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Retire On Track Column
Labrador vs. IRS
Labrador vs. IRS Some lawsuits are frivolous. Some are misguided. And some, even when they’re destined to lose, manage to shine a light on something very real.Take the recent case of a woman suing the IRS, arguing that her Labrador...
Read MoreA Billion Thank You’s
A Billion Thank You’s When we said it out loud for the first time, it gave us pause: “Aksala Wealth Advisors now manages a billion dollars of assets for local families.”A billion. That’s the kind of word you expect in a Washington...
Read MoreA New Fed Chair Comes Into View as the Stakes Rise
A New Fed Chair Comes Into View as the Stakes RiseThe end of Jerome Powell’s tenure at the Federal Reserve is no longer an abstract future event. With President Trump announcing his intention to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh...
Read MoreBuilding the Rails Casualties
Building the Rails Casualties If you were alive in the mid-1800s and overheard investment chatter in a saloon somewhere between St. Louis and Sacramento, you’d hear the same thing you hear today on CNBC, TikTok, or a Reddit forum:“This...
Read MoreThe Myth of the Perfect Market Call: Lessons From Michael Burry’s Big Short
The Myth of the Perfect Market Call: Lessons From Michael Burry’s Big Short Every generation has its market legend. In 2008, that legend was Michael Burry — the physician-turned-hedge-fund manager who spotted the structural fractures...
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Chuck Norris Taught Us That the Best Retirement Plan Is Never Stop Fighting
Chuck Norris Taught Us That the Best Retirement Plan Is Never Stop Fighting There’s an old internet joke — one of thousands, really — that goes something like this: *Chuck Norris doesn’t retire. Retirement retires from Chuck Norris...
Read MoreFinding Your “Enough” Number to Retire
Finding Your “Enough” Number to RetireOn a warm Saturday morning in Lakewood Ranch, Mike and Susan finally took a break from their hectic workweek. At 52 and 50, with two kids finishing college, they were closer to retirement than they...
Read MoreTax Savings for Florida Businesses
Tax Savings for Florida BusinessesIf you run a business in Florida, there’s a good chance you’re already doing the kind of work the IRS rewards — you just don’t know it yet. Whether you’re a manufacturer improving efficiency, a...
Read MoreNothing Grey About Paying Taxes
Nothing Grey About Paying Taxes The tax code is designed for options. Incentives. Choices. It is not accidental. Lawmakers use it to encourage certain behaviors and discourage others, whether that’s investing, hiring, building,...
Read MoreWhen AI Takes the Mound
When AI Takes the MoundBaseball has long marched toward the numbers: on-base percentages, pitch spin rates, exit velocity—you name it. And 25 years after Moneyball made sabermetrics mainstream, it’s official: AI has now made its...
Read MoreChina vs. USA. Tech, Loans, and the Shape of Power
China vs. USA. Tech, Loans, and the Shape of PowerWhen Beijing rolls out a new Five-Year Plan, it doesn’t just set the bureaucratic agenda—it sends a message to every provincial governor, corporate board, and banker about where the...
Read MoreBerkshire Hathaway’s Quiet Successor
Greg Abel: Berkshire Hathaway’s Quiet Successor, and Why Buffett Picked Him Over “Everyone Else”When Warren Buffett finally handed the CEO title of Berkshire Hathaway to Greg Abel on January 1, 2026, it didn’t feel like a sudden...
Read MoreThe Quiet Power of Kaizen
The Quiet Power of Kaizen: Japanese PhilosophyWhen we think about improvement, most of us picture bold resolutions, sweeping changes, or disruptive new ideas. But there’s another, quieter path to growth—one rooted in Japanese...
Read MoreAI Support
AI Support Every January brings a familiar ritual. Gym memberships spike, refrigerators fill with good intentions, and we promise ourselves that this will finally be the year we get things right. This year, however, there’s a new...
Read MorePlanning for Pets
Planning for Pets: How a Pet Trust in Florida Can Protect Your Furry FamilyFor many Floridians, pets are more than companions—they’re family. From Sarasota to Jacksonville, households include dogs, cats, birds, and even tropical...
Read MoreNo Prizes for Dying With the Biggest Bank Balance
No Prizes for Dying With the Biggest Bank BalanceLet’s face it—there’s no medal waiting for you at the pearly gates that says “Most Money Left Unspent.” Yet up and down the U.S., especially among the wealthiest households, that’s...
