Shernel Thielman

Financial markets rarely move in a straight line. Periods of euphoria alternate with moments of fear and disappointment. The tendency to believe that “this time is different” remains persistent. Yet history repeatedly shows that bubbles can form anywhere, even when everything looks rosy. The dot-com era at the end of the 1990s is a classic example. Technology companies were richly valued based on dreams instead of profits. The belief that the internet would rewrite all economic rules led to...

The recent decision by a local bank to further reduce interest on savings accounts has once again sparked strong emotions. For many, saving feels like the safest and most trusted way to manage money. So when the return on savings drops, it quickly feels like something is being taken away. But this situation actually reveals something more fundamental about how we view wealth, growth, and financial security. The reality is that saving alone will never be enough to preserve purchasing power—let...

Many people experience peace of mind when a substantial balance sits in their checking account. It gives a sense of security, of control. Yet that false sense of safety is often more expensive than one thinks. Idle money loses value—not because it disappears, but because it yields nothing while prices and opportunities keep moving. Although inflation has declined compared to its peak years, it remains a stealthy force eroding purchasing power. While banks now offer higher interest rates on...