John Cooper
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John Cooper: Riding the 'silver tsunami'
The concept of a “silver tsunami” is unfamiliar to many people. The term refers to the demographic shift created by America’s aging population, particularly the Baby Boomer generation. Over the next 20 years, Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and1964, are expected to transfer more than $80 trillion to younger generations in what has become known as the Great Wealth Transfer.
John Cooper: From “mine” to “ours” — navigating finances as newlyweds
More than 2 million couples get married in the United States each year, and many are waiting longer than previous generations to tie the knot. As a result, today’s newlyweds often bring established careers, savings, investments, debts, and financial habits into the relationship. While every couple’s situation is unique, one thing remains true: financial transparency and communication are essential to building a strong foundation for marriage.
Dual-fuel ships with Wind Assist are shipping’s insurance policy. Efficiency is the payout.
There has been an interesting shift in the discussion around dual-fuel vessels. They were largely sold as part of shipping's decarbonisation story. Increasingly, they are discussed in financial terms as a hedge against an uncertain energy future. I understand that completely. Perhaps it is the accountant in me coming back to my roots, but I still tend to look at these decisions in terms of risk, return and where the exposure sits.
John Cooper: The rise of the “Lost and Found” retirement account
A recent study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that people born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 13 jobs between the ages of 18 and 58. With employees changing jobs more frequently and retirement plans becoming a primary source of savings, it is easy to see how retirement accounts from former employers can be forgotten over time.
John Cooper: Top 3 benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
“But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While Benjamin Franklin was not the first to express this idea, his 1789 letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy made the phrase one of the world’s most enduring quotes. With all due respect to Mr. Franklin, I would suggest adding one more certainty to the list: healthcare expenses.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
The Statue of Liberty is widely recognized not just by Americans but worldwide as a symbol of freedom. A beloved icon, it has amazingly been recreated in at least ten iterations of LEGO sets. Today we are going to look at each and every LEGO Statue of Liberty. We will only be covering versions that are brick-built and have been available for purchase, so that excludes the many versions found in LEGOLAND Minilands, costumes, bag tags, and more.
Computer Science > Machine Learning
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
John Cooper: The stock market is at an all-time high — What investors should know
As I write my monthly column, U.S. and International stock markets are at or near all- time highs. Often while discussing the current state of the stock market and/or economy, I hear “Should I be worried or happy or both?” It may feel like a roller-coaster ride to those with hard-earned money in investment accounts such as a 401k, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 529 college savings fund. During my 30+ years in the financial services industry, I personally have experienced this as well.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
LEGO brick separators are everywhere (except when you really need one)! Cluttering your build table and falling on the floor, waiting to be stepped upon! We’re talking about the all-too-common brick separator. Join BrickNerd for a quick look at the history, usage and building inspiration of the brick separators. And see what we learned about whether they are indeed taking over the world! The first brick separator was introduced in 1990 (time flies when you’re having fun).
John Cooper: April 15 has come and gone — now what?
My last column, “Avoid Tax Penalties by Planning Ahead,” ran on March 20, the first official day of spring. Since then, another major seasonal milestone has passed: the April 15 tax filing deadline. With tax season now behind us and the pressure of filing eased, this is an excellent time to take a fresh look at steps you can take now to prepare for next year.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
The latest LEGO House exclusive succeeds at something deceptively difficult: turning an entire town into a single, cohesive keepsake. Building 40507 I ❤️ Billund (referred to here on as simply as “I Love Billund”) brought back a flood of memories from my 2019 visit, while also offering a microscale tour through some of LEGO’s most iconic locations and sets.
John Cooper: Avoid income tax penalties by planning ahead
Believe it or not, the arrival of April 15th each year surprises many people. That glorious day is not the first day of spring or a national holiday, it is the deadline for filing Federal and State income tax returns. With “deadline day” less than one month away, what better time to review a few last-minute details that could help avoid some filing headaches. First off, do not procrastinate.
Understanding Trump Accounts
In the financial planning profession, proverbs are commonly used to explain investment concepts. One of my favorites is “The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best time is now.” The new Section 530A account — commonly referred to as a Trump Account — puts that proverb into action. In early July 2025, the U.S. Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). President Donald Trump signed the OBBBA into law on July 4, 2025.
