http://iia-kc.com Find Your Path and Fund It Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:17:09 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Luke (middle child) just finished his first basketball season a couple of weeks ago.  During the games there was a flurry of activity up and down the court, but very little scoring.  I find this analogous to the U.S. stock market this year.  With all the (economic and political) headlines ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-3510-2010-has-been-like-a-first-grade-basketball-game/ Last week in the Wall Street Journal I read that several municipalities are considering filing for bankruptcy because they are cash strapped and can’t meet their bond payments.  The following chart highlights the fact that from 1970 through 2008 (adjusted for inflation) U.S. government spending has risen 221% versus 32% ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-22610-things-that-may-concern-you/ Instead of drawing from the latest headlines on the current state of the economy or stock market, I am providing some longer term perspectives from professionals whom I admire.    “Come 2010, only 16 cents of every dollar of global economic growth will come from the U.S., nearly half the level of ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-021910-points-to-ponder/ Been through a layoff?  Want to make a change? Kansas City Saves Organization presents this FREE education program Your money, retirement, next career move and family depend upon how you manage this life transition. Learn what to start doing and what to stop doing What to do, and not do, with your 401k Protect your ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/events/february-26-7-dos-and-donts-to-cope-with-a-layoff-or-career-change/ Grease Greece is not the word! Greece is a member of the European Union (EU) (i.e. an economic and political union of 27 European nations).  Greece’s population and economy are both very small in comparison to the entire union of nations; however, it is having a dramatic impact on all EU ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-2122010-greece-is-not-the-word/ Commentary for the week ending February 5, 2010  Long-term vs. short-term or Patience and persistence vs. emotions and reaction Do emotions affect our investment decisions?  Yes!  Ironically, we react differently to declining stock prices as compared to declining home values.   Almost everyone’s home has decreased in value over the last two years.  However, we don’t ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-252010-long-term-vs-short-term-or-patience-persistence-vs-emotion-reaction/ Both of the following trivia items were noted in today’s Wall Street Journal.  Currently, all three major U.S. stock indexes, the Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ have lost money year-to-date, and some believe a weak January bodes ill for stocks the rest of the year.  According to Ned Davis Research, in ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-012910-stock-market-trivia-mixed-signals/ You are cordially invited to the ACA Leadership Council “POWER LUNCH”    As part of this dynamic gathering of business leaders, you’ll discover: The blunders even good leaders make, and what those blunders cost How to vaccinate ourselves against leadership blunders The practical ways we can make excellent leadership more a “way of life”    Wednesday, February ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/events/february-24-2010-leadership-blunders-to-avoid-in-2010/ As I am writing this, the market is down for its second day in a row.  Historically, the market (i.e. a collection investor opinion) does not like the uncertainty surrounding government policy, interest rates, income taxes, the economy and the impact on corporate earnings.  As such, the market doesn’t voice its ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-12210-what-can-i-expect/ Computer chip maker Intel reported a huge rebound in profits and sales for the last quarter of 2009.  This is a good sign for technology related companies.  Individuals and corporations are spending money on computers and related technology equipment and software.  It is positive to see consumer and corporate confidence ... http://iia-kc.com/blog/financial-commentaries/weekly-commentary-011510/