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MONEY: Macro-Economic Velocity

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

BASIC DEFINITIONS

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The velocity of money is a fundamental concept in macroeconomics that measures how quickly money circulates through the economy. It reflects the frequency with which a unit of currency is used to purchase goods and services within a given time period. This metric is crucial for understanding economic activity, inflation, and the effectiveness of monetary policy.

At its core, the velocity of money is calculated using the formula:

Velocity = GDPMoney Supply\text{Velocity} = \frac{\text{GDP}}{\text{Money Supply}}

This equation shows how many times money turns over in the economy to support a given level of economic output. For example, if the GDP is $20 trillion and the money supply (say, M2) is $10 trillion, the velocity is 2—meaning each dollar is used twice in a year to purchase goods and services.

There are different measures of money supply used in this calculation, most commonly M1 and M2. M1 includes the most liquid forms of money, such as cash and checking deposits, while M2 includes M1 plus savings accounts and other near-money assets. The choice of which measure to use depends on the context and the specific economic analysis being conducted.

The velocity of money is influenced by several factors:

Consumer and business confidence: When people feel optimistic about the economy, they are more likely to spend rather than save, increasing velocity.
Interest rates: Higher interest rates can encourage saving and reduce spending, lowering velocity. Conversely, lower rates can stimulate borrowing and spending.
Inflation expectations: If people expect prices to rise, they may spend more quickly, increasing velocity.
Technological and structural changes: Innovations in digital payments and shifts in consumer behavior can also affect how quickly money moves.

Historically, the velocity of money has fluctuated with economic cycles. During periods of economic expansion, velocity tends to rise as spending increases. In contrast, during recessions or periods of uncertainty, velocity often falls as consumers and businesses hold onto cash. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, velocity dropped sharply due to reduced consumer spending and increased saving.

In recent years, the U.S. has experienced persistently low velocity, even amid significant increases in the money supply. This phenomenon has puzzled economists and raised questions about the effectiveness of monetary policy. Despite aggressive stimulus measures, much of the new money has remained in savings or financial markets rather than circulating through the real economy.

Understanding the velocity of money is essential for policymakers. A low velocity may signal weak demand and justify expansionary fiscal or monetary policies. Conversely, a high velocity could indicate overheating and the need for tightening measures to prevent inflation.

In conclusion, the velocity of money is a dynamic indicator of economic vitality. It helps economists and central banks assess the flow of money, the strength of demand, and the potential for inflation.

While often overlooked by the public, it plays a vital role in shaping economic policy and understanding the broader health of the economy.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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REAL-WORLD FINANCE: How Some RNs Can Retire Richer Than Physicians

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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For generations, the prevailing belief in healthcare has been that physicians [MD, DO and DPM], with their high salaries and prestige, inevitably retire wealthier than nurses. Yet this assumption overlooks the financial realities of different nursing specialties and the long‑term impact of debt, lifestyle, and retirement planning. In fact, some Registered Nurses (RNs)—particularly Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), visiting nurses, and those who participate in structured pay programs like the Baylor plan—can retire richer than physicians. The reasons lie in the interplay of education costs, career flexibility, income potential, and disciplined financial planning.

Education Costs and Debt Burden

One of the most decisive factors shaping retirement wealth is the cost of education. Physicians often spend over a decade in training, including undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency. This path not only delays their earning years but also saddles them with substantial student debt. The median medical school debt in the United States exceeds $200,000, and many physicians spend years paying it down.

By contrast, RNs typically complete their training in two to four years, with advanced practice nurses such as CRNAs requiring graduate‑level education. Even so, their debt burden is far lighter, often less than half of what physicians carry. This difference means nurses can begin earning earlier, save for retirement sooner, and avoid the crushing interest payments that erode physicians’ wealth. A CRNA who starts practicing in their late twenties may already be investing in retirement accounts while a physician is still in residency earning a modest stipend.

Income Potential of Specialized Nurses

While physicians generally earn more annually than nurses, the gap is narrower in certain specialties. CRNAs, for example, are among the highest‑paid nursing professionals, with average salaries often exceeding $200,000 per year. This places them in direct competition with some physician specialties, especially primary care doctors, who may earn similar or even lower salaries.

Visiting nurses also benefit from unique financial advantages. Many work on flexible schedules, contract arrangements, or per‑visit compensation models. This allows them to maximize income while minimizing burnout. By avoiding the overhead costs of private practice and the administrative burdens physicians face, visiting nurses can channel more of their earnings directly into savings and investments.

When combined with lower debt and earlier career starts, these income streams can compound into significant retirement wealth.

💰 Highest-Paying Nursing Careers (2025)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – ~$212,000 annually
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $120,000–$140,000+ depending on specialty (Family, Acute Care, Psychiatric)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – $120,000–$135,000
Nurse Midwife – ~$115,000
Nurse Manager/Administrator – $110,000–$120,000
Informatics Nurse Specialist – ~$115,000
Neonatal ICU Nurse (NICU) – $110,000+
ICU Nurse – $105,000+
Pain Management Nurse – ~$104,000
Oncology Nurse – ~$100,000

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The Baylor Pay Plan Advantage

The Baylor plan, a structured pay program used by some hospitals, allows nurses to work full‑time hours compressed into fewer days—often weekends—while still receiving full‑time pay and benefits. This arrangement provides several financial advantages. First, it enables nurses to earn competitive wages while freeing up weekdays for additional work, education, or entrepreneurial ventures. Second, it reduces commuting and childcare costs, allowing more income to be saved. Third, the plan often includes robust retirement benefits, such as employer‑matched contributions to 401(k) or pension programs.

Nurses who consistently participate in such structured pay plans can accumulate substantial nest eggs, often surpassing physicians who delay retirement savings due to debt repayment or lifestyle inflation. The Baylor plan highlights the importance of systematic investing: by automating contributions and focusing on long‑term growth, nurses can harness the power of compound interest. A nurse who invests steadily for 35 years may accumulate more wealth than a physician who begins saving late and inconsistently, despite earning a higher salary.

Lifestyle and Work‑Life Balance

Another overlooked factor is lifestyle. Physicians often face grueling schedules, high stress, and the temptation to maintain expensive lifestyles commensurate with their social status. Luxury homes, cars, and vacations can erode their financial base. Nurses, while not immune to lifestyle inflation, often maintain more modest spending habits.

Visiting nurses, in particular, enjoy flexibility that allows them to balance work with personal life. This reduces burnout and healthcare costs while enabling consistent employment into later years. By living within their means and prioritizing savings, nurses can accumulate wealth steadily without the financial pitfalls that sometimes accompany physician lifestyles.

Retirement Wealth Beyond Salary

Retirement wealth is not solely determined by annual income. It is shaped by debt management, savings discipline, investment strategies, and lifestyle choices. Nurses who leverage high‑paying specialties like anesthesia, flexible arrangements like visiting nursing, and structured programs like the Baylor plan can outperform physicians in these areas.

Consider two professionals: a physician earning $250,000 annually but burdened by $200,000 in debt and high living expenses, and a CRNA earning $200,000 with minimal debt and disciplined savings. Over decades, the CRNA may accumulate more net wealth, retire earlier, and enjoy greater financial security.

Conclusion

The assumption that physicians always retire richer than nurses is outdated. While physicians command higher salaries, their delayed earnings, heavy debt, and lifestyle pressures often undermine long‑term wealth. Nurses, particularly CRNAs, visiting nurses, and those who participate in structured pay programs like the Baylor plan, can retire wealthier by combining lower debt, earlier savings, competitive incomes, and disciplined financial planning.

Ultimately, retirement wealth is not about prestige but about strategy. Nurses who recognize this truth and act accordingly may find themselves enjoying more financial freedom than the very physicians they once assisted.

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", finance, Financial Planning, Funding Basics, LifeStyle, Marcinko Associates, Retirement and Benefits | Tagged: Baylor Plan, budgeting, CNS, CRNA, david marcinko, DO, doctors, DPM, finance, Financial Planning, Investing, investments, MD, midwife, NICU, NP, Oncology, personal-finance, physicians, RN, salary reirement | Leave a comment »

Say’s Law in Classical Economics

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Say’s Law, named after the French economist Jean‑Baptiste Say, is a foundational idea in classical economics. Often summarized as “supply creates its own demand,” the law suggests that the act of producing goods and services inherently generates the income necessary to purchase them. This principle shaped economic thought throughout the 19th century and continues to influence debates about markets, government intervention, and the causes of economic crises.

Origins and Meaning Jean‑Baptiste Say introduced his law in the early 1800s in his Treatise on Political Economy. He argued that production is the source of demand: when producers create goods, they pay wages, rents, and profits, which in turn become purchasing power. In this view, general overproduction is impossible because every supply of goods corresponds to an equivalent demand. If imbalances occur, they are temporary and limited to specific sectors, not the economy as a whole.

Core Principles Say’s Law rests on several assumptions:

Markets are self‑correcting: Any surplus in one area leads to adjustments in prices and production.
Money is neutral: It serves only as a medium of exchange, not as a driver of demand.
Production drives prosperity: Economic growth depends on increasing output, not stimulating consumption.
No long‑term unemployment: Since supply creates demand, workers displaced in one industry will eventually find employment elsewhere.

These ideas aligned with classical economists’ belief in minimal government intervention and the efficiency of free markets.

Influence on Classical Economics Say’s Law became a cornerstone of classical economics, reinforcing the belief that recessions or depressions were temporary and self‑correcting. Economists like David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill adopted versions of the law, using it to argue against policies aimed at stimulating demand. The law supported laissez‑faire approaches, suggesting that governments should avoid interfering with markets, as production itself would ensure economic balance.

Criticism and Keynesian Revolution Say’s Law faced its greatest challenge during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Widespread unemployment and idle factories contradicted the idea that supply automatically generates demand. John Maynard Keynes famously rejected Say’s Law in his General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money (1936). Keynes argued that demand, not supply, drives economic activity. He showed that insufficient aggregate demand could lead to prolonged recessions, requiring government intervention through fiscal and monetary policies.

Keynes’s critique marked a turning point in economics. While Say’s Law emphasized production, Keynesian economics highlighted consumption and demand management. This shift reshaped economic policy, leading to active government roles in stabilizing economies.

Modern Perspectives Today, Say’s Law is not accepted in its original form, but elements of it remain relevant. Supply‑side economists, for example, argue that policies encouraging production—such as tax cuts and deregulation—can stimulate growth. In contrast, Keynesians stress the importance of demand management. The debate reflects a broader tension in economics: whether prosperity depends more on producing goods or ensuring people have the means and willingness to buy them.

Conclusion: Say’s Law was a bold attempt to explain the self‑sustaining nature of markets. While its claim that “supply creates its own demand” proved too simplistic in the face of modern economic realities, it remains a vital part of the history of economic thought. The controversy surrounding Say’s Law highlights the evolving nature of economics, where theories are tested against real‑world crises and adapted to new circumstances. Even today, discussions of supply‑side versus demand‑side policies echo the enduring influence of Say’s original insight.

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SINGULARITY: In Finance and Investing

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The singularity promises to revolutionize medicine by accelerating diagnostics, treatment, and longevity—but it also demands ethical vigilance and systemic transformation.

The concept of the technological singularity refers to a hypothetical future moment when artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human intelligence, triggering exponential advances in technology. In medicine, this could mark a turning point where AI-driven systems outperform human clinicians in diagnosis, treatment planning, and even biomedical research. While the singularity remains speculative, its implications for healthcare are profound and multifaceted.

One of the most promising impacts is in diagnostics and precision medicine. AI systems trained on vast datasets of medical images, genetic profiles, and patient histories could detect diseases earlier and more accurately than human doctors. For example, algorithms already outperform radiologists in identifying certain cancers from imaging scans. As we approach the singularity, these systems may evolve into autonomous diagnostic agents capable of real-time analysis and personalized recommendations, tailored to each patient’s unique biology.

Another transformative area is drug discovery and development. Traditional pharmaceutical research is slow and costly, often taking over a decade to bring a new drug to market. AI could dramatically shorten this timeline by simulating molecular interactions, predicting therapeutic targets, and optimizing clinical trial designs. With superintelligent systems, the pace of innovation could accelerate to the point where treatments for currently incurable diseases—like Alzheimer’s or certain cancers—become feasible within months.

The singularity also opens doors to radical longevity and human enhancement. Advances in nanotechnology, genomics, and regenerative medicine may converge to extend human lifespan significantly. AI could help decode the aging process, identify biomarkers of cellular decline, and engineer interventions that slow or reverse it. Some theorists even envision a future where aging is treated as a curable condition, and mortality becomes a choice rather than a biological inevitability.

However, these breakthroughs come with serious ethical and societal challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and access inequality are critical concerns. If singularity-level AI is controlled by a few corporations or governments, it could exacerbate global health disparities. Moreover, the replacement of human clinicians with machines raises questions about empathy, trust, and accountability in care. Who is responsible when an AI makes a life-altering mistake?

To navigate this future responsibly, medicine must embrace interdisciplinary collaboration. Ethicists, technologists, clinicians, and policymakers must work together to ensure that AI systems are transparent, equitable, and aligned with human values. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with innovation, and medical education must prepare practitioners to work alongside intelligent machines.

In conclusion, the singularity represents both a promise and a peril for medicine. It offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance human health, but also demands careful stewardship to avoid unintended consequences.

As we edge closer to this horizon, the challenge will be not just technological, but deeply human: to harness intelligence beyond our own in service of healing, compassion, and justice.

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SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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BAD MONEY MOVES of Physicians!

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Money is a powerful tool. It can provide security, open opportunities, and help build a fulfilling life. Yet, when mismanaged, it can quickly become a source of stress and regret. Understanding the worst ways to use money is essential for anyone who wants to avoid financial pitfalls and build lasting stability.

1. Impulse Spending

One of the most damaging habits is spending without thought. Buying items on impulse—whether it’s clothes, gadgets, or luxury goods—often leads to regret and wasted resources. These purchases rarely align with long‑term goals and can drain savings meant for emergencies or investments.

2. High‑Interest Debt

Credit cards and payday loans can trap people in cycles of debt. Paying 20% or more in interest means that even small purchases balloon into massive financial burdens. Using debt irresponsibly is one of the fastest ways to erode wealth.

3. Ignoring Savings and Investments

Failing to save for the future is another critical mistake. Without an emergency fund, unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs can derail financial stability. Similarly, neglecting investments means missing out on compound growth that builds wealth over time.

4. Chasing Get‑Rich‑Quick Schemes

From pyramid schemes to speculative “hot tips,” chasing unrealistic returns is a recipe for disaster. These schemes prey on greed and impatience, often leaving participants with nothing but losses. Sustainable wealth comes from patience and discipline, not shortcuts.

5. Overspending on Status

Many people waste money trying to impress others—buying luxury cars, designer clothes, or extravagant experiences they cannot afford. This pursuit of status often leads to debt and financial insecurity, while providing only fleeting satisfaction.

6. Neglecting Insurance

Skipping health, auto, or home insurance to save money may seem smart in the short term, but it can be catastrophic when disaster strikes. Without protection, one accident or emergency can wipe out years of savings.

7. Failing to Budget

Living without a plan is like sailing without a map. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend, miss bills, or fail to allocate money toward goals. Budgeting is not restrictive—it’s empowering, because it ensures money is used intentionally.

8. Ignoring Education and Skills

Spending money without investing in personal growth is another hidden mistake. Education, training, and skill development often yield lifelong returns. Neglecting these opportunities can limit earning potential and financial independence.

Conclusion

The worst things to do with money often stem from short‑term thinking, lack of discipline, or the desire for instant gratification. Impulse spending, high‑interest debt, chasing schemes, and neglecting savings all undermine financial health. By avoiding these traps and focusing on budgeting, investing wisely, and protecting against risks, money can serve as a foundation for security and freedom rather than a source of stress.

