Monthly Archives: March 2014

Companies are shifting pensions to 401Ks – see any problems?

Apparently, large companies are now shifting their pensions into 401Ks managed by financial institutions like Prudential Financial, Inc. I understand that pensions are guaranteed, but 401Ks are not? Should you be worried if your pension plan just got shifted from … Continue reading

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Magical formula for homebuyer’s “rent-or-buy” decision?

There really is none, but here’s an interesting thought you can add to your financial strategy: Divide the subdivision/area annual rent by the home’s price and if the result (i.e., yield) is >8%, it favors buying…from 5-8% it favors longer … Continue reading

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How does the Mortgage Interest Deduction benefit homeowners?

First, the excess in total itemized deductions you have can be used to reduce your taxable income but it’s not a major factor to determine to buy a home. Actually, the major reason to buy a home is when someone’s … Continue reading

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Did Federal Government Housing Policy Hurt the Middle Class?

I don’t think all the blame of the past 7-20 years is entirely on the backs of banks and financial institutions as the US Justice Department feeds on a frenzy to go punish the pit bull that the US Government … Continue reading

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Non-Bank Mortgage servicing

Update 2-6-2015: Major mortgage bond investors and the state of Confusion (i.e., California) are taking legal action over Ocwen’s management mismanagement of mortgage servicing. They alleged improper loan modification practices, wrongfully recouped advances, and a failure to account for cash … Continue reading

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Supreme Court rules on rights to abandoned railroad trails

And the decision isn’t good for those who want to convert them into riding/walking/nature trails. In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a 1940’s Supreme Court decision that the U.S. Congress granted only an “easement” onto public and private … Continue reading

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First time home “renters” not buyers

In 2013, about 30% of new construction was apartment buildings (highest in several years) in hopes to catch young people out of college or just leaving home to step into an apartment and not a home. It’s also estimated many … Continue reading

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Catios – playgrounds for cats at your home

If you have a cat and wish to offer it some outdoor playtime, but are afraid another animal can reach it or inflict any harm, then why not build a — catio. A catio (patio for cats) is a “fully” … Continue reading

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School Testing – So what’s the answer?

Are we now in a “Race to the Top of the Pile of Common Core Crap” in education? For a long time we’ve been relying on the great and powerful Federal Government ($ wink-wink-$) to use the carrot and stick … Continue reading

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FDA plans to improve O-T-C Drug Process

Update 1-28-2015: Over-The-Counter Drug Monograph System—Past, Present, and Future; Public Hearing and The Future: Modernizing the OTC Drug Review The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will host comments from the public March 25th & 26th regarding any suggestions to improve/expedite … Continue reading

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