The Essence of Democracy

The Essence of Democracy

My readers know that I never write about politics.  However, having just lived through the most polarizing and divisive election in my lifetime, I felt an obligation to address this subject, since the actions of our elected officials can have a major impact on everyone’s financial future.   So I’m taking the liberty of providing advice…
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How Much House Can You Really Afford?

If you are in the market for a new home, especially your first one, you will be faced with a plethora of choices and decisions to make.  Location, size, style; there are so many variables that you may find the process overwhelming.  But the first decision you will face is how much house you can…
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Can The U.S. Government Go Bankrupt?

According to Time Magazine, the answer is yes. I refer to their recent cover proclaiming “Make America Solvent Again!” and touting our current $13.9 trillion debt level.  Sounds more like a rallying cry for a political candidate than an attempt to educate the public on economics.  But that’s pretty typical for the media these days. …
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Beware Of Lawmakers Trying To Protect Us

In the wake of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was signed into law by President Obama in 2010, there’s been a five-year fight going on in Congress pitting investor protection against Wall Street profitability. What bothers me significantly is the deceptive way one side appears to be framing the discussion.…
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The Downside of Strong Job Growth

The U.S. economy added 288,000 jobs in June, well ahead of most consensus estimates.  Even better, employment gains in April and May were revised upward by about 29,000.  The job gains were widespread across economic sectors, causing the overall unemployment rate to decline from 6.3% to 6.1% in June, a new post-recession low.  Notwithstanding the…
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U.S. Middle Class Losing Ground

The New York Times recently reported that the American middle class, long the most affluent in the world, has experienced much lower income growth over the last 30 years as compared to citizens of other advanced countries, and has now given up much of its lead. The wealthiest Americans, on the other hand, have been…
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