Grandson Brock worked two summer jobs and made a hefty deposit into his savings account. This is money he earned and is taking an active role in learning about investing to make it grow. When asked to define investing, he responded, “Not spending your money; using it to earn more money.” Webster says: – “To commit (money) in order to […]
» Read moreBest of Dennis… Dennis is taking a week off to unplug and recharge, but he will be back writing soon. Given how persistent cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on household budgets, this article from January 25, 2024 is well worth a second look! Take a look back at Dennis’s timeless advice on tackling inflation and protecting your retirement savings against […]
» Read moreSubscriber Robert G. sent me an eye-opening article, Americans say they need $1.2 million to retire comfortably, survey finds — but many expect to fall short. My grandfather would grin and say, “Things that don’t change, remain the same.” Whenever I chided my elders, “Why didn’t you warn me?” their response was, “We did, and you didn’t listen.” As an […]
» Read moreSt. George, the patron Saint of England, was executed on April 23, 303. The date of his death is commemorated as St George’s Day. Wikipedia’s version explains: “Saint George and the Dragon is a legend in which Saint George—a soldier…defeats a dragon. The story goes that the dragon originally extorted tribute from villagers. When they ran out of livestock and trinkets for the dragon, they started giving […]
» Read moreRecently Doug Hornig shared a study outlining how the industrial revolution brought prices down. In 1913 $78.57 would buy what cost $100 in 1800, 113 years earlier. Then the Federal Reserve was established. 113 years later (2026) it takes $3,363.84 to buy what $100 bought 113 years ago. The ink was barely dry on our article, when I received an […]
» Read moreIn the early 1940s, we lived in my grandmother’s boarding house. We would walk to the Jewel-T and haul groceries home in my little red wagon. She constantly railed about rising prices, “Never in my life did I believe I could carry $25 worth of groceries home without a wagon.” My mother screamed about Brazilians burning coffee beans, creating a […]
» Read moreBest of Dennis… Dennis is taking a short break but will be back next week. In the meantime, we’re revisiting this August 8, 2024, article on the fundamental mechanics of inflation. With the Federal Reserve meeting this week to address persistent price volatility, this straightforward logic on protecting purchasing power is a timely reminder of how to stay grounded. […]
» Read moreBest of Dennis… Dennis is taking a short break to enjoy some time off, but will be back to writing soon. In the meantime, we’re revisiting this article from February 13, 2025 on protecting a lifetime of savings from market instability. With the recent fluctuations in inflation and energy costs, Dennis’s focus here on long-term capital preservation is timely. […]
» Read moreMy wife Jo and I recently sold our home in AZ and bought in The Villages, Florida. Well-meaning family and friends questioned our wisdom on two fronts, age and economics. I want to address both today. In a short period of time, housing prices have skyrocketed while mortgage rates have risen. Will prices soon come crashing down? While no one […]
» Read moreGrandparents know lecturing grandchildren about “In my day” is greeted with eyes rolling, “Here we go again!” “Yeah, I know grandpa, you walked a mile to school every day and it was uphill both ways….” Friend Henry M. sent a Thanksgiving greeting with an interesting note: (Paraphrasing) “I’m worn out hearing people moan, ‘Our grandparents could buy a house on […]
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