Read MoreWhen the Dow Goes Up, but the Transports Go Down — What’s the Market Really Saying?
When the Dow Goes Up, but the Transports Go Down — What’s the Market Really Saying? You’ve probably seen the financial headlines: “The Dow hits another high" That’s usually followed by a comment about how the economy must be humming...
Read MoreWhat is a RILA? A Commonly Used Option for Retirement Savers
What is a RILA? A Commonly Used Option for Retirement SaversWhen it comes to retirement investing, many people face a dilemma: they want growth that keeps pace with the market, yet they’re wary of losing money in downturns. Enter the...
Read MoreThe Duty of Care Rule: Raising the Bar for Financial Advice
The Duty of Care Rule: Raising the Bar for Financial AdviceWhen you sit down with a financial advisor, you’re often trusting them with more than numbers on a balance sheet—you’re trusting them with your future. That’s why the Duty of...
Read MoreWhy a Corporate Trustee May Be the Wisest Gift You Can Leave Behind
Why a Corporate Trustee May Be the Wisest Gift You Can Leave BehindMost of us spend a lifetime building wealth, homes, and family traditions with the hope that what we’ve built continues on smoothly. Yet one of the most overlooked...
Read MoreHulk Hogan: The Business Behind the Bandana
Hulk Hogan: The Business Behind the BandanaWhen most people think of Hulk Hogan, they see the handlebar mustache, yellow bandana, and the thunderous leg drop that made him a global icon. But behind the 24-inch pythons and the “Whatcha...
Read MoreThe Private Equity Access in Retirement Plans: Considerations for investors
The Private Equity Access in Retirement Plans: Considerations for investorsPrivate equity is knocking on the doors of your 401(k), dressed up in slick marketing and lower investment minimums. Supposedly, it’s a...
Read MoreWhat It Really Takes to Join the S&P 500 — and Why It Matters
What It Really Takes to Join the S&P 500 — and Why It MattersWhen a company is announced as a new member of the S&P 500, the news often makes front-page headlines. For executives, it’s a moment of validation. For investors, it can...
Read MoreTechnology and Power Infrastructure
Technology and Power InfrastructureHere’s the short version: Recent U.S. policy actions have addressed aspects of the nuclear regulatory framework, developments that may be relevant to ongoing discussions around data center power needs...
Read MoreThe Business of FBI & CIA
The Business of FBI & CIA: Quiet Forces interwoven in America’s EconomyIt has become almost a joke in popular culture to talk about the “deep state.” Usually it’s said with a wink or a grimace, depending on who you ask. But here’s a...
Read MoreIf Only You’d Tokenized That Ken Griffey Jr. Card
If Only You’d Tokenized That Ken Griffey Jr. CardThe other day I saw a startup selling fractional ownership in a pair of Air Jordans. Not the kind you lace up and wear. No—these are sealed in a vault somewhere in Delaware, probably...
Read MoreUncle Sam Buys a Stake in Intel
Uncle Sam Buys a Stake in Intel: What It Means for “Free Markets” We like to think of the U.S. economy as one big free-market arena: the best companies rise, the weak ones fall, and Washington just sets the ground rules. But that story...
Read MoreYou Only Get Three Currencies
You Only Get Three Currencies—Hint not Bitcoin or Gold. Let me ask you something: What do you really have in your bank account? I’m not talking about your IRA or your checking balance. I mean your life bank account. Because at the end...
Read MoreSlopes, Stories, and Square Footage
Slopes, Stories, and Square Footage: How Ski Condos Are Evolving with the Times There’s something magical about a ski condo. Maybe it’s the scent of pine mingling with woodsmoke, or the way snow muffles the world outside while laughter...
Read MoreBudgeting for Boating
There’s something about being on the water that can’t quite be replicated on land. The rhythm of the waves, the wind on your face, the hum of a well-tuned motor—whether you’re chasing a tide, fishing a flat, or just anchored off a...
Read MoreThe Big Beautiful Bill and the Big Opportunity
If you’ve ever felt like everything shifted overnight—tax laws, investment dynamics, retirement realities—you’re not imagining it. The Big Beautiful Bill, signed July 3, 2025, may seem like political theater, but for affluent families,...
Read MoreThe Big Beautiful Bill
The Big Beautiful Bill Just Passed — Here’s What It Means for Your Taxes, Withdrawals, and Family Strategy On July 3rd, 2025, Congress passed a sweeping federal tax reform package nicknamed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” While the name has...
