Some people accuse me of being an optimist, but I prefer to look upon myself as a “realist.”  I just like to look at the facts and deduce appropriate strategies to utilize moving forward. But this week, I am going to do something a little different.  I am going to show you my TRULY optimistic side. You see, from my perspective, for 240 years people have been betting against America and for 240 years they have been wrong. Here’s some persepective:

• There has been more improvement to the human condition in the past century than all the previous centuries combined since man first appeared on the Earth.

• A gallon of milk costs 90% less today than it did in 1900 (accounting for inflation). In fact, 50% of American incomes went toward food in 1900, compared with 10% now.

• In 1900, the life expectancy in the U.S. was 47. Now it is 79.

• Penicillin, by itself, has saved more lives in the past 50 years than all of medical treatment and medicines during the rest of human history.

• In 1900, ten Ph.D’s in physics were awarded each year. Now that number is 6,000 per year.

• $1,000 invested in the stock market (Dow Jones) in 1900 would have been worth $19.8 million 100 years later.

I could go on and on. What is my point?  We are living in the most affluent and free society in all of human history.  While, of course, we need to be vigilant to keep this country strong- but can you imagine what the next 100 years could bring? I can’t.  Because it is going to bring advancements we can’t even imagine now. Maybe curing cancer will be as simple as taking an over-the-counter pill. Maybe solar energy technology will advance to the point where we have unlimited, free, clean, renewable energy. Personally, I’m excited to see where human innovation takes us next!

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Source:  It's Getting Better All the Time: 100 Greatest Trends of the Last 100 years  – October 17, 2000 by Stephen Moore  (Author), Julian L. Simon (Author)   The return of principal for bond funds and for funds with significant underlying bond holdings is not guaranteed. Fund shares are subject to the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the underlying bond holdings. The value of fixed-income securities may be affected by changing interest rates and changes in credit ratings of the securities.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. Indexes are unmanaged portfolios and individuals cannot invest directly in an index.  Actual results will vary. This communication is for informational purposes only and nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or product, and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but we do not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Do not act or rely upon the information and advice given in this publication without seeking the services of competent and professional legal, tax, or accounting counsel.