I’ve received many questions from readers during the past few months about real estate investment strategy during this economic crisis. The common thinking is that somewhere down the road a nasty inflation should return making real estate a smart inflation hedge. While I agree with the basic concept, I also believe there are many issues to be wary of…
Should I Buy Insurance From A Commission Salesperson?
The question of the week comes from a reader who asks, “Do you think the only kind of advisor one should hire is a fee based one? I was told by a commission person that when they have a client buy an insurance policy they HAVE to take a commission. Is this true?” To answer that question we must expand the discussion to make some important distinctions that will allow you to make smarter investment decisions…
The Parable Of The Mexican Fisherman And Investment Banker
Here’s one of my favorite stories – The Parable of The Mexican Fisherman – that brings much needed perspective to the wealth building game. It is short, fun and packs an important message. After the story you will find some related questions to help plan your own wealth and prosperity…
A Simple Idea For Greater Happiness
Today I’m going to deviate from the usual finance and investment expert stuff. I’ve been experimenting in my own life with a simple, little idea that is providing tremendous results and I wanted to share it with you. Let me illustrate the idea by sharing what happened to me the other night on a date night with my daughter…
What Causes Inflation And Why Should You Care?
For the first 400 years of our economic history inflation was benign at under one percent and then suddenly in the last 100 years it jumped dramatically. What caused the sudden and abrupt change in inflation? Simple – the Federal Reserve bank was established. Why should you care? Again simple, because inflation changes everything…
6 Steps To Recover From Financial Disaster
If you’re suffering from a serious financial setback recently don’t worry – you’re not alone and there is a solution. In fact, your path to recovery and prosperity is well worn with proven action steps. So let’s get started with the six steps you need to recover from financial disaster…
Is It Safe To Withdraw 4% From Retirement Savings?
How much can you withdraw from retirement savings each year without jeopardizing your financial security? Conversely, how much money do you need to retire so that you can afford your current level of spending? In this post I overturn the conventional rules of thumb and offer you another viewpoint…
Wealth Building Secrets Of The Forbes 400
I’m a junkie for anything claiming to divulge the secrets to building wealth. After all, my job is teaching you this stuff, right? So when Forbes magazine published an article analyzing the common characteristics among billionaires I was all ears. As it turns out, their lead characteristic was identical to an essential principle I teach…
6 Ways To Profit From An Economic Downturn
Smart wealth builders know how to make the best out of a bad situation. The natural and easy response during an economic downturn is to become despondent – but “natural and easy” is seldom profitable. Even in a recession you can find clever ways to extract economic advantage and position yourself for the next economic recovery if you just know what to look for…
New Bull Market Or Bear Market Rally?
The critical question for investors today is whether the current rally is a new bull market or just a correction of the recent bear market that has likely already run its course? To answer that question you must understand the following…
