Debt, Banks, & Inflation

Markets are doing their thing again, so let’s discuss. Markets tumbled, heading into negative territory, and then bounced back. And then promptly fell again.1 We’re caught in a whipsaw pattern of uncertainty. Is this weird? Not really. These things happen pretty regularly when investors get jittery. Let’s talk about what’s

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Debt Ceiling Explainer

Politicians are creating more drama than Hollywood over the federal debt ceiling. Let’s recap what we know with some educated speculation about what could happen next. [Scroll down to the bottom for the nitty-gritty if you want to skip the details.] What is the debt ceiling and why is it

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You Already Have the Keys to a Better Life

What would make your life better? A new house or car? A bigger paycheck or bank account? It’s easy to want more when you think of being happier and living better.1 And there’s little doubt that money can buy some (more) happiness.2 But the happiness we get from money is

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The Student Debt “Bubble”?

About 25 years ago, federal government policies were implemented to encourage students to get a higher education—including borrowing the funds for that education if necessary. It was assumed that college graduates could afford the debt because they would be earning more from better paying jobs. However, the law of unintended

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Back to the Basics: Dust off your Budget

I read a great article recently about the St. Louis Rams football team. Before they allow any of their new draft picks to sign contracts (many containing huge signing bonuses) they have to attend a mandatory “Financial Planning 101” class.  If the story is true, one of the coaches walked

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