Read MoreStablecoins
Stablecoins Are Coming for the Middlemen If you’ve never heard of stablecoins, you’re not alone—but if you’ve ever paid a bank fee, tapped your card at a checkout, or wondered why sending money takes days, then stablecoins matter to...
Read MoreGlobalization
Globalization When we stroll down the aisles of our local supermarket, pause to browse electronics, or flip through streaming services at home, we seldom stop to think about how seamlessly international cultures and products have...
Read MoreU.S.-China Financial Dance
U.S.-China Financial Dance The economic relationship between the United States and China is one of the most closely watched and influential financial dynamics in the world. It’s not just about shipping containers full of electronics or...
Read MoreEggs In One Basket
Eggs in one basket, hell maybe not even the same type of chicken…. When building an investment portfolio, the most successful strategies begin with a deep understanding of your overall household financial situation—not just what’s in...
Read MoreOvechkin, Gretzky, and the Business of Playing the Long Game
Ovechkin, Gretzky, and the Business of Playing the Long Game Alex Ovechkin did what once seemed impossible—he broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record. That’s 895 goals. Say it again: eight hundred ninety-five. Gretzky’s record...
Read MoreA Florida Dad’s Take on the 8th Grade DC Trip
A Florida Dad’s Take on the 8th Grade DC Trip, By a (Very Tired) Proud Parent. When I volunteered to chaperone my daughter’s 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., I had visions of meaningful moments—quiet reflection at the Lincoln Memorial...
Read MoreS&P's Allstar Team
The Aksala Focus 50 Strategy: A Simpler Way to Capture Market Strength. The “Allstar Team” At Aksala Wealth Advisors, we believe smart investing doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why our Focus 50 Strategy is built on one of the...
Read MoreThe High Cost of Hiring: Time, Money, and the Search for the Right Fit
As a business owner, I’ve learned that finding the right person to join your team is one of the most critical—and challenging—tasks you’ll face. While we’ve been incredibly fortunate to attract and be referred to amazing advisors and...
Read MoreChina's DeepSeek: The AI Revolution Shaking Silicon Valley
In the annals of technological rivalry between nations, a new chapter is being written. Just as the space race captivated the world in the 1960s, today's battlefield is artificial intelligence, and China's DeepSeek has just fired a...
Read MoreWEP & GPO: Let’s take a deeper dive
Hey there, fellow readers! Have you heard the buzz about the recent shake-up in Social Security? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into some exciting news that could put more money in your pocket if you're a public sector...
Read MoreThe Hidden Wealth of Sarasota: A Fresh Perspective on Riches
Let's chat about something that might make you chuckle – the idea that we're all secretly loaded. No, I'm not talking about hitting the jackpot or finding a long-lost rich uncle. I'm talking about the everyday luxuries we often...
Read MoreWest Coast Florida Islands: Ownable Gems Only Accessible by Boat
Florida's west coast is dotted with picturesque islands that offer a lifestyle unlike any other below are a few only hours from Sarasota Herald Tribune HQ. For those looking to own a piece of this paradise, there are a select few...
Read MoreFlorida Gators is big Business!
As a financial advisor, I often find myself drawn to the fascinating intersection of sports and economics. Recently, the University of Florida’s thrilling victory in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four highlighted exactly why this...
Read MoreTrumpi-ness, refinancing gamble?
Hey there, welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re diving into one of the hottest topics in the economic arena: Trump’s 2025 strategy. There’s been a lot of chatter recently about his aggressive tariff measures—not just as a tool for...
Read MoreThe Secret World of Trust Laws: What You Need to Know
When it comes to managing wealth, protecting assets, or planning for the future, trusts are one of the most versatile tools available. But did you know that where you set up your trust can significantly impact its privacy and...
Read MoreSarasota Real Estate: A Market on the Move
Sarasota, Florida, known for its gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches and vibrant arts scene, is seeing plenty of action in its residential real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a luxury seeker, or an investor, there’s a...
Read MoreAmerican Vices, Recessions, and the Impact of Trump's Alcohol Tariffs
When the economy takes a pause, American consumers don’t stop spending—they just spend differently. Historically, during recessions, people cling to their small luxuries, a phenomenon economists call the "lipstick effect." When big...
Read MoreMary and Joseph
The story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus is familiar to many, but beyond its spiritual significance, it carries valuable economic lessons. This narrative, found in the Gospel of Luke, describes how a...