How a 10% credit card rate cap could affect your finances
Earlier this week, credit card issuers’ stocks fell after President Trump called for a temporary 10% cap on credit card interest rates. While this isn’t new — a bipartisan bill was introduced in February 2025 by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo) — the proposal has gained renewed attention following the President’s remarks. How is credit card debt affecting Americans?
Sundance Sets 2026 Juries With Tatiana Maslany, Martin Starr, Azazel Jacobs, A.V. Rockwell and More
This year’s Sundance Film Festival announced its 17-person jury on Tuesday, which includes such names as Tatiana Maslany, Martin Starr, Azazel Jacobs, A.V. Rockwell, Janicza Bravo, Nisha Ganatra and more.The U.S. Dramatic Competition Jury consists of Azazel Jacobs (writer/director of 2024’s “His Three Daughters”), Janicza Bravo (who wrote and directed “Zola”) and Nisha Ganatra (who saw box office success this year after directing “Freakier Friday”).
Largest Roman shoe ever found to go on display
The largest Roman shoe ever discovered, found in 2025 at the ancient fort of Magna on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, will be going on display at the Vindolanda Trust’s Roman Army Museum in Brampton, Cumbria. It will be joined by some of the other large footwear unearthed at Magna Roman Fort at a new exhibition opening February 7th. Magna was a smaller fort about seven miles west of the major fort of Vindolanda just south of Hadrian’s Wall.
Burghfield Sailing Club offers new Winter Membership for 2026 Frostbite Series Original
Burghfield Sailing Club offers new Winter Membership for 2026 Frostbite Series by John Cooper 20 Dec 14:33 GMT Burghfield Sailing Club (near Reading) is looking forward to its annual frostbite series, which runs from 4th January to 8th March 2026. This year Burghfield SC is offering a new winter membership at a reduced rate to allow sailors from other clubs to join the frostbite racing.
What to do when CD rates fall
When people hear “CD”, many think of a compact disc from the 1980s. In banking, however, a CD is a Certificate of Deposit. With interest rates declining, understanding how CDs work could put more money in your pocket! A CD is a contract between you and a bank or credit union. You deposit a fixed amount of money for a fixed period. The bank agrees to pay you interest during that time, then return your principal at maturity. CDs have been a trusted FDIC- insured savings option since the early 1800s.
John Cooper: It is not too late to lower your tax bill
If you are anything like me, Autumn is a welcomed break from the sweltering heat and humidity of a Southern summer! The crisp morning reminds us that the holiday season is just around the corner. With places to go, people to see and things to do, many of you may forget about your 2025 New Year’s resolutions — especially financial planning. Don’t worry, consider this your friendly reminder to take meaningful year-end actions that could reduce your tax bill when you file your 2025 return. 1.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
“The model that forever changed LEGO” is a pretty bold statement. Yet that is exactly how Jamie Berard characterized the Audi TT Roadster model developed by LEGOLAND Deutschland. In his Stressing the Elements presentation from 2006, Jamie pointed out several deficiencies, including illegal connections, no build instructions, and a difficult building experience.
Bellville Business Expo 2025 set to spotlight sustainability and innovation in the Northern Suburbs
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Cape Town, South Africa – The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) is proud to announce the third annual Bellville Business Expo, taking place on 28 - 29 October 2025 from 9am to 4pm daily at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre Arena. Don’t miss the Northern Suburbs ’only business expo – a flagship event that provides a vibrant platform for businesses to stand out, spark collaboration, and take their next big step forward.
Cape Town’s Caffenu brews global success with export-driven scale-up
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Cape Town-based cleaning pod innovator Caffenu has grown from a small local startup into a global exporter, reaching over 50 countries. Co-founded by Judy Isaacman, the company is said to have pioneered the world’s first cleaning capsule for Nespresso-style coffee machines and now stands as one of South Africa’s notable small-business export success stories.
Growthpoint backs Cape Winelands Airport with landmark partnership
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies SA’s next generation aviation hub secures initial investment, development and managing partner.
