SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS
To paraphrase Scottish novelist Andrew Lang, some people use statistics like a drunk uses lampposts—for support rather than illumination. Numbers can be twisted and abused to support false claims, and even correct data is sometimes misinterpreted.
June 30, 2014 at 9:59 a.m.
How to Die in Dignity Without Leaving Your Spouse to Starve
We’d all been waiting for the big day, but the chapel the ceremony took place in was very small—just a room with Christian symbols and a few chairs. My wife Jo's father was waiting for us in his hospital bed, grinning from ear to ear. Despite the feeding tube, he …
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid: The “Nuclear Solution” to Underfunded Public Pensions
With few exceptions, state and local pension funds are woefully underfunded. Five heavily populated states—California, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, and Texas—collectively lack $431.5 billion; money that won’t be paid out to hopeful pensioners.
Is It Time to Hide Your Money Under the Mattress?
“I don’t know what to do,” said my good friend Rob after inviting my wife Jo and me to dinner for the third time in two weeks. “I know I should do something. Every time I think about it, it scares the hell out of me! Maybe I should just …
How to Find Junk Bonds That Don’t Stink
When it comes to buying bonds, credit ratings aren't the only thing to consider—because what the bond rating agencies tell you is not the whole picture...
Retirement Guard Duty 101
Constant vigilance is imperative for seniors, savers and income investors. It allows for flexibility in response to market conditions when a coming storm threatens the security of investments. It’s possible to maneuver into a safer position when you know what’s ahead. Learn more about how to gain agility by recognizing …
Not All Debt Is Created Equal
Optimal diversification: We all want it. Diversification is, after all, the holy grail of portfolio management. Our senior research analyst Andrey Dashkov has said that many times before, and he echoes that refrain in his editorial guest spot below.
Do Not Let The Next Downturn Leave You Penniless
Having a good, balanced portfolio means having an investing strategy that brings healthy returns while protecting your nest egg from risk. The best possible way to protect any portfolio is by diversifying. It seems like a mantra to many, but many have never explored how diversification can protect them based …
10 Ways to Screw up Your Retirement
There are many common traps that retirees or soon-to-be-retirees fall into. We’ve laid out the top 10 here to help you avoid these pitfalls. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling into some of these traps – many have. But it’s important to be aware of them and plan …
Escape the Toy Trap
The toy trap: we all have friends who’ve fallen in. I received a wave of emails after publishing Debt: The Last Social Taboo?, all sharing similar sad stories.
Learn to Trust Your Own Financial Judgment
Keep this goal in mind as you read on: solid income and growth with minimal risk and no catastrophic losses. Just tuck it in the back of your head.
Why I REALLY Moved to Puerto Rico, and You Should Too
Much fuss was made yesterday when my colleague Nick Giambruno released a report outlining the incredible tax benefits to be had, by Americans no less (the only people in the world to be taxed back home even when we leave), in Puerto Rico.
What Is Worse Than Being at Risk?
You may have heard the old adage: “What is worse than being lost? Not knowing you are lost.” In that same vein: What is worse than being at risk? You guessed it! Not knowing you’re at risk.
Thin Your Waist to Fatten Your Wallet
Dieting is a four-letter word to many, but a necessary evil for an equal number of people. Losing weight is not only good for your health, it can also be good for your wallet. On average, people aged 65+ spend more than $5,000 per year on health-related expenses. Not all …
