Common Cents & Cow Killing on February 14, 2020

February 14, 2020, by John Norris

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” Margaret J. Wheatley A few weeks ago, I wrote about how well-intentioned actions can have unintended economic reactions, usually negative. This was in response to the ‘eliminate fossil fuels now’ approach climate change activists, like Greta Thunberg, have adopted. Since the US Energy Information Administration estimates US energy expenditures reached 5.8% of GDP in 2017, most...

Understanding Employee Stock Options

February 14, 2020, by Mac Frasier

What are my options? Employee stock options can be a great way to build long term wealth and participate in the growth of a company. However, when it comes time to utilize those options there can often be confusion on what is the best strategy to implement. While everyone’s approach will be unique to their specific circumstances, hopefully this blog can help you begin thinking more about your options strategy. Stock Options Terminology Before we...

Episode 76 of Trading Perspectives Podcast

February 10, 2020, by Sara McPherson

The Gig Economy With the growing number of startup companies, the gig economy seems to be on the rise. Gig type employment has expanded from maids and the kid that cuts your grass to Instagram influencers to uber drivers. PayPal, Venmo and Zelle make it easy to compensate cash-in-hand types of jobs but ultimately result in an increase in unreported income. How is the gig economy affecting social security and Medicare? Is it good or...

Common Cents & Boring Things

February 7, 2020, by John Norris

"I Like Boring Things" Andy Warhol Long years ago, I was in a group conversation which ultimately led to the following question: “if you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?” While I don’t remember all the answers, I do recall a couple of folks saying filet mignon and twice-baked potatoes. Someone else said lobster with drawn butter, and there was at least one response for Italian...

The Economy Keeps Creating Jobs

February 7, 2020, by John Norris

In response to a rumor about his death, Mark Twain was supposed to have said: "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." In fact, the actual quote was: "The report of my death was an exaggeration. Either are pretty witty and fairly apropos when describing or discussing the US economy. Despite any number of "bricks in the wall of worry," we just keep chugging along. This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released 'The Employment Situation...

Episode 75 of Trading Perspectives Podcast

February 3, 2020, by Sara McPherson

The Coronavirus Outbreak The Coronavirus has taken the stock market by storm over the past week as more and more cases pop up across the globe. Airlines are cancelling flights to and from parts of China and almost 200 American’s are under federal quarantine in California. How is this virus different from other contagious illnesses, such as the flu or tuberculosis? Is it China’s lack of transparency or is the market’s response to the virus...

Common Cents Catches the Flu on January 31, 2020

January 31, 2020, by John Norris

“Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options.” Simon Sinek According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.5 million people worldwide died from tuberculosis in 2018, and an additional 10 million individuals contracted the disease. Also, in 2018, WHO data suggests there were 228 million new cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in around 405 thousand deaths. Each year, anywhere from...

Oakworth Capital Bank Adds Patrick Ladd As Client Advisor

January 29, 2020, by Lindsey Owens Krausen

Mobile, AL (January 29, 2020) – Oakworth Capital Bank is pleased to announce that Patrick Ladd has joined the company to serve the South Alabama market as Client Advisor of Commercial Banking. Patrick Ladd brings over 20 years of financial services experience. He will focus on developing and managing relationships with commercial businesses and professional practices in South Alabama. “We are excited to have Patrick on our team. His experience and reputation in the...

Episode 74 of the Trading Perspectives Podcast

January 27, 2020, by Sara McPherson

The Rich and Powerful Last week, Geneva-based World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland where close to 3,000 of the world’s wealthiest, most powerful, and anointed, including an estimated 119 billionaires met to discuss climate change. In this episode, John and Sam discuss the difference in the men who built our country’s economy in the 19th century, and the wealthy and powerful of today’s world. Who are the people of the Business...

I don’t have a lot of money, so why do I need a will or estate plan?

January 24, 2020, by John Norris

You need to have a will if you meet any or both of the following conditions: 1) have a net worth in excess of, say, $10, and; 2) there is any one in the world about whom you care. If neither of these apply, you probably don’t need to worry about a will or an estate plan. If either do, it is probably best to jot a few ideas down on a slip of paper...