Today Pope Francis called for governments around the world to redistribute wealth to the poor in a new spirit of generosity to help curb the "economy of exclusion." He called on the United Nations to promote a "worldwide ethical mobilization" of solidarity with the poor - to promote a more equal form of economic progress [...]
This survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute offers some sobering statistics on the financial unpreparedness of the majority of Americans when it comes to their retirement. Sadly rather than a Darwinian solution our "leadership" in Washington will continue to attack and punish responsibility and success by taxing those of us who eschew the 120" TV in favor [...]
We've all heard the adage "it's a marathon - not a sprint." Sadly in our instant gratification society too many of us miss the importance of the sentiment. Investors often fall victim to impatience - usually through fear of missing out or falling behind. Emotional barriers to smart behavior are real and shouldn't be minimized [...]
On Sunday America will celebrate its unofficial national holiday - the Super Bowl. Somewhere between the GoDaddy and Bud Light commercials the Broncos and Seahawks will battle to see which team can score the most points over a span of 60 minutes. Rumors abound the NFL will introduce a new rule this year. At some [...]
Yesterday's NY Times included a provocative op-ed wherein a former Wall St trader describes his "addiction" to wealth. There's lots to like and loathe so whatever side of the argument you're on you're sure to find something that supports your opinion. What I found glaringly missing from the article are several important points: The so-called addiction to [...]
With apologies to David Letterman and Casey Kasem here are the top six reasons that motivate people to make charitable gifts according to an article by Alexandra P. Brovey - Senior Director of Gift Planning at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Foundation in Great Neck, NY: 1. Gratitude A large number of gifts are motivated by gratitude. Donors are quick [...]
The financial services industry product-pushers are at it again. Always be wary when "advice" is coming from someone who has a vested interest in you purchasing something.
"All the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives...choosing the shiny ones instead." "Hello, Springfield. Sorry to divert your attention from all the big noises and shiny things." Recognize the above? One of them? Both? The first is a lyric from Pearl Jam's "Thumbing My Way." The second is The Simpsons' Sideshow Bob interrupting the crowd at the air [...]
Were you confused about who can call themselves fee-only advisors? When you're done nodding you'll be comforted to know you're not alone. This past weekend The CFP Board stepped in with an attempt to clarify the issue after fumbling the ball last week. Never fear - bureaucracy is here! First we take a trip down [...]
It's time to face a painful truth. We're human and we're flawed. We like to think we can do no wrong but it simply isn't true. Even if we're "smart" we often do dumb things. How else to explain boy bands and "reality" TV?! If we didn't listen or watch it would go away. When [...]