Wealth and Wisdom: Week of April 8, 2024
Our firm has released its most recent Investment Strategy Quarterly, and as usual there are several interesting observations:
- While the Fed has stopped pumping the brakes on the economy, the federal government still has the pedal to the metal by spending at record levels. Downside: inflation remains higher than any likes. Upside: we no longer anticipate a recession in 2024.
- Americans are still complaining about higher prices at the grocery store, but the prices of four key staple crops – corn, wheat, rice, and sugarcane – are actually falling. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index began this year 10% lower than a year earlier.
- Investors are nervous about high stock prices (see third item below), exuberance over artificial intelligence (AI) companies, and persistent inflation. Beneath the surface, however, our strategists see a healthier and broadening equity market.
This report – even if you don’t get past the two-page summary letter – should be well worth your time.
Should we be working longer?
America’s idea of normal retirement age hasn’t changed since the Ottoman Empire – and the current retirement crisis requires us to rethink it. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
When to consider moving when you retire
Seven signs that you’d be better off with a change of scenery when you stop working. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Investing in nosebleed territory
Even with equity markets at all-time highs, the odds remain on your side – especially if you’re investing for long-term goals. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
CNBC might be losing you money
I’ve often told clients they’d be better off watching the History Channel. (Reading time: 11 minutes)
Those pesky capital gains
Selling investments at a profit can be rewarding – until tax time. Here are some ideas that might help soften the blow. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Don’t let a surprise tax bill sink you
What you should consider when the taxes you owe are higher than expected – and what not to do if you can avoid it. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Baby steps on the path to riches
Helping your teenager open and fund a Roth IRA could teach some life-changing lessons. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Finding free money
It’s never been easier to search for money that belongs to you. Here are 11 ideas to get you started. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Back in the right direction
After a two-year decline during the pandemic, U.S. life expectancy has started climbing again. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
More good news
Given the evidence he’s seeing, this millennial can’t understand why his generation is so pessimistic about the future of America. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Pessimists sound smart. Optimists make money.”
– Nat Friedman
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