income inequality is not addressed, our children and grandchildren will be rioting in the streets of America. I’ve also argued that the recent rioting in Louisiana, and elsewhere, ostensibly because of racial issues, is as much caused by economic disparity as it is racial disparity. At the extreme, …
Options for Funding Long-Term Care Expenses
My Comments: When you reach retirement age, the elephant in the room becomes Long Term Care. This is when someone in the household becomes unable to perform two of what are called Actitivies of Daily Living, or ADLs. A healthy spouse will simply take on more and more to help the affected person manage and …
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‘Biggest Bond Bubble in History’ is About to Burst
My Comments: Broken record time again. The punditry has almost one voice and yet the markets are not listening. I can’t wait until November 9 arrives. Aug 20, 2016 – The Irish Times “The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent,” is a famous quote, often attributed to JM Keynes. And indeed …
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Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits
My Comments: these details were found at a site called WiserWomen.com . They are consistent with my thoughts about how to get the most from the Social Security system as you ask questions to find the optimal timing to apply and possibly suspend your benefits. If you want a personal analysis and comprehensive report, talk …
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Here’s How You Know The Stock Market Is Hugely Overvalued
My Comments: Worrying about your money is a normal activity. At least it is for me. That being said, to the extent you have money somewhere where your principal is not guaranteed, I think there is a high probability you will soon suffer some losses. Actually, unless you sell at a loss, you really haven’t …
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ThrowBack Thursday: My College Days
About this time some 57 years ago I arrived in Gainesville, Florida. I was a freshman with no clue yet what to study and no meaningful focus other than survive on my own with a vague sense of taking the next steps. I found myself enveloped in a group of non-conformists whose extra-curricular avocation was …
The Return of American Exceptionalism
My Comments: We live in a biased world and are likely to remain in a biased world. I find it helpful to read ideas expressed by people who live outside the US and have a different bias filter. This is one of them. By Edward Luce, August 14, 2016 Until recently most of the world …
Helping Define Your Financial Future 