Wealth and Wisdom: Week of February 1, 2021

We may be seeing the early signs of a market bubble forming (see Item #1 below), something to keep on your radar. They never seem to end well – except for those who maintain their long-term focus and refuse to get swept away in them.

Investors want to know what the new Biden administration might have in store for them once the pandemic begins to subside. We’ve got some ideas for you this week, from taxes to Social Security.

And I’ve written a new blog post aimed at women investors – the special challenges you face and how to overcome them. You can also access issues of Wealth and Wisdom on the blog site that you might have missed.

That should keep you busy. Have a great week!

The GameStop bubble

It’s a battle between online traders and hedge funds – and it might be time for you to grab a 10-foot pole. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

How President Biden could affect your finances

From taxes, to student loans, to more stimulus – details are starting to take shape. (Reading time: 6 minutes)

Can he fix Social Security?

While not his top priority, some believe President Biden would like to make Social Security reform a part of his legacy. (Reading time: 6 minutes)

And what will the markets do?

Regardless of whether new administrations succeed or struggle, history reminds us that they have little impact on stock prices. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Investment returns 1928-2020

Despite all its woes, 2020 was a good year for stocks and bonds. And the farther you look back, the more you can learn. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Tax season is almost here

Tax documents are already in the mail. Here’s what you need to know about filing this year. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

RMDs are back for 2021

Now’s the time to figure out this year’s required minimum distribution and how you plan to take it. (Reading time: 9 minutes)

Retirees doubled their debt in 2020

One in eight bankruptcy filers is now 65 or older – and the trend doesn’t look good. (Reading time: 6 minutes)

Money isn’t everything

Here are 11 signs to know that money has the right importance in your life. (Reading time: 1 minute)

Mike’s Pro Tip of the Week

Take a look at your portfolio and see if rising stock prices have thrown it out of balance. If so, now might be a good time to rebalance by taking some profits – just the opposite of what made sense when the market plunged nearly a year ago. Rebalancing is as close to “buy-low-and-sell-high” as you’ll probably ever get.

Words to the Wise

“Bull markets are born on pessimism, grow on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.” John Templeton

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