2011 May « The Long Run Blog

Article on the state of economics

Brad Delong just posted about “Economics in Crisis” referring to current thinking in the profession. I think he’s right and recommend this article.

http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/delong113/English

May 16, 2011 Posted by Brett | Econ Policy, Economics, Theory | Leave a Comment

Periodic Reports Scam

In the past, I’ve written about dubious awards like America’s Top Financial Planners and how they disguise the marketing as an official state document in order to lure advisors into opening the envelope. Recently, I noticed the latest scam directed at small business owners (from different perpetrators though).

You see, every state has a process for registering your business entity. Say you open a dry cleaner, consulting firm or ice cream shop and form an LLC or S-Corp. How does one create that LLC or S-Corp? Well, you file the business entity with your state according to each state’s rules, but it is usually with the Secretary of State. Here in Colorado, this is a very simple, fast, efficient and inexpensive process. Something like $50 for the initial filing (done instantly online). I’ve done this several times now and am always amazed and pleased how easy it is. Filing for a separate tax ID with the state and feds is another step, also not too cumbersome. Read more »

May 4, 2011 Posted by Brett | Frauds & Scams | Leave a Comment

About

Brett Spurr has been on and around Wall Street since the age of 19, nearly half a lifetime ago. He helped make investment decisions for a $15 billion mutual fund complex. While locking horns with CEOs was fun, he now runs a personal financial planning firm helping individuals navigate their financial lives. Brett is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ certificant and investment manager by day and a full-time geek who delights in debating all things financial or economic.

Karl Mamer is host of The Conspiracy Skeptic podcast, a 12-part look at conspiracies of today and the not too distant past. Karl is also the world’s greatest living proponent of Franglais. He also likes to bait Nigerian Bank Scammers and hosted his own podcast about teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. Karl lives in Toronto, Canada and works as a senior technical writer to pay the bills.

Julio Guardado is a former tech CEO who after surviving a tech start-up during the dot com bust decided to join the dark side and become an investment banker. While wining and dining CEO’s (we call it “locking horns”) is great, he enjoys getting inside their heads and companies even more. Julio also runs RV Investor, a web site that specializes in the recreational vehicle industry. Julio lives in Silicon Valley.

Jon Blumenfeld has been on and around Wall Street since 1989, as a trader and researcher in interest rates and their associated financial products. Most recently he was an Interest Rate Strategist at Bear Stearns and Co., where he was named to Institutional Investor Magazine’s All-America Fixed Income Research team for Interest Rate Derivatives in 2007.

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