October 2008

The good folks at data mining company Sageworks responded to a recent blog posting with some of their own information related to housing along with the recent drop in in sales associated with each... Thanks to them. ----

Slowed Sales Related to Housing

One of the arguments the higher tax advocates make is that "even Warren Buffett" wants to pay more taxes.   They reference this quote he made in an interview: To help pay for the rescue, the government should raise taxes on the wealthy, Mr. Buffett suggested. “I’m paying the lowest tax rate that I’ve ever paid in my life,” he said. “Now, that’s ... read more

Will 70 become the new 62?   Americans are living longer and retiring younger.  Pension fund problems to come mean that trend may reverse quickly. We continue as a nation to retire younger.   More workers are making smart investment and retirement decisions and that's helping say "so long" to the working world at an earlier age. The Bureau of ... read more

Time to take just a moment from the market and economic news to talk about one side note ... the passing of one of my favorite musicians, Merl Saunders. Saunders was a keyboardist extraordinaire, and not only played with his own band but also worked with some of the greatest jam bands of all time.    His music never failed to lift spirits, and maybe we could all use some of that these ... read more

This article was sent to me by a friend in the investment business.   It is from the American Funds investment firm and was written at the depths of the bear market and lousy U.S. economy. Note the date: November, 1974! Some good advice, and indeed we have been here before and will likely be here again in many of our lifetimes. “Successful selling against the tide” Perspective on the ... read more

The Milken Institute in California had a debate on the economy and economic politics today between businessman Leo Hindery and Stanford professor Michael Boskin.    The video is on the Milken website. I know Leo well and have interviewed him many times.  He's a very smart guy and successful businessman. I am not as familiar with Michael Boskin, so I was researching him and came across ... read more

Thanks for all the comments on previous posts.   Now I have a question for you... I was speaking with an economist today and we were debating this question: at what tax rate do hard working Americans either give up or simply refuse to work any harder knowing that the prospect of more pay - but more hours - will bring higher taxes with it? If you are trying to get ahead at work, get a ... read more

This time it's different. How often have you heard that statement, especially around everything from the economy, to stocks to the New York Mets' World Series prospects. Most folks in my line of work in financial journalism are busy proclaiming that the economy is doomed, credit is over and no one will buy their kids toys this Christmas.   There are certainly many, many negative data ... read more

Thanks to some of our smart viewers and readers for pointing this out...not sure why we haven't thought about this before but this is why I rely on all of you so much to help us find good ideas.... As we've discussed, under the Obama-Biden tax plan many Americans will get a tax credit at the end of each year.  You can analyze the amount on the popular "tax cut calculator" on his ... read more

A friend of mine in software sales told me that a quote in his office is that "there are earners, and there are burners."   Less conversationally some call it the "20/80 rule."   20% of a company brings in most of its revenue and, in a sense, pays for the other 80% to be employed.   Those 20% don't mind the hard work, long hours and time away from their kids because (hopefully) they are ... read more