This week August 18, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we see why the most important thing about any currency is whether it is trusted. We evaluate using a self-directed IRA to invest in the real estate crowdfunding platform Peer Street and how a member could go about investing $120,000 on the platform. Finally, we discuss how a member could approach the challenge of reducing stock exposure as he approaches retirement given his concerns about incurring capital gains tax. 169 … [Read more...]
MNY140 Plus: YieldCos, Currencies and the Border Tax
This week January 14, 2016 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we look at the potential impact of a border tax on the U.S. dollar and whether an absolute strengthening of the dollar is as certain as some experts think. We look at whether currency changes impact asset class valuations. Finally, we explore yieldcos, a relatively new investment vehicle for accessing renewable energy assets. … [Read more...]
MNY114 Plus: Is Indexing Too Big, Currency Hedging and Bid/Ask Spreads
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we look at the size of the indexing market and discuss whether there are too many indexers and not enough active managers. We also look at why hedging Canadian and Australian equity exposure actually increases volatility. I discuss what is a reasonable bid-ask spread when purchasing an ETF. And finally, we look at Canadian REITs and MLPs. The episode length is 26 minutes. … [Read more...]
99: Money Is Story
How money originated and why our relationship with money is driven by the stories we tell. Photo by Christina B. Castro In this episode you'll learn: How money originated.Why most money is virtual.Why the worth of money fluctuates both in the market and in our minds.How the stories we tell define our relationship with money. Show Notes The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith Debt - Updated and Expanded - The First 5000 Years by David Graeber Your Story About … [Read more...]
74: Capital Flows Where It Is Treated Best
How investment capital seeks out the most attractive opportunities, and why that is causing China to dump some of its U.S. Treasury bonds. Photo by J.D. Stein In this episode you'll learn: What it means to have your investment capital treated well.Why the U.S. dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar.What drives currency exchange rates.What are the negative consequences of a weak currency.What are foreign currency reserves and how do countries acquire them.Why China owns U.S. … [Read more...]
MNY065 Plus: Iceland versus Greece, Robinhood App and Currency Risk
This week's Money For the Rest of Us Plus episode discusses why Iceland has been able to recover economically while Greece remains mired in depression. I also answer Hub member questions regarding the Robinhood Trading platform/app and how to minimize currency risk when living overseas. The episode length is 18 minutes. … [Read more...]
MNY060 Plus: Asset Allocation, Real Estate Debt and Currency Hedging
In this week's Money For the Rest of Us Plus episode, I answer member questions regarding: Should an asset allocation table that includes real estate deduct the value of any mortgage debt. In other words, only show real estate equity. Premium/discounts for international ETFs Currency hedging equity portfolios The episode length is 15 minutes. … [Read more...]
March 2015 Mid Month Strategy Update
This is a new monthly audio broadcast covering timely investment topics and current market conditions. Items covered in this strategy update include: The purpose of the mid month strategy update. How stock market returns this year differ depending on the currency. The appreciating U.S. dollar and what is causing it. Secular bull and bear markets. Importance of consulting your tax advisor if you purchase individual MLPs Why I am increasing my equity exposure. Current investment … [Read more...]
MNY046 Plus: Survey Responses, Currency Hedging and Country Ranking
In this week's Money For the Rest of Us Plus episode, I discuss a variety of topics including: Changes being made to the Hub based on Charter Member feedback. Why I don't generally hedge my international equity exposure. What factors do I consider when overweighting a country in my portfolio. The episode length is 16 minutes. … [Read more...]
MNY039 Plus: The Swiss National Bank Ends Its Currency Manipulation
In this week's Money For the Rest of Us Plus episode, we explore the shock that ran through currency markets this past Thursday as the Swiss National Bank announced it would stop trying to prevent the Swiss franc from strengthening. Within minutes the Swiss franc appreciated over 20% against the euro, inflicting losses on many investors. This is a classic example of what can happen when a country tries to manipulate its currency and then stops. The episode length is 15 minutes. (I … [Read more...]
