“The problem with QE is it works in practice but it doesn’t work in theory.” – Ben Bernanke’s quip in his final public appearance as Chairman of the Federal Reserve One of the more dangerous phrases used in the investment world is ceteris paribus. All else is seldom equal and the market’s core narrative … Continued
“Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.” – Warren Buffett With Halloween fast approaching, it appears the stock market has decided to let one of its seemingly long lost goblins out of the closet – volatility. While most of us would prefer to … Continued
In the beloved 1956 musical My Fair Lady, Alfred Doolittle, the father of Eliza Doolittle, has one last spree before his own wedding. The familiar tune “Get Me to the Church on Time” is a plea to his friends not to let his merriment get in the way of his good intentions! Few things are … Continued
Like other sections of the tax code, the 1031 Exchange is increasingly familiar, if not always well-understood, and it can be useful in the right situation. Section 1031 describes the circumstances where exchanges of “like-kind” properties are permitted that can defer recognition of both capital gain and taxes. Strict limitations and guidelines apply, and thus … Continued
Over the last seven years, many investors have been hard pressed to find a single investment option with a relatively safe and consistent return. The long running backdrop of low interest rates, the real estate market slide of 2007, and Great Recession of 2009 have left conservative investors anxious for certainty and security. The … Continued
California State University, Sacramento was founded in 1947 as Sacramento State College. Today, it offers a diverse student body of 28,500 access to 58 undergraduate majors, 41 master degrees, 6 post-baccalaureate certificates, and 2 doctoral degrees. Along with advancing the many social, political, and scientific issues affecting the region and the state, Cal State Sacramento … Continued
“I busted a mirror and got seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five.” – Steven Wright Seven years ago California was facing a severe budget crisis. The state’s expenses exceeded revenues, creating an unsustainable path for the state’s finances, which ultimately unwound with the Great Recession in 2008. By … Continued
In planning for the event of your passing, you’ve thoughtfully established a living trust, generously gifted to family members along the way, invested wisely, and intend to leave a sizable estate for your heirs. Included in your financial planning has been the purchase of a life insurance policy to provide replacement income at your death. … Continued
“You wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept.” – The protagonist Westley in the novel The Princess Bride In the novel The Princess Bride, later made into a cult film, The Dread Pirate Roberts is not one person but several characters who successively take the same name in turn. The arrangement thrives because … Continued
One of the biggest challenges facing retirees is the rising cost of healthcare and how they’ll pay for it. Medicare, the country’s health insurance plan for Americans age 65 and older, helps to make health care affordable; however, the enrollment process and decisions of when and how to file can be complicated and stressful. If … Continued