All of us have an inborn drive to make sense of the world. We knit together theories of why things happen to provide anchors in uncertain times. This week we review some anchors to help understand stock market volatility and how markets work. It’s Not Easy. Everyone wants to make money, and especially to find
In football, most offensive plays are called in the huddle. When the offense lines up and the quarterback doesn’t like what he sees in the defensive formation, he may, from time to time, “call an audible.” Peyton Manning is one of the more famous quarterbacks for calling an audible with his waving of arms and
Market volatility has increased the last few weeks in response to concerns about Chinese growth. Mohamed El-Erian believes higher market volatility—up and down—is the new norm. Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab counsels investors to remain calm, and investors are reminded poor decision-making during times like these leads to underperformance. Why higher market volatility is
Last week I was in Yellowstone National Park—paradise to me—where the landscape is stunning, wildlife abundant, and natural history offers perspective. Last week was NOT just another week in paradise in the markets, however. This week we offer perspective on what occurred last week. Dog Days are Over: What a Week! The S&P 500 fell
Most people in full time jobs across all income ranges have a clear choice to make at some point in their lives–continue working full time or retire from their current employer. Some will be more prepared than others. This week we focus on emotional preparation for full retirement and a glide path for a staged
This time of year our extended family gathers for a reunion near Centerville, Tennessee. This year’s was bittersweet because it was the first gathering after the passing of the last of the eleven children of my grandparents. The stories we tell at family reunions can tell us a lot about ourselves, the qualities of lives
The Cumberland County Fair was a big deal in my youth. We saved our money all year so we could spend a wad of it at the midway on rides like the tilt-a-whirl, the bullet, and the rock-a-plane. In my adulthood, the pattern has repeated, but in a different way—August has been a month when
Every time my brother or sister calls, I brace myself for news about my mother’s well-being. What’s up with Mom? Is she OK? Should we call the neighbor to check on her? Are you sure we have an accurate account? We think we have all the bases covered, but do you? This week we cover
The keys to reaching financial independence are simple at their core, but not easy to attain. A few of the keys are: invest in your earning power; avoid lifestyle creep; get the big expenses right; and avoid major mistakes. This week we present personal stories of the retirement planning habits of some noted retirement specialists,
A new deal was announced Monday that averted Greece’s immediate exit from the Eurozone and the potential for contagion. This week we review the latest deal and why it may not work. Hard-Won Greek Deal Was the Easy Part. Greece agreed to important policy commitments in return for financial commitments. Implementation will be difficult and