Red & Yellow wins big with 13 Loeries
More... View on iono.fm, Apple, Spotify or downloadable app On a recent night when seasoned creative agencies jostled for the limelight at Cape Town City Hall, a group of Cape Town students from Red & Yellow Creative School of Business (Red & Yellow), a member of Honoris United Universities, stepped onto the same stage and left with 13 Loeries awards. This only goes to show that the city’s creative pipeline is producing work that competes and wins at international levels.
#PrismYoungVoices | UJ's Thando Xaba on coming full circle
More... Thando Xaba, marketing associate at the University of Johannesburg, sees PR as a bridge between strategy and humanity. As a 2025 Prism Young Voice, she hopes to champion authentic, inclusive storytelling that builds understanding and creates lasting impact. I believe in the power of communication not just to transmit information, but to build bridges, foster belonging, and create meaningful change.
DHL Group rolls out €300m investment to strengthen Africa’s trade networks
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies DHL Group has announced a planned €300+ million investment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as part of its ongoing operations in a region of growing strategic importance to global trade.
Is now the time to revisit your asset allocation?
2025 has been another rewarding year for investors. As of this writing, the S&P 500 has returned more than 14% year-to-date, while the more conservative Aggregate Bond Index has posted a solid 6.4% gain. That’s on top of an even stronger 2024, when the S&P 500 surged 25%, while the Aggregate Bond Index delivered a more modest 1.25% return. But how do these numbers stack up against long-term averages?
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
I’ve been waiting 60 years (literally!) for the LEGO Group to produce this set! 21360 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is available now, and I got the chance to take a look at it on behalf of BrickNerd. The book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory holds a special place in my heart. I still remember my first-grade teacher, Miss Gorman, reading the book to the class. She would read one chapter a day—if we were well-behaved.
Did we miss any of your favorite LEGO articles and content for the month? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Do you want to help BrickNerd continue publishing articles like this one? Become a top patron like Marc & Liz Puleo, Paige Mueller, Rob Klingberg from Brickstuff, John & Joshua Hanlon from Beyond the Brick, Megan Lum, Andy Price, Lukas Kurth from StoneWars, Wayne Tyler, Dan Church, and Roxanne Baxter to show your support, get early access, exclusive swag and more.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
Another month is nearing completion, and May had no shortage of great LEGO content from around the globe! Here at BrickNerd, we looked at the New Horizons game, announced the winners of the Imperial March contest, studied the new Space Shuttle and shuttle carrier aircraft (747) and couldn’t contain our delight with the Space Baby gift with purchase! We took a look at the important role color plays in LEGO builds, did a happy dance for the Keith Haring figures, and peeked behind the lens to...
A penny saved: How to construct a solid financial foundation
Most everyone is familiar with founding father Benjamin Franklin’s idiom “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Fun fact: In reality, Franklin did not write those exact words. In his 1737 edition of “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” he wrote “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Not quite as catchy but you get the point. Saving money is important! As a financial planner, my job is to help people create ways to save money needed to build a secure financial future.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
Many LEGOLAND Parks and Discovery Centers have offered printed promo bricks over the years. Also known as promotional or commemorative bricks, the fan community generally just calls them promo bricks. Join BrickNerd as we look into the past, present, and future of promo bricks. Promo bricks generally take two forms: Duplo, Brick 1 x 2 x 2, or Brick 2 x 4 x 3. LEGOLAND California has only used the Duplo version, while LEGOLAND Deutschland has fully embraced the system brick version.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
We’re not fooling around, April had no shortage of great LEGO content from around the globe! Here at BrickNerd, we may have fooled a few of you with our “In The Groove” article, learned how creativity took one builder to the Masterpiece Gallery in The LEGO House, and took a look at some tips for LEGO stop motion animation.
Looking for the perfect match? Start with your 401(k)
Relationships can be tricky and complex, which might be the understatement of the year. When we hear the word relationship, most people immediately think of the people closest to us, such as a spouse, child, parent, sibling etc. However, few consider the dynamics of their relationship with money, which can be equally complex.
