The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning. ~Ivy Baker Priest Long time Balance Junkie readers know that it’s been difficult for me to juggle the demands of running this site along with numerous other priorities in my life. I’m going to be taking on… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Kim Petch
The Utility of Investing in Utilities
The secular bear market that began in 2000 has seen many investors scratching their heads over where to allocate their investable funds. Stocks have lived up to the secular bear moniker by fluctuating wildly but managing little real price progress over the past decade. In the meantime, bonds have extended a 30-plus year bull run… Continue Reading
20 Cents from August 2012
So the dog days are upon us and summer is almost over. I hope you found some time to relax and reflect this summer. In my experience that’s one of the best ways to optimize productivity. If you’re looking for some food for thought to kick start your back-to-work mindset, I’ve got some great articles… Continue Reading
8 Lessons Learned from Summer Bike Rides
I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. ~Steven Wright I used to ride my bike almost every day in the summer when I was a kid. Once I got my driver’s license I rode a lot less. When adulthood hit in earnest with all of the responsibilities of marriage and children, I… Continue Reading
Are Long Term Bonds Still a Good Buy?
These days it seems market commentary is filled with more conflict than consensus. Even the most grizzled market veterans acknowledge that these are the most challenging market conditions they’ve ever faced. I suppose it makes sense then, that some of the most knowledgeable and experienced experts on the street are presenting coherent but completely disparate… Continue Reading
20 Cents from July 2012
As the beautiful days of summer fly by, I hope you’ve found a little time to step out of your routine and enjoy them. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and go at your life with fresh insights. To put you in a good mindset for just that, how about a few thought-provoking articles? 1.… Continue Reading
Waiting for an Epiphany
The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn’t waste time waiting for inspiration.… Continue Reading
Observations of a Financial Tourist
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu Just before the turn of the century, I started to become interested in finance. My university background was in English literature, education and psychology so the world of money and markets was completely foreign to me. I harboured some prejudices about… Continue Reading