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 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
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
Negative News is the Greatest Challenge for Investors to Overcome
In today’s world, we are inundated with negative news at every turn. From political turmoil to natural disasters to economic uncertainty, it can be difficult to avoid the constant barrage of bad news. For investors, this can be especially challenging. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why living in a world of negative news is the greatest challenge for investors to overcome and what they can do to manage it. Read More
Social Security: Claim and Invest or Wait
As you approach retirement, one crucial decision you must make is whether to claim your Social Security benefits early and invest them or wait until age 70 to maximize your monthly benefit. This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of both options, taking into account factors such as delayed credits and the tax implications of receiving and investing Social Security benefits. Read More
FedNow & the Dangers of Government-Backed Digital Currency
The Federal Reserve is currently developing a new instant payment system called FedNow. This service aims to enable banks and financial institutions to offer real-time payments to their customers, allowing for the instant transfer of funds 24/7. FedNow could have a significant impact on how individuals manage their money, as it will make it easier and faster to send and receive payments, pay bills, and transfer funds between accounts. Read More
