Exiting the Eye of the Hurricane and Other 2013 Predictions

Posted on January 1, 2013 by MN Gordon

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” – Yogi Berra

How to Make the Most of The Year of the Snake

Now that 2012’s been laid to rest, and the dirt’s been kicked on its face, we calibrate our sights on the year ahead…and what you can expect.  According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2013 is the Year of the Snake.  What’s more, it’s the year of the water snake.  Here’s how to make the most of it…

“This is a year of water Snake,” says one Chinese Zodiac website, “and all things will be possible.  Saving money and being thrifty should be your top priorities.  To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely.”

Certainly, this is sage guidance…no matter what year.  While the Year of the Snake doesn’t officially begin until February 10, saving money and spending it wisely are two steps to take with the start New Year – that’s today – if you’re not already doing so.  In fact, saving money and thrift are two cornerstones of wealth building.

To clarify, the two surest ways to build wealth are to (1) spend less than you make, and (2) make more than you spend. Continue reading →

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Confessions of a Dream Chaser

Posted on December 28, 2012 by MN Gordon

[Editor’s note: Today’s Economic Prism is an excerpt of remarks made by Direct Expressions’ President and Founder MN Gordon at the annual company holiday party at Steak ‘n Stein.]

Has There Ever Been an Occupation More Fun?

“If you want to be happy,” once remarked Andrew Carnegie, “set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”  Good advice, for sure…

Somehow, by persistence or foolishness, transforming the Economic Prism from an avocation to a vocation has become the sort of goal for us that Carnegie refers to.  This especially inspires hope when we rise long before the crack of dawn each morning to make our clients look good…whether they appreciate it or not.

Leaving our profession behind for our own newsletter publishing business continues to be a goal.  But first we must build it up to where it replaces our current income.  Until then, the happiness and hope we derive from working towards this goal is worth more than the effort we expend on it.

Each day we open our eyes, look around, and see amazing, extraordinary things.  We are captivated by the stable instability of the economy and markets. Continue reading →

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Special Christmas Edition

Posted on December 25, 2012 by MN Gordon

“Running to the window, he opened it, and put out his head.  No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells.  Oh, glorious!  Glorious!

‘“What’s to-day!” cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in Sunday clothes, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him.

‘“EH?” returned the boy, with all his might of wonder.

‘“What’s to-day, my fine fellow?” said Scrooge.

‘“To-day!” replied the boy.  ‘“Why, CHRISTMAS DAY.”

‘“It’s Christmas Day!” said Scrooge to himself.  ‘“I haven’t missed it.  The Spirits have done it all in one night.  They can do anything they like.  Of course they can.  Of course they can.  Hallo, my fine fellow!”’

That’s right.  You haven’t missed it.  As this immortal scene from the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, declares…“It’s Christmas Day.” Continue reading →

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Welcome to Life After the End of the World

Posted on December 21, 2012 by MN Gordon

“It’s important to rescue the frog.” – Al Gore Jr., Nobel Prize Laureate.

The Great Conmen of Our Day

Known unknowns are commonly unsettling.  People pay good money for the comfort of a favorable prediction, particularly when it’s from someone with strong convictions.  It doesn’t really matter if the forecaster is right or not.  What’s important is how they sound when they portend the future.

Could you imagine a world where a bridge engineer miscalculated as often as a weatherman?  Or where a carpenter was as wrong as a stockbroker?  Bridges would collapse and roofs would cave in as quickly as a dark cloud appears on the horizon or a trading session reverses course.

Central bankers are the great conmen of our day.  Take Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, for instance.  He’s printing up $85 billion each month to prop up U.S. Treasury debt and the mortgage market.

According to Bernanke all this monetary intervention is for our own good.  He believes the economy’s lacking demand.  His theory is all this cheap credit will stimulate demand, which will boost the economy and lower the unemployment rate. Continue reading →

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