Tensions in the Sand Pile

Tensions in the Sand Pile

Monday, June 9 At the bottom of an hourglass, the pile of sand grows with each new grain. The cone shape looks stable, but it’s not. Under the surface, instable paths form that will eventually trigger a collapse once there’s enough weight. Markets and economies...
RMD Avoidance: Red Flags and Dead Ends

RMD Avoidance: Red Flags and Dead Ends

I appreciate it when reputable financial advisors fight for their clients. It is a pleasure to see a well-educated, experienced professional leave no stone unturned when it comes to helping someone through a problematic situation. Such conversations can be inspiring....
A Warning Sign from Consumers

A Warning Sign from Consumers

May 26, 2025 People have their favorite ways to evaluate economics. But I suggest you forget the twists of tariff policy and what pundits are saying on the news to instead focus on one thing. This one thing will help you gauge the health of the economy and influence...
IRA Trivia: Missed RMD or Excess Contribution?

IRA Trivia: Missed RMD or Excess Contribution?

Here is an all-too-common situation that seems counterintuitive: A participant in a 401(k) retires and must take his required minimum distribution (RMD). This person requests that his entire 401(k) plan balance be directly rolled over to an IRA. The plan follows the...
Don’t Expect a V-Shaped Bottom

Don’t Expect a V-Shaped Bottom

May 19, 2025 Serious damage has been done to markets. The S&P 500 fell 21% by mid-April from its all-time high. Similarly, the Invesco QQQ Trust exchange-traded fund, which tracks big technology companies, has plunged 26%. Both major indices are now well below...