The Stock Market Is About To Have A ‘Final Melt Up’

My Comments: Anyone who suggests they know what is likely to happen to the markets in the coming days is probably just hoping they will be right. And that includes me. A high percentage of significant market downturns have happened in August and September. This article suggests there is an event planned for the end …

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Social Security: 10 smart ways to get more benefits

My Comments: For most 21st Century Americans who live long enough to retire, a monthly check from the Social Security Administration is at the core of their future financial freedom. This is a state of mind that says we “have enough money coming in to pay our basic bills for shelter, for food, for transportation, …

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Howard Johnson’s Restaurants – Only 1 left

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 …

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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 …

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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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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 …

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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 …

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Social Security: What to know before claiming benefits

My Comments: This is pretty basic stuff but for many of you who have yet to seriously think about where the money is going to come from when you retire, this is a must read. I also encourage you to go to the ssa.gov web site and register yourself. by Diane Archer June 30, 2016 …

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