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Making Sense Out of Dollars

Forthcoming Articles for 2021

Joel Lerner, Columnist
Posted 1/1/21

As we begin this New Year, 2021, I would again like to introduce myself and this series which will appear for the next 52 Fridays.

I am a retired professor for the State University of New York …

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Making Sense Out of Dollars

Forthcoming Articles for 2021

Posted

As we begin this New Year, 2021, I would again like to introduce myself and this series which will appear for the next 52 Fridays.

I am a retired professor for the State University of New York (SUNY) and had taught at Sullivan County Community College for almost 40 years. I have written seven business books for McGraw-Hill with close to two million copies published and have had my own radio program here in Sullivan County for more than twenty-five years.

I have appeared on over 200 radio and TV shows, (including NBC’s Today Show) discussing the explanations of the financial topics of my book, “Financial Planning for the Utterly Confused”.

However, what is most important is what I am not. I am not a stockbroker, bank executive or insurance salesman. My specialty is not fancy jargon or statistics but rather to explain financial and economic matters that you can understand. Therefore, the thrust of the next 52 articles will not be on high­flying stock tips that promise to help you double your money in quick time.

As you are aware no one can make such promises with any certainty. What you will find however in this weekly column is an honest appraisal of different types of financial instruments - an appraisal based on current tax laws and the political environments. At no time in our country’s history have we been so anxious about a new administration and its forthcoming economic and social issues.

The coronavirus has affected everyone from Sullivan County to California, to Italy and China. The statistics are numbing during 2020 and do not begin to convey the suffering and trauma we have endured. For too many of us, dreams and hopes are somewhat shattered.

And, like Howard Beale’s character in the movie “Network” people are thinking “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” Because of this anxiety there comes a time in life, when you may want to walk away from all the drama.

So starting today, make yourself a resolution that you will surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people that treat you right and pray for the ones who do not. Life is too short to be anything but content.

Their widespread recognition that the 2020 economy was the result of greed, arrogance, poor government regulations and decisions and a system that prioritized profits over people. The coronavirus has changed all of us.

The “New Normal” that we are now experiencing has transformed our thoughts and dreams toward an entirely different direction. So please join with me during the next year as I attempt to explain the many financial (and sometimes emotional) areas that will affect all of us.

THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR

Better 6 feet apart than 6 feet under.

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