My Blog

“Ooh, a storm is threatening My very life today If I don’t get some shelter Ooh yea, I’m gonna fade away.” – Rolling Stones We interrupt this election nail-biter for a special news flash:  No matter who wins the presidency, the country is facing a staggering housing crisis. Even before

As you deliberate over your ballot decisions in the next few days, one choice should be easy: Ask whether any candidate favors giving away taxpayer money to attract global companies.  If the answer is “yes” – even a squishy conditional “yes” – throw the bum out. I have no clue

The summer of 2020 may be receding, but it now feels like the beginning of another summer, 1914, when a Serbian nationalist assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. What could have been an isolated tragedy escalated because of rigid alliances, heavy arms buildups, and stubborn pride. 

(This blog is part of a 12-part series on emerging opportunities for local investment that are especially important in the post-COVID era.  It’s drawn from my new book, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is.) —– In my last blog, I argued that if you have any significant savings to

(This blog is part of a 12-part series on opportunities for local investment that are especially important in the post-COVID era.  It’s drawn from my new book, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is.) The COVID economy is riddled with bad news, but there is one bright spot: Interest rates

ED.  Everyone’s got it, and no one wants to talk about it.  I’m referring, of course, to the wonderfully loopy world of economic development.  While no blue pill can cure it, you might be able to help. Below are ten common phrases used by economic developers that suggest they are

If you read columns by financial advisors or listen to their radio shows or podcasts, you will find no shortage of bullish prognosticators who will tell you that if you patiently leave your money in the stock market for many years, you can expect a rate of return of 10%,

A tidal wave of red ink, precipitated by COVID-19 shutdowns, is now drowning towns, cities, and counties across America. Massive cuts in services loom ahead, as do huge tax hikes.  Localities face unprecedented challenges in rebooting their economies. Where I live, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the County Executive recently empaneled

If you are going stir-crazy spending your summer indoors, I can help. Here are three events, dear friends, I hope you will consider attending. All local-economy related. All free. All filling up fast! First, I will participate with my dear friend Judy Wicks this Thursday, July 9, at 2 pm

The Small Street Journal Brought to you by The Main Street Journal, The Small Street Journal highlights actionable opportunities for small investors to support local companies. Company Sector Location Raise Target Portal Offering Description Amped Innovation Renewable Energy San Mateo, CA Raising $5M at $55M pre-money valuation cap. Republic Amped

(This blog is part two of a 12-part series on emerging opportunities for local investment that are especially important in the post-COVID era.  It’s drawn from my new book, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is.) Last week I talked about how investing in yourself by paying off your credit

If I’d been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door Will you still need me, will you still feed me When I’m sixty-four. – The Beatles   If ever there were an inauspicious week for the release of my latest book, PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR LIFE