My Comments: I recently engaged in what turned out to be a mindless discussion on LinkedIn that started with the question “Who Creates Inflation?” My comments and those of several others offered our thoughts that it was a “what” that creates inflation and not a “who”. It was soon apparent that the leader and some …
Continue reading US Economy: Blame Misaligned Policies, Not Structural Flaws
My Comments: We wonder sometimes why the media is so consumed with bad news; it’s hard to find items that make you feel good. Unfortunately, I herewith add another element of negativity to the days actvity. On the other hand, knowing about these seven may help you avoid them which is a good thing. Does …
Continue reading 7 Retirement Planning Risks You May Not Have Considered
My Comments: How many of you have heard of SWIFT? Do you recall it was used in 2012 with Iran? I’ve commented earlier about the events in Ukraine and how they may effect us and our investments. Not to mention the bad feelings they generate in my head given my personal history. While the talking …
Continue reading The SWIFT way to get Putin to scale back his ambitions
My Comments: Last Friday, I brought “Bitcoin” to the financial table for a lot of you. Just as Facebook has become a fixture in our lives over the past decade, so too will Bitcoin, or something similar. Turning the clock back on the digital age is not going to happen. The challenge for us is …
My Comments: What exactly is a bitcoin? I’ve been reading about them for many months now and I’ve yet to understand how I would spend one if it happened to show up in my change at Publix. Chances are it never will. But... The image suggests they are made of metal. But that runs counter …
Continue reading Our Flawed Financial System is Reflected in Bitcoin
My Comments: I guess it's human nature to abhor a vacuum. If there isn't a crisis, we invent one. We’ve had 5 years of mostly good times in the markets, since about the first of April in 2009. The second chart below kinda proves that. From a timing standpoint, we’ve had people predicting the end …
My Comments: OK, we’re a long way into Spring, but the dramatic push to finish taxes by April 15th is behind us. Time now to review and reflect before the heat of summer is here. These five ideas make sense to me. And yes, the approach I take with clients is a little different, ( …
Continue reading Spring Check-Up: 5 Investment Ideas For Your Portfolio
My Comments: This article was meant for me as a financial professional with fiduciary responsibilities. However, I think it’s important information for everyone. TDF stands for Target Date Funds. This is a Wall Street invention that attempts to create a special, presumably safe investment portfolio for you, Mr. and Mrs. American Investor. The investment allocation …
Continue reading Fiduciaries: Steer Clear of T. Rowe, Fidelity and Vanguard TDFs
My Comments: OK, maybe “funeral” is too strong but the bloom is clearly off the lily. I’ve been registered as a Democrat since I was in college. This was when you had to be if you wanted to vote in the primaries. The only people running were Democrats. I’ve called myself an economist since my …
Continue reading RIP Obama’s Stimulus: Funeral for a Policy Success
My Comments: I’m proud of the fact that I’m held to a fiduciary standard. It’s in my best interest as a professional to be held to the same standards as attorneys, CPAs, physicians, and the like. My focus has to be on what is best for my clients, and that’s a good thing. Readers of …
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