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We are at a period in time when Congress and the American People must be made to understand that our current approach to Economic Recovery is killing the patient. Spending our way to prosperity is not the answer, as it is impossible.

During economically stressed times, the subject of “economic stimulus” plays a prominent role among inevitable political arguments. Whether the general public agrees with Washington’s elected officials is of little consequence, as Washington will inevitably do what Washington does – print money (electronically) and throw it around.

Investors often get too hung up on what an asset yields, as opposed to what the asset returns. Total return is the only type of return that matters in many cases. Don't make this costly mistake in your portfolio.

The term annuity refers to any financial asset that provides lifetime income to the owner. Lifetime income is among the goals set forth in any comprehensive financial plan.

Some Social Security benefit recipients must pay a surcharge for Medicare Part B. Dubbed the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), the additional premium requires involuntary extra “contributions” from some Social Security recipients.

Since 1997, the U.S. Government has been issuing Treasury Inflation-Protected Bonds (“TIPs”) to investors and savers who are interested in protection against a persistently rising cost of living. In the near term, returns on TIPs are likely to be virtually nonexistent.

The Cares act has made longer-term financial planning more complex, and it has opened up other opportunities as well. This is especially true due to recent stock market stress, which has caused many asset values to fall sharply.

For investors, Cares opens a window for Financial Planning opportunities not before seen in our lifetimes. Perhaps the item that will affect investors most is a one-year hiatus on Required Minimum Distributions.

As Americans, we are guaranteed certain freedoms by our Constitution including the incorporated Bill of Rights. Among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These encompass our right to patronize public establishments that we enjoy. Usurping those freedoms cannot be taken lightly, as once governments assume new and dangerous powers, if left unopposed, those governments will utilize their newfound powers again and again.