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TAX: Difference Between Evasion and Avoidance

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Taxation is a cornerstone of modern governance, providing the financial resources necessary for governments to deliver public services, maintain infrastructure, and support social programs. While paying taxes is a legal obligation, individuals and businesses often seek ways to reduce their tax burden. This pursuit gives rise to two distinct concepts: tax avoidance and tax evasion. Though they may sound similar, the difference between them is profound, hinging on legality, ethics, and consequences.

Tax avoidance refers to the use of lawful strategies to minimize tax liability. It involves taking advantage of deductions, exemptions, credits, and other provisions explicitly allowed by tax laws. For example, individuals may contribute to retirement accounts, claim mortgage interest deductions, or invest in tax-free municipal bonds. Businesses may structure operations to benefit from tax incentives or credits designed to encourage innovation, sustainability, or job creation. In essence, tax avoidance is legal tax planning—a way to reduce obligations while staying within the boundaries of the law.

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By contrast, tax evasion is illegal. It involves deliberately misrepresenting or concealing information to avoid paying taxes. Common forms of evasion include underreporting income, overstating deductions, hiding assets offshore, or falsifying records. Unlike avoidance, which is permitted and often encouraged, evasion constitutes fraud against the government. The consequences are severe: individuals and corporations found guilty of tax evasion may face hefty fines, penalties, and even imprisonment.

The distinction between the two lies in compliance versus deception. Tax avoidance complies with the letter of the law, even if it sometimes exploits loopholes. Tax evasion, however, breaks the law outright. This difference is critical not only legally but also ethically. While avoidance is lawful, aggressive avoidance strategies—especially by wealthy individuals or multinational corporations—can raise moral questions. Critics argue that such practices undermine fairness, shifting the tax burden onto ordinary citizens. Governments often respond by reforming tax codes to close loopholes and ensure equity.

Tax evasion, on the other hand, is universally condemned. It erodes trust in the tax system, deprives governments of essential revenue, and places greater strain on compliant taxpayers. Moreover, evasion can damage reputations, leading to loss of credibility and public backlash for businesses or individuals caught engaging in fraudulent practices.

In summary, tax avoidance is legal and strategic, while tax evasion is illegal and punishable. Both aim to reduce tax liability, but they differ fundamentally in method and consequence. Avoidance leverages lawful opportunities provided by tax codes, whereas evasion relies on deception and concealment. Understanding this distinction is vital for taxpayers, as crossing the line from avoidance into evasion can result in serious legal and financial repercussions. Ultimately, responsible tax planning requires not only knowledge of the law but also an awareness of ethical considerations, ensuring that efforts to minimize taxes do not compromise legality or fairness.

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RICARDIAN ECONOMICS: Can it Save Medicine?

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Ricardian economics, rooted in the theories of 19th-century economist David Ricardo, emphasizes comparative advantage, free trade, and the neutrality of government debt—most notably through the concept of Ricardian equivalence. While these ideas have shaped macroeconomic thought, their relevance to medicine and healthcare policy is less direct. Still, exploring Ricardian principles offers a provocative lens through which to examine the fiscal sustainability and efficiency of modern healthcare systems.

At the heart of Ricardian equivalence is the idea that consumers are forward-looking and internalize government budget constraints. If a government finances healthcare through debt rather than taxes, rational agents will anticipate future tax burdens and adjust their behavior accordingly. In theory, this undermines the effectiveness of deficit-financed healthcare spending as a stimulus. Applied to medicine, this suggests that long-term fiscal responsibility is crucial: expanding healthcare access through borrowing may not yield the intended economic or health benefits if citizens expect future costs to rise.

This insight could inform debates on healthcare reform, especially in countries grappling with ballooning medical expenditures. Ricardian economics warns against short-term fixes that ignore long-term fiscal implications. For example, expanding public insurance programs without sustainable funding mechanisms could lead to intergenerational inequities and economic distortions. Policymakers might instead focus on reforms that align incentives, reduce waste, and promote cost-effective care—principles that resonate with Ricardo’s emphasis on efficiency and comparative advantage.

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However, Ricardian economics offers limited guidance on the unique moral and practical dimensions of medicine. Healthcare is not a typical market good. Patients often lack the information or autonomy to make rational choices, especially in emergencies. Moreover, the sector is rife with externalities: one person’s vaccination benefits the broader community, and untreated illness can strain public resources. These complexities challenge the assumption of rational, forward-looking behavior central to Ricardian equivalence.

Additionally, Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage—where nations benefit by specializing in goods they produce most efficiently—has implications for global health. It supports international collaboration in pharmaceutical production, medical research, and telemedicine. Yet, over-reliance on global supply chains can expose vulnerabilities, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when countries faced shortages of critical medical supplies.

In conclusion, Ricardian economics provides valuable fiscal insights that can inform healthcare policy, particularly regarding debt sustainability and efficient resource allocation. Its emphasis on long-term planning and comparative advantage can guide reforms that make medicine more resilient and cost-effective. However, the theory’s assumptions about rational behavior and market dynamics limit its applicability to the nuanced realities of healthcare. Medicine requires not just economic efficiency but ethical considerations, equity, and compassion—areas where Ricardian economics falls short. Thus, while it can contribute to the conversation, it cannot “save” medicine alone.

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DI-WORSIFICATION: Stock Portfolio Pitfalls

Posted on November 8, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Diworsification is a term coined by Peter Lynch to describe when investors over‑diversify their portfolios, adding too many holdings and ultimately reducing returns instead of improving them.

Diversification has long been heralded as one of the cornerstones of sound investing. By spreading capital across different asset classes, industries, and geographies, investors can reduce risk and protect themselves against the volatility of individual securities. Yet, as with many strategies, there exists a point where the benefits diminish and the practice becomes counterproductive. This phenomenon, known as diworsification, was popularized by legendary investor Peter Lynch to describe the tendency of investors and corporations to dilute their strengths by expanding too broadly.

At its core, diworsification occurs when the pursuit of safety leads to excessive complexity. For individual investors, this often manifests in portfolios bloated with dozens or even hundreds of stocks, mutual funds, or exchange‑traded funds. While the intention is to minimize risk, the result is frequently a portfolio that mirrors the market index but with higher costs and less focus. Instead of achieving superior returns, the investor ends up with average performance weighed down by management fees, trading expenses, and the difficulty of monitoring so many positions. In essence, the investor has sacrificed the potential for meaningful gains in exchange for a false sense of security.

Corporations are not immune to this trap. In the corporate world, diworsification describes the tendency of firms to expand into unrelated businesses, diluting their competitive advantage. A company that excels in consumer electronics, for example, may attempt to branch into unrelated industries such as food services or real estate. Without the expertise, synergies, or strategic fit, these ventures often fail to deliver value, distracting management and eroding shareholder wealth. History is replete with examples of conglomerates that grew too large, too fast, only to later divest their non‑core businesses in recognition of the inefficiencies created.

The dangers of diworsification are not merely theoretical. They highlight the importance of discipline in both investing and corporate strategy. For investors, the lesson is clear: diversification should be purposeful, not indiscriminate. A well‑constructed portfolio might include a mix of equities, bonds, and alternative assets, but each holding should serve a specific role—whether it is growth, income, or risk mitigation. Beyond a certain point, adding more securities does not reduce risk meaningfully; instead, it complicates decision‑making and reduces the chance of outperforming the market.

Similarly, for corporations, strategic focus is paramount. Expansion should be guided by core competencies and long‑term vision rather than the allure of short‑term growth. Firms that resist the temptation to chase every opportunity are better positioned to strengthen their brand, innovate within their domain, and deliver sustainable value to shareholders.

In conclusion, diworsification serves as a cautionary tale against the excesses of diversification. While spreading risk is essential, overdoing it can undermine performance and clarity. Both investors and corporations must strike a balance between breadth and focus, ensuring that every addition to a portfolio or business strategy enhances rather than dilutes overall strength. In other words, “diversification means you will always have to say you’re sorry.”

True wisdom lies not in owning everything, but in owning the right things.

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Understanding NASDAQ: The Digital Revolution in Stock Trading

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The NASDAQ, short for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, is one of the largest and most influential stock exchanges in the world. Founded in 1971, it was the first electronic stock market, revolutionizing how securities were traded by replacing traditional floor-based systems with computerized trading platforms. This innovation made transactions faster, more transparent, and accessible to a broader range of investors.

Unlike the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which historically operated through physical trading floors, the NASDAQ is entirely virtual. It connects buyers and sellers through a sophisticated network of computers, allowing for rapid execution of trades. This digital-first approach has made it particularly attractive to technology companies and growth-oriented firms, earning it a reputation as the go-to exchange for innovative and high-tech businesses.

Companies Listed on the NASDAQ The NASDAQ is home to some of the most prominent and influential companies in the world. Giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google (Alphabet), Meta (formerly Facebook), and Tesla all trade on the NASDAQ. These companies are part of the NASDAQ-100, an index that tracks the performance of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the exchange. The NASDAQ Composite Index, which includes over 3,000 stocks, provides a broader snapshot of the market’s overall health and direction.

How It Works The NASDAQ operates as a dealer’s market, meaning transactions are facilitated by market makers—firms that stand ready to buy or sell securities at publicly quoted prices. These market makers help maintain liquidity and ensure that trades can be executed efficiently. Prices are determined by supply and demand, and the electronic nature of the exchange allows for real-time updates and high-speed trading.

Significance in the Global Economy The NASDAQ plays a vital role in the global financial system. It provides companies with access to capital by allowing them to issue shares to the public, and it offers investors a platform to buy and sell those shares. The performance of the NASDAQ is often seen as a barometer for the health of the technology sector and, more broadly, the innovation economy. When the NASDAQ rises, it typically signals investor confidence in growth and future earnings; when it falls, it may reflect concerns about economic stability or company performance.

Global Reach and Influence Though based in the United States, the NASDAQ’s influence extends worldwide. Many international companies choose to list on the NASDAQ to gain exposure to U.S. investors and benefit from the prestige associated with being part of a leading global exchange. Its technological infrastructure and regulatory standards make it a model for other exchanges around the world.

NASDAQ 100: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/07/24/nasdaq-100-re-balanced-index/

In summary, the NASDAQ is more than just a stock exchange—it’s a symbol of innovation, speed, and global connectivity. Its pioneering approach to electronic trading has reshaped the financial landscape, and its roster of companies continues to drive technological progress and economic growth across the globe.

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RULE 3-5-7: Investor Trading Strategy

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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The 3-5-7 Rule is a trading strategy that helps investors manage risk and maximize gains by setting clear limits on losses and targets for profits. It’s a simple yet powerful framework for disciplined decision-making.

In the volatile world of trading, success often hinges not just on identifying opportunities but on managing risk with precision. The 3-5-7 Rule is a widely respected risk management strategy designed to help traders protect their capital while pursuing consistent returns. This rule provides a structured approach to trading by setting specific thresholds for risk exposure and profit expectations.

At its core, the 3-5-7 Rule breaks down into three key components:

3% Risk Per Trade: Traders should never risk more than 3% of their total account value on a single trade. This limit ensures that even if a trade goes against them, the loss is manageable and doesn’t jeopardize their overall portfolio.
5% Total Exposure Across All Positions: The rule advises that total exposure across all open positions should not exceed 5% of the account value. This prevents over-leveraging and reduces the impact of correlated losses during market downturns.
7% Profit Target: For every trade, the goal is to achieve a profit that is at least 7% greater than the potential loss. This risk-to-reward ratio helps ensure that even with a lower win rate, traders can remain profitable over time.

The beauty of the 3-5-7 Rule lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It can be applied across various asset classes—stocks, forex, crypto—and suits both beginners and seasoned traders. By enforcing discipline, it helps traders avoid emotional decisions, such as chasing losses or holding onto losing positions too long. Moreover, this rule encourages thoughtful position sizing. Traders must calculate their entry and exit points carefully, factoring in stop-loss levels and account size. This analytical approach fosters better trade planning and reduces impulsive behavior.

Another advantage is its scalability. As a trader’s account grows, the percentages remain constant, but the dollar amounts adjust accordingly. This keeps the strategy relevant and effective regardless of portfolio size. In practice, the 3-5-7 Rule acts as a safety net. It doesn’t guarantee profits, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of catastrophic losses. It also promotes consistency, which is crucial for long-term success in trading.

In conclusion, the 3-5-7 Rule is more than just a guideline—it’s a mindset. It teaches traders to respect risk, plan strategically, and aim for favorable outcomes.

By adhering to this rule, traders can navigate the unpredictable markets with greater confidence and control.

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HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING: Algorithmic Computerized Stock Trading

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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High-frequency trading (HFT) is a form of algorithmic trading that uses powerful computers and complex programs to execute thousands of trades in fractions of a second. It has transformed modern financial markets by increasing speed, liquidity, and efficiency—but also raised concerns about fairness and stability.

High-frequency trading emerged in the early 2000s as technological advances allowed financial firms to process market data and execute trades faster than ever before. HFT firms use sophisticated algorithms to analyze multiple markets and identify short-term opportunities. These trades are often held for mere seconds or milliseconds, and profits are made by exploiting tiny price discrepancies across assets or exchanges.

One of the defining features of HFT is its reliance on speed. Firms invest heavily in infrastructure—such as co-location services near exchange servers and fiber-optic cables—to gain microsecond advantages over competitors. This race for speed has led to a technological arms race, where milliseconds can mean millions in profit.

HFT contributes significantly to market liquidity, meaning it helps ensure that buyers and sellers can transact quickly at stable prices. By constantly placing and updating orders, HFT firms narrow bid-ask spreads and reduce transaction costs for other market participants. This has made markets more efficient and accessible, especially for retail investors.

However, HFT is not without controversy. Critics argue that it creates an uneven playing field, where firms with access to advanced technology and capital can dominate markets. Concerns about market manipulation—such as quote stuffing (flooding the market with orders to slow competitors) or spoofing (placing fake orders to move prices)—have led to increased regulatory scrutiny.

The 2010 Flash Crash is often cited as a cautionary example of HFT’s potential risks. During this event, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 1,000 points in minutes before rebounding. Investigations revealed that automated trading systems, including HFT algorithms, contributed to the sudden loss of liquidity and extreme volatility.

Regulators have responded by implementing safeguards such as circuit breakers, which pause trading during extreme price movements, and requiring firms to register and disclose their trading strategies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continue to monitor HFT’s impact on market integrity.

Despite its challenges, HFT remains a dominant force in global finance. It accounts for a significant portion of trading volume in equities, futures, and foreign exchange markets. Many institutional investors rely on HFT strategies to manage large portfolios and hedge risks.

In conclusion, high-frequency trading represents both the promise and peril of technological innovation in finance. While it enhances market efficiency and liquidity, it also introduces new risks and ethical dilemmas.

As markets evolve, balancing innovation with fairness and stability will be essential to ensuring that HFT serves the broader interests of investors and the economy.

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K-SHAPED ECONOMY: An Uneven and Divided World

Posted on November 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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The term “K-shaped economy” emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe a recovery marked by stark divergence—where some sectors and social groups rebound rapidly while others continue to decline. Unlike traditional V-shaped or U-shaped recoveries, which imply uniform economic improvement, the K-shaped model reflects a split trajectory: the upward arm of the “K” represents those who thrive, while the downward arm captures those left behind. This phenomenon has profound implications for economic policy, social equity, and long-term stability.

At the heart of the K-shaped economy is inequality. High-income individuals, white-collar professionals, and large corporations often benefit from technological advances, remote work flexibility, and access to capital. For example, tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet saw record profits during the pandemic, fueled by digital transformation and cloud services. Meanwhile, lower-income workers—especially in hospitality, retail, and service industries—faced job losses, reduced hours, and limited access to healthcare or financial safety nets. This divergence widened existing income and wealth gaps, exacerbating social tensions.

