Diary of a KAD

As some of you know, I am opposed to mutual funds; investing in them only because no other options are available in 401k accounts.  There is much data regarding the outrageous fees, and how mutual funds are basically a legal scandal, but I haven't been able to articulate my opinion quite like this article does.  I think you will find this VERY informative because it brings together the role of employers, the outrageous money in the industry, as well as the Supreme Court involvement: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/business/09stra.html?_r=1 John Bogle founded the Vanguard Group, but still lobbies for more regulation in our favor.  Check his blog for more information:  http://johncbogle.com/wordpress/2010/05/ Bogle told Robert Kuttner (an economic journalist) in “The Squandering of America” that from 1985-2004, the average mutual fund yielded an investor 3% less interest than the stock market indices.  He reported that during that time period, an inve...

78-year old Violet Large, and her husband, Allen hit the jackpot.   They won over $11 million in the Canadian lottery.   They kept 2% for themselves,   in case of “a rainy day” and gave the rest away. First, they took care of family, and then they helped the local fire department, churches, cemeteries, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, hospitals where Violet underwent her cancer treatment, and organizations that fight cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes.   They have been married 35 years and live a quiet life in Nova Scotia.   Were they loaded to begin with?   No.   He was a welder and she worked in retail. When asked why they didn’t want to hold onto the money, they said it caused stress and headaches that they didn’t have before they won the money, and they didn’t want after the money.

Yesterday’s election results may have you depressed, but it could be good for the economy. At the Good News Network, I am committed to finding the silver lining in stories that make headlines.   For those of you that are depressed about a Republican-majority House of Representatives, keep an open mind to the silver lining.   With the two Houses under control by two different parties, controversial or truly bipartisan legislation will likely not be passed.   The second point is that this election proves that the American microwave society has moved into government.   Voters are fickle and they want things to happen immediately.    This bodes well for the reelection of Obama.   Third, this is Clinton-esque.   The last time the Senate was Dem and the house Repub,   Clinton was in office.   Even Clinton-haters have to admit the economy was at it its strongest then -- there was record job creation, decrease in poverty, an approximate 15% incr...

I have created a list of some of my favorite ballot issues for today, and answers (based solely on my personal opinions which have been formed with little to no information). On health care Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma –should we amend the state constitution to prohibit forced health insurance for everyone by 2014, as stated in the Federal healthcare reform? No.  The Supreme Court has the final word, so these amendments will likely be a moot point. On gambling Oregon: Should a casino in Multnomah County be permitted? And should 15% of lottery proceeds continue to go to parks, beaches, and wildlife habitat beyond 2014? Yes.  Oregon has a lot of wildlife refuge – plus, it’s an artsy state.  The money will help. On Affirmative Action Arizona : Should preferential treatment in public employment, education and contracting be banned?  No.  Theoretically, preferential treatment should not be needed.  But, with the rec...