An old and partially true saying suggests that generals tend to prepare to fight the last war.  This also often applies to investment recommendations for the new year.  Financial services marketers will be highlighting what worked in 2021, brag about their successes and promote more of the same for 2022.  We aren’t going to make … Continued

The answer to that question may rest on whether your pension is paid by a public or private pension fund.  Pension funds pay benefits to retirees through a combination of investment gains, and contributions from employers and workers.  For private pension funds, shortfalls in investment returns are typically made up through increased contributions from employers.  … Continued

Merriam-Webster defines psychic income as 1) imputed income and 2) rewards, such as prestige, leisure, or pleasant surroundings, for example, not measurable in terms of money or goods, but serving as an incentive to work. Currently, workforce participation remains near record lows at 61.6% compared to a more normal rate of 63-4%.  There are a … Continued

It is becoming clear that the world is facing a significant shortage of electricity.  In order to meet demand, there has been a resurgence in the use of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) accompanied by price increases.  Despite significant efforts to shift to renewable energy sources, there is a widening time gap between … Continued

This is a well-known, old proverb that is usually considered to be a suggestion to take advantage of favorable conditions.  Historically, this may have referred to blacksmithing.  Currently it seems to be reflective of the state of labor/management relationships, as many workers believe that this may be a good time to negotiate improvements in wages, … Continued

Wikipedia defines gamification as the strategic attempt to enhance systems, services, organizations, and activities in order to create similar experiences to those experienced when playing games, in order to motivate and engage users.  Many new technologies, such as those employed by organizations like upstart brokerage Robinhood, utilize features designed to encourage investors to trade more … Continued

By now it is clear that energy prices are going to be quite a lot higher this winter than last.  It is already visible at the gas pump with motor fuel prices running well ahead of a year ago.  Natural gas prices have skyrocketed as the world faces significant shortages and home heating oil prices … Continued