Nearly 600 years ago Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press and in so doing, sent thousands of hard-working scribes to the unemployment line. This was not the first or the last time new technology would replace human laborers. Today, massive John Deere tractors do the work formerly done by hundreds of farm workers, and they…
DetailsSeventeen years ago, I began writing a weekly financial column for a local paper. The editor at the time cautioned me that few appreciated the challenge of producing a weekly column and predicted that I would tire out after about three months. Since then that editor has been replaced three times, the paper sold twice…
DetailsMost of us were taught by our parents to be careful where we express our religious and political views. We seem to be living in a corporate world where some executives are not remembering their parents’ advice. A political hot topic being discussed on Wall Street and elsewhere today is DEI – Diversity, Equity and…
DetailsI’ve been writing a pamphlet on the questions people most frequently ask us. Today I came to, “Can I afford to retire?” This may actually fall in the top three right alongside, “How can I spend all my money so my kids won’t fight over it?” I will save that one for later. Asking your…
DetailsI promised when I discontinued writing my long-time newspaper column, that I would continue writing exclusive articles for our clients and friends. I want to share today an opportunity that has presented itself that I feel many will want to take advantage of. For many years we lived with very low interest rates. During that…
Details(Reprinted from 2018) I attended an airplane convention a couple weeks back and, as usual, I looked for the economic aspect of all I saw. Airplanes are expensive machines and the revenue numbers from the manufacturers can be a strong indicator of our economy. When times are bad, sales can be dismal since businesses not…
DetailsI visited a high-rise hotel with floor to ceiling windows. As I looked out the window, I was suddenly hit with my fear of heights that had me quickly stepping away. After a moment I slowly approached again, trying to overcome my fear so that I could see the beautiful view. The following day, I…
DetailsFor those in Washington reading, here is my economic Christmas wish list for 2023. Stop raising interest rates. Last year I wished for higher interest rates and I am pleased we now have those. I feel we are back to a more balanced position. Higher interest has made borrowing a bit painful, as it should…
DetailsI was very busy this week and didn’t have time for lunch so I pulled into a fast food restaurant known for a certain famous burger that gives a lot of value for the price. After ordering one the cashier dutifully asked if I wanted to make it a meal, but I declined. “Just the…
DetailsEvery day I make little notes of investing ideas that come to mind based on what I see and hear. When I sit to write my weekly column, I draw on those notes which often cover more than the traditional interest and inflation rate news. Today I thought I would just open my notebook and…
Details