One of the fascinating aspects of human societies is how people are driven to create holidays that involve mandatory transfers of wealth. We’re heading into the insanity of the many year-end holidays celebrated by different groups in the United States. One of the financial questions raised by this is, how big a problem is overspending… [Read More]
Blog
Tag: retirement savings
The blogger/Etsy/food truck economy
The picture is a slice of (poorly done) DIY culture, a shirt I made to help promote Chicago on the Cheap. In recent years, my business has shifted toward blogging and away from writing for publications. Back in 1997, Dan Pink published an article in Fast Company called “Free Agent Nation“. It was later expanded… [Read More]
The seven per cent problem
Illinois is mired in pension debts. Most states have them, but we have them worse. Accountants look at three main numbers when they calculate pension obligations: the number of years that people will be receiving a pension; the size of the pension payments; and the investment returns. Part of the problem is that people are… [Read More]
What the hey? Day trading in a 401(k)?
From the department of Very Bad Ideas comes this: day trading in a 401(k) account. Oh, where does one begin? First, let me say that day trading is a fine way for the right people to make money. It takes a certain temperament, though, and not everyone has it. I would never recommend that anyone… [Read More]