Monday, September 21, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Allen Harris

Allen Harris is the founder, CEO and CIO of Berkshire Money Management based in Dalton, Massachusetts. He is a Certified Exit Planner, Certified Value Builder and Certified Business Valuation Specialist, and specializes in working with business owners intending to accelerate their growth and/or transition. Harris is also the author of 'Build It, Sell It, Profit: Taking Care of Business Today to Get Top Dollar When You Retire,' publishes the Berkshire Business Confidence Index, and hosts the BMM Business Roundtable. He built and sold his previous business, the Navigator Newsletters Group, a financial publication with 16,000 paid subscribers (one of the five largest of its era). Beyond his professional work, Harris is passionate about the well-being of animals. He is an avid supporter of spay and neuter efforts and animal rescue. Additionally, he is a strong advocate for both economic revitalization and the arts in the Berkshires, including First Fridays Artswalk, Shakespeare in the Park, Alchemy Initiative, Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow and other nonprofit organizations.

written articles

CAPITAL IDEAS: Should millionaires buy long-term care insurance?

The advantages of peace of mind, asset preservation, and family protection must be weighed carefully against premium costs and policy complexities.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Berkshire Health Systems has a new Roth 403(b) option. Should you switch to a Roth, too?

Whether you work at BHS or elsewhere, selecting the best retirement savings option for you requires careful personal consideration.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Are tariffs causing households to buy more? Or less?

I expect consumer spending to be weak, but not negative, over the next 12 months. And it is not just lower-income Americans who are feeling the effects of higher prices.

CAPITAL IDEAS: The economic and market implications of Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

The economic impact of Trump’s tax package can be viewed as a short-term stimulus at the potential cost of long-term drag.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Retirement’s new ‘magic number’ — why Americans now say $1.26 million is enough

For many Americans, the idea of reaching the “just” $1.26 million needed to comfortably retire sounds impossible. But here is the twist: Last year, the average “magic number” people thought they needed was $1.46 million.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Running out of money in retirement is scarier than death

The fear of change is not unique to investments or retirement, especially as we age.

CAPITAL IDEAS: What can investors learn from Warren Buffett’s biggest mistakes?

"The only value of stock forecasters is to make fortune-tellers look good." — Warren Buffett

CAPITAL IDEAS: How could a recession affect your retirement?

If retirement is on your horizon shortly after a recession begins, gradual risk reduction in your portfolio could be significant.

CAPITAL IDEAS: What is a recession, and how does it impact American families?

For many people, a recession is more of a “vibe” than the strict adherence to a definition.

CAPITAL IDEAS: How should you allocate your investment portfolio in uncertain times?

In this political era, where the economy is being driven by erratic fiscal policy, my offensive strategies are weakened—I have no reliable prediction tools. Instead, I constantly feel as if I am one punch away from being on my heels, hoping I can be quick enough to react.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Why does President Trump love tariffs?

I am glad Trump is starting his operation. I am glad he wants America to heal. But what ailment is he trying to fix?

CAPITAL IDEAS: Worst case scenario — what to do if Social Security goes away

The process of “war-gaming” helps me identify protective measures and strategic investment opportunities that investors can take should their Social Security benefits be seriously compromised. However, I do not see Social Security going away any time soon.

CAPITAL IDEAS: What happens to the stock market when the money supply is on the rise?

Know what is scary? Inflation. What can cause inflation? More money in the system. But an ample money supply does not have to be frightening.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Dispelling myths about taxes and tariffs

These myths, drawn from a range of common conservative and progressive arguments, reflect misunderstandings about how the federal tax system actually collects revenue and affects economic behavior.

CAPITAL IDEAS: The risks to an economy dependent on its top earners

While the top 10 percent of earners have been splurging, those toward the bottom are cutting back. In short, many households are in survival mode rather than splurge mode, which means the economy is even more reliant on the top 10 percent of earners.

CAPITAL IDEAS: Will Trump’s $5 million ‘gold card’ help U.S. investors?

We are in a market that is digesting the big moves of the last two years.
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