Let’s get something straight right away.  My title is deceiving.  I don’t know what the stock market is going to do next.  Neither does anyone else, although there are plenty of people who will try to persuade you otherwise.  Predicting the Super Bowl winner is a lot easier—and most people lost that...

How the Fed’s Decision Affects You

by Mack Courter on

85%.  That is the probability that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates after their meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday, according to futures market.  In case you’re wondering, the futures market is rarely wrong one week out.  So what does this mean for you?

You are probably hearing a lot...

How Thankfulness Makes You Rich

by Mack Courter on

On August 11, 2014, I was shocked to hear that actor Robin Williams committed suicide.  Annie and I love watching comedies, and Robin was always one of our favorites.  For some reason, I just assumed that a funny guy like Robin Williams was a genuinely happy individual.

As it happens so often, that...

Social Security Sneak Attack

by Mack Courter on

A couple months ago, I wrote about what it will take to make Social Security solvent.  I also predicted that Congress wouldn’t do anything until the 11th hour to fix Social Security.

I was wrong, at least to a certain extent.   

In a move that took just about everyone by surprise, our esteemed...

It’s 1998…Again

by Mack Courter on

The stock market (S&P 500 Index) is down almost 10 percent (as of last Friday) since its high in July.  You may be wondering what gives? 

Source: eSignal, 2015

If you read or watch the news, you’re told the reason is China.  China has been lowering their official economy’s growth rate over the...

Will Social Security survive?  This is a question that every sixty something year old is asking.  Last week, we discussed the Social Security Board of Trustees 2015 report.  Basically, either taxes need to increase 20 percent or benefits need to be reduced by 20 percent in order to shore it up for...

Social Security: Will It Survive, Part 1

by Mack Courter on

Last week was designated as “National my Social Security Week” by the Social Security Administration in an effort to encourage people to register with Socialsecurity.gov for online access.  In case you haven’t already done so, it’s a good idea. 

Appropriately, the Social Security Board of Trustees...

Insurance is Like a Parachute

by Mack Courter on

Someday, I’d like to go skydiving.  It’s one of those things on my bucket list that life just keeps pushing on to the back burner.   Perhaps this is something you’ve always wanted to do too.  Or perhaps the very thought of it gives you chills down your spine.

I know that if and when I do eventually...

It’s amazing how things change in 2,400 years.  Back then, Greece was on top of the food chain.  Now, they are rather close to the bottom.  I wonder if any of them reminisce about the “Good Ole Days” as they wait in line for their daily euro’s ($67 worth) at the ATM.  Probably not.

As we all know...

How to Spot a Crooked Financial Advisor

by Mack Courter on

After reading my last post, you know about avoiding investment newsletter scams.  But do you know how to spot a crooked financial advisor?

You can get a sense of whether or not someone is honest just by watching and listening to them. 

But if you want to make sure, there is only one question you...

Too Good to Be True

by Mack Courter on
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“How would you like to double your portfolio value in the next 12 months... and then... do it again every year thereafter?”

So began an email I received yesterday.  It went on to tell me I needed to sign up for their newsletter. 

We all see ads that play on our greed by promising great returns. ...

What’s better, a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA?  In my last article, we discussed why one is not necessarily better than the other.  They just have different features.  I wrapped it up with this paragraph:

What do you think benefits you more from a tax standpoint:  A tax deduction now in a...