David Walker: 60 Minutes Interview

David Walker served as Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) from 1998 to 2008 during both Democratic and Republican administrations.  Since 2005 he has been a no-nonsense, non-partisan voice in the critically important discussion about our Nations soaring debt crisis.  In 2007 he was featured on the CBS  Read more ➝

Market Commentary: 2011 Q2

As we look back at the markets in the second quarter of 2011 we see conditions that support our tactical approach to portfolio management.  After advancing approximately 5% in the first quarter of 2011 the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index retreated by 5% early in the second quarter, only to close the quarter back where it  Read more ➝

A Look at Our National Debt

As a very heated debate rages in Washington D. C. over how best to address our nations’ national debt I thought it might be helpful to look at this subject from an objective, apolitical point of view.  Dr. David Kelly, CFA, Chief Market Strategist for J.P. Morgan Funds drafted a great white paper on this subject  Read more ➝

Grand budget deal eludes parties

For anyone who has studied our country’s debt crisis, it quickly becomes apparent that any real long term solution will require a combination of all of the following; 1. Increased revenues through tax increases or fundamental changes to our tax structure, 2. Fundamental changes to Medicare and 3. Significant defense spending cuts.  Unfortunately, these are  Read more ➝

Stocks (still) Rule!

With all the talk of a double-dip recession, the wheels falling off the cart and our country veering off into the abyss, there are still many, including a few billionaires, who are still very bullish.  This article, originally published in the May 23rd, 2011 issue of Fortune magazine gives one bullish investor’s point of view.   Read more ➝

Purse strings staying open

On May 6th, 2011 the Los Angeles Times reported that retail sales surged in April despite higher gas and food prices.  This report comes on the heals of strong first quarter 2011 number and adds credence to the argument that the U.S. economy is improving, albeit at a slow pace.  To view the entire article, please click on  Read more ➝