Sectoral performance also illustrates the K-shaped divide. Industries such as e-commerce, software, and logistics surged, while travel, entertainment, and small businesses struggled. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence further tilted the scales, favoring companies that could invest in innovation while displacing low-skilled labor. In education, students from affluent families adapted to online learning with ease, while those from disadvantaged backgrounds faced digital barriers and learning loss. These disparities underscore how economic recovery is not just uneven—it’s structurally imbalanced.

Geography plays a role too. Urban centers with diversified economies and strong tech sectors rebounded faster than rural or manufacturing-heavy regions. Housing markets in affluent areas soared, driven by low interest rates and remote work migration, while renters and first-time buyers faced affordability crises. Even within cities, neighborhoods with better infrastructure and public services recovered more quickly, deepening the urban-suburban divide.

Policymakers face a daunting challenge in addressing the K-shaped recovery. Traditional stimulus measures may not reach the most vulnerable populations without targeted interventions. Expanding access to education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure is essential to leveling the playing field. Progressive taxation, wage support, and small business aid can help bridge the gap, but require political will and fiscal discipline. Central banks must balance inflation control with inclusive growth, avoiding policies that disproportionately benefit asset holders.

The long-term consequences of a K-shaped economy are significant. Persistent inequality can erode trust in institutions, fuel populism, and hinder social mobility. Economic growth may slow if large segments of the population remain underemployed or financially insecure. To build a resilient and inclusive future, governments, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to ensure that recovery lifts all boats—not just the yachts.

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THEORY: Short Interest Investing

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Short Interest Theory suggests that high levels of short interest in a stock may actually signal a potential price increase, contrary to traditional bearish interpretations.

Short Interest Theory is a contrarian investment concept that challenges conventional wisdom in financial markets. Traditionally, a high short interest—meaning a large percentage of a company’s shares are being sold short—is seen as a bearish signal, indicating that many investors expect the stock’s price to decline. However, Short Interest Theory flips this assumption, proposing that a high short interest can actually be a bullish indicator, suggesting a potential upward price movement due to a phenomenon known as a “short squeeze.”

To understand this theory, it’s important to grasp the mechanics of short selling. When investors short a stock, they borrow shares and sell them on the open market, hoping to repurchase them later at a lower price and pocket the difference. However, if the stock price rises instead of falling, short sellers face mounting losses. To limit these losses, they may be forced to buy back the stock at higher prices, which increases demand and drives the price up even further. This chain reaction is what’s known as a short squeeze.

Short Interest Theory posits that when short interest reaches unusually high levels, the stock becomes a prime candidate for a short squeeze. Investors who follow this theory look for stocks with high short interest ratios—often measured as the number of shares sold short divided by the stock’s average daily trading volume. A high ratio suggests that it would take many days for all short sellers to cover their positions, increasing the likelihood of a rapid price surge if positive news or buying pressure emerges.

This theory gained widespread attention during the GameStop (GME) saga in early 2021. Retail investors noticed that GME had an extremely high short interest—more than 100% of its float—and began buying shares en masse. This triggered a historic short squeeze, sending the stock price soaring and forcing institutional short sellers to cover their positions at massive losses. The event served as a real-world validation of Short Interest Theory and highlighted the power of collective investor behavior in modern markets.

Despite its appeal, Short Interest Theory is not without risks. Betting on a short squeeze can be speculative and volatile. Not all heavily shorted stocks experience upward momentum; some may continue to decline if the negative sentiment is justified by poor fundamentals or weak earnings. Moreover, timing a short squeeze is notoriously difficult, and investors can suffer significant losses if the anticipated rebound fails to materialize.

In conclusion, Short Interest Theory offers a compelling contrarian perspective on market sentiment. By interpreting high short interest as a potential bullish signal, it encourages investors to look beyond surface-level indicators and consider the dynamics of market psychology and trading behavior. While it can lead to lucrative opportunities, especially in the context of short squeezes, it also demands careful analysis and risk management. As with any investment strategy, understanding the underlying fundamentals and market context is essential for making informed decisions.

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LIFE CYCLE HYPOTHESIS: A Framework for Financial Behavior

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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The Life Cycle Hypothesis (LCH) is a foundational theory in economics and personal finance that explains how individuals plan their consumption and savings behavior over the course of their lives. Developed in the 1950s by economists Franco Modigliani and Richard Brumberg, the LCH posits that people aim to smooth their consumption throughout their lifetime, regardless of fluctuations in income. This theory has had a profound impact on how economists, financial planners, and policymakers understand saving patterns, retirement planning, and fiscal policy.

At its core, the LCH assumes that individuals are forward-looking and rational. They anticipate changes in income—such as those caused by retirement, unemployment, or career progression—and adjust their saving and spending accordingly. During high-income periods, typically in mid-career, individuals save more to prepare for low-income phases, such as retirement. Conversely, in early adulthood and old age, when income is lower, individuals are expected to dissave, or spend from their accumulated savings.

One of the key insights of the LCH is that consumption is not directly tied to current income but rather to expected lifetime income. This means that temporary changes in income should not significantly affect consumption patterns, as individuals base their spending decisions on long-term expectations. For example, a young professional may take out a loan to buy a car, anticipating higher future earnings that will allow them to repay the debt without drastically altering their lifestyle.

The LCH also provides a framework for understanding the role of pensions, social security, and other retirement savings mechanisms. By recognizing that individuals need to save during their working years to maintain consumption levels in retirement, the theory supports the development of policies that encourage long-term savings and financial literacy. It also helps explain why some people may under-save or over-consume if they misjudge their future income or lack access to financial planning resources.

Despite its elegance, the Life Cycle Hypothesis has faced criticism and refinement. Behavioral economists argue that individuals are not always rational and may struggle with self-control, procrastination, or lack of financial knowledge. These limitations have led to the development of the Behavioral Life Cycle Hypothesis, which incorporates psychological factors such as mental accounting and framing effects. Moreover, empirical studies have shown that many people do not smooth consumption as predicted, often due to liquidity constraints, uncertainty, or cultural influences.

Nevertheless, the LCH remains a powerful tool for analyzing financial behavior across different stages of life. It has influenced retirement planning strategies, tax policy, and the design of financial products. By emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and the intertemporal nature of financial decisions, the Life Cycle Hypothesis continues to shape how individuals and institutions approach economic well-being.

In conclusion, the Life Cycle Hypothesis offers a compelling lens through which to view personal finance. While it may not capture every nuance of human behavior, its emphasis on lifetime income and consumption smoothing provides a valuable foundation for understanding and improving financial decision-making.

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Understanding Managerial Accounting Concepts

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

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Product Costing and Valuation

Product costing deals with determining the total costs involved in the production of a good or service. Costs may be broken down into subcategories, such as variable, fixed, direct, or indirect costs. Cost accounting is used to measure and identify those costs, in addition to assigning overhead to each type of product created by the company.

Managerial accountants calculate and allocate overhead charges to assess the full expense related to the production of a good. The overhead expenses may be allocated based on the number of goods produced or other activity drivers related to production, such as the square footage of the facility. In conjunction with overhead costs, managerial accountants use direct costs to properly value the cost of goods sold and inventory that may be in different stages of production.

Marginal costing (sometimes called cost-volume-profit analysis) is the impact on the cost of a product by adding one additional unit into production. It is useful for short-term economic decisions. The contribution margin of a specific product is its impact on the overall profit of the company. Margin analysis flows into break-even analysis, which involves calculating the contribution margin on the sales mix to determine the unit volume at which the business’s gross sales equals total expenses. Break-even point analysis is useful for determining price points for products and services.

Cash Flow Analysis

Managerial accountants perform cash flow analysis in order to determine the cash impact of business decisions. Most companies record their financial information on the accrual basis of accounting. Although accrual accounting provides a more accurate picture of a company’s true financial position, it also makes it harder to see the true cash impact of a single financial transaction. A managerial accountant may implement working capital management strategies in order to optimize cash flow and ensure the company has enough liquid assets to cover short-term obligations.

When a managerial accountant performs cash flow analysis, he will consider the cash inflow or outflow generated as a result of a specific business decision. For example, if a department manager is considering purchasing a company vehicle, he may have the option to either buy the vehicle outright or get a loan. A managerial accountant may run different scenarios by the department manager depicting the cash outlay required to purchase outright upfront versus the cash outlay over time with a loan at various interest rates.

Inventory Turnover Analysis

Inventory turnover is a calculation of how many times a company has sold and replaced inventory in a given time period. Calculating inventory turnover can help businesses make better decisions on pricing, manufacturing, marketing, and purchasing new inventory. A managerial accountant may identify the carrying cost of inventory, which is the amount of expense a company incurs to store unsold items.

If the company is carrying an excessive amount of inventory, there could be efficiency improvements made to reduce storage costs and free up cash flow for other business purposes.

Constraint Analysis

Managerial accounting also involves reviewing the constraints within a production line or sales process. Managerial accountants help determine where bottlenecks occur and calculate the impact of these constraints on revenue, profit, and cash flow. Managers then can use this information to implement changes and improve efficiencies in the production or sales process.

Financial Leverage Metrics

Financial leverage refers to a company’s use of borrowed capital in order to acquire assets and increase its return on investments. Through balance sheet analysis, managerial accountants can provide management with the tools they need to study the company’s debt and equity mix in order to put leverage to its most optimal use.

Performance measures such as return on equity, debt to equity, and return on invested capital help management identify key information about borrowed capital, prior to relaying these statistics to outside sources. It is important for management to review ratios and statistics regularly to be able to appropriately answer questions from its board of directors, investors, and creditors.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Management

Appropriately managing accounts receivable (AR) can have positive effects on a company’s bottom line. An accounts receivable aging report categorizes AR invoices by the length of time they have been outstanding. For example, an AR aging report may list all outstanding receivables less than 30 days, 30 to 60 days, 60 to 90 days, and 90+ days.

Through a review of outstanding receivables, managerial accountants can indicate to appropriate department managers if certain customers are becoming credit risks. If a customer routinely pays late, management may reconsider doing any future business on credit with that customer.

Budgeting, Trend Analysis, and Forecasting

Budgets are extensively used as a quantitative expression of the company’s plan of operation. Managerial accountants utilize performance reports to note deviations of actual results from budgets. The positive or negative deviations from a budget also referred to as budget-to-actual variances, are analyzed in order to make appropriate changes going forward.

Managerial accountants analyze and relay information related to capital expenditure decisions. This includes the use of standard capital budgeting metrics, such as net present value and internal rate of return, to assist decision-makers on whether to embark on capital-intensive projects or purchases. Managerial accounting involves examining proposals, deciding if the products or services are needed, and finding the appropriate way to finance the purchase. It also outlines payback periods so management is able to anticipate future economic benefits.

Managerial accounting also involves reviewing the trendline for certain expenses and investigating unusual variances or deviations. It is important to review this information regularly because expenses that vary considerably from what is typically expected are commonly questioned during external financial audits. This field of accounting also utilizes previous period information to calculate and project future financial information. This may include the use of historical pricing, sales volumes, geographical locations, customer tendencies, or financial information.

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How a Broke 50-Year-Old Doctor Can Still Retire at 65?

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Turning 50 with little to no savings can be daunting, especially for a doctor who has spent decades in a demanding profession. Yet, all is not lost. With strategic planning, discipline, and a willingness to adapt, a broke 50-year-old physician can still build a solid retirement foundation by age 65.

First, it’s essential to confront the financial reality. This means calculating current income, expenses, debts, and any assets, however small. A clear picture allows for realistic goal-setting. The target should be to save aggressively—ideally 30–50% of income—over the next 15 years. While this may seem steep, doctors often have above-average earning potential, even in their later years, which can be leveraged.

Next, lifestyle adjustments are crucial. Downsizing housing, eliminating unnecessary expenses, and avoiding new debt can free up significant cash flow. If possible, relocating to a lower-cost area or refinancing existing loans can also help. Every dollar saved should be redirected into retirement accounts such as a 401(k), IRA, or a solo 401(k) if self-employed. Catch-up contributions for those over 50 allow for higher annual deposits, which can accelerate growth.

Investing wisely is non-negotiable. A diversified portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, and alternative assets can provide both growth and stability. Working with a fiduciary financial advisor ensures that investments align with retirement goals and risk tolerance. Time is limited, so the focus should be on maximizing returns without taking reckless risks.

DYING BROKE: Frugality OR Freedom

Increasing income is another powerful lever. Many doctors can boost earnings through side gigs like telemedicine, consulting, teaching, or locum tenens work. These flexible options can add tens of thousands annually without requiring a full career shift. Additionally, monetizing expertise—writing, speaking, or creating online courses—can generate passive income streams.

Debt reduction must be prioritized. High-interest loans, especially credit card debt, can erode savings potential. Paying off these balances aggressively while avoiding new liabilities is key. For student loans, exploring forgiveness programs or refinancing options may offer relief.

Finally, mindset matters. Retirement at 65 doesn’t have to mean complete cessation of work. It can mean transitioning to part-time roles, passion projects, or advisory positions that provide income and fulfillment. The goal is financial independence, not necessarily total inactivity.

In conclusion, while starting late is challenging, a broke 50-year-old doctor can still retire comfortably at 65. It requires a blend of financial discipline, income optimization, smart investing, and lifestyle changes. With focus and determination, the next 15 years can be transformative—turning a precarious situation into a secure and dignified retirement.

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AUSTRIAN ECONOMICS: Can it Save Healthcare?

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The global healthcare sector faces mounting challenges: rising costs, inefficiencies, limited access, and bureaucratic entanglements. In response, some economists and policymakers have turned to Austrian Economics for answers. Rooted in the works of Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, Austrian Economics emphasizes individual choice, market-driven solutions, and skepticism toward centralized planning. But can this school of thought truly “save” healthcare?

At its core, Austrian Economics champions the idea that decentralized decision-making and free-market mechanisms lead to more efficient and responsive systems. In healthcare, this would mean reducing government control and allowing competition to drive innovation, lower costs, and improve quality. Proponents argue that when patients act as consumers and providers compete for their business, the system becomes more accountable and efficient. For example, direct primary care models—where patients pay physicians directly without insurance intermediaries—reflect Austrian principles and have shown promise in improving care and reducing administrative overhead.

Austrian theorists also critique the price distortions caused by third-party payers like insurance companies and government programs. According to them, when consumers are insulated from the true cost of care, demand becomes artificially inflated, leading to overutilization and waste. By restoring price signals—where patients see and respond to the actual cost of services—Austrian economists believe the market can better allocate resources and curb unnecessary spending.

However, critics argue that healthcare is not a typical market. Patients often lack the information, time, or capacity to make rational choices, especially in emergencies. Moreover, healthcare involves significant externalities and moral considerations that pure market logic may overlook. For instance, should access to life-saving treatment depend solely on one’s ability to pay? Austrian Economics offers little guidance on equity or universal access, which are central concerns in modern healthcare debates.

Austria itself provides an interesting case study. Despite the name, Austrian Economics is not the guiding philosophy behind Austria’s healthcare system. Instead, Austria operates a social insurance model with near-universal coverage, funded through mandatory contributions and managed by a mix of public and private actors. While recent reforms have aimed to streamline administration and reduce fragmentation he system remains largely collectivist—contrary to Austrian ideals.

In conclusion, Austrian Economics offers valuable insights into the inefficiencies of centralized healthcare systems and the potential benefits of market-based reforms. Its emphasis on individual choice, price transparency, and entrepreneurial innovation can inspire meaningful improvements. However, its limitations in addressing equity, access, and the unique nature of healthcare suggest that it cannot “save” the system on its own. A hybrid approach—blending market mechanisms with safeguards for universal access—may offer a more balanced path forward.

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MEDICAL SCHOOLS: What They Do Not Teach About Money!

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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WARNING! WARNING! All DOCTORS

What Medical School Didn’t Teach Doctors About Money

Medical school is designed to mold students into competent, compassionate physicians. It teaches anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical skills with precision and rigor. Yet, despite the depth of medical knowledge imparted, one critical area is often overlooked: financial literacy. For many doctors, the transition from student to professional comes with a steep learning curve—not in medicine, but in money. From managing debt to understanding taxes, investing, and retirement planning, medical school leaves a financial education gap that can have long-term consequences.

