As we move into the Thanksgiving season, there are many personal things to be grateful for. I, as well as all of you, can probably create a huge list of what we are grateful for including friends, family, our health and more. However, as investors and savers, there is also plenty we can be grateful for this year. Here is just a short list:
1. The election is over. I could add MORE but I said thankful for.
2. Unemployment is less than half of what it was when the President walked into office in 2009, and wage rates have started to rise as a result of market pressure and legislative actions.
3. 401(k) plans with employer matches. The employer match is about as close to free money as you can get, and if you have these in place where you work, you should give thanks.
4. Oil (gasoline) prices are less than half of what they were a couple years ago, which in turn has resulted in Detroit and auto industry selling more highly profitable SUVs and pickups than ever.
5. The stock market is hitting new all-time highs with little signs of a bubble. Thus your 401(k) should be getting as fat as that Thanksgiving turkey.
6. The economy is progressing at a comfortable rate with inflation at a very benign level and shows no signs of slowing. Interest rates up to now have been a bonus for home buyers and corporate America as well, even though the Federal Reserve has signaled its intention to begin raising them by year end.
7. That miracle concept that produces earnings from previous earnings, compound interest, is always something to be thankful for. Your invested dollars earn returns that, when added, earn more returns and your nest egg grows.
8. America is great and strong and will get better because we overcome the hurdles of the past and continually look to the future.
Happy Thanksgiving!