Ask Doc Empowerment is one of the most important things I try to teach people.
In all of my newsletters, I use the knowledge I've gained through my years on Wall Street, as an eye doctor, and beyond to help you live a better life.
In the wake of several mass shootings, I want to take today to show you how to protect yourself.
You'll likely never face this kind of event. But if you visit a theater or mall or are worried about your kids in school, it's worth taking the time to remind yourself of a few simple tactics that can help you survive.
That's why, to prepare for this week's Weekly Update video, my research assistant Amanda Cuocci interviewed a more than 40-year veteran of law enforcement (and father of one of our managing editors) Sheriff's Deputy Butch Bente.
He shared five tips to protect yourself in the event of a mass shooting.
Click below to watch...
Now on to this week's questions...
Q: Can you recommend a book for recent college graduates on introductory personal finance and investing? It's too bad these subjects are not a required part of the curriculum at most public schools (high school or further education). – E.F.
A: Two members of my team – Laura Bente and Amanda Cuocci – recently started a weekly, free newsletter geared toward people just getting started in investing. It's called The Sunday Refresh, and you can just click here to subscribe. Feel free to share it with your family and friends – especially the recent graduates in your life.
Now, for your question... When I recommend investing books to folks, I usually start them on Liar's Poker and go from there to see where their interests lie. Laura has a list of dozens of books I've recommended to her over the years (she says The Coffeehouse Investor is one of her favorites). But even some of the greatest readers in our Baltimore office will tell you not all investing and personal finance books are all that interesting to read.
When I asked my team what books they would recommend, one of Health & Wealth Bulletin's managing editors, Steven Longenecker, said he liked The Richest Man in Babylon and The Millionaire Next Door, but that an easier starting place for recent graduates might be with these three links:
- Wealth Grows on Its Own... But You Must Plant the Seeds (Our own Health & Wealth Bulletin)
- Getting Rich: From Zero to Hero in One Blog Post
- Reddit's personal finance community, full of advice for young adults
Q: Could you advise if from the standpoint of contributing to the danger of getting diabetes that honey is just as dangerous as white sugar? – J.B.
A: It depends on the type of honey. Artificial sugars act like sugar, and even the so-called "natural and healthy" sugars like honey get the same reaction and changes as high-fructose corn syrup and white sugars... A study from the Journal of Nutrition showed how similarly our bodies respond to these sugar substitutes.
Researchers tested people's responses to sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and honey. They looked at blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels, as well as the chemical markers of inflammation and changes in body weight. They found no difference between the sweeteners.
There was one problem with this study, though: The researchers didn't use raw honey. Instead, they used commercially available honey (the stuff sold at your local grocery store). This stuff is pasteurized, overprocessed, and not natural. In fact, it may even contain high-fructose corn syrup.
But don't let this one study deter you from using honey in small quantities for your sweet tooth. Make sure to shop for raw, unprocessed honey to get all of the antioxidants and blood-sugar-regulating benefits.
Q: Why not include a recommendation for much more robust under-sink filtration systems? For example, an under-sink reverse osmosis system is a relatively inexpensive option with its own drinking water faucet. Easy to use and easy to maintain. An added possible benefit is connecting it to your refrigerator for a clog-free (read no mineral deposits) ice-maker. – T.W.
A: A reverse-osmosis system is a more effective way to remove the toxic chemicals in your water. A whole house system will run you easily several thousand dollars. But if you're willing to spend a bit more than you would on a Brita filter, you can find an under-sink system for just a couple hundred dollars on Amazon. Installation is simple and once it's installed, you can get your filtered water straight from the tap.
Have you already filed your taxes? Or do you like to wait until the last minute? Either way, send your favorite tax tips to [email protected].
What We're Reading...
- Something different: The playboy who got away with $242 million – using "black magic."
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
Palm Beach, Florida
February 23, 2018