I recently had a Day Trading for Dummies reader ask me about the tax effects of an equity options strategy that he was using. His broker was not giving him a clear answer, and that’s not a surprise – derivatives are taxed differently than stocks and bonds, which is part of their appeal for day… [Read More]
Blog
Paying for College: Giving Savings Bonds
For decades, American families have used US Savings Bonds to help children save money for college. They don’t offer the best return, but they have no risk (other than inflation) and some tax benefits. They are easy to purchase, too. In the past, they had an additional advantage: the spiffy paper bond with a maturity… [Read More]
Some Thoughts on India and Demographics
Demographics are the closest thing out there to a reliable fortune teller. A nation’s destiny is foretold in its people; the makeup of the population determines what work will be done, what goods will be in demand, and which politicians will take power. Changing demographics are driving growth in India and China, but they are… [Read More]
Why I Love My Netbook
I know, I know, it’s so horribly old-fashioned in a tablet world, but I am the happy owner of my second ASUS eee PC. It’s a perfect machine for traveling, whether to downtown or halfway across the world. Mine is loaded with the full version of Microsoft Office, so I can do any work I… [Read More]
One First National, in Cans
When I was in college, I had an internship at Sidley & Austin, a big law firm. The offices were in what was then known as One First National Plaza, home of the First National Bank of Chicago. Of all the buildings I’ve worked in, it’s my favorite: sweeping shape, huge open lobby, magnificent plaza… [Read More]
