Welcome to the realm of finance, where the certitude of uncertainty reigns supreme. When it comes to predicting the stock market and economy, no one knows anything (with any real certainty). Let’s explore why. Read More
The Inflation that Never Leaves
Finding yourself surprised by the rising costs of everyday purchases? You’re likely coming face-to-face with the economic phenomenon known as ‘sticky inflation’. Read More
Don’t Fall for Fancy Math
Once upon a time, in the ever-fascinating world of finance, the siren call of complex charts and mind-boggling excel sheets beckon. Cloaked in a wizard’s robe, the financial planner appears with a twinkle in his eye, pulling you into the maze of retirement planning. They allure you with tales of turning your hard-earned $100,000 into a magical $1,000,000 retirement portfolio. And as mesmerizing as it sounds, I’m here to be your reality check. Don’t fret, the journey to the financial fountain of youth isn’t as arcane as it seems. So, buckle up as we deep dive into the wild world of retirement planning, debunking myths, and sprinkling reality checks along the way. Read More
The Federal Reserve & Inflation: 3 Reasons Why the Cure Might Be the Cause
Inflation is a complex economic phenomenon, often simplified as a general increase in the prices of goods and services over time. It is commonly believed that the Federal Reserve, or ‘the Fed’, has the tools to cure inflation. However, upon closer examination, one might discover that the methods used by the Fed to manage inflation can sometimes exacerbate the issue instead. Read More
The Role of Luck in Investing and Life
Luck, they say, is when preparation meets opportunity. As much as we all want to believe that our successes in life and investing are purely the product of hard work and strategy, there’s an undeniable element of luck involved as well. Luck is an intriguing aspect of financial planning and how it plays into the grand scheme of our lives. Read More
Why Rollover Your Employer Retirement Plan Into An IRA
In the world of retirement planning, one of the decisions that people often face is what to do with their employer-sponsored retirement plans when they leave their job. Whether you’re transitioning to a new employer or stepping into retirement, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about your retirement savings. One option that many individuals consider is rolling over their employer retirement plan into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Here, we delve into the reasons behind this popular choice. Read More
Why the Government Loves Your 401(k)
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” but when it comes to tax-deferred retirement accounts, it might seem like the government is offering just that. A closer look, however, unveils an intriguing retirement strategy that benefits both parties: the individual saver and the government. It’s a tale of tax-time savings for you and eventual tax revenue for Uncle Sam. Read More
Retirement Without Income SUCKS!
In the golden years of life, financial stability is paramount to maintaining your lifestyle and achieving true financial independence. Retirement planning plays a crucial role in securing this comfort, and the key to a successful retirement plan is a reliable, guaranteed income. While growth through investments such as the stock market is essential, they should not be the sole focus. Without a steady stream of income, retirement could be more of a challenge than a reward. Read More
Is the Stock Market A Casino
While the stock market is fundamentally an investment platform, certain investors approach it more like a casino than an investing (wealth creation) tool. While they are both fundamentally different, the misuse of the stock market can often blur these lines. Read More
Is There Stock Market Manipulation in the Short-Term?
In the complex world of stock markets, understanding the forces at play can be a challenging task. Among these forces, one topic that piques interest and raises eyebrows is stock market manipulation. With the democratization of stock trading and the rise of technology such as high-frequency trading, the question of stock market manipulation, particularly in the short term, becomes more pertinent. Read More
