Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XLVI Clients of mine on the West Coast, we’ll call them Rock and Tess, sold their business a number of years ago. They were in their early 50s. Rock could care less about money. Tess handles that. Rock fixes things. Rock can fix just about anything mechanical. Rock is still working. He doesn’t need to. But Rock loves his work. He continues to do what he loves to do. In speaking with Tess this week, I remind her that a j-o-b is one of the most valuable assets in the world today. If “retirement” can wait, why not let it? I tell her … [Read more...]
“Good Golly Miss Molly!” You Own a Bank?
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XLIV When you visit me in Newport, R.I. you’ll need your GPS. Our office is at 98 William Street, but you’ll never find a number on our building. We like it that way. The privacy. The building? It’s beautiful. It’s brick with ivy climbing up the side, manicured trees in front, protected by a black wrought iron fence. Welcoming? Perhaps, that is, if you can get beyond the startling “No Parking” sign. Once inside the gates, you’ll see a solid wood door protecting the foyer, with an American flag, and a security phone setting the tone. Once you dial-in, … [Read more...]
Do Governors Have the Right to Make and Enforce Laws?
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: XLI You might want to take a few minutes to contemplate your rights. How can governors go wild without checks and balances? There’s a reason states are governed by three branches, not one governor wielding a big stick. Has there ever been a more important time to consider the balance of power in your state? Andrew Napolitano writes: The current interferences with the exercise of rights protected by the Bill of Rights devolve around travel, assembly, interstate commercial activities and the exercise of religious beliefs. These infringements have all come … [Read more...]
Your Survival Guy’s Tip of the Day: Sell Until You’re Comfortable
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XL Just when you thought you might get your life back blue state governors continue to go wild. Yesterday, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said she will sign an executive order taking effect Friday, directing anyone in an indoor or outdoor “public place” to wear a cloth face covering. This includes walking your dog, by example, on public roads. Hmmmm. How will this be enforced? Will mask wearing do-gooders shame me for being unmasked? Live and let live. There are risks in life the minute you get out of bed. When businesses finally … [Read more...]
Your Retirement Life: Investing After Coronavirus
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXX Some thoughts as you second guess your retirement (or your spouse does for you). The late Richard Russell, in remembering the Great Depression: The most valuable asset you have is a J-O-B. (You know RR from Rich Man, Poor Man, an all-time favorite of mine.) Russell knew the pain when his father was jobless; losing confidence and self-worth; remembering a job does a lot more than just provide money. Our loudmouth governors will not be able to keep Americans indoors forever: Don’t Tread on Me. Make it your job to get out of debt. The … [Read more...]
Investing After the Coronavirus
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXIX Imagine falling 200 feet while descending Mount Washington, slamming into a pile of rocks that prevents you from going over the edge—and needing a rescue. That’s the scary scenario one hiker found herself in recently. “It was these rocks that ultimately saved her from plunging into the ravine, a fall that would have likely proved fatal,” said Fish and Game Lt. Mark Ober Jr. in a statement. “Her companion was able to descend to her position, place a call for help and keep her warm with a space blanket until rescuers arrived.” The hikers were … [Read more...]
“Remember, Never Touch Downed Wires & Report them Immediately”
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXVIII You know life changes quickly in times like these. One minute you’re enjoying the quarant-time (my daughter’s word) and the next it’s 2:30 in the morning and you’re thinking about patio furniture—I was at least. We’re expecting hurricane-force winds today (perhaps not technically the 75mph hurricane-force threshold, but 72mph is close enough). Before bed, National Grid (the regional power company here) texted warnings, “Remember, never touch downed wires & report them immediately to 1.800.465.1212.” Sleep tight! Is the patio furniture … [Read more...]
One of My Favorite Quotes for You this Easter
You’re doing what you can in these eerie times. This Easter will certainly not be the same as those in the past. It feels like a 180 turn from this time last year when our family celebrated Easter in Paris. A few years ago, in Paris, we discovered the home of Yves Saint Laurent, which is open to the public as a museum. A quote on the wall of his office explains a lot about how Saint Laurent was able to create year after year after year. It’s simple yet sophisticated, a philosophy that is most helpful in times like these. It gives us hope when we’re all stuck at home. It … [Read more...]
Coronavirus is a Wake Up Call for the Irresponsible, Here’s How to Regain Control
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXVII You’ve told some heroic stories about your loved ones on the front lines and your children who are doctors and nurses working 19-20 hours days. Some of you who work in hospitals now are telling me it’s a war zone, especially those of you in New York. Thank you. As the number of Americans losing the battle is peaking, I think all of us are thankful for the good that we have in our lives. As I wrote to you yesterday, it is shocking how this virus has ruined the finances of those that should have been better prepared. How a large group of … [Read more...]
What My RAGE Gauge™ is Telling You
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXVI Before you dig into my latest RAGE Gauge™, let’s spend a few minutes defining the coronavirus pandemic: It has been way harder for some than it needed to be. I’m not talking about the poor. I’m not talking about those who are living paycheck to paycheck, either. Unfortunately, for a large swath of Americans, a $1,000 shock to monthly income is devastating. That may never change. The group I’m talking about is, perhaps, the fifth of you who have savings: the wealthy, the upper-middle class, the middle-class, the doctors and lawyers and … [Read more...]