A Tale of Two Economies Some recent economic news is showing an increasing split in various  fundamentals. The US economy is gaining steam while the European economy is slowing down.  Unemployment is down in the US, up in Europe.  GDP growth is up in the US, down in Europe, with some countries in recession.  US …Read More

The Talk You Didn’t Have with Your Parents Money is a difficult subject to talk about, but it’s especially difficult with our aging parents and relatives. Why is it hard? Privacy, independence, mortality, reversal of roles. It might reveal a lack of knowledge, or past mistakes. It might be an acknowledgement of diminishing capacities. And …Read More

Are You in Your Element? Can you answer these two questions: 1.  What do you love to do? 2.  What are you good at? Sir Ken Robinson, in his new book The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, says answering these questions is one of the keys to a  joyful and engaged life.  If …Read More

The Perfect Summer Drink No one has a gin and tonic in the middle of February. It’s a special pleasure, reserved for a warm summer day, outside, overlooking the ocean or lake (at least in your imagination). It’s easy to make:  gin, tonic, lime.  No trendy, expensive ingredients, right? Yes, but.  In a recent New York …Read More

Waypoint Quoted A reporter for Fidelity.com called me last week to ask about changes in investment strategy as a result of the recent run-up in US stocks.  My comments appeared in the article on Fidelity’s web site today. His questions prompted me to write in more detail about that strong performance so far this year, …Read More