The Debt Dilemma

One of the most glaring omissions in medical education is how to manage student loan debt. The average medical student graduates with over $200,000 in debt, yet few are taught how to navigate repayment options, interest accrual, or loan forgiveness programs. Many doctors enter residency with little understanding of income-driven repayment plans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), missing opportunities to reduce their financial burden. Without guidance, some make costly mistakes—such as refinancing federal loans prematurely or choosing repayment plans that don’t align with their career trajectory.

Income ≠ Wealth

Medical students often assume that a high salary will automatically lead to financial security. While physicians do earn more than most professionals, income alone doesn’t guarantee wealth. Medical school rarely addresses the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing. As a result, many doctors fall into the “HENRY” trap—High Earner, Not Rich Yet. They spend lavishly, assuming their income will always cover expenses, only to find themselves living paycheck to paycheck. Without a solid financial foundation, even high earners can struggle to build net worth.

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Taxes and Business Skills

Doctors are also unprepared for the complexities of taxes. Whether employed by a hospital or running a private practice, physicians face unique tax challenges. Medical school doesn’t teach how to track deductible expenses, optimize retirement contributions, or navigate self-employment taxes. For those who open their own clinics, the lack of business education is even more pronounced. Understanding profit margins, payroll, insurance billing, and compliance regulations is essential—but rarely covered in medical training.

Investing and Retirement Planning

Another blind spot is investing. Medical students are rarely taught the basics of compound interest, asset allocation, or retirement accounts. Many don’t know the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional 401(k), or how to evaluate mutual funds and index funds. This lack of knowledge delays retirement planning and can lead to missed opportunities for long-term growth. Some doctors rely on financial advisors without understanding the fees or conflicts of interest involved, putting their wealth at risk.

Insurance and Risk Management

Medical school also fails to educate students on insurance—life, disability, malpractice, and health. Doctors need robust coverage to protect their income and assets, but many don’t know how to evaluate policies or understand terms like “own occupation” or “elimination period.” Inadequate coverage can leave physicians vulnerable to financial disaster in the event of illness, injury, or litigation.

Emotional and Behavioral Finance

Beyond technical knowledge, medical school overlooks the emotional side of money. Physicians often face pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle, especially after years of sacrifice. The desire to “catch up” can lead to impulsive spending, luxury purchases, and financial stress. Without tools to manage money mindset and behavioral habits, doctors may struggle with guilt, anxiety, or burnout related to finances.

The Case for Financial Education

Fortunately, awareness of this gap is growing. Organizations like Medics’ Money and podcasts such as “Docs Outside the Box” are working to fill the void by offering financial education tailored to physicians.

These resources cover everything from budgeting and debt management to investing and entrepreneurship. Some medical schools are beginning to incorporate financial literacy into their curricula, but progress is slow and inconsistent.

Conclusion

Medical school equips doctors to save lives, but it doesn’t prepare them to secure their own financial future. The lack of financial education leaves many physicians vulnerable to debt, poor investment decisions, and lifestyle inflation. To thrive both professionally and personally, doctors must seek out financial knowledge beyond the classroom. Whether through self-study, mentorship, or professional guidance, understanding money is as essential as understanding medicine. After all, financial health is a cornerstone of overall well-being—and every doctor deserves to master both.

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RE-IMAGINING RETIREMENT: A Path Forward for a Broke 65-Year-Old Doctor

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Turning 65 is often seen as the gateway to retirement—a time to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the fruits of decades of labor. But for some, including doctors who may have faced financial setbacks, poor planning, or unexpected life events, reaching this milestone without financial security can be deeply unsettling. The image of a broke 65-year-old doctor may seem paradoxical, given the profession’s reputation for high earnings. Yet, reality paints a more nuanced picture. Fortunately, even in the face of financial hardship, retirement is not a closed door—it’s a challenge that can be met with creativity, resilience, and strategic planning.

Understanding the Situation

Before exploring solutions, it’s important to understand how a physician might arrive at retirement age without adequate savings. Medical school debt, late career starts, divorce, health issues, poor investment decisions, or supporting family members can all contribute. Some doctors work in lower-paying specialties or underserved areas, sacrificing income for impact. Others may have lived beyond their means, assuming their high salary would always be enough. Regardless of the cause, the key is to shift focus from regret to action.

DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/09/09/doctors-early-investing-needed-for-retirement/

Redefining Retirement

Traditional retirement—ceasing work entirely—is not the only option. For a broke 65-year-old doctor, retirement may mean transitioning to a less demanding role, reducing hours, or shifting to a new field. The goal is to create a sustainable lifestyle that balances income, purpose, and well-being.

Leveraging Medical Expertise

Even if full-time clinical practice is no longer viable, a physician’s knowledge remains valuable. Here are several ways to continue earning while easing into retirement:

Telemedicine: Remote consultations are in high demand, especially in primary care, psychiatry, and chronic disease management. Telemedicine offers flexibility, reduced overhead, and the ability to work from home.
Locum Tenens: Temporary assignments can fill staffing gaps in hospitals and clinics. These roles often pay well and allow for travel or seasonal work.
Medical Writing and Reviewing: Physicians can write for journals, websites, or pharmaceutical companies. Peer reviewing, editing, and content creation are viable options.
Teaching and Mentoring: Medical schools, nursing programs, and residency programs need experienced educators. Adjunct teaching or mentoring can be fulfilling and financially helpful.
Consulting: Doctors can advise healthcare startups, legal teams, or insurance companies. Their insights are valuable in product development, litigation, and policy.

Exploring Non-Clinical Opportunities

Some physicians may wish to pivot entirely. Transferable skills—critical thinking, communication, leadership—open doors in other industries:

Health Coaching or Life Coaching: With certification, doctors can guide clients in wellness, stress management, or career transitions.
Entrepreneurship: Starting a small business, such as a tutoring service, online course, or specialty clinic, can generate income and autonomy.
Real Estate or Investing: With careful planning, investing in rental properties or learning about the stock market can create passive income.

Maximizing Government and Community Resources

At 65, individuals become eligible for Medicare, which can significantly reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, Social Security benefits may be available, depending on work history. While delaying benefits until age 70 increases monthly payments, some may need to claim earlier to meet immediate needs.

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Other resources include:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and assets.
SNAP (food assistance) and LIHEAP (energy assistance): These programs help cover basic living expenses.
Community Organizations: Nonprofits and religious groups often provide support with housing, transportation, and social engagement.

Downsizing and Budgeting

Reducing expenses is a powerful way to stretch limited resources. Consider:

Relocating: Moving to a lower-cost area or state with favorable tax policies can reduce housing and living expenses.
Selling Assets: A large home, unused vehicle, or collectibles may be converted into cash.
Shared Housing: Living with family, roommates, or in co-housing communities can cut costs and reduce isolation.
Minimalist Living: Prioritizing needs over wants and embracing simplicity can lead to financial and emotional freedom.

Creating a realistic budget is essential. Track income and expenses, eliminate unnecessary costs, and prioritize essentials. Free budgeting tools and financial counseling services can help.

INVESTING: Rules of Thumb

Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Financial stress can take a toll on mental health. It’s important to cultivate resilience and maintain a sense of purpose. Strategies include:

Staying Active: Physical activity improves mood and health. Walking, yoga, or swimming are low-cost options.
Volunteering: Giving back can provide structure, community, and fulfillment.
Learning New Skills: Online courses, hobbies, or certifications can reignite passion and open new doors.
Building a Support Network: Friends, family, and peer groups offer emotional support and practical advice.

Planning for the Future

Even at 65, it’s not too late to plan. Consider:

Debt Management: Negotiate payment plans, consolidate loans, or seek professional help.
Estate Planning: Create a will, designate healthcare proxies, and organize important documents.
Insurance Review: Ensure adequate coverage for health, life, and long-term care.
Financial Advising: A fee-only advisor can help create a sustainable plan without selling products.

Embracing a New Chapter

Retirement is not a destination—it’s a transition. For a broke 65-year-old doctor, it may not look like the glossy brochures, but it can still be rich in meaning. By leveraging experience, reducing expenses, accessing resources, and nurturing well-being, retirement becomes a journey of reinvention.In many ways, doctors are uniquely equipped for this challenge. They’ve faced long hours, high stakes, and complex problems. That same grit and adaptability can guide them through financial hardship and into a fulfilling retirement.

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", "Doctors Only", finance, Financial Planning, Health Economics, Healthcare Finance, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: assets, budget, budgeting, david marcinko, DC, DDS, DO, doctor retirement, DPM, finance, health coaching, housing, life coaching, MD, money, personal-finance, Physician retirement, re-imagining retirement | Leave a comment »

Essential Investing Tips for New Physicians

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

HOW TO COMMENCE THE FINE ART OF MONEY

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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Investing may seem complicated, but today there are many ways for the newly minted physician [MD, DO, DPM, DMD or DDS] to begin, even with minimal knowledge and only a small amount to invest. Starting as soon as possible will help you get closer to the retirement you deserve.

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Why is investing important?

Investing often feels like a luxury reserved for the already wealthy physician. Many of us find it difficult to think about investing for the future when there are so many things we need that money for right now; medical school loans, auto, home and children; etc. But, at some point, we’re going to want to stop working and enjoy retirement. And simply put, retirement is expensive.

Most calculations advise that you aim for enough savings to give you 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income for 20 years or more. Depending on your goals for retirement, that means you could need between $500,000 and $1 million in savings by the time you retire. That may not sound attainable, but with the power of compounding growth, it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. The key is starting as soon as possible and making smart choices.

INVESTMENT TYPES: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/26/

When should you start investing?

The short answer is “now,” no matter what your age. Due to the way the gains in investments can compound, the earlier you start the better. Money invested in your 20s could very easily grow over 20 times before you retire, without you having to do much.That is powerful. Even if you’re in your 50s or older, you can still make significant progress toward meeting your goals in retirement.

How much should you invest per month?

Most financial experts say you should invest 10% to 15% of your annual income for retirement. That’s the goal, but you don’t have to get there immediately. Whatever you can start investing today is going to help you down the road.

So, if 10% to 15% is too much right now, start small and build toward that goal over time. You can actually start investing with $5 if you want. And you should. Some investment products require a minimum investment, but there are plenty that don’t, and a lot of online brokerage accounts can be started for free.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

Good beginner investments.

The best investments for you are going to depend on your age, goals, and strategy. The important thing is to get started. You’ll learn as you go. If you have questions, a dedicated DIYer or investment advisor can help give you the guidance and options you need.

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/06/06/risk-aversion-and-investment-alternatives/

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STOCK MARKET INDEX OPTIONS: Puts and Calls

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Understanding Stock Market Options: A Strategic Investment Tool

Stock market options are financial instruments that offer investors a versatile way to participate in the equity markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, options provide the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified time frame. This flexibility makes options a powerful tool for hedging, speculation, and income generation.

There are two primary types of options: calls and puts. A call option gives the holder the right to buy a stock at a specific price, known as the strike price, before the option expires. Investors typically purchase call options when they anticipate a rise in the stock’s price. Conversely, a put option grants the right to sell a stock at the strike price, and is used when an investor expects the stock to decline. Each option contract typically represents 100 shares of the underlying stock.

Options are traded on regulated exchanges such as the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and their prices are influenced by several factors. These include the underlying stock’s price, the strike price, time until expiration, volatility, and prevailing interest rates. The premium, or cost of the option, reflects these variables and represents the maximum loss for the buyer.

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One of the most compelling uses of options is hedging. Investors can use options to protect their portfolios against adverse price movements. For example, owning put options on a stock can offset potential losses if the stock’s value drops. This strategy is akin to purchasing insurance and is especially valuable during periods of market uncertainty.

Options also enable speculative strategies with limited capital. Traders can leverage options to bet on price movements without owning the underlying asset. While this can lead to significant gains, it also carries substantial risk, particularly if the market moves against the position. Therefore, understanding the mechanics and risks of options is crucial before engaging in such trades.

Another popular strategy involves writing options, or selling them to collect premiums. Covered call writing, for instance, involves holding a stock and selling call options against it. This generates income but caps potential upside if the stock surges beyond the strike price. Similarly, cash-secured puts allow investors to earn premiums while potentially acquiring stocks at a discount.

Despite their advantages, options are not suitable for all investors. Their complexity and potential for rapid loss require a solid grasp of financial concepts and disciplined risk management. Regulatory bodies and brokerages often require investors to pass suitability assessments before granting access to options trading.

In conclusion, stock market options are dynamic instruments that offer a range of strategic possibilities. Whether used for hedging, speculation, or income, they provide flexibility that traditional stock trading cannot match. However, their effective use demands education, experience, and a clear understanding of market behavior. For informed investors, options can be a valuable addition to a diversified financial toolkit.

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", finance, Glossary Terms, Investing, Portfolio Management | Tagged: calls, finance, index options, Investing, options, put and callas, puts, stock calls, stock market, stock options, stock puts, trading | Leave a comment »

ECONOMICS: Micro V. Macro Differences

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Understanding the Differences Between Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

Economics is the study of how societies allocate scarce resources to meet the needs and wants of individuals. It is broadly divided into two main branches: microeconomics and macroeconomics. While both aim to understand economic behavior and decision-making, they differ significantly in scope, focus, and application. Understanding these differences is essential for grasping how economies function at both individual and national levels.

2025 Nobel: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/14/nobel-prize-economics-2025/

Microeconomics: The Study of Individual Units

Microeconomics focuses on the behavior of individual economic agents—such as consumers, firms, and households—and how they make decisions regarding resource allocation. It examines how these entities interact in specific markets, how prices are determined, and how supply and demand influence economic outcomes.

Key concepts in microeconomics include:

Demand and Supply: Microeconomics analyzes how the quantity of goods demanded by consumers and the quantity supplied by producers interact to determine market prices.
Elasticity: This measures how responsive demand or supply is to changes in price or income.
Consumer Behavior: Microeconomics studies how individuals make choices based on preferences, budget constraints, and utility maximization.
Production and Costs: It explores how firms decide on the optimal level of output and the costs associated with production.
Market Structures: Microeconomics categorizes markets into perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly, each with distinct characteristics and implications for pricing and output.

Microeconomic analysis is crucial for understanding how specific sectors operate, how businesses strategize, and how consumers respond to changes in prices or income. For example, a company might use microeconomic principles to determine the price point that maximizes profit or to assess the impact of a new competitor entering the market.

Macroeconomics: The Study of the Economy as a Whole

Macroeconomics, on the other hand, deals with the performance, structure, and behavior of an entire economy. It looks at aggregate indicators and phenomena, such as national income, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Macroeconomics seeks to understand how the economy functions at a broad level and how government policies can influence economic outcomes.

Key areas of macroeconomics include:

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): This measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country and serves as a key indicator of economic health.
Unemployment: Macroeconomics examines the causes and consequences of unemployment and the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing it.
Inflation and Deflation: It studies changes in the general price level and their impact on purchasing power and economic stability.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy: Macroeconomics evaluates how government spending, taxation, and central bank actions influence economic activity.
International Trade and Finance: It explores exchange rates, trade balances, and the impact of globalization on national economies.

Macroeconomic analysis is essential for policymakers, economists, and financial institutions. For instance, central banks use macroeconomic data to set interest rates, while governments design fiscal policies to stimulate growth or curb inflation.

TRILEMMA Economics

Interdependence Between Micro and Macro

Despite their differences, microeconomics and macroeconomics are deeply interconnected. Micro-level decisions collectively shape macroeconomic outcomes. For example, widespread consumer spending boosts aggregate demand, influencing GDP and employment levels. Conversely, macroeconomic conditions—such as inflation or interest rates—affect individual behavior. A rise in interest rates may discourage borrowing and reduce consumer spending, impacting businesses at the micro level.

