Welcome to the end of the week and another edition of Happy Hour! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy your end of the week roundup of all things interesting in the land of money.
Political Fun
It’s too bad presidential elections only happen once every four years. The comedic fodder generated from late night talk shows and SNL makes me wish it happened more often. Now it seems the Democratic National Committee is getting in on the act with the Romney Tax Plan website.
I back them 100%. No, not the Democrats! The comedy writers bringing us some laughter amid all those excruciating commercials. As soon as the Republicans get in on the act, I’ll be sure to share. The Republicans can be funny too, right?
This is NOT an endorsement of Barack Obama or Mitt Romney. Just of websites that make fun of them.
Job Promises
There’s a reason why politicians are targets. Most of the stuff they spew forth is done in the hopes that a few unconvinced voters will actually believe them and vote. Thankfully most of us are smarter than that. Right?
Much has been said during the recent debates about how each candidate will put more people to work. They both throw around some big numbers and make it seem easy. It’s a grand idea. One that I don’t believe unless the government plans on hiring 5% of the population.
The government can try to change the regulatory and tax environment to spur hiring, higher wages, etc. It doesn’t mean businesses will actually do it. But don’t take my word for it. The latest IGM Economics Experts panel agrees. And they are much smarter than me.
Last Call
- The Funny Truth: 5 investment lessons from George Carlin – Some great words from the late George Carlin or at least the authors interpretation of them.
- The Inadequacy Our National Savings – For the Bogleheads out there, the seven deadly sins that are taking the retirement system to a dangerous place.
- Is Your 529 College-Savings Plan Charging Too Much? – 529 Plans are a great way to save for college. But, as usually, the costs are very different from one plan to another.
- Charlie Munger At Harvard Westlake School – Every so often I come across some great interview transcripts of successful investors. If you do what I do, read it, then download it, so you can revisit it later on.
- Why Financial Advisers Lie – Not all advisers fall into this category. Long ago my first job out of college, I learned the finance industry promotes the idea that the image of wealth and success is more important than real wealth.
