Economic Untruths- when facts aren’t really facts

It is election time again, which means we get bombarded with so called facts. Mirriam-Webster says a fact is “something that has actual existence; an actual occurrence; a piece of information having objective reality; truth”. In other words, facts are not opinions and are not up for debate. For example, I recently provided bona-fide data debunking the claim that the “bailouts” and “stimulus” did not do anything. They most definitely did have a significant positive impact, as shown by evidence, yet that hasn’t stopped detractors from asserting their opinion that both programs “failed” or “did nothing”. You won’t hear politicians make an accurate statements such as “these programs may have worked, but they were not worth the cost in my opinion.” That statement I have no problem with; I do have a problem with saying something is black when it is in fact white. Alas, our politicians won’t let facts get in the way of a good stump speech.

America’s Top Financial Planners

Woo-hoo! I’ve been listed as one of “America’s Top Financial Planners” by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. At least that what the mailing says. Oddly, the letter seems to only want me to purchase a commemorative “museum quality” plaque. There is no survey, no application and as far as I can tell, no nomination process. So how did I become one of America’s top financial planners anyway? I’m a small boutique shop that a research outfit would surely overlook.