Catherine Maniscalco Avery · Wealth & Investing Expert

Deflation is a term we typically do not hear much about. Most of us are familiar with inflation, which happens when too much money chases too few goods.

“In economics, deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services,” states Wikipedia. Typically this is because there’s no demand in place. In other words, deflation is defined by periods of low-level growth generally associated with recessions.

While the consumer has slowed down here in the U.S., they are still spending on necessary items like medical and educational. On the other hand, many have debated whet…

If you’ve been keeping abreast of news on the financial front you’ll have probably heard the term “QE 2” mentioned. (And no, it does not refer to the Queen Mary 2!!)

QE 2 stands for “Quantitative Easing” and is The Federal Reserve’s second attempt at a more unconventional tool to try and lower interest rates and jump start our slow economic recovery.

Broadly speaking QE 2 means that The Federal Reserve will pump $600 billion more into the US economy and keep interest rates at historical low levels. In a November 3 article CNNMoney.com explains more specifically: " The central bank will …

CAIM’s latest in depth report: “What Women Want: Understanding the Modern Female Investor” [caimllc.com] examines how demographic trends are shaping women’s role in the work place and family and how that in turn affects their spending and investment habits. This report gets to the heart of women’s concerns i.e. financial security, and is a guide to achieving that.

Whether they have …

A recent article; “Income Investors Should be Buying Equities” by Paul Price on seekingalpha.com (a free provider of stock market opinion and analysis) notes: “It’s a topsy-turvy world right now, with short term interest rates near zero and even the 5 and 10-year treasuries paying peanuts.”

The picture is even grimmer when you take away 30% for combined federal and state taxes – the 5-year then comes down to 1.23% and the 10-year to 2.10%. Take away even 2.5% for inflation (after all, as the article points out, nobody believes their own cost of living has been flat to down as the govern…

Across the nation colleges are feeling the financial crunch. As a result most are drastically raising tuition, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article entitled: ‘Financial Aid 101: How to Get More.’ This year, for example, Harvard University announced its tuition, fees and board would increase by 3.8% for the 2010-2011 year, exceeding $50,000 for the first time. Even many state schools, traditionally far cheaper than private schools, are imposing significantly steeper hikes in percentage terms.

All of which makes a tough situation tougher for families who are too affluent to q…

Deflation is a term we typically do not hear much about. Most of us are familiar with inflation, which happens when too much money chases too few goods.

“In economics, deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services,” states Wikipedia. Typically this is because there’s no demand in place. In other words, deflation is defined by periods of low-level growth generally associated with recessions.

While the consumer has slowed down here in the U.S., they are still spending on necessary items like medical and educational. On the other hand, many have debated whe…

This is the story of two guys; Joe and Moe, both business owners.

MOE

Moe has been in business for over 30 years. He appears to have a great reputation and has taken care of his clients. But he is overloaded with debt and quickly running out of money to pay his employees’ retirement benefits. He also keeps spending to make it look like he’s creating jobs and security (i.e. healthcare.) For a $1,000 investment, Moe will pay you 2.74% for 5 years. At the end of the 5 years, he will give you back the $1,000 plus $137 in interest for a total of $1,137.

JOE
Joe has also run a busine…

With divorce rates sky-high nationwide (recent studies estimate 70% of marriages will end in divorce), the chances of becoming part of a second, blended family is a pressing reality for many Americans.

Lets take a look at some critical financial how to’s within the blended family environment.

Creating Stability and Harmony

Blending families is a stressful time for all involved. It is important that everyone feel loved and included. A couple of key ways to do this are by:

1) Keeping the lines of communication open and being upfront about your respective intentions.

2) Updat…