Stocks
Why is my charitable donation taxed?
Why is my charitable contribution taxed? Well planned and executed charitable donations should result in tax savings. To get the maximum benefit, you must know the rules and how the accounting for donations works. This video Q&A is a great example. The inquirer knew the rule but not the reporting requirements. Making News… We frequently produce…
Read MoreWhat to expect from financial markets
One of the keys to successful investing is understanding what to expect from financial markets. 2018 marked the first calendar year the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped since 2015. On Christmas Eve, the S&P 500 Index (S&P) was 20% lower (excluding dividends) than its high point. The S&P tracks so-called “blue chip” stocks, stocks of…
Read MoreFive financial articles you should always ignore
Five financial articles you should always ignore Quite simply, the best way to deal with the financial news media is to ignore them. This is easier said than done since the media is designed to provoke interest and build urgency. But interesting is not the same as important. …interesting is not the same as important.…
Read MoreShould I buy gold to protect against a dollar collapse?
Should I buy gold to protect against a dollar collapse? No, you should not buy gold for fear of a dollar collapse. As the video discusses, this pitch is rubbish. Heck, you probably shouldn’t buy gold aside from coin collections and jewelry for personal use. Many unbiased experts don’t even consider gold an investment. Once…
Read MoreLessons from the 2008 financial crisis
Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis In September 2008, the brokerage firm Lehman Brothers collapsed due to risky trading in poorly designed securities. This kicked off one of the more dramatic financial crises in American history and what is now referred to as the Great Recession. The 10th anniversary of this event is a natural…
Read MoreWith interest rates low, should I buy dividend paying stocks instead of bonds?
With interest rates low, should I buy dividend paying stocks instead of bonds? No. Dividend-paying stocks are stocks not bonds and cannot be counted on to provide the stability good quality bond holdings have provided. Dividend paying stocks are every bit as risky as the rest of the stock market. Why? Dividend-paying stocks are a minority…
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