Recent content by Ed at AAFR

A provocative question: At one time, our industrial base was growing rapidly, and we were in the business of displacing or outrightly slaughtering American Indians, and settling their land. We needed people to do this, and encouraged immigration. Fortunately, the slaughter has ended; and...

I have often been thanked by servers at restaurants. But even if I'm not, I leave a decent tip unless the service was really terrible. It's about paying fairly for the service you received, not about garnering a "thank you."

Delaying retirement isn't terrible if it at least then becomes feasible. I'd like to see Social Security delayed to 68 or 69 if that will save the system. The bad thing is that retirement is become totally impossible for some people because of debt and similar financial woes.

I always try to tip well because I know it provides most of the income for waiters, waitresses and others. However, I'd hate to see the system of tipping eliminated. I lived in Europe for 10 years (Germany) where the tip is included in the bill. Service is absolutely horrid there. You get...

There are two forces at work here: 1. Yes, if you contribute the money up front, it will have longer to grow. 2. If you are investing in stocks, you are better off dollar cost averaging by investing monthly than hoping the first half of the year is a good time to buy. If it's possible for you...

I use all three firms in my investing. Here's my (subjective) view: * Vanguard has the lowest expense ratios and gives you the best value for your money. I'm happy with the customer service. Only minus is that most funds have a $3,000 minimum. * Fidelity has a much wider choice of funds than...

I believe it does have to do with inflation. I'm not entirely sure about the inflation protected bonds, although maybe they are simply part of a huge, generalized selloff. In any event: the government and the Fed are creating liquidity by pouring money into the short-term market. This drives...