U.S. air superiority is a worthy goal, especially when it comes to protecting our shores. With Cuba only 90-miles away it's something I think about when I’m in Key West. And with the recent developments in China, explained here by our in-house weapons specialist Steve Schneider, our ability to defend our shores may not always be as easy as it is today. When four military aircraft crashed recently and another earlier in March—a Navy F-18 near naval station Key West—I’ve questioned how we can keep our "edge" if there’s not enough funding for training. We know the prior administration did not … [Read more...]
Digital Currency Risks: Sweden Considers Cashless Society
When you consider good governance vs bad governance, Sweden typically falls into the good camp. Life is pretty good if you’re a Swede. But a recent push by central banks to adopt a cash-free-society has put many on edge. Riksbank governor, Stefan Ingves, says going cash-less is for the “collective good” of society. “Most citizens would feel uncomfortable to surrender these social functions to private companies,” he said. “It should be obvious that Sweden’s preparedness would be weakened if, in a serious crisis or war, we had not decided in advance how households and companies would pay for … [Read more...]
Is Vanguard too Big?
Personally, I have had only one minor administrative error recently with Vanguard where they incorrectly deposited SEP-IRA money into my traditional IRA. I called them to explain their error, they pulled up the letter of instruction, recognized their mistake and made the correction. Problem solved. With record inflows of more than $1 billion per day in 2017, or $369.3 billion, some investors are wondering if Vanguard’s success is a problem. I don’t think that’s the case. In a transaction oriented business there are always going to be mistakes. They can be corrected. When I worked at … [Read more...]
How Many “Retirees” Will Keep Working?: Part IV
When Laura Sexton retired as a senior chief hospital corpsman in the US Navy, she applied her Navy skills to her new job: Lead ski-run groomer and snowcat operator at Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City. According to Sexton,” writes Nancy L. Anderson in Forbes “the Navy uses a three-step approach to learning anything that could serve us all well: See it, Do it, Teach someone else. First, you physically observe how to complete a task as it is explained (see). Second, you perform the task (do). Then, show someone else how to do it (teach).” The article continues: Many people want to (or need … [Read more...]
Trees don’t Grow to the Sky
Originally posted on Yoursurvivalguy.com. … [Read more...]
Why I’m Buying Vanguard GNMA
You always need to study your downside protection and do what’s difficult to do. Recently, I added half of my 2017 SEP-IRA contribution to Vanguard GNMA—a sizable addition to my overall GNMA position. I didn’t do it because I feel like I can predict where interest rates are headed. Who can? It’s all fine and good when the talking heads spout off about three or four rate increases this year and more to come next year, but in reality their advice doesn’t cost them a penny. If they’re wrong and the market crashes, like it did twice already this century, will they be there for you, or me for … [Read more...]
RAGE Gauge: March Full of Risk
Perhaps the second best gun salesman behind Obama is former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. While Mr. Stevens is calling for the repeal of the Second Amendment, real Americans are trying to figure out how to protect their family and their constitutional rights. Don’t delay in making sure your family and your portfolio are secure. My March Rage Gauge indicator continues to signal that risk is a four letter word that many are failing to pay attention to. Originally posted on Yoursurvivalguy.com. … [Read more...]
Join Me and Escape to Margaritaville🌴
Escape to New York City It sure is nice to change your latitude every now and then—New York City in this case—where, if you live in New England, you don’t have to go too far to change your attitude, or have it changed for you. Such was the case this weekend which included an exciting industry conference, a somber visit to the 9/11 Memorial, and as the name to Jimmy Buffett’s musical implies, an Escape to Margaritaville. Let’s Talk about that Attitude When I was a kid my dad was a real estate broker. I remember him saying how important a positive attitude was for his business. “You … [Read more...]
Ignore Bonds (at Your Peril) and Be Average, Like the Next Guy
Originally posted November 1, 2017. A phrase I often hear from prospective clients is, “I don’t understand bonds, but I know I need them, and that’s one of the reasons I’m talking with you.” There’s a lot of wisdom in that phrase. It’s like saying to your dentist, “I don’t understand root canals, but my tooth is killing me and I know I need one, and that’s the reason I’m sitting in this chair.” Knowing what we need is different from understanding how to do it. When I think back to when I first joined Dick Young’s management firm in 1998, he had a huge following of investors seeking … [Read more...]
Vanguard GNMA: There When You Need It
Yesterday the S&P 500 fell by 2.5%. At the same time, the Vanguard GNMA Index fund was up 0.2%. Having powerful counterbalancing bond funds like Vanguard GNMA in your portfolio can prevent you from taking massive hits to your wealth. Originally posted on Yoursurvivalguy.com. … [Read more...]
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