Headlines — and even a few world leaders — might suggest that lowering short-term interest rates from current levels — now — would be a sweeping solution or fix for markets and the world economy. Current reality seems to differ. Low interest rates often do make it easier for individuals and businesses to borrow money, buy homes, launch small businesses and make various investments. For the moment though, interest rates seem to be delivering balance in the US economy. Economic and market conditions are relatively healthy. And there’s always a “but”. Continue reading “Why Low Rates Aren’t the Complete Answer”
Artemis II & Navy SEALS
The Artemis II mission, even for those not interested in space travel, was exhilarating to follow. History was made on multiple levels. In addition, boundaries of AI-powered tools were expanded and tested with success. And yet, amidst all the AI, science and super-computing power, a very manual, while highly-skilled, aspect was necessary to retrieve the astronauts’ following their splashdown in the Pacific Ocean: US Navy SEALS and dive teams were called upon to recover and skillfully airlift — by hand — the four astronauts from the space capsule as it floated in the ocean.
An observant colleague of mine at Farther recently equated this scene to the financial planning relationship between clients and a highly-skilled financial adviser. Before dismissing this comparison, consider a few insights: Continue reading “Artemis II & Navy SEALS”
Landing the Inflation Airplane
Why the airplane graphic? Because when fiscal forces, including the US Federal Reserve, work to tame inflation, projected outcomes range from a “hard landing” to a “soft landing” for the economy.
Second, Third & Fourth Acts in Life
One of the distinct joys of serving as a Certified Financial Planner® is the opportunity to explore goals, dreams and experiences with diverse groups of people — as well as designing specific strategies and investment plans that align with those ambitions. It is the dream part that struck me most recently. Dreams can form a foundation for future financial — and life — success. Attitude, discipline and perseverance are necessary ingredients as well! Continue reading “Second, Third & Fourth Acts in Life”
Tribute to Lou Holtz
Lou Holtz, Coach Lou Holtz or simply, “Coach”, to many, transcended more aspects of life than can be counted. His values, imparted to football players and athletes at the highest (and all) levels, CEOs of global companies, military men and women, and even panhandlers, may at times have been received with a slight sting. But Coach Holtz managed to make the “sting” worth it and almost always gave pause to those lucky enough to have listened to him — through his famous lisp!
There are parallels in Coach Holtz’ values to investing, global investment portfolios and asset management. C-suite executives at worldwide consulting firms would agree, as loads of them were coached and developed by Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz’ foundational values were three:
Gut Check in Rocky Markets
From the Archives of TGIF 2 Minutes comes one of the “Top 5 most read of all time” editions – updated for 2026.
Have you asked yourself lately…
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- “Is this the market downturn everyone has been cautioning about?”
- “Is now the time to sell my stocks?”
- “Should I be unloading my bonds?”
Down to the Wire Tax Tips
Tax season is entering its final stretch — or “crunch time”. The IRS filing deadline for 2025 is just over a month away — Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Even if requesting an extension through October 15, 2026, an estimated payment must be made by April 15th to avoid penalties and interest for tax payments due when the return* is ultimately filed in October.
There are a handful of last minute actions that may still be taken for tax year 2025, if completed by April 15th (or September 15th and October 15th, where applicable). Continue reading “Down to the Wire Tax Tips”
Tempering the AI Hysteria
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”