Super good and getting better! – 2021

That phrase came from my kids' taekwondo instructors. I like it. The instructor would say to the student, "How are you doing today?" The student would
respond, "SUPER GOOD AND GETTING BETTER, SIR or MA'AM." I think that response puts you in a reasonable and receptive frame of mind to absorb information. The instructors incorporated body, mind, and soul stuff into their instruction. Do good, help others, and alike.

WOW! We sure could use some more of that these days. If you watch TV, read the paper, or listen to the radio, it seems like the world is a mess. Worse, many are pushing an agenda that the USA is in terrible disarray. Kinda weird since we are the greatest country on the planet. In my opinion, we help more folks in our own country than in any other nation. We are more open-minded in our laws. We are more charitable. We are more forgiving. Yet, many folks in our country think otherwise. Why? Perhaps they have lost their way. Perhaps they should visit another country. Maybe one nearby. Perhaps a visit to Yuma and across the border to Algodones. A quick look and comparison of everyday citizens' conditions are different from what we would consider ‘normal’.

Society benefits from working together. We as humans seem to need a unified goal - a task. We need to create a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves- for sustainability. From a past geopolitical importance perspective, we had Russia and the cold war. Then, more recently, Iran and Iraq, and Afghanistan. We have had years of relative calm in the United States. Good times economically. Safe streets (until most recently). Have things changed? Have we changed?

If someone asks me in passing, "How ya doing?"

Regardless of the climate outside, I'll tell 'em, "SUPER GOOD AND GETTING BETTER." Because I love our country, the opportunities it offers, and the goodness we offer everyone on our planet.

Commentary is Tough! – 2021

My monthly column is typically focused on the government. Not about this party or that party. But more my interpretation of how our country is doing. However, the current "cancel culture," death threats, and other dramatic responses that come from just sharing opinions these days have me considering changing my "interpretation" tune. Feedback, opinions, and interpretations can be perceived as critical interactions.

So, while it seems like there is a long list of ‘don’t talk about’ topics, let’s focus on government topics we can talk about.

Like, I can talk about how the Federal Medicare program helps thousands of our clients sleep better at night knowing that have a health care solution they can count on. I can talk about how the Social Security program allows us to create unique claiming strategies to optimize our clients lifetime income streams.

And I can talk about government retirement programs that provide our planning teams opportunities to leverage existing regulations to create individualized solutions for folks building retirement plans.

So, while we may continue to struggle to vocalize having a different opinion about some things. Why can’t we discuss things in a rational manner? Why can’t we agree to disagree?

Quick answer.
We can. That’s what makes America a GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Summertime Fun Time! – 2021

The heat has arrived. Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix. It's just HOT. Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle are seeing pleasant temperatures. BUT… I'M NOT THERE. It's HOT here!

Do you know what else is hot?

National Parks continue to be a hot spot. So much so, rangers are turning folks away to abide by capacity limit requirements—and it's always a good time to get outside and enjoy nature. While I agree, I bet the fourth of July will be crazy in those open places. Speaking of open spaces… I tell ya, it sure is great to forget about those masks in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Texas.

The markets are still HOT as well. S&P is moving along nicely.

Have you looked at the cost of an American Silver Eagle coin? HOT. They are selling at prices so inflated it's crazy. Note, spot silver is up, but the premiums (up as much as 10-fold) folks are paying for the US minted coins, HOT

Oh yeah, inflation is fired up as well. Gasoline prices are UP, UP, UP.

Used automobile prices for certain cars are surging! That global semiconductor shortage impacted many automakers to slow or pause production, making new cars more scarce and used cars more popular.

I am not the grocery shopper in the family, but I know the cost of coffee is on its way back up to 2016 highs. Up 100% since January 2020.

Economic ebbs and flows. It's just the way it goes. The last time we saw 12% interest rates in our checking accounts and 18% mortgage rates was a long, long time ago—the difference between now and then? Today we seem just to add more money into the economy. Eventually, it all must catch
up. But for now? We watch and see.

In the meantime, I'm going north for a weekend. See what it's like in the great state of Minnesota. Perhaps a cool (75 is fine by me) afternoon on a lake, with partly cloudy skies and a cold one.

Is it over yet? – 2021

I am tired of the mask. The good news is many businesses are MASK FREE. Ohhh, the smell of fresh air and not my breath. Yes, I was a compliant mask wearer. I covered both my mouth and nose. Finally, I can put away the mints! Relatable, you say?

I hope you are moving about and leaving the confines of your home with more confidence now. The resonating tone with my clients is that they managed the risk by not leaving their homes from March 2021 until last month. Most of our clients are at the higher- risk age of 65 and over. But age aside, we all felt some level of fear. There just was not enough history or consistency on the virus to bank on the risk.

