To borrow a word from a Wall Street Journal columnist*, there are parts of the hysteria around AI that can be calmed with perspective, while acknowledging the world as we know it will continue to evolve unpredictably. Continue reading “Tempering the AI Hysteria”
Dow 50,000… What Next?? – Saturday Edition (Repost)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average pushing past 50,000 for the first time last Friday, February 6th deserves recognition. The DJIA average spent a few days above that record level and now hovers just below at 49,500. Where does the US stock market go from here?* Continue reading “Dow 50,000… What Next?? – Saturday Edition (Repost)”
Understanding 2026 Market Volatility
Take a close look at the chart below. For long-time TGIF 2 Minutes readers, it is that time again! For new readers, enjoy “The Greatest Chart Ever”*: Continue reading “Understanding 2026 Market Volatility”
Speeding Up & Slowing Down in Financial Decision Making
It is still close enough to the start of the year to step back and be intentional about how to approach:
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- a new year — and beyond — of sound financial decision-making
- portfolio management
- broader financial and investment strategy.
It starts with slowing down. There are a handful of truly wise books written on the topic. Two come to mind: Continue reading “Speeding Up & Slowing Down in Financial Decision Making”
Tax Items that Matter Now
Taxes matter, sadly, all year long. With this said, there are a handful of tax related items that matter more heavily at the very beginning of the year (read: important to “action” as early as possible in the new year).
Bonus Edition – More Good News
In the world of IRA and 401(k) savings, maximum contributions have increased!
Here are the “data points” to get 2026 started on a positive note:
Who Would Have Thought?
Very short note to ring in 2026! On the topic of last year’s stock (& bond) market returns, which were surprisingly impressive, who would have thought?!
Special Year-End Edition: Taxes & Trump Accounts
Happy New Year’s Eve,
In order to keep the last TGIF 2 Minutes of 2025 as efficient as possible, here are a few year-end notes based on most frequently asked questions in December. Continue reading “Special Year-End Edition: Taxes & Trump Accounts”
AI & Tech (I Tried) Using in 2025
Brewing a cup of coffee using Siri and Grok was one of my biggest “AI & tech victories” of the year. (Please read below for a handful of more sophisticated versions of AI use.) Dedicated TGIF 2 Minutes readers may recall back in July the story that could happen to anyone — of being a guest at someone’s home and encountering Continue reading “AI & Tech (I Tried) Using in 2025”
Tax Strategy & a Silver Lining to Losses
With the caveat that there are still 13 trading days remaining in the year, 2025 has been surprisingly — if not shockingly — a decent year for US and global equities. Especially in years with investment gains it can make sense to search for investment losses in taxable investment accounts. Taxable accounts are non-IRA and non-retirement accounts where realizing a capital loss can offset realized capital gains in the current year, OR– capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future capital gains. A small amount, or a maximum of $3,000, of realized capital losses can be used in a tax year to offset ordinary income. Continue reading “Tax Strategy & a Silver Lining to Losses”