Stephen's Blog

As we get to know each other, it is important for me that I share with you any concerns I have that could help you improve your financial security. I am no prophet, or soothsayer, and I don’t have extraordinary investment knowledge. But I do have 30 years experience in the financial industry and a plethora of high level connections in banking, investment management and research, and trending. As you know if you've read my blog, I have felt that the US economy is on shaky ground ever...

I know what it is like to have plenty, and I also know what it is like to have nothing. One day I was exercising brain cells trying to decide which of my expensive cars to drive to the Gulf for a weekend vacation. Seemingly, only a few days later, I worried that between the coins I had in my wallet, the console of my car, and our junk drawer, there might not be enough money to buy a gallon of milk for my four children. I know both extremes of the financial spectrum. One is far...

This past Friday morning I had breakfast with one of the foremost authorities on what is now termed “Be Your Own Banker”. He is attending a major conference in my hometown of Nashville that has brought leading authorities on the concept together for what is termed “A Night Of Clarity”. That title inevitably begs the question, “Clarity about what?” My own impression about both the concept of being your own banker and the clarity issue is that there is today a “thread of discontent”...

This week, the American Congress passed a massive new Financial Overhaul Bill. Among other things, this phone book of new regulations purportedly seeks to close loopholes in a system that led to the 2008 economic collapse. However, in my opinion, this bill not only is unnecessary, its additional onerous regulatory "super boards" and red tape will be like adding gasoline to a fire. You see, the bill has absolutely nothing to do with speeding up the economic recovery. Instead,...

That is the headline of a much respected blog on investing. Previous to this “alert” were numerous citings of a stock market precipitously perched on a ledge that no longer would support its lofty numbers. And this blog is certainly not the only one sounding alarms. In fact, other than a host of a radio show that promotes mutual fund investing, I’m not sure there are very many prominent investment gurus out there not sounding alarms. So, what should you do? Sell all of...