Author Archives: Dan Solin

Dear Mr. Beard: I read with interest an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution outlining the woes of your city’s three big pension plans for police, firefighters, and other employees. These plans have assets of approximately $2 billion. I understand that … Continue reading →

How you invest your hard earned money is critically important. It can determine whether you can retire with dignity or be dependent on friends and family in your “golden years.” With so much at stake, you would think most investors … Continue reading →

The greater fool theory (GFT) refers to those who buy an investment based on the premise they will be able to sell it at a profit to a “greater fool.” Many investors subscribe to this theory, but don’t know they … Continue reading →

It seems like no week goes by without another action by the SEC alleging insider trading or other misconduct by members of the securities industry. This week was no exception. According to a litigation release issued Feb. 17, 2012,the SEC … Continue reading →

I previously cautioned investors about the perils of relying on various lists of “best fund managers.” One of the most popular of these lists is issued annually by Morningstar, which annually designates a “Fund Manager of the Year” in various … Continue reading →

I am fascinated by the way most people invest, because it is demonstrably wrong. Here’s how you probably pick your mutual funds. Your broker calls and tells you about a mutual fund he believes is right for your portfolio. The … Continue reading →

The financial media was all atwitter when Standard and Poor’s downgraded the credit rating of nine European countries on Jan. 13, 2012. France and Austria lost their triple-A rating. CNBC’s reaction was typical. It described this event as “a Black … Continue reading →

Brokers and advisors like to describe their activities in terms indicating the benefits they bestow upon their clients. “Wealth manager” is one of my favorites, because it conveys the impression that using them is likely to increase your wealth. Using … Continue reading →