S Jun 19, 2013
Q. I believe I understand the effect of interest rates on bonds. But two questions come to mind. First, if you own individual bonds would you be better off keeping the bonds to maturity and getting the maturity value of the bonds, but losing out on higher rates; or should you sell and reinvest at some point in higher-interest-rate bonds? Second, does this change with bond mutual funds – do fund managers hold bonds to maturity, or do they generally sell and reinvest when interest rates are going up? —J.T., Austin, Texas read more…
S Jun 14, 2013
Will I have a doctor next year? I worry about that. You might worry a bit too, if you happen to be of Medicare age.
When the 2013 Medicare trustees report was released two weeks ago, the immediate media response was positive: There was no immediate problem and medical cost inflation had flattened out. Economist and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, writing in the New York Times, declared: “The Geezers are All Right.” read more…
A May 20, 2013
A friend of mine lived in Tokyo for many years. He demonstrated Japanese culture for his many visitors by dropping his wallet on a pedestrian clogged street. Then he walked briskly away from it, much to the amazement of his visiting friends. In each case (and yes, I do think he was lucky) a breathless man or woman caught up to him, wallet in hand.
Japan has one of the world’s lowest crime rates. So while many Americans brave Mexican and Ecuadorean retiree destinations, it’s worth considering where the Japanese flee for a setting sunset of their own. One such place is Malaysia. read more…