Read MoreThe Power of Rising Dividend Investing in the U.S.
Let’s talk about one of the most reliable and rewarding investment strategies out there: rising dividend investing. This strategy isn’t just about getting regular income from your investments—it’s about watching that income grow over...
Read MoreInvestment Decisions are Tax Decisions
Florida's unique tax environment offers significant advantages for high-net-worth individuals and retirees. Here are ways to maximize these benefits. Taxes and investments are inseparable and important to consider both when building...
Read MoreThe Dogs of the Dow Strategy: A Timeless Approach vs Self-Directed Investor Strategies
The “Dogs of the Dow” strategy, introduced by Michael B. O’Higgins in his 1991 book Beating the Dow, has long been a favorite among income-focused investors seeking simplicity and reliable returns. Rooted in a disciplined, rules-based...
Read MoreGulf of America
The Gulf of Mexico has always been more than just a body of water for those of us living along its shores. It's a lifeline for our economy, a source of natural beauty, and a piece of history that connects us to the past. But did you...
Read MoreWelcome to Florida
Welcome to the Sunshine State! As a financial planner, I'm here to guide you through the unique financial landscape of Florida. Let's create a comprehensive plan that accounts for the state's distinctive tax benefits and cost...
Read MoreThe Federal Reserve: The Mysterious Wizard of Retirement Finance
Ah, the Federal Reserve—fondly (or not so fondly) known as the Fed. To most retirement-aged investors, the Fed is a mythical creature akin to Bigfoot, lurking in the financial wilderness and occasionally causing markets to quake with...
Read MoreTax Free Retirement
Retirement Savings Get a Boost: 2025 IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits Announced As we approach 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled new contribution limits for retirement savings accounts, offering Americans...
Read MoreDon’t Knock the Boots
The Manatee and Sarasota County Fairs are annual highlights for locals and visitors alike. These events celebrate agriculture, arts, and community spirit while offering endless fun for families. If you’re planning to attend,...
Read MoreFlew the coop
In recent years, the trend of raising backyard chickens has gained popularity among homeowners seeking a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether for fresh eggs, companionship, or a deeper connection to nature, keeping chickens offers many...
Read MoreYour Digital Assistant….
In an era of rapid technological advancement, large language models AI (LLMs) are emerging as powerful tools to assist people with their daily tasks, revolutionizing how we approach routine activities and enhancing our overall...
Read MoreThe Season of Giving
Creating a charitable fund is a fantastic way to make a lasting impact on your community, and with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Manatee Community Foundation, you have some excellent options to choose from. It's like...
Read MoreIt’s the Best of Times and the Worst of Times for Novice Investors
It’s never been easier for new investors to get started in the markets. Stock commissions have dropped to zero at most discount brokers, annual account fees are almost eliminated, and minimum balances are almost a relic of the past. We...
Read MoreAnalyze Your Cash Flow Like a Boss
In last week’s column, I wrote about why it’s a good idea to draw up a spreadsheet of what you own and what you owe and how to do it. To recap, it’s a great way to evaluate your current finances and an important first step toward...
Read MoreIt’s Time to Check On Your Net Worth
Have you ever heard the phrase “asset rich, but cash poor”? It’s easy for people to fall into the trap of owning a ton of stuff while still struggling to pay the bills. There’s another extreme, too: that of having no problem paying...
Read MorePlenty of Checks, Few Balances Are What’s Driving Inflation
My heart breaks for all Sarasotans who were or continued to be affected by Hurricane Debby. If you are one of them, you are in my prayers. Our beautiful Manatee County will recover better and stronger than ever and deservedly so. We’re...
Read MoreI Owe, I Owe. But It’s For Positive Cash Flow
An acquaintance of mine thinks a home mortgage is the best deal on the planet: “Look,” he says, “The bank loans you 80% or more for the purchase price of a house. Then you pay them back in funny money for the next 30 years. In the...
Read MoreWhat Monthly Payment Can You Take From Your Portfolio?
You’ve been putting aside money for years, hopefully enjoying a decent rate of return, and it’s finally time to start thinking about spending down some of that hard-earned money and maybe upping your monthly budget a bit. Many...
Read MoreEarnings Are Great. Cash Flow Is Better.
Financial reporters and stock analysts obsess over earnings, but be careful about reading too much into earnings reports. Yes, earnings are profits, but they’re imprecise, slightly fudgeable little beasts that sometimes only provide an...