Economists often use insights from both branches to develop comprehensive models and forecasts. For instance, understanding consumer behavior (micro) helps predict changes in aggregate consumption (macro), which in turn informs policy decisions.

Austrian Economics: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/11/keynesian-versus-austrian-economics/

Conclusion

Microeconomics and macroeconomics offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on economic activity. Microeconomics provides a granular view of individual decision-making and market dynamics, while macroeconomics offers a broader understanding of national and global economic trends. Together, they form the foundation of economic theory and practice, guiding businesses, governments, and individuals in making informed decisions.

HEALTH ECONOMICS: Who Should Study and Learn this Dismal Science?

A well-rounded grasp of both branches is essential for anyone seeking to understand how economies function and evolve in an increasingly complex world.

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Filed under: economics, finance, Glossary Terms, Health Economics, Marcinko Associates | Tagged: david marcinko, economics, economy, finance, fiscal policy, GDP, Health Economics, inflation, macro economics, micro economics, monetary policy, nobel economics, politics, trilemma economics | Leave a comment »

Understanding 4 Key Financial Psychological Biases

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The following are 4 common financial psychological biases. Some are learned while others are genetically determined (and often socially reinforced). While this essay focuses on the financial and investing implications of these biases, they are prevalent in most areas in life.

STOCK MARKET: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/10/13/stock-market-a-zero-sum-bias/

Loss aversion affected many investors during the stock market crash of 2007-08 or the flash crash of May 6, 2010 also known as the crash of 2:45. During the crash, many people decided they couldn’t afford to lose more and sold their investments.

Of course, this caused the investors to sell at market troughs and miss the quick, dramatic recovery.

Overconfident investing happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading.

Data convincingly shows that people who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time.

Mental accounting takes place when we assign different values to money depending on where we got it.

For instance, even though we may have an aggressive saving goal for the year, it is likely easier for us to save money that we worked for than money that was given to us as a gift.

Herd mentality makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.

For example, we may hear stories of people making significant profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

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What is the S&P 500 Stock Index?

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The S&P 500, short for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, is one of the most widely followed stock market indices in the world. It tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, offering a broad snapshot of the overall health and direction of the U.S. economy. Created in 1957 by the financial services company Standard & Poor’s, the index has become a benchmark for investors, analysts, and economists alike.

Composition and Criteria The S&P 500 includes companies from a wide range of industries, such as technology, healthcare, finance, energy, and consumer goods. To be included in the index, a company must meet specific criteria: it must be based in the U.S., have a market capitalization of at least $14.5 billion (as of 2025), be highly liquid, and have a public float of at least 50% of its shares. Additionally, the company must have positive earnings in the most recent quarter and over the sum of its most recent four quarters.

Some of the most recognizable names in the S&P 500 include Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and ExxonMobil. These companies are selected by a committee that reviews eligibility and ensures the index remains representative of the broader market.

How It Works The S&P 500 is a market-capitalization-weighted index, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater influence on the index’s performance. For example, a significant movement in Apple’s stock price will affect the index more than a similar movement in a smaller company’s stock. This weighting system helps reflect the real impact of large corporations on the economy.

The index is updated in real time during trading hours and is used by investors to gauge market trends. It also serves as the basis for many investment products, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which aim to replicate its performance.

VIX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/12/vix-the-stock-market-fear-gauge/

Why It Matters The S&P 500 is considered a leading indicator of U.S. equity markets and the economy as a whole. When the index rises, it often signals investor confidence and economic growth. Conversely, a decline may indicate uncertainty or economic slowdown. Because it includes companies from diverse sectors, the S&P 500 provides a more balanced view than narrower indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which only tracks 30 companies.

Investment and Strategy Many investors use the S&P 500 as a benchmark to measure the performance of their portfolios. Passive investment strategies, such as index funds, aim to match the returns of the S&P 500 rather than beat it. This approach has gained popularity due to its low fees and consistent long-term performance.

In summary, the S&P 500 is more than just a number—it’s a powerful tool that reflects the pulse of the American economy. By tracking the performance of 500 major companies, it offers insights into market trends, investor sentiment, and economic health. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding the S&P 500 is essential to navigating the world of finance.

VIX Today: 20.81USD▲ +1.78 (+9.35%) today

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CRYPTO-CURRENCY: Crisis Risks

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters and A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedialPlanner.org

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The Looming Cryptocurrency Crisis: Risks on the Horizon

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the financial landscape, offering decentralized alternatives to traditional banking and investment systems. However, as digital assets become more integrated into global markets, concerns about a potential future cryptocurrency crisis are mounting. From regulatory uncertainty to systemic vulnerabilities, the risks associated with crypto are increasingly being scrutinized by economists, governments, and investors.

One of the most pressing concerns is regulatory instability. Cryptocurrencies operate in a fragmented legal environment, with different countries adopting varying stances—from full embrace to outright bans. The lack of unified global regulation creates loopholes that can be exploited for money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. If major economies suddenly impose strict regulations or sanctions, it could trigger a rapid devaluation of crypto assets and erode investor confidence.

Another risk stems from market volatility and speculative behavior. Unlike traditional assets backed by tangible value or government guarantees, cryptocurrencies are often driven by hype, social media trends, and speculative trading. This creates a fragile ecosystem where prices can swing wildly. A sudden crash—similar to the 2022 Terra/Luna collapse—could wipe out billions in investor wealth and destabilize related financial institutions.

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Technological vulnerabilities also pose a threat. While blockchain is considered secure, the platforms built on it are not immune to hacks, bugs, or exploitation. High-profile breaches of exchanges and wallets have already resulted in massive losses. As crypto adoption grows, so does the incentive for cybercriminals to target these systems. A coordinated attack on a major exchange or blockchain network could have cascading effects across the entire crypto economy. Geopolitical tensions may also catalyze a crisis. For instance, recent reports suggest that aggressive trade policies—such as the U.S. imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports—can indirectly impact crypto markets by shaking investor sentiment and triggering sell-offs.

The interconnection with traditional finance is another area of concern. As banks and hedge funds increasingly invest in crypto, the line between decentralized finance and conventional markets blurs. This integration means that a crypto collapse could spill over into broader financial systems, potentially triggering a global crisis. The 2023 banking collapses, which were partially linked to crypto exposure, serve as a warning of how intertwined these systems have become.

Geopolitical tensions may also catalyze a crisis. For instance, recent reports suggest that aggressive trade policies—such as the U.S. imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports—can indirectly impact crypto markets by shaking investor sentiment and triggering sell-offs. In such scenarios, cryptocurrencies may not serve as the safe haven they were once believed to be.

Lastly, overreliance on stablecoins and algorithmic assets introduces systemic risk. Many investors use stablecoins to hedge volatility, but these assets are only as stable as their underlying reserves and governance. If a major stablecoin fails, it could lead to a liquidity crunch and panic across exchanges and DeFi platforms.

In conclusion, while cryptocurrency offers transformative potential, it also carries significant risks that could culminate in a future crisis. To mitigate these dangers, stakeholders must push for clearer regulations, stronger technological safeguards, and more transparent financial practices. Without proactive measures, the next financial meltdown may not come from Wall Street—but from the blockchain.

NOTE: A crypto mogul has been found dead inside his luxury car in Ukraine after the digital currency market nosedived. Konstantin Galich, 32, also known as Kostya Kudo, has died after one of the worst turmoils shook the cryptocurrency market. The entrepreneur, who became a well-known figure in the crypto industry, was reportedly found with a gunshot wound to his head in his black Lamborghini parked up in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi neighbourhood. His death was later confirmed on his Telegram channel in a post saying ‘Konstantin Kudo tragically passed away. The causes are being investigated. We will keep you posted on any further news.’

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Alternative Investments, finance, Glossary Terms, Portfolio Management | Tagged: AI, Bitcoin, block chain, blockchain, crypto, crypto-currency, cryptocurrency, DeFi, digital assets, finance, konstantin galich, kostya kudo, terra/lina collapse, Wall Street | Leave a comment »

OCTOBER: The 2025 Stock Market Crash

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The October 2025 Stock Market Crash: A Perfect Storm of Geopolitics and Investor Panic

The weekend of October 10–12, 2025, marked one of the most dramatic downturns in global financial markets in recent memory. What began as a series of unsettling headlines quickly snowballed into a full-blown market crash, sending shockwaves through economies and portfolios worldwide. This event was not the result of a single catalyst but rather a convergence of geopolitical tensions, speculative excess, and investor psychology.

At the heart of the crisis was a sudden escalation in U.S.–China trade relations. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a scheduled diplomatic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced a sweeping 100% tariff on all Chinese imports. This move reignited fears of a prolonged trade war, reminiscent of the economic standoff that rattled markets in the late 2010s. Investors, already jittery from months of uncertainty, interpreted the announcement as a signal of deteriorating global cooperation and retaliatory economic measures to come.

VIX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/10/12/vix-the-stock-market-fear-gauge/

The impact was immediate and severe. Major U.S. indices plummeted: the S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Nasdaq fell 3.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.9%. These declines marked the worst single-day performance since April and triggered automatic trading halts in several sectors. The selloff was not confined to the United States; European and Asian markets mirrored the panic, with steep losses across the board.

Compounding the crisis was a massive liquidation in the cryptocurrency market. As traditional assets tumbled, investors rushed to offload digital holdings, leading to the largest crypto wipeout in history. Trillions of dollars in value evaporated within hours, further destabilizing investor confidence and draining liquidity from the broader financial system.

Another underlying factor was growing concern over the valuation of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recently issued a warning that the AI sector was exhibiting signs of a speculative bubble, drawing parallels to the dot-com era. With many AI companies trading at astronomical price-to-earnings ratios, the crash exposed the fragility of investor sentiment and the dangers of overexuberance in emerging technologies.

Perhaps most telling was the psychological shift among investors. The weekend saw widespread capitulation, with many choosing to exit the market entirely rather than weather further volatility. This behavior—marked by fear-driven decision-making and herd mentality—is often a hallmark of deeper financial crises. It underscores the importance of trust and stability in maintaining market equilibrium.

Abbvie: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/04/abbvie-the-economic-recession/

In conclusion, the October 2025 stock market crash was a multifaceted event driven by geopolitical shocks, speculative risk, and emotional contagion. It serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected and fragile global markets have become. As policymakers and investors assess the damage, the focus must shift toward restoring confidence, recalibrating risk, and ensuring that future growth is built on sustainable foundations rather than speculative fervor.

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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

EDUCATION: Books

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What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

DEFINED

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), often referred to simply as “the Dow,” is one of the oldest and most well-known stock market indices in the world. It was created in 1896 by Charles Dow, the co-founder of The Wall Street Journal, and is designed to represent the performance of the broader U.S. stock market, specifically focusing on 30 large, publicly traded companies. These companies are considered leaders in their respective industries and serve as a barometer for the overall health of the U.S. economy.

The Composition of the DJIA

The DJIA includes 30 companies, which are selected by the editors of The Wall Street Journal based on various factors such as market influence, reputation, and the stability of the company. These companies represent a wide array of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and energy. Notably, the companies chosen for the DJIA are not necessarily the largest companies in the U.S. by market capitalization, but rather those that are most indicative of the broader economy. Some of the prominent companies listed in the DJIA include names like Apple, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson.

However, the list of 30 companies is not static. Over time, companies may be added or removed to reflect changes in the economic landscape. For example, if a company experiences significant decline or no longer represents a leading sector, it might be replaced with another company that better reflects modern economic trends. This periodic reshuffling ensures that the DJIA continues to be a relevant measure of economic activity.

How the DJIA is Calculated

The DJIA is a price-weighted index, which means that the value of the index is determined by the share price of the component companies, rather than their market capitalization. To calculate the DJIA, the sum of the stock prices of all 30 companies is divided by a special divisor. This divisor adjusts for stock splits, dividends, and other corporate actions to maintain the integrity of the index over time. The price-weighted method means that higher-priced stocks have a greater impact on the movement of the index, regardless of the overall size or economic weight of the company.

For instance, if a company with a higher stock price like Apple experiences a significant change in value, it will influence the DJIA more than a company with a lower stock price, even if the latter has a larger market capitalization. This makes the DJIA somewhat different from other indices, like the S&P 500, which is weighted by market cap and gives more weight to larger companies in terms of their economic impact.

Significance of the DJIA

The DJIA is widely regarded as a barometer of the U.S. stock market’s performance. Investors and analysts closely monitor the movements of the Dow to gauge the overall health of the economy. When the DJIA rises, it generally suggests that investors are optimistic about the economic outlook and that large companies are performing well. Conversely, when the DJIA falls, it often signals economic uncertainty or a downturn in market conditions.

Despite being a narrow index, with only 30 companies, the DJIA holds substantial sway in financial markets. It is widely covered in the media and is often cited in discussions about the state of the economy. In fact, the performance of the DJIA is considered a key indicator of investor sentiment and economic confidence.

However, the DJIA has its limitations. Since it only includes 30 companies, it does not necessarily represent the broader market or capture the performance of smaller companies. Other indices, like the S&P 500, which includes 500 companies, offer a more comprehensive view of the market’s performance.

Conclusion

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a key metric for understanding the state of the U.S. economy and the stock market. Although it has evolved over the years, it continues to provide valuable insights into the performance of large, influential companies. While it is not a perfect reflection of the market as a whole, the DJIA remains one of the most important and widely recognized indices in global finance. Through its historical significance and its role in shaping market sentiment, the Dow has cemented its place as a cornerstone of financial analysis.

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Filed under: economics, finance, Financial Planning, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, iMBA, Inc., Investing, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: 30 companie, business, Charles Dow, DJIA, DOW, Dow Jones Industrial Average, finance, Investing, Marcinko, narrow index, NASDAQ, price weighted index, S&P 500, stock markets, stocks, Wall Street Journal, WSJ | Leave a comment »

Understanding Behavioral Finance Paradoxes

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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“THE INVESTOR’S CHIEF problem—even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself.” So wrote Benjamin Graham, the father of modern investment analysis.

With these words, written in 1949, Graham acknowledged the reality that investors are human. Though he had written an 800 page book on techniques to analyze stocks and bonds, Graham understood that investing is as much about human psychology as it is about numerical analysis.

In the decades since Graham’s passing, an entire field has emerged at the intersection of psychology and finance. Known as behavioral finance, its pioneers include Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky and Richard Thaler. Together, they and their peers have identified countless human foibles that interfere with our ability to make good financial decisions. These include hindsight bias, recency bias and overconfidence, among others. On my bookshelf, I have at least as many volumes on behavioral finance as I do on pure financial analysis, so I certainly put stock in these ideas.

At the same time, I think we’re being too hard on ourselves when we lay all of these biases at our feet. We shouldn’t conclude that we’re deficient because we’re so susceptible to biases. Rather, the problem is that finance isn’t a scientific field like math or physics. At best, it’s like chaos theory. Yes, there is some underlying logic, but it’s usually so hard to observe and understand that it might as well be random. The world of personal finance is bedeviled by paradoxes, so no individual—no matter how rational—can always make optimal decisions.

As we plan for our financial future, I think it’s helpful to be cognizant of these paradoxes. While there’s nothing we can do to control or change them, there is great value in being aware of them, so we can approach them with the right tools and the right mindset.

