From the Economist … “Providing for relatives comes more naturally than reaching out to strangers. Nevertheless, it may be worth being kind to people outside the family as the favour might be reciprocated in future. But when it comes to anonymous benevolence, directed to causes that, unlike people, can give nothing in return, what could [...]

Medicare has updated their website to reflect 2007 options. Remember open enrollment starts Nov 15th.

She throws down a proposal for new ethics rules that have everyone up in arms because they still lack the requirement for fiduciary care of clients and then leaves. I for one will not be sad to see her go. This opens up a glimmer of hope that the CFP Board might pick up the [...]

A host of the leaders of the financial planning profession—past and present—have signed a letter addressed to the CFP Board of Standards expressing their opposition to the Board’s proposed changes to its Code of Ethics as “so potentially detrimental to the mark, the profession and the public interest, that it is imperative we emphasize our [...]

I hope these kinds of lawsuits are the beginning of a trend. There are way too many 401K plans out there that are abusive to their participants in the fees they charge. I wish congress would enable in service rollovers to force plans to be more competitive (sigh..)

Ben Inker, the director of investment management at GMO, has written a great report on how companies have become very proficient at manipulating their operating earnings. You can read it at www.gmo.com in their research section (registration required). The quick summary is if you are using PEs to compare current market valuations to history, be [...]

Here is an update on getting prescriptions filled in Canada. Homeland security has stopped seizing drugs (it is still illegal though). Visit pharmacychecker.com to compare drug prices.

Jonathan Clements, personal financial columnist of the Wall Street Journal writes about putting money in its place. “If you want to be happier, forget spending dollars and focus on how you spend your time..” Make time for friends Forget the pay raise Don’t trade up (don’t move to a neighborhood above your means) Keep your [...]

According to Dr. Jennifer James an urban cultural anthropologist, buyer’s remorse has a biological basis which typically lasts 24-48 hours. This is why sales people will often make themselves scarce for a few days immediately following a sale. If you are on the purchasing end and have more than two days to back out of [...]

MetLife produces the most comprehensive survey of nursing home and home care costs. They update the survey every September. The 2006 update has just been published.