Trump’s 401k Shake-Up: Why Private Equity Spells Trouble for Your Retirement

As a certified financial planner with decades of experience guiding everyday Americans toward secure retirements, I’ve seen how 401(k) plans anchor millions of workers’ financial futures. These employer-sponsored accounts let you save pre-tax dollars and invest in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds for long-term growth towards your future retirement. But a new policy threatens this simple system: the Trump Administration is expected to sign an executive order soon, directing federal regulators to issue guidance on adding private investments—like private equity—to 401(k) portfolios. While this aims to diversify options, for the average 401(k) investor unfamiliar with private equity, it’s a risky move. Read More

Economists and Forecasters Know NOTHING

The stock market is a complex beast, often described as unpredictable in the short term. Why? Because it reflects the minute-by-minute decisions of roughly 7 billion people. If individuals struggle to predict their own actions an hour from now, how can anyone claim to forecast the collective behavior of billions with precision? The answer is simple: they can’t. Decades of market history show that no one—regardless of expertise—has consistent insight into short-term market movements. Read More

Does Diversification Suck?

Imagine the days of old ships powered by sails. The fastest ones, called clipper ships, were built to race across the ocean, carrying tea from China. They were sleek, with tons of sails and a deep keel—think of it like a fin—that helped them use the wind but needed deep water to avoid crashing. Read More

Retirement in a World of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

More Americans than ever are living longer lives. But with longer life comes a higher risk of neurological diseases—especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These conditions not only affect memory and movement, but they also come with long-term care needs that can drain both your finances and your quality of life. Read More

Young Investors – Embrace the Declines

If you’re a young investor watching the stock market dip in 2025, you might be feeling a little uneasy. Headlines are filled with talk of a slowing economy, recession fears, and market selloffs. But here’s the truth: none of that matters to you in the long run. In fact, downturns are an opportunity—one that you should be taking full advantage of. Read More

3 Government Policies that Destroy Retirement

As a financial advisor, I’m sometimes told to be ‘neutral’ about politics when discussing your money. But when it comes to securing your financial future, there’s no room for gray areas. Let’s talk straight about three policies that, no matter who promotes them, won’t help you retire better. Read More

Risk, Reward, and Time in Investment Decisions

Investment is an intricate dance of three crucial factors: risk, reward, and time. While it’s tempting to believe that mastering these components will unlock the secrets of a successful investment journey, there’s an inherent unpredictability that even the savviest investor cannot outrun. Let’s delve deeper into this and uncover why, despite our best calculations, the outcome remains an enigma. Read More

Unmasking the Debt Ceiling: A Political Stunt or Fiscal Reality?

The U.S. debt ceiling has been a hot topic of debate in recent years. Despite the serious overtones attached to this topic, is it possible that the hullabaloo surrounding the debt ceiling is more of a political maneuver rather than a genuine fiscal concern? Let’s delve into the history and the underlying constitutional provisions to find out. Read More