PERSONAL FINANCE AND MUTUAL FUNDS
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Paying For The Privilege Of Procrastination
by Joseph Anthony
"The Internal Revenue Service has announced that when taxpayers pay their
federal income taxes next year, they'll be able to use credit cards. At
first glance, that seems like a great deal. Get to the final line on your
Form 1040 and just say, "Charge it!" But in fact, using a credit card could
be a lousy way of paying your tax bill."
abcnews.com
The Flat Yield Curve
by A. Gary Shilling
Forbes columnist makes the case for 3% bonds in the coming decade and a
prolonged period of flat yield curves.
forbes.com
You Be The Banker
by Mark Skousen
"If credit risk bothers you less than interest rate risk, consider owning a
prime rate fund."
forbes.com
Utilities Crackle In Summer Swelter
by Michael Parrish
"This year's heat wave has jolted electric rates to shocking levels. Since
deregulation, the winners are the companies able to take advantage of the
spike. For investors, the period of turmoil has been a boon -- providing
insight into the winners, losers and trends already surfacing in the
high-stakes, mysterious new world of deregulated electricity trading."
investor.msn.com
Complain All You Want
by Kenneth L. Fisher
Forbes columnist makes the case for sticking with the mega-caps here and
overseas.
forbes.com
Your Road Map To A Winning Portfolio
10 Steps You Can Take Now!
by Barbara Mlotek Whelehan
mfmag.com
A Disaster In the Making
By Scott Burns & Harris Collingwood
"How 401(k)s, so brilliant in theory, are failing millions of hard-working
American savers."
worth.com
An Explanation Of Unit Investment Trusts (UITs)
"QUESTION: Recently my broker has been pushing unit investment trusts. Could
you give me some insight on these? Are they better than mutual funds?"
smartmoney.com
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Y2K SITES OF THE WEEK
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"We are not going to have a catastrophic situation on our hands. Nor will
the year 2000 be problem-free. Where will it come out between the two
extremes? I don't know that."
Edward Kelly Jr.-Federal Reserve Governor
Money Magazine- July 1998
I know I used this quote last week, but as of yet, this is the most
even-handed assessment I can find. I have not yet come to any conclusion on
the problems that will result from the Y2K problem. I will pass along the
articles I find that may provide some needed insight. This week a little
good news on state and local efforts and good signs on the legal front.
State and Local Governments Appear To Be Getting Their Act Together.
Maine regulators Look Into Utilities' Preparation For 'Year 2000' Bug
by Frank Fisher
"A sluggish response by more than 100 Maine public utilities to state
regulators asking about computer preparations for the year 2000 has forced
the Maine Public Utilities Commission to start applying some pressure."
fosters.com
Council OKs spending $12.6 million on Y2K Fix
"A $12.6 million fund to address computer problems that otherwise could shut
down local government at the turn of the century got City-County Council
approval Monday night."
starnews.com
Mildly Good News Related To Y2K Lawsuits
Y2K Is Months Away, But Sharks Are Circling
"Chilled by a possible blizzard of year 2000-bug lawsuits -- one estimate
sees $1 trillion in damages -- corporations are asking the feds for help."
cgi.pathfinder.com
Intuit Y2K Lawsuit Dismissed
by Erich Luening
"Intuit today said a lawsuit that was filed against it that alleged some of
its products did not recognize the Year 2000 has been dismissed. It marks
what observers believe is the first dismissal of such a case in a group of
class-action suits regarding the Y2K technology problem."
news.com
A Tax Break For Companies Fixing Y2K Problems?
Amid Worries, A Year 2000 Windfall
by Curt Anderson
"Companies struggling with Year 2000 computer problems may find a silver tax
lining with the IRS, but some questions cloud the issue -- such as how to
qualify for the best deductions.
The Internal Revenue Service says it will allow full tax deductions -- in a
single year rather than the usual three -- for businesses that have to
repair or convert existing software."
herald.com
Ahh... But will the IRS be Y2K compliant? |
