Archives for April 2017

Panic mode saving

Originally posted: April 30, 2017 Updated on: April 22, 2017 by David Lewis

Came across an interesting comment on a public forum: *** Once I hit 40 and saw retirement on the horizon in 25 years, I went into panic mode saving as much as possible into my retirement accounts. I’m currently 50. I guess it is better late than never but how I wished I had started […]

Squash the gold bugs

Originally posted: April 29, 2017 Updated on: April 22, 2017 by David Lewis

What do gold bugs fear? They fear that everything will crater. That the economy will totally fall apart. Now… if that really happens… I mean if it REALLY happens… what will that gold be worth… really? A lot? Why would it be? Who do you know right now that knows how to value an ounce […]

Often an advisor, never a planner

Originally posted: April 28, 2017 Updated on: April 22, 2017 by David Lewis

Was reading something this morning about the Murray Gell-Mann Amnesia effect. Michael Crichton wrote about it in 2002 in an essay titled: “Why Speculate?” And I quote: **** Media carries with it a credibility that is totally undeserved. You have all experienced this, in what I call the Murray Gell-Mann Amnesia effect. (I call it […]

How to create financial security from meager assets and income

Originally posted: April 27, 2017 Updated on: October 23, 2017 by David Lewis

From a client, Marilyn, in New Mexico: *** I appreciate that you listen to what I want to achieve and what I’m worried about, rather than telling me what you think should be important to me. I’m impressed you could look at my rather meager assets and income and devise solutions that have given me […]

Mathematical revenge from actuarial hell

Originally posted: April 26, 2017 Updated on: October 23, 2017 by David Lewis

Been reading more about Obamacare and how the law is (still) failing. Insurers can’t make a net profit on these plans. People can’t find affordable coverage. No one is really all that happy (except the politicians who are, interestingly enough) exempt from the law. And on it goes. And yet there are True Believers out […]

Over the years, I’ve somehow managed to attract the attention of professionals, business owners, as well as insurance agents and financial planners.

Some of these folks have become regular readers and some… some have become loyal clients and even friends.

Here is a small sample of the comments I’ve received from some of my readers and clients:

*****

“I found your comments about the ‘be…own bank’ stuff straight to the point and (maybe) helpful.” — Joe

***

“I have known David for many years now and can say that he is a very honest and knowledgeable person and a great financial advisor. His insights are always backed up by tedious research and he has a real passion for helping people with their most important financial decisions. My gut tells me that after working with David you will likely feel like every stone has been uncovered and you will be confident that your financial well being is in good hands and you will be on your way to feeling financially secure. I do not regularly endorse other advisors in my field but I feel comfortable giving a strong thumbs up for David.”— Antonio Filippone, Registered Financial Consultant

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“Keep up the good work..I like reading your emails..” — Kelechi

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“Just read through your term v whole life blog from 2015, found it very well done and emailed it around the office here (I’m a CFP with [company name removed] ).” — Doug, CFP

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“I read your very thorough discussion of the IBC on on nuwireinvestor. I wanted to thank you for providing such relevant content on the subject.

I found your piece very well done and I found your explanations very analytical. Thank you for that service to readers.

…Content creators like you inspire me and I’m so thankful that we live in an age where so much knowledge is available to us.” — Wayne, Dentist

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“Watched your video on time value of money and whole life compared to other investments. Very interesting.” — Alex, property and casualty agent

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“You are a breath of fresh air. Thanks.” — Bob

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“After speaking with several brokers, I decided to work with you because you were the most informed across numerous life insurance companies and the nuances of their policies. You helped me select a policy with twice the internal rate of return than the first quote I had received from another broker. Life insurance is now a significant part of my estate, and I look forward to working with you for many years to come.” — Keith, Public Relations

***

“Life insurance as it exists today is undoubtedly a pale imitation of what it could be in a free market, but in terms of safety (and other utility), it’s the best option I’ve discovered so far.

There’s still a lot I need to understand about how life insurance works as a long-term savings vehicle, but for now I’m at least satisfied that some of my money is a little safer from theft and wildly arbitrary taxation.

It’s too early to tell, but I’m cautiously optimistic. I’m currently putting about 20% of my savings into life insurance, with the rest split between precious metals, investments, and traditional retirement accounts.

I wish life insurance could offer a better rate of return, but with an out-of-control pirate state sailing the financial seas, pillaging with impunity, I’m happy to have some measure of safety, even if it means giving up a lot of potential profit.”

Tim, Self-Employed

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“At first, I was a bit shocked at your extremely informal writing style, but it has grown on me. I actually look forward to your emails and the intriguing stories. The style breaks up the monotony of the other emails. Your emails have gotten my butt in gear to create my long and short-term financial plans.

Your writing and book recommendations have been an immense aid in teaching myself better finance principles and proved to me that it is very important to save money for all of those opportunities and curve balls that life throws at you.

I am now the happy owner of two life insurance policies, and I am armed with the knowledge to use them effectively. Thanks!” — Tom, Nuclear Engineer

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“Once the concept of whole life started to click, I was very sure this was the direction I wanted to go. You showed me how to get there and tailored my policy to meet my particular needs and comfort level- well, we pushed that a bit, but I’m glad we did.

My only question is, where were you 30 years ago to take me down this road?” — Shari, Grant writer

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“Your meticulous attention to detail assures me that I know exactly what to expect. You’ve given me a different perspective about making my money work for me. I actually feel I have control.” — Marilyn, Legal Assistant

*****

Not all comments are positive, though…

Occasionally, I receive hate mail (or random comments on social media) from folks who are not clients (and never will be).

Here’s what “the other side” has to say about me (in case you were wondering):

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“Whole life is what scam-based insurance people like David Lewis use to make a lot of money in commission at your expense. Get term life insurance. Never mix investing and insurance.” — L.C.G., self-proclaimed financial expert and forum moderator; [location withheld]

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“You ‘talk people into’ buying whole life insurance policies, which I personally think are not just a bad investment, but verging on a scam.” — R.F., Real estate investor and developer; [location withheld]

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“According to David, most advisors are ideologues, spewing the failed practices of the companies who control the financial service industry. Only his way of doing things puts the client first.” — Joe, Financial Advisor [location withheld]

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“David, I understand that you’re using Ayn Rand’s premise…

Well, you’re entitled to your viewpoint. But, I consider a flat dismissal of the codes that professionals have, for centuries, developed, refined, and attempted to live by to be absurd — and, frankly, rather silly.” — J.O., Financial Planner [location withheld]

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“I couldn’t disagree more with your view of the financial services industry.” — C.G., Certified Financial Planner [location withheld]