Read MoreYou Have a Great Business Idea
How many times have you had a business idea pop into your head that seemed like a sure thing? Is there some idea just rattling around in your head that you just can’t let go of, but you’re also not quite sure what to do next? Most...
Read MoreComparing index funds to individual stocks
The default advice from many financial advisors is to invest in low-cost index funds, because most investment managers fail to beat the S&P 500 Index after costs over the long haul. According to the most recent S&P Dow Jones Indices’...
Read MoreHave You Herd About This Moo-ving Tax Law?
My 13-year-old daughter, Olivia, is a fan of the great outdoors, and there are few better places to enjoy being outdoors than here in Manatee County. Olivia's passions are boating and riding ATVs. I’m happy to support that because I’m...
Read MoreJust Keep Kicking, Says a Wealth Coach and Proud Soccer Dad
Last week I marveled at my daughter Savannah’s dancing and how competitive dancing has a lot in common with tax planning. If you’re catching up, the takeaway was that while both competitive dancing and building wealth can tolerate a...
Read MoreWho Knew Dance and Tax Planning Have Anything in Common?
My daughter Savannah is prepping for her solo at Jump Dance Studio in Lakewood Ranch, and I’m slumped down in my chair exhausted just watching her practice. I wouldn’t dream of trying those moves. Forget it. No way. My back is tensing...
Read MoreCompetition can hit profits
Those most startled by Telsa’s plunge from the $400 area in late 2021, to around $175 as I write this, are learning an important lesson about capitalism, and one that I hope sticks with them for the rest of their investing careers. The...
Read MoreSnowbirds take a look at the Lady Bird...
The "Lady Bird Deed" (also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed) is a legal instrument gaining popularity in Florida due to its many benefits in estate planning, particularly in avoiding probate, aiding Medicaid planning, and managing...
Read MoreDreams and garages
Owning a boat or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) presents thrilling opportunities for adventure, but many enthusiasts find themselves unprepared for the financial commitment these vehicles require beyond the initial purchase. When it...
Read MoreQuantitative Tightening-A Bondholders Tale
As the Federal Reserve embarks on a journey of quantitative tightening (QT), those invested in intermediate corporate bonds, particularly through mutual funds, face a sea of challenges and uncertainties. Let's explore what QT means for...
Read MoreUncle Sam, The bench, The Feds, The Hill, and Generally the Powers that be in Florida…
Ever wonder how decisions are made in the sunny state of Florida and how they affect you directly? From laws that shape our day-to-day lives to the enforcement of those laws, Florida's government plays a pivotal role. Let's delve into...
Read More1031 Tax Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
The 1031 exchange is often discussed in the real estate investment sector. This tax-deferral mechanism allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on an investment property when it is sold, as long as another "like-kind" property is...
Read MoreStaying faithful to the IRS—difficult, but worth it
Tax season is over, and we couldn’t be happier. For all the ways the IRS has attempted to make computing and paying taxes more convenient in recent years, our tax code remains vexing. And I haven’t noticed any lack of frustration about...
Read MoreDebt in retirement—maybe it isn’t all bad
Home ownership has changed significantly in recent years. Supply and demand are no longer in balance, and home prices continue to rise. In Florida, the median single-family home is selling at about 4% higher compared with a year ago....
Read MoreDevelop your budgeting superpowers
Last week I watched a big-budget superhero movie. It cost a couple of hundred million to make and lost a ton of money. The movie was fine, but I can’t conceive of spending that much money on something so forgettable—especially when,...
Read MoreLet’s rebuild our skilled labor force
Last month I contacted a friend who lives in the Chicago area. He’s been trying to make extensive renovations at this home for a couple of years, but for the past two months his kitchen and downstairs bathroom have been awash in dust...
Read MoreA Taxing Question at the Masters
Golf is interesting to watch when players are confronted with difficult choices. With the Masters around the corner, one of my favorite choices occurs on the course’s 15th hole, called Firethorn. The 15th is a par-5, 550-yard hole that...
Read MoreThey might not “need your rockin’ chair,” but they’ll need your help
Country singer George Jones had a hit record with “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” where he sings, “This grey hair don’t mean a thing.” I can understand the sentiment. All around us in this area of Florida are vital, active older...
Read MoreSaving for college is like the Super Bowl
I’ve seen a lot of discussion about how the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl because the San Francisco 49ers chose to take the ball first in overtime. Long story short, you usually want the ball second in overtime because you know...