Here are just seven of the paradoxes that can bedevil financial decision-making:

There’s the paradox that all of the greatest fortunes—Carnegie, Rockefeller, Buffett, Gates—have been made by owning just one stock. And yet the best advice for individual investors is to do the opposite: to own broadly diversified index funds.
There’s the paradox that the stock market may appear overvalued and yet it could become even more overvalued before it eventually declines. And when it does decline, it may be to a level that is even higher than where it is today.
There’s the paradox that we make plans based on our understanding of the rules—and yet Congress can change the rules on us at any time, as it did just last year.
There’s the paradox that we base our plans on historical averages—average stock market returns, average interest rates, average inflation rates and so on—and yet we only lead one life, so none of us will experience the average.
There’s the paradox that we continue to be attracted to the prestige of high-cost colleges, even though a rational analysis that looks at return on investment tells us that lower-cost state schools are usually the better bet.
There’s the paradox that early retirement seems so appealing—and has even turned into a movement—and yet the reality of early retirement suggests that we might be better off staying at our desks.
There’s the paradox that retirees’ worst fear is outliving their money and yet few choose the financial product that is purpose-built to solve that problem: the single-premium immediate annuity.

How should you respond to these paradoxes? As you plan for your financial future, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.”

In other words, make financial plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and rethink your priorities.

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https://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Financial-Planning-Strategies-Advisors/dp/1482240289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418580820&sr=8-1&keywords=david+marcinko

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FINANCE: Artificial Intelligence

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Co-Pilot

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Artificial Intelligence in Finance: Revolutionizing the Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the financial services industry, reshaping how institutions operate, manage risk, and serve customers. By leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, AI is enabling smarter decision-making, greater efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences across banking, investing, insurance, and regulatory compliance.

One of the most impactful applications of AI in finance is in fraud detection and prevention. Traditional systems rely on rule-based algorithms that often fail to catch sophisticated schemes. AI, however, can analyze vast amounts of transaction data in real time, identifying patterns and anomalies that signal fraudulent behavior. Machine learning models continuously improve as they process more data, making them increasingly effective at detecting threats and reducing false positives.

AI also plays a pivotal role in algorithmic trading, where decisions are made at lightning speed based on complex data inputs. These systems can process news articles, social media sentiment, and market data to execute trades with precision. Hedge funds and investment banks use AI to optimize portfolios, forecast market trends, and identify arbitrage opportunities that human analysts might miss.

In personal finance and banking, AI enhances customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools handle routine inquiries, assist with transactions, and offer financial advice based on user behavior. AI-driven platforms like robo-advisors provide personalized investment strategies, adjusting portfolios automatically based on market conditions and individual goals. This democratizes access to financial planning, making it more affordable and scalable.

Credit scoring and lending have also been revolutionized by AI. Traditional credit models often rely on limited data and can be biased against certain demographics. AI can incorporate alternative data sources—such as utility payments, social media activity, and online behavior—to assess creditworthiness more accurately and inclusively. This opens up lending opportunities for underserved populations and reduces default risk for lenders.

In insurance, AI streamlines underwriting and claims processing. By analyzing historical data and customer profiles, AI can assess risk more precisely and tailor policies to individual needs. During claims, AI can automate document review, detect fraud, and expedite payouts, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Regulatory compliance, or RegTech, is another area where AI shines. Financial institutions face increasing scrutiny and complex regulations. AI tools can monitor transactions, flag suspicious activity, and ensure adherence to legal standards. Natural language processing helps parse regulatory documents and automate reporting, reducing the burden on compliance teams.

Despite its benefits, AI in finance raises ethical and operational challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency are critical concerns. Financial institutions must ensure that AI systems are explainable, fair, and secure. Regulatory bodies are beginning to address these issues, but ongoing collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders is essential.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is not just enhancing finance—it’s redefining it. From fraud prevention to personalized banking, AI is driving innovation and efficiency. As the technology matures, its integration must be guided by ethical principles and robust governance to ensure that the financial system remains fair, resilient, and inclusive.

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INVESTING TRANSFORMATION: Artificial Intelligence

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Co-Pilot and A. I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Artificial Intelligence and Investing: A Transformative Partnership

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of investing, reshaping how decisions are made, risks are assessed, and portfolios are managed. As financial markets grow increasingly complex and data-driven, AI offers powerful tools to navigate this landscape with greater precision, speed, and insight.

At its core, AI refers to systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. In investing, this translates into algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of financial data, detect patterns, and make predictions with remarkable accuracy. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables these systems to improve over time by learning from new data, making them especially valuable in dynamic markets.

One of the most significant applications of AI in investing is algorithmic trading. These systems can execute trades at lightning speed, responding to market fluctuations in milliseconds. By analyzing historical data and real-time market conditions, AI-driven trading platforms can identify optimal entry and exit points, often outperforming human traders. High-frequency trading firms have long relied on such technologies to gain competitive advantages.

AI also enhances portfolio management through robo-advisors—digital platforms that use algorithms to provide personalized investment advice. These tools assess an investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, then construct and manage a diversified portfolio accordingly. Robo-advisors democratize access to financial planning, offering low-cost, automated solutions to individuals who might not afford traditional advisory services.

Risk assessment is another area where AI shines. By processing alternative data sources—such as social media sentiment, news articles, and satellite imagery—AI can uncover hidden risks and opportunities. For instance, a sudden spike in negative sentiment around a company on Twitter might signal reputational issues, prompting investors to reevaluate their positions. AI models can also forecast macroeconomic trends, helping investors anticipate shifts in interest rates, inflation, or geopolitical events.

Moreover, AI is transforming fundamental analysis. Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to read and interpret earnings reports, SEC filings, and analyst commentary. This enables investors to extract insights from unstructured data that would be time-consuming to analyze manually. AI can even detect subtle linguistic cues that may indicate a company’s future performance or management’s confidence.

Despite its advantages, AI in investing is not without challenges. Models can be opaque, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made—a phenomenon known as the “black box” problem. There’s also the risk of overfitting, where algorithms perform well on historical data but fail in real-world scenarios. Ethical concerns, such as bias in data and the potential for market manipulation, must also be addressed.

In conclusion, AI is reshaping the investing landscape, offering tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. While it’s not a panacea, its integration into financial markets marks a profound shift in how capital is allocated and wealth is managed. As technology continues to evolve, investors who embrace AI will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

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VARIABLE ANNUITIES: Retired Physicians Beware!

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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After a lifetime of hard work practicing medicine and saving, you’re at the retirement finish line. Instead of a paycheck, you’re relying on your nest egg and investment income to cover the bills. Picking the right investments is even more important, as you won’t have much chance to recover as a retired MD, DO, DPM or DDS.

“You made it to the top of the mountain through a systematic approach and are trying to make your way down safely,” says retirement planner John Gillet John Gillet in Hollywood, Fla. “Why throw all caution to the wind and try something different now?”

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Definitions

An annuity is an insurance contract designed to grow your money and then repay it as income. There are different versions. An immediate annuity turns your lump sum into future guaranteed income payments, like your own personal pension. They are simple to understand with no or small fees.

Fixed annuities pay a guaranteed interest rate over a set period to grow your money, like 5% a year for five years. These options could make sense as part of a retirement plan.

A variable annuity, on the other hand, invests your savings in mutual funds. While you can buy riders that guarantee a minimum income, you’ll be paying very much for it. “All in, the annual fees can be 3% or more of your balance,” says Jeff Bailey, an advisor from Nashville. “That’s a huge withdrawal rate from your portfolio versus investing on your own.”

The variable annuity will lock up your money for years. If you cancel early, you owe a surrender charge that could start at 7% or more of your annuity balance before gradually going down as time goes by. “Clients believe they can walk away with their contract value, but that’s often not true,” says Bailey.

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Using Debt Wisely to Build Wealth

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Sometimes debt is a necessary tool in building wealth

Using debt to build wealth might seem counterintuitive. After all, when you calculate your wealth, you look at what you own (assets) and subtract what you owe (debts and liabilities) to determine what your net worth (wealth) is.

It’s easy to oversimplify that debt is bad and is harmful to your wealth. Because some debt is really harmful, like credit cards, automobile, debt gets lumped into the category of “bad.”

But some types of debt can be useful and sometimes necessary to create wealth; home, education, business, etc. For folks that don’t readily have access to large sums of cash or capital, debt may be the tool that allows them to expand.

Borrow Carefully * Invest Wisely!

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Financial Planning for Physicians: Achieve Your Goals

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Your medical practice. Your personal goals. Your financial plan. Our experienced confirmation guide.

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When you know exactly where you are today, have a vision of where you want to be tomorrow, and have trusted counsel at your side, you have already achieved so much success. Marcinko Associates works to keep you at that level of confidence every day. We use a comprehensive economic process to uncover what’s most important to you and then develop a financial strategy that gives you the highest probability of achieving your monetary goals.

We assess, plan, and opine for your success

To accurately see where you are today, chart a strategic path to your goals and help you make the most informed decisions to keep you on financial track, our key services for physicians and high net worth medical clients include:

Investment Portfolio Review
Fee, Charge and Cost Review
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Insurance Reviews
Estate Planning
Investment and Asset Management Second Opinions

We take a deep dive into your financial retirement plans

Physicians and dental employers now have options for how to design and deliver retirement benefits and we can help you make the best choice for your healthcare business. Our services for retirement plans include:

Fee, Charges & Fiduciary Review
Portfolio Analysis
Single Employer Retirement Plan Advisory
Retirement Plans Risk Analysis
Capital Funding and Financing
Business Planning and Practice Valuations
Career Development
and more!

We take a broad and balanced look at your financial life life

We coordinate our recommendations with your other advisors, including attorneys, accountants, insurance professionals and others, to ensure each decision is consistent with your goals and overall strategy. For example, through our partnerships we offer physician colleagues deeper expanded advisory services, like:

Estate, Gift, and Trust Planning
Tax Planning and Compliance
Medical or Dental Practice Worth
Business Succession Planning
Practice Exit Planning
Transaction Advisory Services
and more!

EDUCATION: Books

CONTACT US TODAY: Ann Miller RN MHA at: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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Fiduciary Financial Colleagues Advising Medical Colleagues … in Turbulent Times!

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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Accounting, Career Development, Estate Planning, Ethics, Experts Invited, Financial Advisor Listings, Financial Planning, iMBA, Inc., Insurance Matters, Investing, Managed Care, Marcinko Associates, Practice Management, Practice Worth | Tagged: capital funding, costs, DDS, DMD, DO, DPM, estate, exit planning, FEES, fiduciary review, finance, Financial Planning, financial plans, financing, gift tax, Investing, Marcinko, MD, personal-finance, portfolio, portfolio analysis, practice valuation, retirement planning, retirement plans, second opinions, succession planning, tax | Leave a comment »

Unlocking the Power of Compounding in Investments

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Time is both our ally and our enemy?

In the case of financial investments, compounding interest relies on time to reveal its true magic.

Here’s how: a young investor can invest less money over a longer period of time than an older investor who invests more money over a shorter period and ends up with more in the end. Compounding returns grow exponentially, making time more than an ally – but a force of the universe driving growth.

Time is certainly our ally in investing, but according to ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd, you’ll kick yourself wishing you had invested earlier when you witness compounding after a few years (or a decade).

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Overcoming Financial Psychological Traps

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Psychological Traps

As human beings, our brains are booby-trapped with psychological barriers that stand between making smart financial decisions and making dumb ones. The good news is that once you realize your own mental weaknesses, it’s not impossible to overcome them.

PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/01/05/maurice-allais-behavioral-finance-paradox/

In fact, Mandi Woodruff, a financial reporter whose work has appeared in Yahoo! Finance, Daily Finance, The Wall Street Journal, The Fiscal Times and the Financial Times among others; related the following mind-traps in a September 2013 essay for the finance vertical Business Insider; as these impediments are now entering the lay-public zeitgeist:

Anchoring happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. For instance, when shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.
Myopia makes it hard for us to imagine what our lives might be like in the future. For example, because we are young, healthy, and in our prime earning years now, it may be hard for us to picture what life will be like when our health depletes and we know longer have the earnings necessary to support our standard of living. This short-sightedness makes it hard to save adequately when we are young, when saving does the most good.
Gambler’s fallacy occurs when we subconsciously believe we can use past events to predict the future. It is common for the hottest sector during one calendar year to attract the most investors the following year. Of course, just because an investment did well last year doesn’t mean it will continue to do well this year. In fact, it is more likely to lag the market.
Avoidance is simply procrastination. Even though you may only have the opportunity to adjust your health care plan through your employer once per year, researching alternative health plans is too much work and too boring for us to get around to it. Consequently, we stick with a plan that may not be best for us.
Loss aversion affected many investors during the stock market crash of 2008. During the crash, many people decided they couldn’t afford to lose more and sold their investments. Of course, this caused the investors to sell at market troughs and miss the quick, dramatic recovery.
Overconfident investing happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. Data convincingly shows that people who trade most often under perform the market by a significant margin over time.
Mental accounting takes place when we assign different values to money depending on where we get it from. For instance, even though we may have an aggressive saving goal for the year, it is likely easier for us to save money that we worked for than money that was given to us as a gift.
Herd mentality makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does. For example, we may hear stories of people making significant profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", "Doctors Only", Ethics, Experts Invited, Financial Advisor Listings, Glossary Terms, Investing, mental health | Tagged: Anchoring, aversion, avoidance, behavioral finance, finance, gambler, herd, Investing, Mandi Woodruff, Marcinko, mental health, mind traps, myopia, over confidence, personal-finance, psychiatry, psychology, psychology traps, stock market, WSJ, Yahoo | Leave a comment »

Financial Self-Discovery for Medical Professionals

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

PHYSICIAN COACHING: https://marcinkoassociates.com/process-what-we-do/

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

A Financial Self Discovery Questionnaire for Medical Professionals

For understanding your relationship with money, it is important to be aware of yourself in the contexts of culture, family, value systems and experience. These questions will help you. This is a process of self-discovery. To fully benefit from this exploration, please address them in writing. You will simply not get the full value from it if you just breeze through and give mental answers. While it is recommended that you first answer these questions by yourself, many people relate that they have enjoyed the experience of sharing them with others who are important to them.

As you answer these questions, be conscious of your feelings, actually describing them in writing as part of your process.

Childhood

What is your first memory of money?
What is your happiest moment with Money? Your most unhappy?
Name the miscellaneous money messages you received as a child.
How were you confronted with the knowledge of differing economic circumstances among people, that there were people “richer” than you and people “poorer” than you?

Cultural heritage

What is your cultural heritage and how has it interfaced with money?
To the best of your knowledge, how has it been impacted by the money forces? Be specific.
To the best of your knowledge, does this circumstance have any motive related to Money?
Speculate about the manners in which your forebears’ money decisions continue to affect you today?

Family

How is/was the subject of money addressed by your church or the religious traditions of your forebears?
What happened to your parents or grandparents during the Depression?
How did your family communicate about money?
How? Be as specific as you can be, but remember that we are more concerned about impacts upon you than historical veracity.
When did your family migrate to America (or its current location)?
What else do you know about your family’s economic circumstances historically?

Your parents

How did your mother and father address money?
How did they differ in their money attitudes?
How did they address money in their relationship?
Did they argue or maintain strict silence?
How do you feel about that today?

Please do your best to answer the same questions regarding your life or business partner(s) and their parents.

Childhood: Revisited

How did you relate to money as a child? Did you feel “poor” or “rich”?
Relatively? Or, absolutely? Why?
Were you anxious about money?
Did you receive an allowance? If so, describe amounts and responsibilities.
Did you have household responsibilities?
Did you get paid regardless of performance?
Did you work for money?

If not, please describe your thoughts and feelings about that.

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Same questions, as a teenager, young adult, older adult.

Credit

When did you first acquire something on credit?
When did you first acquire a credit card?
What did it represent to you when you first held it in your hands?
Describe your feelings about credit.
Do you have trouble living within your means?
Do you have debt?

Adulthood

Have your attitudes shifted during your adult life? Describe.

Why did you choose your personal path?
a) Would you do it again?
b) Describe your feelings about credit.

