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Recently, on economist Larry Kudlow’s popular Fox Business Channel TV program, he referred to a government bond that would yield nearly 10%. That rate is an eye-opener in these days of low-interest rates. He was referring to U.S. Government Series I Savings Bonds, or simply I-Bonds, in which the I stands for inflation protection. With […]

Americans are concerned about their futures, far more so than any time in the past several years. Much of today’s economic environment reminds me of the 1970s, and if there is any period of my life that I do not care to revisit, it would be the Richard Nixon through Jimmy Carter era. In far […]

Any and all personal beliefs aside, the U.S. has arrived at a time and place wherein Social Security’s viability is financially threatened. So far, all proposals to address the System’s financial problems have been met with the coldest of Congressional shoulders. Social Security is predicated on an ever-increasing number of young workers shoring up a […]

Elon Musk is a one-man entertainment bonanza, and the pursuit of Twitter is keeping his legend alive. Despite stiff headwinds from some of the company’s Board of Directors, owners, and employees, Musk charged ahead, all the while sporting his trademark, “I know something you don’t know,” grin. According to recent news, Musk has succeeded in […]

Back in 2019, we reported on a spreading phenomenon known as F.I.R.E., an acronym for “Financial Independence, Retire Early.” According to the “movement,” making certain current lifestyle adjustments would allow young workers to retire at age 40 and live happily ever after. Our comments at that time were very skeptical, as the idea seemed to […]

America is greying before our eyes. Baby Boomers are retiring at the torrid pace of around 10,000 per day. Unfortunately, not all of them are prepared for retirement, either emotionally or financially. In all too many cases, the two are interrelated. Financial preparation can ease the emotional transition from earning and accumulation to relaxing and […]

Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, we have been tracking Congressional changes in rules for retirement savers. Unlike many legislative issues, Congress has improved the landscape for participants in employer-sponsored Plans and owners of Individual Retirement Accounts. Pending right now is the SECURE Act 2.0, which will (if passed) expand the user-friendly features of […]

For over two years now, we have tracked Congressional reaction to the sudden and unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Washington, the 2020 Congress produced two notable pieces of legislation, CARES Act and SECURE Act (now called 1.0). As 2022 unfolds, Congress is considering revisions to SECURE 1.0 in a Bill dubbed SECURE 2.0. […]

Inheriting retirement assets presents a giant step toward a more comfortable retirement. In an era where post-working life is expected to run into decades, additional assets increase your odds of living a good lifestyle in post-career America. Inheritance is a two-way street. Generally involving the loss of a loved one, the financial benefit can produce […]