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This was written (by me) nearly 2 years ago: September 11, 2016, 6:30 A.M. It was 15 years ago the world as we knew it changed forever. At least I wish it were forever. I remember where I was, and if you are old enough to be listening to this show, I’ll pretty much guarantee that you do, too. What did we learn from this, and what should we learn from the time since?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is probably the best known index for tracking the United States stock market. However, there are a few things about the Dow Jones that make it less than a perfect representation, and dare we say it, an irrelevant index.

How good is it out there? It is so good that the New York Times (no friend of this Administration) actually published this sub-headline regarding the job market; “We Ran Out of Words To Describe How Good It Is.”

On a recent Van Wie Financial Hour, and also in a recent Blog, we have discussed the topic of small business financing for startup and growth. Years ago, money was plentiful, entrepreneurs were able to fund their startups from individuals or local banks, and regulations favored growth and expansion for small businesses. Over time, regulations have become more onerous, startups diminished, and a large portion of entrepreneurial spirit has gone unsatisfied.

We have reported on hundreds of scams over the years, but they rarely directly affect people we actually know. That changed (again) this past week, when I was notified that a scammer had attempted to write a large check against our own personal Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Fortunately, in this case the financial institution was alert, noticed an unusual spending pattern, and contacted me immediately. We were able to immediately stop the transaction from clearing our account.

Recently, there was massive backlash on Twitter after an article ran on Marketwatch stating that you should have twice your yearly income saved by the time you are 35. This backlash got us thinking about the practicality of this advice. Was this goal even possible, and what would it actually take to accomplish it?

his week on the Van Wie Financial Hour radio show, we had a guest from Cincinnati who has such an interesting career that we asked him to share his insight with our listeners. Craig Beachler is an “Angel Investor,” which means that he provides capital to small businesses and startups, when customary lending institutions won’t make those loans.

“Sudden Money” happens to a small percentage of people every year, including winners of lotteries, investors in companies that become stock market sweethearts, entrepreneurs, inventors, and a few others. Some instantly wealthy people are completely unable to manage their “Sudden Wealth Syndrome,” and ultimately end up in worse financial shape than where they started!

We are closing out the month of April, which is remembered primarily for rain showers and income taxes. April has another important designation; one that is especially meaningful to us. April is Financial Literacy Month, timed perfectly to coincide with American’s annual obligation to pony up for the privilege of living in a free society, we are told.