August already? Wow.
As we head into the first weekend of the 8th month, here's our latest Roundup of recent articles on investing, personal finance, and stewardship.
Are US stocks bulls right to be so optimistic? (Financial Times via Google – link takes you to a Google page; on that page, click the article link). The perennial question: Is the glass half-empty or half-full?
One-year returns don't matter (Ben Carlson, A Wealth of Common Sense). It's long-term returns that matter. "But you have to get through a series of short-term emotions to get there."
William Bernstein on investors' biggest risk: Not preparing for the worst (Interview, Wall Street Journal). Maintaining some safe assets will help you avoid panic during times of market turmoil.
A generational change (Michael Batnick, The Irrelevant Investor). At long last, there is income to be earned in the fixed-income market.
Fitch downgrades America (Editorial, Wall Street Journal). The downgrade of the U.S. debt rating may even reflect "an overly optimistic assessment." (Related: America's fiscal time bomb ticks even louder)
IRS unveils 'paperless processing initiative' for taxpayers. Here's what to expect (CNBC). Great expectations: "The IRS expects to eliminate up to 200 million pieces of paper every year, slash processing times by half and speed up refunds by several weeks."
As Social Security official warns of A.I. fraud risks, one expert says criminal activity is 'here right now' (CNBC). Scammers focus on government payments because it's easy — and there's little chance of getting caught.
When to give (Jonathan Clements). Thoughts on giving to your children while you're still living vs. leaving an inheritance.
5 ways budgeting makes your life easier, not harder (Leo Sabo, Christian Stewardship Network). Budgeting "is about making conscious choices that...lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable life."
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