Read MoreMeta isn’t your father’s dividend stock
Dividend stocks have a stodgy reputation: low-growth, boring companies that provide steady income and little else. So when Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced its first dividend, the financial press...
Read MoreThe growth in private credit investments
In the past I’ve mentioned that adverse conditions in one area of the market can create opportunities elsewhere. For example, the increased interest rates we’ve suffered has hurt in lots of ways, but this environment has...
Read MoreWorking beyond 65? Plan ahead for health insurance
One of the biggest changes in retirement planning is that more and more people are working past typical retirement age. At the beginning of 2023, 19% of Americans aged 65 or older were still employed, according to the Pew Research...
Read MoreLegacy planning doesn’t need to be a “Good Doctor” episode
When you’re a surgeon, you tend to see medical issues through the lens of a surgeon, with the scalpel as your tool in trade. There might be a different solution, however. Maybe you don’t need Dr. Shaun Murphy from...
Read MoreLook Beyond the Headlines for Opportunities
A year ago Wall Street analysts expected the S&P 500 at the end of 2023 to be up 13% from 2022. There’s still time for the index to drop before the end of the year, but as of early December they year-to-date increase was almost...
Read MoreWhen giving to charity, no need for a rose ceremony
I can’t get away from these wedding and marriage TV reality shows. They’re seemingly everywhere. Some of the most popular involve a man or woman giving away roses to potential future spouses, culminating either in a...
Read MoreMy personal Star Search
I don’t spend much time anymore at malls or brick-and-mortar retail outlets. You probably don’t, either. We’re doing more shopping online and don’t care to brave the demolition derby experience of large parking...
Read MoreMarket for variable annuities melts down
Remember fondue? It’s been ages since I had it, and I think I have a pot with a set of fondue forks collecting dust somewhere. But at one time fondue was really popular, and a date at a fondue restaurant was considered the height...
Read MoreWhy Mutual Funds Underperform the Market
Either you or your neighbor will be interested in this column, because about half the households in the U.S. had investments in mutual funds last year. That’s up significantly from the past few years, when the percentage was in...
Read MoreNever say never with NVIDIA
In a solid but unspectacular year for stocks, it’s hard to ignore what NVIDA has done. While the S&P has gained in the 11% range for the year to date, NVIDIA’s price has soared about 450%. You might be kicking yourself for...
Read MoreDon’t just buy life insurance—be strategic about it
Many people don’t put a lot of thought into their life insurance. They choose it, pay the premiums, and tend to think of it only in terms of providing financial security for the policy’s beneficiaries. But it might be worth...
Read MorePutting thought into your annual gifts
As we head into the home stretch of 2023, you should start thinking about some of the year-end financial decisions that can impact your taxes and estate. One of the common tasks I see clients working on from now until year-end is...
Read MoreWarning signs for commercial mortgage-backed securities
Remember the financial crash of 2007-08 that began with the collapse of mortgage-backed securities? I won’t say we’re on the precipice of anything that drastic, but it’s time to take a look at your exposure to...
Read MorePlan for a healthier, longer life
Our expectations of when we’ll die has a lot of implications for our financial planning. Few people want to think deeply about the subject, but it’s important to several facets of a plan. When we’ll take Social...
Read MorePreferred shares: a hybrid option
With a potential decrease in interest rates in the coming months, an intriguing investment opportunity might be preferred shares of stock. This class of stock isn’t discussed much, maybe because they aren’t widely issued....
Read MoreWhen’s It Time to Refinance?
In early July the government reported that overall inflation in June was 3% on an annual basis. That continued a sustained drop in inflation, which was pretty good news—even in the wonky housing market. There’s still a long...
Read MoreWhen the economy changes, look for the winners
One of the most satisfying aspects of investing is benefiting from opportunities when the economy transforms. During the pandemic, for example, a lot of businesses adopted remote work as an option. In recent months we’ve started...
Read MoreYour Emergency Fund: How Much, Where to Keep it
We talk a lot in our business about planning for events 20, 30, 40 years down the road. But the reality is that when you’re putting together a financial plan, one of the first orders of business should be to get an emergency fund...
Read MoreMidcaps can provide the best of both worlds
My family was at a school gathering when we introduced ourselves to another family. The family’s teenage girl told us her name, following up with a sarcastic (I think), “I’m the troubled middle child.” The...
Read More4 stocks are taking charge in 2023
Remember the debt ceiling scare? We’ve gone from a panic in some circles that a government standoff will cause an economic collapse to “never mind—everything’s fine.” Meanwhile, after a deal was reached,...
