Wealth and Wisdom: Week of March 1, 2021
Welcome to March, which promises warmer weather, baseball, and with any luck a few more steps back toward normal. And speaking of baseball, I’m penciled in for another KMOX Money Show this coming Sunday sometime around 3 p.m. after the Cardinals’ spring training game.
I must apologize for dropping some longer-than-normal items on your reading list this week – many of which could take you 10 minutes or longer to get through. Just pick and choose what applies to you, and I’ll try to control myself next week.
Have a great week – that’s sunlight at the end of the tunnel!
Earnings matter
Why have stock prices continued to go up, in spite of all the bad news? Because profits are catching up – and even better times may lie ahead. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
But won’t that mean higher inflation?
Investors seem to think so – and here’s how they are preparing for that possibility. (Reading time: 10 minutes)
Playing catch-up with retirement
The COVID pandemic may have thrown you behind in your goal of retiring one day. Here’s how to get back on track. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The 'CEO Approach' to saving money
Here’s a 3-step plan to Cut costs, Earn more, and Optimize your spending. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
A lifetime savings plan
Can you invest less than 20 minutes to start setting up a plan that might make the rest of your life better? (Reading time: 18 minutes)
Dividend investing basics
The pros and cons of investing in dividend-paying companies. (Reading time: 11 minutes)
How to prioritize your debts
Debts typically fall into one of 5 categories – and knowing which to pay down first can make a huge difference. (Reading time: 10 minutes)
Crafting your legacy
A well-designed estate plan can give you peace of mind while saving your heirs time and money. Here are the basics. (Reading time: 14 minutes)
Let’s get out of here!
It might still be a little early to take your next big vacation – but it’s a great time to start planning for it. Here’s how. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Mike’s Pro Tip of the Week
Gasoline prices are rising – and may well continue as we recover from the pandemic. Pay less by filling up early in the week (stations often raise prices on Thursday afternoons before customers leave for weekend trips). Gas up at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club – which sell gasoline to members at lower costs than nearby competitors. Search GasBuddy for local bargains. And make fuel purchases with a credit card that gives you cash back.
Words to the Wise
“The single greatest edge an investor can have is a long-term orientation.”
– Seth Klarman
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