Ask Doc Earlier this week, I was in Kiawah Island, South Carolina at the annual Stansberry Spring Editors' Conference.
Several dozen colleagues and I spent two days discussing current investment ideas and future trends... looking at ways to increase our rational investing and health care influence in the world... and much more.
My team and I have several big trends that we're following and planning to cover throughout the next year. Here's a peek at some of what we're looking at right now:
- The potential for a second terrifying "Cold War"-like conflict...
- How emerging markets may provide bigger gains in the future than U.S. stocks...
- And some very interesting income ideas for retirees that no one is talking about.
We also spent a lot of time at the meeting talking what the government and new government policies means for investors.
I can't give away too much of what was said...
But I can tell you that big changes may be on the way. And you can't make the mistake of thinking that the government is on your side... or that it will take care of you.
We're still digging into what all the news means. And next week, Porter will be broadcasting a live meeting with a government insider – a man who may become the next Fed Chair – about a major development that could send certain stocks surging, and others plunging.
I'm not sure what to expect from Porter's conversation... But I know that I don't want to miss it, and I'll be tuning in on Wednesday night. Click here to get your "ticket" to attend this event via live webinar.
What are you hoping we'll research this year? Let us know at [email protected].
Q: My dental hygienist has recommended I use a fluoride mouth wash. Is fluoride safe? – R.J.
A: We've written about the dangers of fluoride before. Pregnant mothers using fluoride is linked to lower IQ scores in children. Research also links fluoride consumption to thyroid disease and cancer.
And yet, the U.S. government continues to dump fluoride – a toxic chemical at high doses – into most municipal water supplies. Once again, be careful who you trust.
You might want to ask your doctor how long you need to use a fluoride mouthwash for. You probably don't need to use it forever, and the real risks come with prolonged use.
I skip using mouthwash containing fluoride. Instead, I mix two parts water and one part baking soda to rinse.
Q: Will I, as a one of your subscribers, be able to get your recent [report] about the blockchain technology and, if so, how? Must I subscribe all over again? – N.F.
A: Absolutely, N.F. – you're always able to access special reports that we write as a part of your subscription. Retirement Millionaire subscribers can read our report on blockchain and how it has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries right here.
Folks at the highest levels of government are talking about the effect that blockchain could have on the economy... And how it could even replace the dollar. If you're not yet a subscriber and want to learn more about this major opportunity, click here.
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Q: In the March 16, 2017 issue of the Retirement Millionaire Daily you recommended using a mixture of vinegar and water to wash fruits and vegetables to help remove pesticides from their skins. What ratio of vinegar to water should I use? – B.H.
A: Cook's Illustrated, part of the food-testing service America's Test Kitchen, tried out several produce cleaners a few years ago...
Its final recommendation was to use three parts water with one part vinegar, in either a spray or a bath (depending on the type of produce). Its tests showed this vinegar wash removed 98% of bacteria. You can read the magazine's guidelines here.
I like to let my vegetables and fruits soak in this three-parts water, one-part white vinegar mixture for a bit... then I finish by rinsing off the produce with plain water.
Q: I'm a person that really is not attracted to music and don't particularly care to listen to it. I sometimes find it distracting rather than soothing. Will music still give me the benefits that you described? – J.V.
A: I'm so glad you asked this question, J.V. Even among music lovers here in our office, there's some disagreement about whether or not music is too distracting for work.
According to several studies, it depends on the type of music and the task at hand. For instance, performing activities requiring learning and remembering (or intense editing of our newsletters) tends to be better suited for silence or soft classical music. However, when surgeons operate, listening to their favorite music can improve their results.
In our issue earlier this week, we mentioned that music helps stimulate areas in the brain responsible for the reward system. That's why when most folks listen to music, they feel happy.
However, there is a subset of folks who don't experience this trigger in the reward system. That doesn't mean anything is wrong, though... In a 2014 study in Barcelona, researchers found that folks who didn't respond to music still responded to other stimuli. That means there are many ways to turn on the reward system and flood our brains with dopamine. (It's fascinating research, and I recommend you read more here.)
In fact, many of the same benefits can be found through things like meditation. Relaxing activities, like gardening or art therapy, also stimulate dopamine and bring stress relief.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? The natural therapy to relieve pain.
- The most contrarian trade you will ever make.
- Something different: Ever wanted to vacation in space?
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Retirement Millionaire Daily Research Team
Baltimore, Maryland
March 31, 2017
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