Will U.S. citizens face any danger from the fallout from nuclear reactors?  Over the next week, you’ll hear exaggerated estimates of the danger.  Some news reports are saying that low levels of radiation have been detected as far away as 200 miles from the nuclear plant, but the radioactivity that has been released into the [...]

The news from Japan should, first and foremost, be viewed as a human tragedy of horrific proportions. We extend our prayers to the people affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor crises in Fukushima.  The American people are really stepping up to the plate by pledging their support for the humanitarian efforts.  The easiest [...]

This month, we observed an unusual two-year anniversary: 24 months from the low point in the global markets, the point of maximum pain and panic following the 2008 economic meltdown and so-called Great Recession. On March 9, 2009, the S&P 500 had fallen to its low of 676, the lowest it had been in 13 [...]

Retirees may start to “feel” the tax pain with the rest of us.  The Chicago Tribune reported that John Cullerton (D-Chicago), IL Senate President, suggested that retirement income be taxed at the new 5% rate.  Currently, retirement income such as pension funds, social security and 401(k) distributions are not taxed in Illinois.  If Cullerton succeeds retirees would experience an immediate 5% [...]

Today, March 9, 2011, marks the two-year anniversary of the stock market bottom following the credit crisis of 2008.  The official bottom of the recession (per NBER, an ad hoc group of economists that officially determines the peaks and troughs of recessions) occurred a mere three months later in June 2009.    Following the official end to [...]