The best wine tours in California wine country

by Joseph Nicholson

Sometimes called a "Disneyworld for Adults", ever since a Cabernet from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won top honors in a 1976 blind tasting in Paris, California's wine country has been on the global wine-making map and has enjoyed a steadily increasing popularity from oenophiles and casual sippers alike. The large number of wineries in the Napa Valley region make it impossible to visit them all in a single day, and choosing among the options can be quite daunting. (read more)

How to buy gold coins

by Joseph Nicholson

Either through recognized bullion dealers, coin shops, or online auctions such as eBay, acquiring physical precious metal can be one of the most important and rewarding investments you might ever make. Whether it's a local store front or an online dealer, buying physical requires identifying a reputable source. If local options are not available, several good online bullion stores are the next best thing, though there will be shipping costs. When comparing dealers, consider shipping costs, applicable taxes, availability and, of course, price. If possible, lock in a price per ounce first, and then determine a quantity to order. (read more)

What are the underlying causes of gold price volatility?

by Joseph Nicholson

The usefulness of gold as an economic indicator is highly questionable, but perceptions about the economy can certainly affect the price of gold directly. Gold is widely recognized as a hedge against declines in the U.S. dollar and inflation. Gold is used in most electronic devices like computers and cell phones, but in such small quantities that fluctuations in these markets have little effect on the price of gold and vice versa. (read more)

Retirement planning 101

by Joseph Nicholson

It's no fun to think about your own death, and life expectancy does vary by demographic group, but individuals should at least plan to live to 85 years of age for the purpose of retirement budgeting. Most people can maintain their pre-retirement standard of living on only 60 to 80 percent of their former earnings. So, it's a simple calculation then for how much will be needed annually. For those earning more than $50K per year, a target of 60 percent of their pre-retirment income is usually adequate. Those earning between $20K and $30K will probably continue spending as much as 80 percent of their work income in their retirement years. (read more)

How to sign up for Medicare

by Joseph Nicholson

U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents for at least five continuous years are eligible for Medicare if they are 65 years or older. Some individuals under 65 are eligible if they have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least two years. Others qualify because of their specific conditions, such as kidney failure or Lou Gehrig's disease. (read more)

Does Obama meet citizenship requirements to become president?
The 'Natural Born' Killer
Is Barack Obama Eligible to Be President?
by Joseph Nicholson

With the election over, the inauguration balls a mere memory, and the oath of office administered doubly for good measure, the question of Barack Obama's eligibility to the office of president would seem a settled matter. And, for all practical purposes, it is. Nevertheless, partly because the issue of Obama's citizenship was never adequately addressed by a court or Congress, and partly because the real issue was clouded by ridiculous claims, there are still lingering questions in the minds of at least some observers. (read more)