Adult attitudes

Are you money motivated?
If so, please explain why? If not, why not?
How do you feel about your present financial situation?
Are you financially fearful or resentful? How do you feel about that?
Will you inherit money? How does that make you feel?
If you are well off today, how do you feel about the money situations of others?
If you feel poor, same question.
How do you feel about begging? Welfare?
If you are well off today, why are you working?
Do you worry about your financial future?
Are you generous or stingy? Do you treat? Do you tip?
Do you give more than you receive or the reverse? Would others agree?
Could you ask a close relative for a business loan? For rent/grocery money?
Could you subsidize a non-related friend? How would you feel if that friend bought something you deemed frivolous?
Do you judge others by how you perceive they deal with their Money?
Do you feel guilty about your prosperity?
Are your siblings prosperous?
What part does money play in your spiritual life?
Do you “live” your Money values?

Conclusion

There may be other questions that would be useful to you. Others may occur to you as you progress in your life’s journey. The point is to know your personal money issues and their ramifications for your life, work, and personal mission.

This will be a “work-in-process” with answers both complex and incomplete. Don’t worry.

Just incorporate fine-tuning into your life’s process.

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VALUE STOCKS: Discovering Under Priced Investment Gems

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Value Stocks – Looking for Bargains!

The bargain-hunting value style is looking for shares that are under priced in relation to the company’s future potential. A physician value investor will invest in a company in the expectation that its shares will increase in value over time. Value investing is based essentially on quantitative criteria; asset values, cash flow, and discounted future earnings. The key properties of value shares are low Price/Earnings, Price/Sales ratios, and normally higher dividend yields.

On observing a company’s earnings growth, a value manager will decide whether to buy shares based on the company’s consistency or recovery prospects.

The key research questions are: 1) Does the current P/E ratio warrant an investment in a slow growth company or, 2) Is the company a higher growth candidate that has dropped in price due to a temporary problem. If this is the case, will the company’s earnings growth recover, and if so, when? The key to value investing is to find bargain shares (priced low historically or for temporary and/or irrational reasons), avoiding shares that are merely cheap (priced low because the company is failing).

The buying opportunity is identified when a company undergoing some immediate problems is perceived to have good chances of recovery in the medium to long term. If there is a loss in market confidence in the company, the share price may fall, and the value investor can step in. Once the share price has achieved a suitable value, reflecting the predicted turnaround in company performance, the shareholding is sold, realizing a capital gain.

And, a potential risk in value investing is that the company may not turn around, in which case the share price may stay static or fall.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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Understanding Merger Arbitrage Strategies

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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3 Behavioral Biases Hurting Your Finances

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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The study of behavioral economics has revealed much about how different biases can affect our finances—often for the worse.

Take loss aversion: Because we feel a financial setback more acutely than a commensurate gain, we often cling to failed investments to avoid realizing the loss. Another potential hazard is present bias, or the tendency to prefer instant gratification over long-term reward, even if the latter gain is greater.

When it comes to money, sometimes it’s difficult to make rational decisions. Here, are three behavioral financial biases that could be impeding financial goals.

ANCHORING BIAS

Anchoring Bias happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. Anchoring is the mental trick your brain plays when it latches onto the first piece of information it gets, no matter how irrelevant. You might know this as a ‘first impression’ when someone relies on their own first idea of a person or situation.

Example: When shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this financial advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.

Example: Imagine you’re buying a car, and the salesperson starts with a high price. That number sticks in your mind and influences all your subsequent negotiations. Anchoring can skew our decisions and perceptions, making us think the first offer is more important than it is. Or, subsequent offers lower than they really are.

Example: Imagine an investor named Jane who purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation at $100 per share several years ago. Over time, the stock price declined to $60 per share. Jane is anchored to her initial price of $100 and is reluctant to sell at a loss because she keeps hoping the stock will return to her original purchase price. She continues to hold onto the stock, even as it declines, due to her anchoring bias. Eventually, the stock price drops to $40 per share, resulting in significant losses for Jane.

In this example, Jane’s nchoring bias to the original purchase price of $100 prevents her from rationalizing to sell the stock and cut her losses, even though market conditions have changed. So, the next time you’re haggling for your self, a potential customer or client, or making another big financial decision, be aware of that initial anchor dragging you down.

HERD MENTALITY BIAS

Herd Mentality Bias makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.

Example: We may hear stories of people making significant monetary profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

Example: During the dotcom bubble of the late 1990’s many investors exhibited a herd mentality. As technology stocks soared to astronomical valuations, investors rushed to buy these stocks driven by the fear of missing out on the gains others were enjoying. Even though some of these stocks had questionable fundamentals, the herd mentality led investors to follow the crowd.

In this example, the herd mentality contributed to the overvaluation of technology stocks. Eventually, it led to the dot-com bubble’s burst, causing significant losses for those who had unthinkingly followed the crowd without conducting proper research or analysis.

OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS

Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.

Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.

Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).

ASSESSMENT

Finally, questions remain after consuming this cognitive bias review.

Question: Can behavioral cognitive biases be eliminated by financial advisors in prospecting and client sales endeavors?

A: Indeed they can significantly reduce their impact by appreciating and understanding the above and following a disciplined and rational decision-making sales process.

Question: What is the role of financial advisors in helping clients and prospects address behavioral biases?

A: Financial advisors can provide an objective perspective and help investors recognize and address their biases. They can assist in creating well-structured investment and financial plans, setting realistic goals, and offering guidance to ensure investment decisions align with long-term objectives.

Question: How important is self-discipline in overcoming behavioral biases?

A; Self-discipline is crucial in overcoming behavioral biases. It helps investors and advisors adhere to their investment plans, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals reducing the influence of emotional and cognitive biases.

CONCLUSION

Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological biases to your mutual success!

EDUCATION: Books

REFERENCES:

Marcinko, DE; Dictionary of Health Insurance and Managed Care. Springer Publishing Company, New York, 2007.
Marcinko, DE: Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2016.
Marcinko, DE: Risk Management, Liability and Insurance Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2017.
Nofsinger, JR: The Psychology of Investing. Rutledge Publishing, 2022
Winters, Scott: The 10X Financial Advisor: Your Blueprint for Massive and Sustainable Growth. Absolute Author Publishing House, 2020.
Woodruff, Mandy: https://www.mandimoney.com

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Filed under: Ask a Doctor, Career Development, CMP Program, economics, Experts Invited, finance, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, Investing, mental health, Portfolio Management | Tagged: anchoring bias, behavioral economics, bias, CMP, economics, finance, financial advisors, herd bias, Investing, loss aversion, Marcinko, mental health, overconfidency, overconfident bias, personal-finance, present bias, psychology | Leave a comment »

How Investment Banking Works for Corporations

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Investment bankers are not really bankers at all. The fact that the word banker appears in the name is partially responsible for the false impressions that exist in the medical community regarding the functions they perform.

For example, they are not permitted to accept deposit, provide checking accounts, or perform other activities normally construed to be commercial banking activities. An investment bank is simply a firm that specializes in helping other corporations obtain money they need under the most advantageous terms possible. When it comes to the actual process of having securities issued, the corporation approaches an investment banking firm, either directly, or through a competitive selection process and asks it to act as adviser and distributor.

MORE: https://www.amazon.ca/Management-Liability-Insurance-Protection-Strategies/dp/1498725988

Investment bankers, or under writers, as they are sometimes called, are middlemen in the capital markets for corporate securities. The corporation requiring the funds discusses the amount, type of security to be issued, price and other features of the security, as well as the cost to issuing the securities. All of these factors are negotiated in a process known as negotiated underwriting. If mutually acceptable terms are reached, the investment banking firm will be the middle man through which the securities are sold to the general public. Since such firms have many customers, they are able to sell new securities, without the costly search that individual corporations may require to sell its own security.

Thus, although the firm in need of additional capital must pay for the service, it is usually able to raise the additional capital at less expense through the use of an investment banker, than by selling the securities itself. The agreement between the investment banker and the corporation may be one of two types. The investment bank may agree to purchase, or underwrite, the entire issue of securities and to re-offer them to the general public. This is known as a firm commitment.

When an investment banker agrees to underwrite such a sale; it agrees to supply the corporation with a specified amount of money. The firm buys the securities with the intention to resell them. If it fails to sell the securities, the investment banker must still pay the agreed upon sum.

Thus, the risk of selling rests with the underwriter and not with the company issuing the securities.

INVESTMENT BANKING: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/04/17/understanding-tnvestment-banking-rules-securities-markets-brokerage-accounts-margin-and-debt/

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The alternative agreement is a best efforts agreement in which the investment banker makes his best effort to sell the securities acting on behalf of the issuer, but does not guarantee a specified amount of money will be raised. When a corporation raises new capital through a public offering of stock, one might inquire where the stock comes from. The only source the corporation has is authorized, but previously un-issued stock. Anytime authorized, but previously un-issued stock (new stock) is issued to the public, it is known as a primary offering.

If it’s the very first time the corporation is making the offering, it’s also known as the Initial Public Offering (IPO). Anytime there is a primary offering of stock, the issuing corporation is raising additional equity capital.

A secondary offering, or distribution, on the other hand, is defined as an offering of a large block of outstanding stock. Most frequently, a secondary offering is the sale of a large block of stock owned by one or more stockholders. It is stock that has previously been issued and is now being re-sold by investors. Another case would be when a corporation re-sells its treasury stock.

STOCK BROKERS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/04/understanding-traditional-full-service-brokers/

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", business, Funding Basics, Investing, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: business, david marcinko, finance, firm committment, Initial Public Offering, Investing, investment bankers, IPO, primary offering, secondary offerings, SPARC, stock market, stock markets, stocks, underwriters, unissued stock | Leave a comment »

INVESTING PARADOX: Flexibile and Dogmatic

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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A paradox is a statement or situation that seems contradictory but actually makes sense when you think about it more deeply. It challenges logic and often reveals a hidden truth.

FLEXIBLY DOGMATIC PARADOX

The Flexibly Dogmatic Paradox suggests that no matter how sensible your financial planning, investing or wealth management process is there will be uncomfortably long periods when it looks broken. And process is the best way of ensuring you keep standing for something because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. This is why, when assessing an investment fund, focus 50% on the manager’s character and 50% on their process. Everything else is detail. There are few guarantees in investing, but the fact that markets will batter you emotionally is one of them.

FINANCIAL PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/07/27/paradox-of-financial-health/

Example: During volatile times, the temptation to abandon the process is strong. But that’s why it’s there. Process is what forces one fund manager to keep buying unbroken companies when everyone else thinks they’re bust, and another to keep faith with a top-quality company when the mob says it’s too expensive The best fund managers dogmatically stick to their process when it’s out of favor. Then, when it returns to favor, the elastic pings back: they recapture lost ground surprisingly fast. However, every rule has an exception. And spotting the exceptions to their process is something the true greats have a knack for buying and selling.

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Example: In 2007, US value manager Bill Miller had the makings of an investment legend, but the financial crisis wrecked all that. His process told him to double down into falling share prices, which had worked well for years. But it doesn’t work if the companies go bust, which many of his financial stocks did in 2008.

ADVISORS PARADOX: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/20/paradoxical-contradictions-all-financial-advisors-must-know-to-win-clients/

Conclusion

The fact is that no matter how good it is, a process operated without human judgment is just an algorithm. The best fund managers and financial prospectors and sales men/women know this.

They stick dogmatically to their process but somehow remain flexible enough to spot the occasions when it’s about to drive them into a brick wall.

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Filed under: CMP Program, Ethics, Experts Invited, finance, Financial Planning, Glossary Terms, Marcinko Associates, mental health, Portfolio Management | Tagged: bill miller, brain, budgeting, CMP, dogmatic, dogmatic paradox, finance, financial planniing, flexibility paradox, flexible, Investing, investing paradox, marcinko david, mental health, money, paradox, personal-finance, US value, wealth management | Leave a comment »

BIAS: Financial Myopia

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Staff Reporters

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BIAS

Bias is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

MYOPIA

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common condition that’s usually diagnosed before age 20. It affects your distance vision — you can see objects that are near, but you have trouble viewing objects that are farther away like grocery store aisle markers or road signs. Myopia treatments include glasses, contact lenses or surgery.

MYOPIA BIAS

Myopia Bias makes it hard for us to imagine what our lives might be like in the future.

Financial Example: When we are young, healthy and in our prime economic earning years it may be hard for us to picture what life will be like when our health depletes and we no longer have the earnings necessary to support our standard of living.

Irony: This short-sightedness makes it hard to save adequately when we are young … when saving does the most good.

DOCTORS: Going Broke and Living Paycheck to Paycheck!

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", economics, finance, Funding Basics, Glossary Terms, Investing, Portfolio Management | Tagged: bias, economics, facts, finance, financial, myopia, myopia biasis, prejudice | Leave a comment »

FIXED INCOME SECURITY RISKS: All Physician Investors Should Know

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Here are some of the most common risks associated with fixed income securities.

Interest Rate Risk

The market value of the securities will be inversely affected by movements in interest rates. When rates rise, market prices of existing debt securities fall as these securities become less attractive to investors when compared to higher coupon new issues. As prices decline, bonds become cheaper so the overall return, when taking into account the discount, can compete with newly issued bonds at higher yields. When interest rates fall, market prices on existing fixed income securities tend to rise because these bonds become more attractive when compared to the newly issued bonds priced at lower rates.

Price Risk

Investors who need access to their principal prior to maturity have to rely on the secondary market to sell their securities. The price received may be more or less than the original purchase price and may depend, in general, on the level of interest rates, time to term, credit quality of the issuer and liquidity.

Among other reasons, prices may also be affected by current market conditions, or by the size of the trade (prices may be different for 10 bonds versus 1,000 bonds), etc. It is important to note that selling a security prior to maturity may affect actual yield received, which may be different than the yield at which the bond was originally purchased. This is because the initially quoted yield assumed holding the bond to term. As mentioned above, there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. Therefore, when interest rates decline, bond prices increase, and when interest rates increase, bond prices decline.

Generally, longer maturity bonds will be more sensitive to interest rate changes. Dollar for dollar, a long-term bond should go up or down in value more than a short-term bond for the same change in yield. Price risk can be determined through a statistic called duration, which is featured at the end of the fixed income section.

REVENUE BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/12/20/bonds-revenue/

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Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that an investor will be unable to sell securities due to a lack of demand from potential buyers, sell them at a substantial loss and/or incur substantial transaction costs in the sale process. Broker/dealers, although not obligated to do so, may provide secondary markets.

Reinvestment Risk

Downward trends in interest rates also create reinvestment risk, or the risk that the income and/or principal repayments will have to be invested at lower rates. Reinvestment risk is an important consideration for investors in callable securities. Some bonds may be issued with a call feature that allows the issuer to call, or repay, bonds prior to maturity. This generally happens if the market rates fall low enough for the issuer to save money by repaying existing higher coupon bonds and issuing new ones at lower rates. Investors will stop receiving the coupon payments if the bonds are called. Generally, callable fixed income securities will not appreciate in value as much as comparable non-callable securities.

ZERO COUPON BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/11/12/bonds-zero-coupon/

Prepayment Risk

Similar to call risk, prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer may repay bonds prior to maturity. This type of risk is generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. Homeowners tend to prepay their mortgages at times that are advantageous to their needs, which may be in conflict with the holders of the mortgage-backed securities. If the bonds are repaid early, investors face the risk of reinvesting at lower rates.

Purchasing Power Risk

Fixed income investors often focus on the real rate of return, or the actual return minus the rate of inflation. Rising inflation has a negative impact on real rates of return because inflation reduces the purchasing power of the investment income and principal.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2022/03/24/general-obligation-and-revenue-bonds/

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Experts Invited, finance, Financial Planning, Investing, Marcinko Associates, Portfolio Management | Tagged: bond risks, bonds, finance, fixed income risks, interest rate risks, Investing, liquidity risk, Marcinko, personal-finance, prepayment risks, price risks, purchasing power risk, reinvetment risks, stocks | Leave a comment »

DOCTORS: Early Investing Needed for Retirement

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

NEW FINANCIAL STRATEGIES?

