What did you think of the reading in the book, “Stocks for the Long Run” By Jeremy Siegel?
“Stocks for the long run” by James Siegel have been proved to facilitate the investment in stocks. Siegel argues from his book that stocks are the best investments. This he does through research on a variety of investment securities and strategies like bonds and the bills. The research focuses on the thorough analysis of the returns in the financial markets in three phases. However, he reiterates that stock requires patience hence not appropriate for a quick return. It is therefore preferred for long-term investments.
Siegel’s approach to investments is summed up as, “good investment strategy entails, diversification of the portfolio, the timing of stocks and landing on ones showing prospects of good returns. These will only depend on what the investor believes in to accord them good returns”. The surprising explanation given by this book is that diversified stock portfolios over fixed return assets showed excellent performance even after the period of the great depression. This is unlikely since this happened during the period of high risk while the returns were realized at a lower risk level.
Do you support or oppose the new health insurance program?
I support the new health insurance scheme; this is because of several reasons. One, this scheme is going to provide health cover to the largest American population of over 32 million people who are not covered by the scheme because of reasons that they are too sick or that they cannot afford to pay high premiums. The scheme is a major boost since the cost of Medicare would be spread to the consumers ranging from those who are already covered to those who are yet to be covered. This advance has the effect of providing peace of mind to the American population since the population across the divide will be in the position of accessing quality healthcare at reasonable prices without discrimination of their health situation or financial muscles.
Though the intentions of the scheme are quite clear, they have effects such as the equitable distribution of contribution. The scheme also outlines the penalties to Americans who evade subscribing to the program; also, employers with over 50 workers are compelled to provide coverage for all their employees with strict penalties if they try escaping. I, therefore, support our president in acknowledging that this scheme is a strong foundation that will shape the future of the American population.
What did you think of the new student loan information?
The new student loan information is one to be highly supported because it has strong facets. This is because the income-based repayment program shows strong elements to help support even less income in society. The facets include the period allowance provided on when to start doing the payment of the loan, which is after getting an income source. The program also offers a waiver after some time has elapsed which was 25 years and is currently 20 years.
It also sets a minimum of $33,075 for a family of four below which the payment lies at zero. The program is made even better due to the lowered percentage of repayment on the disposable income of just 15% to 10%. This is a mere 6.75% of a family of four’s total income. The program is a good one and has the potential of benefiting students a great deal when it takes effect on its due date.