Wealth and Wisdom: Week of February 8, 2021
There is still plenty of bad news out there, but recently it looks as if the good news is starting to catch up. We’re seeing positive trends on the pandemic front: new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from the virus generally declining here and across the country; the number of vaccinations creeping – slowly but steadily – higher.
That could lead to businesses reopening, growing, spending – and hiring – again. Americans overall have spent the past year paying down debts and piling up cash, waiting for the day we’re all comfortable getting out and living again. What I wouldn’t give for a nice, big dinner out with good friends again. That day is coming.
Please join me again on Sunday, February 21 at 3 p.m. for another edition of The KMOX Money Show, now in its 28th year! And in the meantime, you might enjoy a few of my latest blog posts, which are now getting added weekly.
Chin up, stay well, and have a great week!
The GameStop ‘Revolution’
What was billed as a classic David-vs-Goliath battle could wind up benefitting all but the small investors who get out too late. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
‘How the Stock Market Works’
Day-to-day, owning stocks is a gamble – but the farther back you look, the more it all makes sense. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Is that stimulus check taxable?
Probably not, but other income benefits you might have received because of the pandemic might be. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Roth IRA conversions
5 questions to ask yourself before converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
When enough is enough
This author advises thinking of your retirement as a well-balanced wheel with 8 wedges. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Lessons learned in 10 years of retirement
Here are 8 important lessons one retiree learned in his first decade off the job. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Is a year of college really worth $70,000?
College costs are still rising faster than inflation – and student debt is soaring right along with it. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Big wins
To supercharge the way you save money, look for low-difficult/high-reward ways to cut your spending. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Richer than Rockefeller
Compare your life with that of America’s first billionaire – and might be pleasantly surprised. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Mike’s Pro Tip of the Week
You can – and should – get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from all three major credit reporting companies. Start right here.
Words to the Wise
“I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.”
– John D. Rockefeller
Neither The Mike Brown Financial Group nor its employees provide tax and legal advice. Please consult your tax and legal advisors regarding your personal circumstances.
Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Mike Brown Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, 
and 
in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.