Someone recently said to me, “Your columns and emails haven’t been very upbeat lately. You turning pessimistic on us?” Me, pessimistic? Never! The word “pessimism” comes from a Latin root meaning “worst.” Seeing things in the “worst” possible light doesn’t do anyone any good.  The mantra for pessimists is “Why even try? Nothing ever works […]

Many adult children tell me: “My parents desperately need to do some estate planning. However, because we’ve never talked much about financial matters in our family, I don’t know how to urge them to take action.” I have heard this sentiment often. So frequently, I want to take this opportunity to speak to older moms […]

Let’s talk about credit card debt—and how to get out. If you gulped at that sentence and thought, “How did you know?” you need to understand this: You’re not alone. I get a steady stream of people in my office seeking freedom from the miserable consequences of buying more than they can afford.  Most are […]

In the last few weeks, I’ve been discussing how your financial future could be impacted by our national debt, our changing demographics, and our leaders’ reluctance to act decisively.  You may be thinking, “Is there any way out, short of national bankruptcy?” One, I don’t believe the United States will ever declare bankruptcy. Two, I […]

Last time we looked at three economic problems that loom large on our nation’s horizon: debt, demographics, and decisions. Lured by the economic steroid of borrowed money, we’ve accumulated debt as if we’d never have to re-pay the proverbial piper (i.e., the bank).  Politically, Social Security is known as the “third rail” of politics. The […]

I am routinely asked, “Is the U.S. headed for a financial crisis? And, if so, what can we do to get ready for it?” I get the feeling some questioners expect me to reply, “Buy 40 acres and some livestock, plant a garden, and stock up on gold and ammunition.” While that isn’t what I […]