In theory, retirement is supposed to offer a chance to relax, to spend more time with family and friends, and pursue new interests and hobbies.  But real life doesn’t always work out like theory, in this case because many retirees are financially pressured and need more income to make ends meet.  Social Security is helpful, but not enough to enable recipients to pay all of their bills.  So, to paraphrase the Yiddish expression: How does the cat get over the water?    

Oil is one of the few bright spots in the economy now.  Last September the price rose to nearly $94/barrel, and market commentators predicted it would hit $100 and then go even higher.  Fortunately, they were wrong, and cash-strapped consumers got a much-needed break.  The question now is: “How much longer will the good times last?”  

In case you haven’t noticed, the Presidential election is drawing closer, and very soon the candidates will tell us how they expect to solve all of the world’s problems.  There are two issues in particular that have not yet gotten much attention: the increase in childhood poverty, and the wealth gap between the super-rich and the rest of us. Both evoke strong emotions, and if presented to voters skillfully, could generate many votes.   

If asked to name the most competitive industry today, what would you say?  Autos, fast food, or maybe smartphones?  They’re all good choices, but retail is possibly the best.  It’s brutal, the pressure relentless, and it’s impacted by many things out of our control.  And that’s why so many are folding.

On June 18, some ardent Beatles fans will light candles in honor of Paul McCartney’s birthday.  Paul is one of the most popular singers in history, and lighting candles is their way of saluting him.  Other Beatles fans will light candles for a very different reason: as a memorial.  They believe Paul is dead and that he died in 1966.