Columns

Taking Stock- Exchange traded funds

July 26, 2010

   Dear Mr. Berko: I don't know much about exchange traded funds and figure it's about time I became knowledgeable. I recently heard that there are several brokerages that will let you buy exchange traded funds without paying a commission. Is this ...

Under Analysis- Change of circumstances, change of view

July 26, 2010

   Five and a half years ago David, the son of friends of my sister, came to “my town” of St Louis to attend college.  After a month or so, he called me (no doubtedly to get his parents to stop nagging him to do so) and we met for ...

Taking Stock- Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee...right?

July 26, 2010

Dear Mr. Berko:  I've owned Sara Lee since 2005, and the stock has done nothing. What's wrong here? Why has nothing happened to this stock that has so many good products? Please tell me if I should buy 300 more shares to double down, hold my stock or ...

Kitchen Accomplice- Here's all you need to put on the most elegant of brunches

July 26, 2010

  Begin by ushering your guests to the patio.  Have four pitchers and lots of sparkling stemware awaiting on a serving table --  one pitcher for Bloody Marys, one for Mimosas, one for iced tea and one for lemonade.    Put a guest ...

Taking Stock: Government is a growing organism

July 26, 2010

Dear Mr. Berko: About a dozen years ago, you wrote that our government is a living life form, and you explained how it thrives and why our government must continue to get bigger. Could you reprint that column, which in light of the new health care legislation ...

Taking Stock- Buffett and Berko

July 26, 2010

Dear Mr. Berko: I am 86 and met you in 1959 when you were with Merrill Lynch, and you were a pretty sharp kid then. I also met Warren Buffett years later, and he was charming and pretty sharp, too. I'm still an active investor and wrote Mr. Buffett to ask ...