Here in Arizona, our adaptation to living with the virus and still getting out the past few months has included filling our weekends with excursions to areas just north of Phoenix including, Payson, Prescott, Sedona, and enjoying the outdoors. Nothing like the fresh air of the pine forests near Flagstaff. My son and I even got in a quick overnight camping trip. We dusted off some gear, made a fire (No desert fire ban up north when we were there), baked potatoes, and grilled perfectly seasoned steaks on fallen timber. Taking advantage of local outdoor spots is an incredible energy boost. Nothing better! We might have even challenged ourselves with a few off-road adventures to kick up some dust and barrel up some rocky terrain.

No matter where you live in our great county, you are never more than a few hours’ drive to something amazing to see and do. The positive side of the virus is that it provided an opportunity to explore and appreciate things right near our backdoors. So, in bouncing back, I have personally added more weekend explorations to my itinerary.

How are you bouncing back? Currently, Arizona employment is at 109% over 2019 numbers. Single-family home prices are moving up rapidly. Folks seem to be moving to Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. They are leaving California, Illinois, and the greater northeast, primarily New York.

What is weird is the housing prices in California are still going up; even though folks are leaving in such high numbers, the state may lose a congressional district. The effect of supply and demand, I guess. Bottom line? As we progress through this unexpected and challenging period in our lives, we learn to grow from our experiences and create opportunities and succeed by making tomorrow a better day for everyone!

Get outside and enjoy, I think it's over!

Status Quo – 2021

Some things never change. Some things change so fast you don’t even notice.

Same!
It seems like our politicians are always talking a good game. Sometimes we believe them; sometimes we don't. Our government, thus far, has stood the test of time. Our constitution has held our country together for over two centuries. Believe it or not, we are the envy of the world. Our free-market economy still allows someone to start with nothing and work hard to create a life for themselves and their family. Opportunity is still what drives folks to come to America from other countries. They seek the proverbial American Dream in the land of the free and the brave. Just ask the newest folks crossing our southern borders. Sometimes we take for granted how good we have it here in America. But folks to the North (Canada) and South (Mexico) display a more versatile paradigm about what's going on in the United States than in their own countries. Is their view accurate? I think their beliefs stem from the fact that we drive most of the world's economies. We buy goods and services from everywhere! Let's look at a manufacturing example; for instance, my Jeep was assembled in the USA, but the engine was manufactured in Mexico. And our hardwood flooring? Much of our hardwood lumber is imported from Canada. During a state of prosperity, America shares more than any other county in the world.

Whoosh! That seems different.

Out with the old, in with the new. Have you looked at the markets lately? They keep on rising. All-time highs, and there looks like no end in sight. We all know better from experience, change is inevitable, but we don't know when. The previous ​administration used every financial tool in the Federal toolbox to move the economy to full employment. They pulled every lever to stimulate growth in nearly every sector. Now a new administration is running the show. The financial markets are still growing. Is inflation a catalyst? Is the dollar worth less? We all notice that gas prices have increased by over 50%.
Growth and increased spending themselves don't cause inflation, and neither do budget deficits. Inflation comes from too much money chasing too few goods. So, the good news is we are not there.

Increased taxes hamper growth, especially for small businesses. FYI, small businesses employ more people than large businesses in America. Arizona has a new income tax which will impact how many folks will spend. The proposed (at the time I wrote this, it looks like the administration was considering not raising Federal taxes) federal income taxes will also impact many folks. Increased taxes create hesitance for businesses to expand and hire.
Here’s an example of hampered growth; If what we earn is set in stone, and now we need to pay higher taxes given the same income and expenses, the only choice will be to cut expenses or go into debt. So many businesses will make cuts from their largest operating expense, likely workforce = people. For individuals, the impact will involve having less to spend and save for a rainy day.

‘Different’ also comes in the form of… the economy recovering. Incentivized spending where money is still inexpensive to borrow. Property values continue increasing. Restaurants are open in most cities, and small businesses are starting to recover and rehire. Air travel is happening. Tourist areas are filling again with folks ready to have fun.

Some things never change. Some things change so fast you don’t even notice.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride

How to get a YES? – 2021

I like happy stories—the ones where the hero or heroine wins the day. The kind of stories that make you feel good or make you think, I can do that too! Giving clients a 'yes' answer gives me the same 'feel-good' feeling as those stories.

We are in the YES business. This is contrary to the majority of what other folks experience in many business establishments these days. "Do you have this shirt in blue?.... NO... Can you make this without raw onions?... NO... Can I receive this in time for my wife's birthday next week?...NO!"

How about at work... you work long and hard on a proposal or product idea, only to get a 'no' after presenting it. Even the voice in your head changes sides when you want another helping of ice cream... (the voice in my head says 'yes,'  but that's a whole other story....)

Personally, I really don't like to hear the NO word. It implies that you have given up. You won't or don't have time even to find a solution for me. My needs are not important to you.

