The basics of success have not changed by Ron Finke
Yesterday I was privileged to hear Lamar Hunt Jr. speak at the Independence Rotary Club meeting. I expected to hear some promotion of the Missouri Mavericks hockey team and there was some of that. But he focused his remarks upon truth about success in life anywhere on this planet. In [...]
Key character traits count at work, in life by Luke Davis
This week it was suggested I write a graduation themed article. My initial thought was to decline. I said to myself, “I’m the last person who should write such an article. Too young to offer a lifetime of wisdom and yet too old to communicate, as a peer, to the [...]
Does money really make anyone happy? by Ron Finke
Spoiler Alert! The following contains a discussion of existential matters and the tangible and intangible means humans use in exchange for the things we want and need. Warning! Biblical references and world view may be cited. What is money anyway and how should we view it, use it, store it, [...]
Time for some financial spring cleaning by Aaron Pickert
We have all been complaining about spring being slow to arrive, but at long last, it finally appears to have started. The dreaded tax season is behind us, at least for most. Now is a great time to do a little financial spring cleaning and re-visit any financial resolutions made [...]
Economic indicators keep looking good by Ron Finke
Back in olden days, DJ’s might say, the super hits just keep coming! In these good new days, the good economic news just keeps coming. So I am going to provide some perspective that might help you fit this into an atmosphere of our dangerous world and media folks who [...]
Use tax is a needed step toward fairness by Luke Davis
A week ago, several metro communities placed on their ballots proposals to institute a “use tax” on its residents. In essence, the tax would have allowed local municipalities to collect sales tax on online purchases made from out of state vendors while adding no additional sales tax to local retailers. [...]
Is this bull market about finished? by Ron Finke
Fears of a major trade war are causing another selloff in global markets this week. China, late on Sunday, said it would increase tariffs on 128 U.S. products in response to U.S. duties on imports of aluminum and steel. President Donald Trump is separately preparing to impose tariffs of more [...]
Toys R Us lost its way, lost customers by Luke Davis
This past week when Toys R Us announced the immediate liquidation of all of its stores nationwide it marked the end of an era for me. Much like other iconic brands such as Radio Shack or Sears, Toys R Us was simply not able to adapt to a changing consumer [...]
Staying in the market yields long-term benefits by Aaron Pickert
“I can’t go through another 2008.” This is a comment I hear quite often. That year represents a generational financial scar we can never hide. A defining event that continues to shape the behavior of most of us today. People dial these bad memories up anytime they see high [...]
A complete financial view? Try an app by Luke Davis
Like many men, I am not good about going to the doctor for an annual checkup. It's not that I'm too busy, or even that the experience is unpleasant, it’s just that I’m fine. Or, more accurately, hope I’m fine, but am concerned that the doctor might tell me I’m [...]