If you attempt to describe the economy in the last couple years and where I believe we’re heading, you could call it the crumbling of the American dream.  Big homes, fun lifestyles and easy money have been the cornerstone of the American dream in recent decades.  Sadly, this is changing dramatically.
An industry that has been pummeled in the midst of this shift is leisure and recreational boating.  There are two companies here that I’d like to briefly look at: Brunswick Corporation (BC) and …

This is probably only for those of you that follow the economy, the Fed, and the markets. I haven’t thought through much of these but this is more me just thinking out loud here…

Statistics show that married people tend to become wealthier over the length of a lifespan.  While this makes sense (shared expenses, probably more apt to engage in financial planning), there are some puzzling ramifications of marriage for younger folks that I often hear discussed.  So, yes, married people have more money later in life, but what about right after getting married?
One of our single friends recently made the comment that it seemed like all of his friends when they get married immediately get poorer as a result.
Now, obviously this person …

Altria Group, Inc. (MO) announced recently that they are increasing their quarterly dividend by 8.6% from $.35 a share to $.38 a share or from $1.40 annually to $1.52 annually. Altria continues its practice of increasing their dividend payout every single year as it has done since 1970.
As the economic data deteriorates and more people buy in to the idea that we are actually in an economic depression versus a typical business cycle recession, I believe that the focus will increasingly turn towards dividends, income, and capital preservation versus …

It’s truly astonishing how terrible the financial state of so many people is these days.  Really, it’s incredible and depressing.  While everyone’s situation is different, there are three major reasons that have contributed to this being a major widespread disaster.
Reason #1 – No Discipline
American’s have really moved away from discipline.  Maybe it is a result of a booming standard of living or ease in our lives, but discipline is definitely a thing of the past.
What has replaced it is a sense of flippancy regarding our finances.
Instead of taking our finances …

I came across this two part video series today which is Tony Robbins (famous motivational speaker) giving his views on the economy. He speaks with great clarity and offers a compelling view of the economy that you’d be very dumb not to pay attention to. Have a look.

The younger generations, through little fault of their own, have been placed into one of the most difficult situations this country has ever faced. Previous generations allowed the government to run wild. As a result, politicians have spent more than they should and made promises that cannot be kept.

Why do most people suck at personal finance?  By personal finance, I mean of course, the overall make up of one’s financial situation including their habits, their debt, their savings, their investing, their spending, etc.  So, why do people suck so badly at it?
Is it because they don’t know enough stuff?  Definitely not.  Because the reality is that personal finance knowledge is really basic.  It is common sense type stuff.  Spend less than you earn is not something that only college graduates can grasp.  It’s not about knowledge.
It’s about behavior.
Habits
When …