A decision-tree framework for thinking about the Greek – Troika negotiations
This is a short post to update you on Greece. I continue to believe a deal can get done. Recent events demonstrate this is so. Nevertheless, the potential for policy…
Recent Asset Class Performance Using Key ETFs
As we head into the new trading week, below is a look at the recent performance of various asset classes using US-traded ETFs. As shown, the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) is…
Greece Receives Loan Extension, Precious Metals Down
Gold fell together with other precious metals today after the eurozone finance ministers reached an accord regarding extension of Greek loan. While the bailout …
Options Expiration – February 2015
I have four different options expiring today on three separate underlying positions for another profitable options expiration. The first two options were easy and will close out my exposure to…
Greece’s fate relies upon the Scarves of Varoufakis
Save us Scarf Man. The fate of world markets rests on the many scarves of Greece Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. Tied, open, loose, plaid, solid -- what does it mean…
Greece Keeps Stocks from Advancing
The game continues. Heading into the weekend Greece is keeping U.S. equities at bay. If the outcome is positive, we rally. Negative and stocks fall like a 2008 Lehman Brothers…
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Never been better
UK Only Article: standard article Fly Title: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Rubric: America's mortgage-insurance giants are making bigger profits than before the crisis Byline: C.R. & T.E. Location: LONDON…
Investing Blog Roundup: Staying Flexible with Retirement Withdrawals
There are many personal finance rules of thumb that can be helpful when developing a rough-draft retirement plan. However, as Darrow Kirkpatrick and Christine Benz remind us this week, following…
Shocking incentive failure rate in North Carolina
@sandymaxey points me to a new report from the North Carolina Justice Center that is making my head spin. Picking Losers shows that the state’s flagship development program, the Job…
Another Mixed Session; NASDAQ Extends Streak to 7
Greece continues to dominate the headlines and the US Stock market continues to push aside the risk. PCLN was a big driver in the NASDAQ’s move today as the index…
TaxACT Review – 2014 Tax Year Features and Screenshots
Having already done my TurboTax 2014 review, here is my review of TaxACT 2014. (H&R Block is next week.) For all three, I will be comparing the far-more-popular online versions.…
The Economist explains: Why Germany and Greece are at odds
ON FEBRUARY 20th the "Eurogroup"—the finance ministers of the 19 countries that use the euro—will meet in Brussels for the third time in ten days to try to find…
The view from Brussels: The lion's den
UK Only Article: standard article Fly Title: The view from Brussels Rubric: With the expiration of Greece's euro zone bail-out fast approaching, negotiations in Brussels are steeped in tension and…
Gentrification: Bring on the hipsters
UK Only Article: standard article Issue: The great fracturing Fly Title: Gentrification Rubric: Gentrification is good for the poor Location: WASHINGTON, DC Main image: 20150221_USD002_0.jpg IN AN old bar on…
Average US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.76 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) — Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates have risen for a second straight week yet remained near historically low levels.
ETF Focus: With ETFs, less is often more
In choosing the right mix of ETFs, less is often more.
Sling TV Quick Review and Promo: Prepay 3 Months, Get Free Fire TV Stick, Free Roku Stick, or $50 off Amazon Fire TV
Sling TV is now live and indeed allows you to stream a package of major cable networks live over the internet. I previously wrote about Sling TV from Dish Network…
Precious Metal on the Rise After FOMC
Precious metals were on the rise today after the Federal Open Market Committee released minutes of its latest monetary policy meeting. The minutes revealed …
As CEOs seek tax cuts, senator slams corporate tax haven use
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senator Bernie Sanders lashed out on Wednesday at widespread use of offshore tax havens by U.S. companies, and the liberal independent targeted a group…
NASDAQ Closes Positive for the Sixth Straight Session
Today’s market was able to shake off fears from Greece and what was lurking in the Federal Reserve meeting minutes. Starting the session economic data was less than desirable, but…