Clint Eastwood said it memorably: “Do you feel lucky?” Now, superimpose Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s stern visage squinting at the markets and asking that question. It’s a message to stock market bulls who started out the year in euphoria, believing the Fed was about to declare victory over inflation — and might even be forced […]
1. Get Organized –That’s the most important thing you can do to start the new year. You can’t go forward if you don’t know where you’re starting from! Lists are important, as are files – whether on paper or on your computer. A disorganized mind will destroy your financial future. To help you in this […]
If you have several IRAs or leftover 401(k) plans from previous employers, this is a perfect time to consolidate them in one IRA rollover account. Not only will this simplify your financial recorded-keeping, but it will create an opportunity to access one of the best and safest investment opportunities for your money. So don’t let […]
Americans may be excused for wondering where this recession talk is coming from. Economic growth (GDP) turned nicely positive in the third quarter. The stock market has rallied, regaining some, though not all of this year’s losses, on hopes the Fed will declare victory and ease up on interest rate hikes. Consumer confidence dipped a […]
Updated 05/01/24 The new rate for Series I bonds purchased after May 1, 2024 is 4.28%. That includes a new higher base rate of 1.3%, which will stay with the bond for its entire lifetime. Future inflation adjustments to these bonds will be made on top of that 1/3% fixed base rate. Series I bonds […]
There is absolutely no doubt anymore. Inflation is deeply embedded in the economy. Today’s report of inflation at 8.6% in May is the highest since 1981. The only question is what can be done about this punishing tax that hits hardest at low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes. What will it take – and […]
Inflation is very simply the debasement of the currency. Your money buys less stuff. Inflation starts out barely noticeably — and is often welcomed as a sign of growth and prosperity. But like kudzu – that fast-growing green vine that has taken over many landscapes – the devastation takes a while to reveal. With kudzu, […]
Mark Twain said it best over 150 years ago: “No man’s money is safe while Congress is in session!” Or something like that, reportedly. So, it’s not news that the legislature makes changes that impact ordinary people in unexpected ways. What’s relatively new is the acrimony that seems to prevent Congress from coming to compromises. […]
Our national debt is the sum of all the money we have borrowed over our country’s history. It is currently nearing $29 trillion. Sadly, we have grown accustomed to such huge numbers. Now they’re called “MEGO” numbers. That stands for “my eyes glaze over!” To put numbers into perspective, the national debt reached a record […]
Who can do the most to help the economy recover: the Federal Reserve or Congress? Ironically, the economic question may be dominated by science. A vaccine to combat COVID-19 could do more to solve our financial problems than anything the Washington powers can create. A vaccine would not only be a health solution in the […]
Is it over, this quick and devastating bear market? Will we look back in amazement that we could shut down virtually the entire economy and the stock market crashed and then rebounded in days? Or is there yet more bad news that will be reflected in stock prices? I pose those questions, because I honestly […]
Note: This is my syndicated column, written last week, and published across the country on Monday, March 23rd. America, and the world, will get beyond this social and economic crisis eventually. Meanwhile, it’s almost cynical to be talking about the financial markets. But, there are lessons to be learned from the past when it comes […]
Thanks for all your questions. As you can imagine, I’ve been overwhelmed with individual questions about specific investments. It would be impossible and unprofessional of me to try to answer them without knowing more details. And that is impossible. So this message is directed at those who get no advice because they are in 401(k) […]
The entire world is holding its collective breath, waiting to see what the Federal Reserve will do about possibly cutting interest rates at its next meeting on September 17 and 18. But as of this writing, the global bond markets are pricing in a cut of 50 “basis points” — or one-half of a percentage […]
The stock market cheered signals that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month. There was no complaint from politicians, who see low interest rates as encouraging economic growth. But what about savers? A decision to cut interest rates will send them on a search for higher yields, and encourage some to take risks […]
Whether you’re trying to decide how to invest or considering the prospects for a better job, the economic outlook has never been more confusing. Yes, the economy is doing well right now, despite the disruptions of tariffs and uncertainty over global growth. And certainly the stock market, hovering at record highs, encourages optimism. But both […]
“Chicken money” is money you can’t afford to lose. It’s that simple. The amount of chicken money you need depends on your overall financial situation, stage in life, and risk tolerance. Just about everyone needs some money that is not intended for ordinary spending and not part of your investment program. Chicken money should be […]
If your retirement funds are invested in the stock market, you simply can’t afford to ignore the signals the market is sending. Any decisions about selling, or buying the dips, must depend on your own risk tolerance, time horizon and overall financial situation. But the time to consider those things is now — at what […]
The stock market has lulled us all into thinking the only way it can go is up! After all, last year the market punched up through 14,000, and 15,000, and then 16,000 without much of a pause. But now that we’ve seen a few weeks of both volatility and downside, it’s time to reconsider both […]
The pressures on middle class Americans are mounting, regardless of the stock market’s relentless climb higher. Yes, there is plenty of good news about corporate earnings and productivity generated by AI. There is capital investment and job creation in the building of data centers, much as the creation of our national highway system boosted the […]