Read MorePersonal business isn’t an oxymoron
Sure, you’ve heard of Walmart, Nike, and Apple. But small businesses actually account for about 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. There are around 33 million of them. Many of those small businesses are owned and led by people working...
Read MoreThe dollar: still No. 1
About two years ago I made the mistake of getting into an argument with someone who believed that cryptocurrency was the future. Pro tip: Never argue with the crypto crowd. They have more time and energy than you do to spend on their...
Read MoreInflation might wane, but prices can stick
The March numbers suggest that inflation might be easing, with an annual rate of increase at 5% for the month. That’s down from 6% in February and below the expected rate of 5.3%.Despite the positive headlines, a word of caution....
Read MoreBuilding Good Financial Habits
I was talking with an advisor who works with families that have generational wealth. He said that over his career, he’s noticed that the younger generations of these families have become increasingly concerned about the impact...
Read MoreThe SVB Failure Hits a Raw Nerve
What I like most about the banks I use is that I hardly ever think about them. It’s there to handle certain services for me and my business. They take my money and invest it, but it’s always there when I need it.At least, I...
Read MoreA Changing Market for Long-Term Care Insurance
The pandemic has changed a lot of things about our lives. One of those changes concerns our attitudes about long-term care insurance (LTCI). According to a Forbes article, during the pandemic people have inquired more about LTCI,...
Read MoreIs This Recession Rolling?
One of the benefits of getting older is that it’s easier to say “I don’t know” than it used to be. So when a client asks me about where the economy is headed, I have no problem saying I have no idea. I suspect...
Read MoreAnnuities and the Flight to Safety
One of the certainties in investing is that you pay a high price for certainty. You might crave it, understandably, but to get a high return you have to put up with a lot of risk. Amid a losing year for both stocks and bonds—a...
Read MoreThe Best Teacher: Real Stocks, Real Money
When groups concerned with financial literacy try to improve the next generations’ interest in investing, the conversation inevitably turns to the stock market game. You’ve seen it: Make your stock picks for the coming year...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: Building a better bridge to retirement
One frequent complaint about Washington is that spending bills are laden with legislation and funding for projects that are unconnected with the bills’ intent, often included to obtain support from particular politicians or...
Read MoreCrypto’s Kryptonite: Common Sense
Readers, lend me your ears: As Antony said about Caesar, I come to bury crypto, not to praise it. OK, it’s an overstatement to say that crypto is dead. I have no idea what will happen to the digital currency, and the market for...
Read MoreYour 4% Withdrawal Strategy May Not Be Enough
YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...
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Why Would Anyone Buy a Bond Today?
It’s tough to be a bond investor when the ten-year Treasury note is yielding less than one percent. If you need to put cash to work, then your options are limited to either taking the income hit, accepting more risk, or locking...
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Underperforming? The Markets Might Just Not Be Into You (For Now)
With ads and articles constantly touting the importance of beating or at least keeping up with the Dow Jones or the S&P 500, you’re bound to become stressed if your funds’ or stocks’ performance is falling short....
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The Market Hits the Dirt
We all knew it had to happen sometime. With little news to point to, the stock market dug a hole for itself during several recent trading sessions. Much of the carnage centered around the stocks with the giddiest rises over the past...
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The Fed Moved the Goalposts
The Federal Reserve has a tough job but made its life—and possibly yours—a bit easier on August 27th at the Kansas City Fed’s symposium1. The Fed, remember, is somehow supposed to help the U.S. economy balance high...
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Fear of Missing Out?
As I write this, Amazon’s (AMZN) stock was up close to 78% on the year1, Apple (AAPL) was up by 69%2, and Netflix (NFLX) was up by 49%.3 Alphabet (GOOG), the parent company of Google, was up by a meager 18%.4 Come on, Google, get...
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What Index Funds Can’t Do
There’s good reason why index funds have become so popular. They can offer good value for the money. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices, 80% of United States large cap active funds didn’t beat the S&P 500 after costs over...
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There’s a Lot of Good News Baked into Stock Prices Today
Want to know how the market feels about the future? Have a look at how much investors are willing to pay for a dollar of profits1. That’s the price-to-earnings ratio. It’s simply the stock price divided by the...
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Those Beautiful Shipping Containers
I’m going to take a step away from being a discouraged news junkie this week and marvel at one of the world’s most underappreciated inventions: the humble shipping container, those ugly, stenciled and frequently rusty steel...
