WEEKLY QUOTE“No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude.” - Karl Popper WEEKLY TIP This is the time of year to get your “tax file” ready. Start a file in which you can compile your W-2s,...
It isn’t too early to think about next year. We are now in plain view of the “fiscal cliff”. After the election, Congress may or may not end up keeping income and estate tax rates at their recent levels. Next year may bring some notable financial...
What does history show – and should we value it? As an investor, you know that past performance is no guarantee of future success. Expanding that truth, history has no bearing on the future of Wall Street. That said, stock market historians have repeatedly analyzed market behavior...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” - Soren Kierkegaard WEEKLY TIP If you’re shopping for a homeowner policy, feel free to ask for a discount. If you can demonstrate that you are taking steps to reduce risk, you may be...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to keep things simple.” - Richard Branson WEEKLY TIP Never leave money on the table when it comes to your 401(k) or 403(b). If your employer offers to match contributions, strive to contribute...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished.” - Og Mandino WEEKLY TIP The fine print on a lease or a mortgage is always worth reading. Ask the business owners and homeowners who have learned this from experience. WEEKLY RIDDLE How...
Many of these options go unrecognized. Today’s average student borrower takes out more than $25K in loans. Education debt has reached record levels in America – more than $1 trillion. In the face of those numbers, parents and students are looking for assorted ways to pay...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” - Tom Stoppard WEEKLY TIP Think about making a household budget using an online spreadsheet. You can easily find or create one on the Web for free; some even have built-in calculators. WEEKLY RIDDLE What lives above a star but never...
Why are they made again and again? Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations and charities. Aside from these blunders, there are also some classic financial missteps that plague retirees. Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as...
What factors might influence the Fed in the near future? Here’s a trivia question for you: when was the last time the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark U.S. interest rate? The answer: June 29, 2006. On that day, the federal funds rate hit 5.25%. It has declined...