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Joe Lucey

American Labor Unions Still Present

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14.8 million American workers were members of labor unions in 2015. That number hasn’t changed much from 2014, but it is a significant decrease from 1983, the first year for which comparable union data was available.

More than one-fifth of the U.S. workforce (17.7 million people) were in unions 33 years ago. As of last year, the percentage was down to 11.1.

Other union employment statistics include the following:

  • The public-sector union membership rate (35.2%) is five times higher than that of private-sector workers (6.7%)
  • Protective service (36.3%) and education, training and library occupations (35.5%) have the highest union membership rates
  • Slightly more men (11.5%) than women (10.6%) are members of unions
  • African American workers are more likely to be union members than white, Asian or Hispanic workers
  • Comparing median wages on a broad level, union workers earn 21 percent higher income than non-union workers ($980 vs. $776/week)
  • New York has the highest union membership rate in the country (24.7%); South Carolina has the lowest (2.1%)

The Problem with Predictions

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In his 1949 novel titled “1984,” George Orwell made ambitious predictions about things that would exist 35 years into the future, such as technological innovations in surveillance technology, speech-to-text software and missile detection systems. Many of those things became a reality during that timeframe.

In 2007, a report by NBC Nightly News made predictions for 10 years into the future. One correct prediction concerned the equivalent of today’s ubiquitous Wi-Fi and cloud systems, in which wireless communication technology is “almost invisible” and links all rooms in a house as well as the ability to access public and personal data from anywhere. Another successful prediction foresaw the creation of a breathalyzer-type device to detect various kinds of cancer.

In the “not-quite” column, NBC also reported there would be widespread biometric technology for security and privacy. We’re not there yet, but some manufacturers are starting to use fingerprints to unlock cellphones. Another prediction we have yet to achieve is a remedy that successfully treats Alzheimer’s disease. The latest treatments are able to mask Alzheimer’s symptoms, but are unable to slow its progression or impact the underlying disease.

Futuristic predictions can be interesting to ponder, but we have to be careful how much we read into them. In some ways, a 1940s author with an active imagination was more on target than scientific-based projections made just 10 years ago.

The same holds true for many things for which we tend to rely on guesswork, such as what teams will compete in the Super Bowl, when the next terrorist strike will happen or what investments may outperform in the market. When it comes to your finances, consider working with a financial advisor to create a financial strategy that will help you work toward your financial goals. 

Holiday Rewards Shopping

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To help save money this holiday season, take a look at how many rewards points you’ve accumulated on your credit cards. If you’re not saving them for airline tickets, browse the company’s rewards website to find out what other goods, services and gift cards you may be able to exchange them for.

If you have a substantial accumulation of rewards points that can be used for travel, consider gifting them to friends or family — even using them to help pay for their travel to visit you during the holidays. Check with your specific credit card issuers for instructions on how to redeem or gift rewards points.

The Multifactor Approach

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The multifactor approach to investing combines multiple variables, like size and volatility, with the goal of achieving more consistent performance over time. The idea is that when one factor is underperforming, the other factor may be outperforming.

There are merits to various approaches to investing, whether you’re seeking out lower volatility or larger returns. However, over time, even investments traditionally associated with good long-term performance will occasionally underperform. The idea of multifactor investing is that different factors perform well at different times, and the diversification may be able to help avoid volatility.

The multi-factor approach is based on the following tenets:

  • Similar stocks tend to have similar risk/return profiles
  • Filtering information mathematically instead of qualitatively allows for the identification of specific underlying factors that drive returns
  • This mathematical approach eliminates human or subjective behavioral biases

Please remember that investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

A Vision of Health

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Gradual vision loss is part of the aging process, but it affects people of all ages. In fact, about 75 percent of all adult Americans use some sort of vision correction: 64 percent wear glasses; 11 percent wear contacts. On top of that, 14 percent use non-prescription glasses for reading.

Research has found that eating certain types of foods may actually help prevent vision problems. For example, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc have been shown to help slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to aid pigment density in the macula. These two carotenoids are found in kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and orange peppers.

Another good food for retinal health is the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which exists in wild-caught Alaskan salmon, sardines, flaxseed and walnuts. Alaskan salmon also contains astaxanthin, which offers protection from ultraviolet radiation. Some studies have claimed astaxanthin is an important nutrient that may help prevent blindness.

Although difficult to find, the bilberry (a close relative of the blueberry) contains high amounts of anthocyanins, which may help protect eyes during retinal inflammation. Black currants also contain this nutrient.

And finally, there is some evidence that the natural bright light of being outdoors may enhance vision health through (conservative) exposure to UVB rays, which generates the production of vitamin D.

Attention: Upcoming Educational Event on September 8th on How To MAXIMIZE Your Social Security Income

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We wanted to give you a quick heads up on something. If you haven’t already heard the news, we are doing an exclusive educational event on “How to MAXIMIZE Your Social Security Income”. This is a topic that our clients have expressed quite a bit of interest in lately and we feel it could be of tremendous benefit to you and your spouse as well.

During this educational event, we’ll be walking step by step through everything you need to know about Social Security including the most recent sweeping changes to your election options, and we’ll be spending time to answer any remaining questions you may have. Because of the huge amount of interest we have seen in this topic lately, we expect this event to fill up quickly. So if you are at all interested we highly encourage you to sign up for you and your spouse to attend today. Here are the details for you to join us:

  • When: Thursday, September 8th at 6:30 PM
  • Where: 5775 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 820, St. Louis Park, MN 55416

CALL 952-460-3260 OR CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO SIGN UP NOW!

You may be thinking that you already know everything there is to know about how to maximize your social security income, but trust me you won’t want to miss this educational event. The time you and your spouse or guest invest in this will save you a TON of time and money as well as give you exclusive insight into what works best for your unique situation.

CALL 952-460-3260 OR CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO SIGN UP NOW!

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Danielle Christensen

Paraplanner

Danielle is dedicated to serving clients to achieve their retirement goals. As a Paraplanner, Danielle helps the advisors with the administrative side of preparing and documenting meetings. She is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict, with a degree in Business Administration and began working with Secured Retirement in May of 2023.

Danielle is a lifelong Minnesotan and currently resides in Farmington with her boyfriend and their senior rescue pittie/American Bulldog mix, Tukka.  In her free time, Danielle enjoys attending concerts and traveling. She is also an avid fan of the Minnesota Wild and loves to be at as many games as possible during the season!