Mark Johnson

London

Education Correspondent at The Economist

Education correspondent for The Economist. Before that covered China from Beijing and South-East Asia from Singapore.

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Articles

We're in a Bear Market

May 17, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Want to start a publication? Learn More Featured ArticleDon't Miss the Opportunities!Article by Mark Johnson Originally published in Cleveland County City LifestyleWhen we look close throughout the history of the stock market, one thing becomes apparent: Bear markets don't last forever. If you've only been in the stock market for the past 10 years, when we’ve only seen an upward trend, it's important to avoid tunnel vision and fear.
The Comfort and Care You Deserve

May 16, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Want to start a publication? Learn More Featured ArticleJohnson & Associates Insurance Agency Can Help Manage Your InvestmentsArticle by Mark Johnson Originally published in Medina County LifestyleTwenty-twenty has been quite a year for all of us. It has kept us on our toes in almost all aspects of our life. My year started with the passing of my wife’s mother at the age of 96.
Faith, Family and Community

May 16, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Faith, family and community are three very important things to me. While growing up in Brunswick, I was very close to my three brothers and sister. We did everything together–from family dinners to drive-in movies, to the many sporting events we were involved in and attending Brunswick United Methodist Church on Sundays. Sports were very important to me and representing my school in competitions, whether it was football, wrestling, baseball or track, gave me great joy.
Saving for College

May 16, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Many people want to be prepared to pay for their children’s college expenses, but what if they decide not to go to college? There are many different ways that parents can save for their children’s college expenses; each has its pros and cons. College 529 Plans:A 529 plan is simply an investment account that offers tax breaks when the money is used for qualified education expenses like tuition, fees, books and other supplies, and room and board.
Money, Power, Politics

May 15, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Want to start a publication? Learn More Article by Mark Johnson Originally published in Cleveland County City LifestyleLooking back over the history of the stock market and presidential elections, one thing becomes apparent: The Stock Market is very resilient and will go on. The stock market tends to go up whether there is a Democrat or a Republican in the White House. In fact, the S & P 500 index has averaged an amazing 12.25% return since 1923.
Expert Tips for End-of-Year Financial Planning

May 15, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Article by Mark Johnson Originally published in Cleveland County City Lifestyle1 Review Cash FlowReview your monthly expenditures and see where you might be spending unnecessary money. Make a plan to cut out those unnecessary expenses and allocate that money to savings. This is a fairly painless way to increase your savings.
Fear Outliving Your Money?

May 15, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

Article by Mark Johnson Originally published in Cleveland County City LifestyleIf you have a fear of outliving your retirement savings, you’re not alone. A recent survey from Allianz Life states that over 75% of those over age 44 fear outliving their money more than they fear death. On top of that, over half of these people do not feel prepared for retirement. If you are one of these people, here are a few ideas that you should consider to help you feel better prepared and more at ease.
What the IRA Changes Mean to Your Retirement Account

May 15, 2024 | citylifestyle.com | Mark Johnson

When do I have to start taking RMDs? When you have to take Required Minimum Distributions depends on your particular situation. Let’s assume that you are the original account holder; then, you’ll need to start taking withdrawals in the year in which you turn 72. Those who turned 72 prior to April 1 will need to start that calendar year, while those born after April have until April 1st of the following year to start withdraws. This is the first major change to the RMD rules.
Letter: Fed's inflation strategy has it backward

Feb 9, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Mark Johnson

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Letter: Fed's inflation strategy has it backward

Feb 9, 2024 | yakimaherald.com | Mark Johnson

To the editor — In regard to inflation, the Fed is not doing their job as well as they could. In basic economics theory, supply and demand is what for the most part determines prices. What the Fed has been doing is concentrating on the “demand” side by raising rates to curb demand and that has been marginally effective, but at the cost of higher payments for consumers which makes the true cost of much higher for individuals that can least afford higher prices.