LEGO is changing everything… and nothing at all. The LEGO Group has announced it is removing the raised LEGO logo from all elements with studs. But don’t fret—the historic and vital branding isn’t going away completely. Rather than a raised logo, elements will feature a recessed LEGO logo molded into the studs. In The Groove In their press release included below, LEGO says that the initiative is primarily based on sustainability efforts rather than cost-cutting factors.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
We’ve all received those curious extra LEGO elements included in many sets. Most BrickNerd readers are accustomed to them, but new LEGO builders might be a little worried about having leftover pieces after assembling their first set! Join BrickNerd as we take a quick look at the ever-evolving history of extra LEGO elements and how they have changed over the years. Why Extras Pieces?
Medusa mask matrix found in Sicily
A plaster mold of Medusa has been discovered in the archaeological area of Finziade, modern-day Licata, in southwestern Sicily. The negative impression of the gorgoneion, the face and serpent hair of the gorgon Medusa, was a matrix used to produce masks or decorative reliefs. The matrix was one of several discovered in an excavation of a home from the late Republican era. In its last stages of occupation, the early 1st century B.C., it was converted for use as a manufacturing operation.
BrickNerd - All things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
Nutcrackers and Toy Soldiers are two Christmas icons steeped in holiday tradition. With their distinctive uniforms and classic designs, they have long been a staple of holiday decor in homes around the world—and have each been reimagined in LEGO form several times. Join BrickNerd as we stroll down memory lane to explore the many LEGO interpretations of Nutcrackers and Toy Soldiers.
Dynamic shape-shifting of the single-celled eukaryotic predator Lacrymaria via unconventional cytoskeletal components
Many eukaryotic cells exhibit shape changes. One of the most intriguing examples is the single-celled ciliated eukaryote, Lacrymaria, which has long interested researchers with its dramatic, dynamic shape changes and great freedom of movement (Video S1).1 Lacrymaria is a predatory ciliate (Video S2) that is usually found in lakes and ponds.
Two New Studies Show High Precision of PolarisAR STELLAR Knee in Total Knee Arthroplasty
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 29, 2024-- Polaris AR, a developer of advanced mixed-reality surgical guidance technology, today announces favorable data from two clinical abstracts evaluating its STELLAR Knee mixed-reality surgical guidance system for accuracy for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and accuracy in a cadaveric simulated use study with four specimens, where left and right knees were used for surgery.
Two New Studies Show High Precision of PolarisAR STELLAR Knee in Total Knee Arthroplasty
1. NVDA 2. CRM 3. CRWD 4. OKTA 5. SPY 6. DELL 7. FIVE 8. NTAP 9. BBWI 10.
Two New Studies Show High Precision of PolarisAR STELLAR Knee in Total Knee Arthroplasty
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 29, 2024-- Polaris AR, a developer of advanced mixed-reality surgical guidance technology, today announces favorable data from two clinical abstracts evaluating its STELLAR Knee mixed-reality surgical guidance system for accuracy for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and accuracy in a cadaveric simulated use study with four specimens, where left and right knees were used for surgery.
Misleading Or Deceptive Conduct Claims On Projects In Australia
A claim for misleading or deceptive conduct under s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law is one of the most commonly used causes of action in commercial litigation in Australia, including in disputes on major projects in mining, construction and infrastructure. Such claims can relate to conversations or meetings, courses of conduct between owners, operators, contractors and others, and the effect of any number of types and combinations of documents used on a project.
Misleading or Deceptive Conduct Claims on Projects in Australia
Misleading or Deceptive Conduct Claims on Projects in Australia A claim for misleading or deceptive conduct under s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law is one of the most commonly used causes of action in commercial litigation in Australia, including in disputes on major projects in mining, construction and infrastructure.
Picking up the pieces
COHESION Picking up the pieces Ann McGauran looks at the underlying issues that have spurred on a host of violent protests across the UK, and ponders what steps the sector can take moving forwards By John Cooper | 14 August 2024 SHARE After a wave of racism and violence hit many communities throughout England and Northern Ireland, how should local councils and their partners begin to pick up the pieces? Prime Minister Keir Starmer has so far said the disorder represents a law and order problem.
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