In Canada "seniors" (what an awful word!) are the new elite. Politicians pander to them. They get tax breaks up the yin-yang. They suck up most of the health care. Their employers can’t even kick them out the door - not that most need to work. They’re rich.
Read More »Have You Noticed? Stealth Taxation is Here! Here’s Why & Here’s How (+2K Views)
Financial Repression is a form of wealth confiscation and redistribution that is in some ways as effective as taxation - but the government never directly calls it that. It never appears in the budget (directly), and while it is dependent on a comprehensive network of laws and regulations - none of those go through the legislature with a stated intention of creating Financial Repression. So while the economic net effects are similar to a huge and comprehensive set of investor taxes being used to pay down the national debt, the "taxes" are never a campaign issue because voters and investors don't understand what is happening - they only feel the results. [In this article I lay out for you what is slowly developing and expected to escalate dramatically in the next few years.] Words: 5800
Read More »How much can I spend in retirement without running out of money? (+2K Views)
According to the 4 percent rule, retirees who withdraw 4% of their initial retirement portfolio balance, and then adjust that dollar amount for inflation each year thereafter, can create a paycheck that lasts for 30 years. The concept has recently been criticized given the fact that the current crop of retirees are entering retirement during a period of historically low interest rates so the question of how much a retiree can safely spend each year is now more important than ever. This article reviews the original concept and puts forth a number of variations to help you answer the question put forth in the title: How much can I spend in retirement without running out of money?
Read More »China’s Economy: the Good, the Not-so-Good & the Downright Ugly (+2K Views)
Much is written these days about the trials and tribulations of the economic miracle of China - but most is totally ignored. Take a moment to read these introductions to a number of such articles. You might find some of them well worth the time to read and reflect upon.
Read More »What Are the Pros & Cons of the NFL Giving Up Its Non-Profit Status?
Recently, the National Football League (NFL) announced it was giving up its non-profit status. This is a much-coveted designation because it exempts the entity from taxation but, as it turns out, the NFL will also gain considerable advantages. Here are four.
Read More »Don’t Mess With Texas! Initial Bill to Make Gold & Silver Legal Tender Approved
A bill that would make gold & silver legal tender in Texas passed the House of Representatives unanimously last week in a move towards reintroducing precious metals into the everyday lives of the citizens of Texas if they so choose.
Read More »Consider Your Risk Tolerance When Allocating Stocks To Your Portfolio – Here’s Why
There is a common notion that stocks, at least if held for a long-time, outperform other assets [and, as such,] should be the cornerstone of any long-term portfolio. [While that is indeed true,] it is best to focus first on how much you are able and willing to lose (i.e. what risk you are able and willing to bear) when determining the optimal allocation for your portfolio. [Only] then [should you] think about what potential investment returns you might be able to capture. [Let me explain.] Words: 1503
Read More »Research the Best Weather Locations To Retire To – Here’s How (+2K Views)
Weather and climate are important considerations for most people when they think about where they might retire. This short article provides you with 6 internet resources to research the weather wherever you might be considering moving or retiring, so you can make the best choice. Words: 380
Read More »10 Ways to Protect Your Hard Earned Money (+2K Views)
Consumers should follow a few basic rules to protect their money...Let's review 10 of them: Words: 620
Read More »4 Ways to Shelter Your Wealth & Pay Less Taxes (+2K Views)
Overall tax rates are going to continue creeping higher in the years ahead so take advantage of every legal means you can to shelter your wealth and watch it grow with as little interference from Uncle Sam as you can. Here are 4 such ways to do just that - pay less taxes!
Read More »