For Fathers Day this year, Tim and Megan got me a pair of black Converse sneakers. They weren’t the high tops; they were the low cut style. Back in the day, however, I wore the high, black Converse sneakers. Who would have thought I was a fashion trendsetter all those years ago? Certainly not me! Why do I tell you this? Well, now it seems that what is old is new again. With the challenges in the economy, some commentators are now calling this the “New Normal.” I know what new means, however, I have not figured out what normal is. It would appear to mean something you have gotten used to. more…

Sorry for the dramatic headline. Most of you that know me are aware that I am pretty conservative and not one for grandstanding. Don’t worry—I am definitely not qualified to write for the National Enquirer, and no, I won’t be discussing Britney Spears. But now it’s time for me to put my cards on the table. I’m not talking about playing today’s favorite pastime game—Texas Hold’em. I’ll admit that in my youth I played some cards, but nothing serious. These days whenever I turn on the TV, which isn’t frequently, there’s a bunch of guys (and gals) wearing sunglasses sitting around the table having cards dealt to them. Even my son is in on the action—he’s got his own set of chips and a table set up in the basement. more…

Owning individual stocks offers several benefits to investors—the first knowing exactly what you own. Hopefully, you’ll know more about your stocks than just the stock symbol. Peter Lynch, former manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund, said you need to be able to explain in one minute why you own a stock. Another benefit is that you decide when to buy and sell. Controlling the timing of gains and losses are important with your income taxes. You can’t get this control investing in mutual funds. Sure, you can invest in tax efficient funds, but as a fund shareholder you can’t control when dividends and capital gains are distributed. Some people accumulate certain stocks when they inherit shares, buy stock in the company they work for, or buy shares from the insurance company they have their policies with. more…