As we grew up, we heard the word NO a lot... from our parents, mostly because they were protecting us from something. And sometimes that no was final! Then when we gathered enough courage to ask why, we are again shut down with, "Because I said so!"

Speaking of parenting, I took a different app- roach with my kids. My deal with them was if they could create a compelling argument/ discussion, they would win. Even if what they won was not in their best interest, I wanted to create opportunity and potential, not control. I think my approach played out positively... both kids graduated college. In fact, one is now MY boss, and the other is a budding entrepreneur.

So, how do you get to a yes? The smarty-pants answer is to add a "K" and a "W" to the word NO and transform it to KnoW. Need more? Well, consider this. Most of the time, the word "NO" is a blocker or a time saver. Folks need to KNOW why yes a more appropriate answer. Sometimes just a few minutes and a little give-and-take conversation is all that is needed for a favorable outcome for both sides.

I'm proud that my theory of listening and treating folks with respect was the correct approach to raising my kids.

"Can I have dental and vision covered with my insurance… WE SAY YES YOU CAN, and these are the ways to take care of your concern…".

We respect your questions, and it's our pleasure to help because you wouldn't ask if a solution wasn't important. So my approach even works for clients and colleagues. Yes...Imagine that!

Feelings or Facts? – 2021

Today is not too different from times in the past where monopolies controlled large portions of how we receive our news and information. Broadcast media (radio and television), Facebook (including Instagram), Twitter, and Alphabet (Google and YouTube) control most of what we see and hear. Remarkably similar to when the newspapers were the prominent provider of early in the 20th century.

Today, instead of just being a news deliverer, television uses its platform to push a specific point of view. Left and right politically- unfortunately, depending on what channel you select, you'll feel the shift in one direction without any consequences for misinformation.

In my opinion, news facts are being overshadowed by personal and political viewpoints. For example, yesterday, I watched a television anchor twist the interviewee's words, an attorney, to make it sound as if the information he presented in a trial was somehow suspect. However, the fact was, the defense's presentation was accepted by both the prosecution and the judge as accurate. Yet, the news anchor led the interview in the direction of his viewpoint, creating suspect and doubt about the evidence and naturally causing his listening audience to follow from a suspect viewpoint when that bias was not factual at all. The attorney in the interview tried to intercede, maintaining a calm demeanor, explaining, in no uncertain terms, that the conversation was skewing the evidence and facts during the interview was not OK. The news anchor was trying to stir debate. Why is it acceptable to change a proven fact into conjecture for debate? The anchor was eventually flustered after continuing to stir up the interview content by repeating the same comments three times.

What has happened to just presenting the facts and letting the listeners make their  judgments on the facts? Feelings matter. Opinions matter. Some things don't always go the way we would like. Twisting the facts may make it right for some but hurt someone else. To what end?

As humans, we hear what we want to hear based on the information provided. Media makes money as you consume their content. It's how they create value. The media has determined that "If it bleeds, it leads." The more sensational, the more controversial. The more views, the more listeners and Continued from page 1 “February…shares; the more shares, the more that flows back to the content provider. That is the backbone of social media.

What happened to the standard of truth for broadcasters? There are always multiple sides to a story. I heard it said; there is your
side, my side, and the fact. Please give us the facts and two opinions and let us decide the truth from the most convincing case offered.

I'm kind of tired of one-sided stories delivered to pit folks against folks, literally! Perhaps one-day presenting the facts will be more profitable than creating a sensation.

February already! – 2021

Where does the time go. Blink and another year is gone. I can’t wait for the virus to be a thing of the past. Mask-free and moving forward. I know, I know, not yet. but I’m hopeful and optimistic.

By the time you read this, new presidential administration will be in office. Their agenda will be moving to the 100-day race to make an impact.

Some things change, some things never change. We are human. That is our condition. What’s next? My guess is calm will take place. The rhetoric will subside and the “new normal” will slowly take over. The news media will find a new villain to focus their attention on. Half the country will remain happy with their political victory, the other half will regroup and make a run in two and four years with their new crop of candidates.

As for us… we will keep on keeping on, helping clients in their retirement journey. In Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, many things are open and thriving. We eat lunch out every day. Outside only! Not bragging about the great southwestern weather to our clients in the frozen areas of the country. I’m back at the gym. Outside only!

We are planning vacations again. Driving and staying in an RV. The only not-so-normal thing is meeting with clients virtually. Perhaps a politician will re-enact the FCC law from 1949 called “The Fairness Doctrine.” This is what required broadcasters to present two sides of a controversial subject. The goal was a fair and balanced presentation of the facts, so we could make our own decisions. Obviously, updates would be required for the ways in which we receive our information
these days. It would be great to watch the news again without the agendas and rhetoric. I’m open to debate, aren’t you? I would like facts presented, verified, and then we can weigh what we heard and decide.

One can hope!

New year: New opportunities – 2021

Half a Win! – 2020