In a shifting economy who wins, who loses?
Something I learned back in algebra class was when faced with a problem, the fewer variables there are, the easier it is to solve. Businesses across our nation face a multitude of challenges right now. Supply chain failures, employment shortages and rising costs are just a few of the obstacles [...]
Comparing the pessimism of today to the malaise of 1979
In 1979 President Jimmy Carter addressed the nation in what has become known as the Malaise speech. In it, he said, “Our people are losing faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our democracy…. It is [...]
Consider being open to closed end funds
One of our successful market strategies since the Virus turmoil of March, 2020, has been the purchase of Closed End Funds (CEF’s) that pay high dividends. Let me first explain what they are since they are not nearly as discussed and understood as other funds. A mutual fund such as [...]
Money and Marriage
This past week I met with a newlywed couple to give them a crash course on personal finance. Like so many young people, they already had a base understanding of money, but wanted to make sure they were doing the right things as they started their life together. As we [...]
The Costs of ZIRP
Today I offer a reasoned rant about the high costs of our federal government’s Zero Interest Rate Policy (ZIRP). If you wonder what that policy is, just think about the amount of interest you now receive on your money in the bank and have for more than a decade. Isn’t [...]
Strategies to Combat Inflation
Last week I wrote about the very real threat inflation poses to retiring comfortably. With inflation up almost 5.5% from a year ago, most of us need to find ways to reduce our spending by that same amount just break even. This week I thought I would share a few [...]
What to do when risk averse
As a young person I was raised on game shows. They were a staple of daytime viewing for our family. Part of the appeal of many of these shows was seeing how much individuals were willing to risk to win big. Shows like Let’s Make a Deal, Who Wants to [...]
A slow and steady approach can help offset volatility
Generally by this time in July, big money investors have fled the city, found a cooler place or a beach, whichever their pleasure, and put trading on hold until after Labor Day. This year feels a little different. For one thing, millions of new Millennial speculators are still hard at [...]
Making a Case for Inequality
There is a classic scene in the film Wall Street where Michael Douglas’ character Gordon Gecko boldly declares “greed is good” to the thunderous applause of his audience of bankers and corporate executives. I thought this week I would make a similar controversial statement. Please hear me out and read [...]
First Half of 2021 in the Books
Today we will review some of the amazing financial market occurrences of 2021 thus far to try to polish the crystal ball for the next six months. First, what sectors won the performance contest? Energy rose by a hair less than 40 percent. How is that for an industry the [...]