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Starting early is key to saving for retirement

Although 97% of people aren’t yet millionaires, many could eventually meet that target if they start investing sooner rather than later; especially doctors [MD, DO, DPM, DDS or DMD].

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

A 20-year-old, for instance, needs to invest just $330 a month into an asset class that delivers a 7% to 8% annual return to reach $1.26 million by the time s/he turns 65 years old. The luxury of time significantly boosts your chances of becoming a millionaire.

This doesn’t mean it’s too late for middle-aged savers to reach that millionaire milestone, but it will take a significantly greater investment. If a 50-year-old doctor hasn’t started saving for retirement, s/he would need to invest $3,958 a month at a steady 7% return to reach $1.26 million by retirement.

MONEY ADDICTION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/07/moiney-addicted-physicians-the-investing-and-trading-personality-of-doctors/

However, according to one Goldman Sachs report, investors could expect the S&P 500 to deliver just 3% annualized nominal returns over the next 10 years.

After an average 13% yearly return for the past decade, a new strategy outside of the stock market may be needed for that level of outsized gain, especially if you’re late to investing.

RETIREMENT VISION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/04/physicians-determine-your-retirement-vision/

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AI/HIT: https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Health-Information-Technology-Security/dp/0826149952/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254413315&sr=1-5

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PSYCHOLOGICAL BIAS: The Ikea Effect in Finance?

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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IKEA EFFECT BIAS

Ikea Effect Bias describes the tendency of people to place a higher value on products they have partially created or assembled themselves. This phenomenon is named after the Swedish furniture retailer Ikea, known for selling furniture in flat-pack kits that customers must assemble at home.

he IKEA effect was identified and named by Michael Norton of Harvard Business School, Daniel Mochon of Yale University and colleague Dan Ariely PhD of Duke University, who published the results of three studies in 2011. They described the IKEA effect as “labor alone can be sufficient to induce greater liking for the fruits of one’s labor: even constructing a standardized bureau, an arduous, solitary task, can lead people to overvalue their (often poorly constructed) creations.”

Example: A prospect is more likely to pursue his/her own financial plan than that one from an informed financial planner, CPA or professional advisor.

2011 study found that subjects were willing to pay 63% more for furniture they had assembled themselves than for equivalent pre-assembled items.

IN FINANCE AND INVESTING

The IKEA effect can contribute to reducing panic selling. Investors typically reduce their stock market exposure after a financial crash which often results in “buy high, sell low” strategy that is detrimental to long-run wealth accumulation.

Ashtiani et al.’s study proposes a nudge utilizing the IKEA effect to counteract this phenomenon: “actively involving investors in the selection process of the risky investments, while restricting their selections in a way that preserves a large degree of diversification.”

DIVERSIFICATION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/17/correlation-diversification-in-finance-and-investments/

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INVESTMENT TYPES: Young Physicians and Medical Practitioners

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

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Types of investments

Once a physician [MD, DO, DPM or DDS] has a brokerage account, the young doctior will need to decide what to invest in. There are lots of options, and each comes with different benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common options for new physician investors.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

Individual stocks.

Stocks are the first thing most people think about when they are considering investing, but they are not the only option. The prices of stocks change daily, sometimes by large amounts, as the market adjusts to news and various cycles. For that reason, it’s important to do your research. If you’re just beginning with a retirement account, you could also consider the longer-term products listed below.

Index funds and mutual funds.

Index funds attempt to replicate the performance of an un-managed market index. The performance of mutual funds [open and closed] varies. You can often get involved for a lower initial investment, and they can provide good diversification,which makes your portfolio better equipped to handle market fluctuations [active and passive].

For that reason, many financial experts say they should form the core of your retirement portfolio. While they have many similar characteristics, there are important differences. Read more about some of the differences in index funds and mutual funds.

Why Some Career Doctors Still DO NOT Get Rich?

Annuities.

These technically aren’t investment products; they are a contract between you and an insurance company. However, they work to accomplish a similar goal. There are immediate annuities that convert some of your existing savings into lifetime payments, but if we’re talking about saving for retirement, a deferred income annuity is the closest comparison. You make premium payments into the deferred annuity on a regular or irregular basis depending on the contract terms, and when you reach retirement age, you annuitize those savings and receive payments for the rest of your life. They can make a valuable addition to a retirement savings strategy.

Other investments.

There are many other types of investments and financial vehicles: bonds [local, state or US], money market funds, certificates of deposit through a brokerage account or investment apps. Even the cash value of life insurance can play a part. They are all designed to address different needs and have benefits and drawbacks and may be important to your overall strategy.

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ALTERNATE INVESTMENTS: 401[k] Accounts

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Crypto-Currency.

Crypto.com is a cryptocurrency company based in Singapore that offers various financial services, including an app, exchange, and noncustodial DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace, and direct payment service in cryptocurrency. As of 2024, the company reportedly had more than 100 million customers and more than 4,000 employees.

CRYPTO CURRENCY: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/03/27/cryptocurrency-real-money-or-not/

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PHYSICIANS BEWARE: The APR Car Lease “Money Factor”

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By A.I. and Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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What is it?

The so-called money factor (abbreviated as MF on invoices) is a number in a decimal form that dealers use to calculate the APR of a car lease. It’s a major part of your monthly payment and dealers are known to jack up the money factor to pad their profits.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

How it works

Most doctors don’t ask to see it because they’re not aware of it or don’t know how to calculate it. Ask to see the money factor, then multiply it by 2,400.

For example, if the money factor is .00150, you multiply it by 2,400 to get 3.6%. If that’s higher than the prevailing rate, you have room to talk them down.

How to reduce it

So how do you get a good interest rate when you lease a vehicle? The same way you do when borrowing for any other reason, whether it’s buying a home or applying for a personal loan: by having good credit. This may reduce your interest rate because you’ll represent a lower risk to a lender.

A high residual value on the car could also help you get a better interest rate. A higher residual value means you’d have lower monthly payments because there would be less depreciation on the vehicle. Since interest is applied to your monthly payment, a lower monthly payment would equate to reduced interest charges.

MONEY DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/04/08/psychology-a-money-relationship-questionnaire-for-doctors/

Financial implications

The money factor is one of the many numbers you may want to learn about when leasing a car. It’s one of the transactional costs that come with leasing, and allows dealers and finance companies to make a profit on every lease they execute. As a consumer, it’s a smart idea to learn the financial implications of this number and how it’ll affect your overall costs over the course of a multi-year lease.

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If the interest rate is too high, you may need to shop around for a better rate, negotiate with the dealer or lender to lower the money factor, or consider leasing another vehicle that’s more in line with your budget. Either way, make sure you explore all your financial options before taking a car off the lot.

SALARY NEGOTIATIONS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2016/08/21/salary-negotiations-skills-for-doctors-hospitalists/

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Accounting, Ask a Doctor, business, CMP Program, economics, Ethics, finance, Risk Management | Tagged: APR, auto depreciation, auto invoice, budgeting, car borrowing costs, car dealerships, car lease, car lot, CASH, CMP, DO, doctors, DPM, finance, finance companies, interest rates, IRS, lease vehicle, MD, MF, money, money factor, personal-finance, physicians, real-estate, residual value, vehicle depreciation | Leave a comment »

NET WORTH: Defined for Physicians

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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What does net worth really mean?

Net worth is everything you own of significance (Assets) minus what is owed in debts (Liabilities). Assets include cash and investments, real estate, cars and anything else of value.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

How is net worth calculated? Assets – Debt = Net Worth. Net worth is calculated by adding all owned assets (anything of value) and then subtracting all of your liabilities.

Is net worth yearly? No, net worth is not yearly. Net worth isn’t inherently yearly but is often tracked on an annual basis to assess financial progress year over year.

What net worth is considered wealthy, rich and upper class?
In the U.S. salary average is around $59,000, and only 20% of Americans have a household income of $100,000 or more.

MONEY ADDICTION: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/07/moiney-addicted-physicians-the-investing-and-trading-personality-of-doctors/

Is net worth the same as net income? No, net worth is not the same as net income. Net income is what you actually bring home after taxes and payroll deductions, like Social Security and 401(k) contributions.

Can one measure their net worth if they don’t have many assets or a high income? Yes. Knowing your net worth isn’t about the amount you have; it’s about understanding your financial position. It helps you track your progress, informs your financial decisions, and motivates you to improve your financial health, regardless of where you start.

HEDGE FUNDS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/06/08/hedge-funds-defined-for-doctors/

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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", Accounting, finance, Glossary Terms, Investing | Tagged: Accounting, assets, broke doctors, CASH, CMP, debts, finance, liabilities, liquid assets, liquid net worth, net worth, rich, salary inflation | Leave a comment »

PHYSICIANS: Determine Your Retirement Vision

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Determining Retirement Vision

There’s an aspect to retirement that many physicians do not plan for … the transition from work and practice to retirement. Your work has been an important part of your life. That’s why the emotional adjustments of retirement may be some of the most difficult ones.

For example, what would you like to do in retirement? Your retirement vision will be unique to you. You are retiring to something not from something that you envisioned. When you have more time, you would like to do more traveling, play golf or visit more often, family and friends. Would you relocate closer to your kids? Learn a new art or take a new class? Fund your grandchildren’s education? Do you have philanthropic goals? Perhaps you would like to help your church, school or favorite charity? If your net worth is above certain limits, it would be wise to take a serious look at these goals. With proper planning, there might be some tax benefits too. Then you have to figure how much each goal is going to cost you.

If you have a list of retirement goals, you need to prioritize which goal is most important. You can rate them on a scale of 1 to 10; 10 being the most important. Then, you can differentiate between wants and needs. Needs are things that are absolutely necessary for you to retire; while wants are things that still allow retirement but would just be nice to have.

RETIREMENT SCAMS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/04/15/online-scams-retirement-accounts/

Recent studies indicate there are three phases in retirement, each with a different spending pattern [Richard Greenberg CFP®, Gardena CA, personal communication]. The three phases are:

The Early Retirement Years. There is a pent-up demand to take advantage of all the free time retirement affords. You can travel to exotic places, buy an RV and explore forty-nine states, go on month-long sailing vacations. It’s possible during these years that after-tax expenses increase during these initial years, especially if the mortgage hasn’t been paid off yet. Usually the early years last about ten years until most retirees are in their 70’s.

Middle Years. People decide to slow down on the exploration. This is when people start simplifying their life. They may sell their house and downsize to a condo or townhouse. They may relocate to an area they discovered during their travels, or to an area close to family and friends, to an area with a warm climate or to an area with low or no state taxes. People also do their most important estate planning during these years. They are concerned about leaving a legacy, taking care of their children and grandchildren and fulfilling charitable intent. This a time when people spend more time in the local area. They may start taking extension or college classes. They spend more time volunteering at various non-profits and helping out older and less healthy retirees. People often spend less during these years. This period starts when a retiree is in his or her mid to late 70’s and can last up to 20 years, usually to mid to late-80’s.

Late Years. This is when you may need assistance in our daily activities. You may receive care at home, in a nursing home or an assisted care facility. Most of the care options are very expensive. It’s possible that these years might be more expensive than your pre-retirement expenses. This is especially true if both spouses need some sort of assisted care. This period usually starts when the retiree is their 80’s; however they can sometimes start in the middle to the late 70’s.

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[A] Planning issues – early career

Most retirement lifestyle issues do not have to be addressed at this point. Keeping a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help to ensure a more productive retirement. This is the time to focus on the financial aspects of retirement planning.

[B] Planning issues – mid career

If early retirement is a major objective, start thinking about activities that will fill up your time during retirement. Maintaining your health is more critical, since your health habits at this time will often dictate how healthy you will be in retirement

[C] Planning issues – late career

Three to five years before you retire, start making the transition from work to retirement.

Try out different hobbies;
Find activities that will give you a purpose in retirement;
Establish friendships outside of the office or hospital;
Discuss retirement plans with your spouse.
If you plan to relocate to a new place, it is important to rent a place in that area and stay for few months and see if you like it. Making a drastic change like relocating and then finding you don’t like the new town or state might be very costly mistake. The key is to gradually make the transition.

RETIREMENT INCOME: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/10/18/fast-facts-retirement-income-in-the-usa/

Conclusion

For physicians, like most folks, retirement is the stage in life when one chooses to leave the workforce and live off sources of income or savings that do not require active work. The age at which a person retires, their lifestyle during retirement, and the way they fund that lifestyle, will vary from one person to the next, depending on individual preferences and financial planning. Usually it is age 65.

Some doctors may opt for early retirement to enjoy their hobbies and travel, while others may continue working part-time to stay engaged and supplement their income. Effective retirement planning often involves a combination of savings, investments, and possibly pension benefits to ensure a comfortable and secure post-work life.

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SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Filed under: iMBA, Inc. | Tagged: david marcinko, DJIA, finance, Investing, Marcinko, NASDAQ, personal-finance, retirement, retirement planning, S&P 500, textbooks | Leave a comment »

DIRECT TO PHYSICIAN [D-2-P] INVESTOR ADVISORY PLATFORMS

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

Enter Artificial Intelligence and the “Robo-Advisors”

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MED CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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DIRECT TO INVESTOR ONLINE ADVISORY PLATFORMS

Since the financial crisis in 2008, several start-up companies from Silicon Valley and Boston [Learn Vest, Betterment, Financial Guard, Quovo, WealthFront, Nest Egg Wealth. Wealth-Front and Personal Capital] have emerged with the mantra that individual investors, younger and informed clients will receive portfolio strategies, financial advice and performance metrics directly from various internet and online advisory platforms. Termed “robo-advisors” by some, their existence heralds the doom of financial advisors; or at least drives down the value of Financial Advisory guidance; reduces fees and holds them more accountable to clients.

STOCK MARKET HELL: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/01/30/escaping-stock-market-double-hell/

On the other hand, detractors say the financial advice may not be as good because the personalization will not be there; but pricing fees will be more competitive, at least initially. Going forward price will get even lower and service better. And ultimately, as consumers get more information on line, product and service will improve and be delivered to them faster than thru traditional human channels of distribution. The era of quarterly client meetings with TAMPs is fading. Clients will have access to their portfolios; in real time, all the time.

Turnkey Asset Management Program (TAMP) Defined

A turnkey asset management program offers a fee-account technology platform that financial advisers, broker-dealers, insurance companies, banks, law firms, and CPA firms can use to oversee their clients’ investment accounts.

Turnkey asset management programs are designed to help financial professionals save time and allow them to focus on providing clients with service in their areas of expertise, which may not include asset management tasks like investment research and portfolio allocation. In other words, TAMPs let financial professionals and firms delegate asset management and research responsibilities to another party that specializes in those areas.

PHYSICIANS: Do You Use A Financial Advisor?

Conclusion

The growth of more traditional direct to investment platforms like E-Trade and Schwab has outpaced Financial Advisors and recently human advisors must have the technology and niche space specificity to survive in the future. Realistically, robo-advisors, Artificial Intelligence and traditional flesh-and-blood FAs will seamlessly merge into a hybrid platform indistinguishable to most all.

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Filed under: iMBA, Inc. | Tagged: finance, Investing, investment, personal-finance, stocks | Leave a comment »

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Education Costs and Debt Burden

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1. Impulse Spending

2. High‑Interest Debt

3. Ignoring Savings and Investments

4. Chasing Get‑Rich‑Quick Schemes

5. Overspending on Status

6. Neglecting Insurance

7. Failing to Budget

8. Ignoring Education and Skills

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Product Costing and Valuation

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The Debt Dilemma

Income ≠ Wealth

Taxes and Business Skills

Investing and Retirement Planning

Insurance and Risk Management

Emotional and Behavioral Finance

The Case for Financial Education

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Understanding the Situation

Redefining Retirement

Leveraging Medical Expertise

Exploring Non-Clinical Opportunities

Maximizing Government and Community Resources

Downsizing and Budgeting

Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Planning for the Future

Embracing a New Chapter

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