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The Weird Are Turning Pro
One of the frustrating facets of any crisis is the opportunity they offer hacks and charlatans to have their moment in the sun. As famed journalist Hunter Thompson once said, “when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro...
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When and Why Should You Swap Bonds?
Many bond funds trade constantly in search of higher yield or capital appreciation. Well, individual bondholders want upside, too. So, when might it make sense to sell a bond you already own to buy another? Though there are some rare...
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Icarus Versus the Opossums
This pandemic economy is getting quirkier by the minute. State mandates change daily and we have little idea whether or how the Senate will continue to open the Treasury’s wallet so freely. There may be a national wave of...
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America Adjusts
As divided as we are today, we do all share one thing in common: whenever we’re online, we scroll past dozens of little ads for overpriced facemasks. When I first noticed just how many ads for those things I’m bombarded...
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Politics and Your Portfolio
As if 2020 didn’t have enough on its plate, we’re approaching silly season. Yep, here comes the home stretch of the Presidential election cycle. True, it feels like it never really left, but we’re going to see a...
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A Fragile Recovery, But I’ll Take It
The National Bureau of Economic Research, a private but highly regarded think tank, finally noticed we went into a recession in February1. That announcement came on June 8, the same day the S&P 500 returned to being positive for the...
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The Life Cycle of Businesses (and why you should care)
Facebook today is very different today from the much smaller company that was born in Mark Zuckerberg’s dorm room. My, Mark Zuckerberg, how your child has grown. While Facebook’s growth has accelerated at an astonishing...
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What's Next?
Though it’s too early to label the rapid bounce off market lows from March 23 a recovery, it has been one heck of a rebound. From the March 23 low of 2,237, the S&P 500 has gained 32% as of May 26. The index still has close to...
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Can There Be a Half and Half Recovery?
On Monday, Governor DeSantis’s new social-distancing rules went into effect. I won’t debate about which provisions make sense and which seem arbitrary, nor am I a Constitutional scholar. But, like most other states, we are...
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It’s Generation Z o’clock
Every generation has its defining moment, be it President Kennedy’s assassination, the space shuttle disaster, September 11th and/or the Great Recession. Our older children are having their moment right now, and that impact will...
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Elon Musk said what?
It’s come time for another chat about America’s resident mad genius, Elon Musk. In the latest installment of “What Was He Thinking?,” Musk announced on May 1 via Twitter that he thought the stock of his company,...
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What Can Go Right
When the markets were skyrocketing to new heights, I reminded readers about the importance of diversification, managing risk and watching valuations. It wasn’t fun to be Sarasota’s “Debbie Downer” for a couple...
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Compassionate Capitalism During the Pandemic
In business school, aspiring executives are taught to put shareholder return first. The usefulness of the product or service plays a role only in how it increases sales and lowers returns and warranty claims. Under the harsh light of...
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Taking Sick Stocks’ Temperature
As you’ve surely noticed by now, I’m confident about the long-term strength in the economy, even if the short-term outlook is virtually unknowable. But as much as I believe in the economy, it’s naïve to think...
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Brave Investing In Tough Times
Here’s to the first responders, the doctors, the nurses, the aides and the orderlies. And thank you to everyone working the night shift at grocery stores. And we’ll always be grateful to the mail carriers, warehouse workers...
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Brave Investing in Tough Times
Here’s to the first responders, the doctors, the nurses, the aides and the orderlies. And thank you to everyone working the night shift at grocery stores. And we’ll always be grateful to the mail carriers, warehouse workers...
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Batten Down the Financial Hatches
When it comes to the long-term viability of the markets, I’m not worried. Most of us have lived through at least one or two historic market disruptions and that experience informs us. But the nation’s health experts...
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Stick with Your Plan
Over the past few weeks, my feelings have evolved from “meh” at first to “hmm” as markets fell hard enough to even make the bears scared to invest. I’m still at “hmm.” As I’ve stressed...
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Financial Distancing
My, how times have changed. Parents used to order kids to go out and give their phones a break. Now we have to tell them to stay inside and message their friends all day. I’m seeing memes that say, “Introverts, put down...
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The Care and Feeding of Your Bond Portfolio
Most bond investors don’t need to aggressively manage their portfolios, but bonds do need to be at least supervised. Interest rates change, tax losses can be harvested and, given enough time, long maturity bonds turn into short...
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...
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