Investing Both Directions
Monday the S&P 500 finally topped its previous high. Yesterday, it added another .7 percent to 2152. It has been a tumultuous fourteen months since the prior high of May 21, 2015. This large cap index dropped over 12 percent to its August low, rose over 12 [...]
Second Quarter Results
Another half year in the books. Another few crises including Brexit, Zika virus, ISIS—the usual threats and problems that inevitably give us heartburn. As Gilda Radnor entitled her book about her life, It’s Always Something. If I ask you what the collective we were worrying about a year ago, or [...]
Much ado about Brexit!
If I were a betting person, I would put money on your being aware that the United Kingdom is quitting membership in the European Union. I am also reasonably sure that you do not know exactly what that means for the British, the rest of the European Union, or for [...]
True Financial Success
As I write today I am listening to Fed Chair Janet Yellen say the same things she has said for several years now: Economic conditions are fairly good although growth is very slow, we can’t determine why things are not better, and we are petrified to let the classical economic [...]
100 Years of Blessings
On June 16, 1916, a Bible study group of 22 women including Bess Wallace Truman established the Community Services League to help local citizens in need. They obviously knew that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Those needs are still here. But today the Community Services League [...]
Memorial Day Family Present
Through Facebook, I enjoyed reading stories about military heroes this past week, particularly those who gave their last full measure of devotion for their friends, family, for us all. Many of us in the Midwest also use this weekend to reminisce and thank God for our family members who helped [...]
Planning for Success
We are planning a vacation for later this summer in the Rockies. With the internet, there is too much information and too many choices. One could spend hours and days just trying to figure out what to do and see. The possibilities are all exciting and I’m looking forward to [...]
New Rules Governing Retirement Advice
“I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” On April 6th, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) of the Department of Labor (DOL) stepped in to do its part to ensure retirement savers get investment advice to help them. The Department issued its final, long awaited regulations regarding fiduciaries [...]
Grandpa’s Lessons
My grandfather, Louis Finke, also the father of the normal columnist for this space, passed from this earth into eternity with God on Tuesday, April 19, at 100 years old. While it seems 100 is the new 80, most I talk to are still in awe of that lifespan so [...]
Too Much Excitement
During the first quarter of 2016, stock ownership provided a roller coaster ride. Last week I railed against the Fed’s free money policy and its consequences. This week we examine whose ox was gored and whose geese were golden. In the short term, I think Mr. Market will continue to [...]