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Big Business & Halloween 2025

“Halloween is a perfect metaphor for business: creativity draws the crowd.”    ——- Happy Halloween and Business is Booming! According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the 2025 Halloween spending estimate of $13.1 billion represents an increase of $1.5 billion over the 2024 estimate of $11.6 billion Once the domain of kids, it is now very, very big business! Are […]

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The Louvre Heist Rekindles Interest in the Big Three!

“Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds .. oh my.” ——- The recent jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris reminded the world that gemstones remain among the most coveted and portable forms of wealth. On October 19, 2025, thieves broke into the museum’s famed Galerie d’Apollon and stole eight priceless pieces from the French crown-jewel collection in a daring […]

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Italy Courts the Ultra Wealthy with Flat Tax!

“300,000 Euro flat tax lures global elite.”   ——- Italy’s government plans to raise its special flat-tax regime for wealthy new residents, increasing the annual levy on foreign-sourced income from €200,000 to €300,000 beginning in 2026. According to Reuters, the measure is part of Italy’s upcoming budget law and is designed to boost fiscal revenue while maintaining the […]

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The Historic Bond Fraud

“A lesson in too-good-to-be-true investments.” ——- Every so often, “historic bond” schemes resurface – offering investors what appears to be an irresistible opportunity: century-old certificates supposedly worth millions in hidden or inflation-adjusted value.  In truth, these instruments are nothing more than collectibles.  According to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, bonds issued by long-defunct governments […]

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Thinking of Moving to Europe?

“Here is what you need to know before you go.”    ——- This week’s travel column (see below) comes from Brandon Ahearn, who brings a truly distinctive professional background as both an attorney and a CFA (Certified Financial Advisor). Born in the United States and now living in Switzerland,  Brandon offers a perspective that is […]

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How to Invest in Swiss Trust Companies

“A European hub for family businesses & asset protection.” ——- Switzerland has long been admired as a global hub for finance and cross-border business. One of its most unique corporate structures is the Swiss Trust Company (STC), a vehicle that international entrepreneurs often acquire as a turnkey solution for entering European or global markets. Unlike newly formed […]

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Four Macro Business Trends Reshaping Markets

“Understanding the new rules of international business.”   ——- In today’s international marketplace, a handful of business themes cut across industries and borders. Entrepreneurs and investors who operate globally can no longer ignore them, because they influence everything from capital raising to customer trust. Four areas, in particular, are worth keeping in focus: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, […]

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Taming the Stress Factor!

“A critical skill.” ——-  As entrepreneurs and professionals, we’re often told to “push through” stress and wear it like a badge of honor. In reality, unmanaged stress is the enemy of clear thinking and long-term success. The most effective leaders I know are the ones who learn to manage stress, not ignore it. So, whether […]

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The “October Effect”

“Stock market trends?”    ——- Last week, I discussed how stock markets tend to behave in a non-election year here in the United States. Yet, no real look at seasonal patterns would be complete without revisiting some of the more dramatic October moments in history—moments that remind investors just how fragile confidence can be when […]

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How to Invest in Rare Books

“Profiting from fist editions.” ——- Collecting rare books and first editions isn’t just about money—it’s about owning a slice of history. From timeless literary classics to modern bestsellers that have captured the public’s imagination, these works carry both cultural weight and financial potential. Condition, scarcity, and provenance matter, of course, but at its heart, investing […]

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