Shirley M. Mueller, M.D.

Financial advisers, by the very nature of their profession, have an agenda that conflicts with the client. They make their money by getting it from you.

The Maastricht fair in the Netherlands is the premier art and antiques fair in the world, attracting both the elegant and the odd.

When traveling abroad, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine what is the best way is to exchange money from one currency to another. Using Rick Steve's pointers, I learned a thing or two on my own that might help others.

A massive, well-planned cyber attack could immobilize many of our nations' systems simultaneously. Has the U.S. protected itself well enough from that sort of attack?

Just three years ago Sri Lanka was emerging from a long civil war. Here you can find a UNESCO Heritage Site along with a beautiful botanical garden and an elephant preserve.

Art as portfolio diversification for the individual investor. By adding traditional Chinese art as an alternative investment to stocks and bonds, a portfolio could be diversified away from the inherent risks of that market.

Two relatively safe options to participating in the stock market that are especially appealing for a tax-advantaged account.

The town of Cochin, India is home to not only the Mattancherry Palace, which is on the wait list to become a UNESCO Heritage Site, but also the Paradesi Synagogue.

Since 401(k) laws are changing, it will be easier for an employee to make better choices for her or his plan. Here are some straightforward steps that could mean more money for retirement.

Religious competition was a defining thread throughout Goa's history. There can you find magnificent churches that were built to impress potential converts from other religions.

There is good news for the 50 million 401(k) investors in the United States. They are expected to make more money in their retirement accounts.

Faith inspires - the Elephanta carvings make that clear. Someone motivated by religious conviction went to tremendous effort to see that the rock was manually chiseled.

Few people would deny themselves the chance to make over $12,000 per hour, albeit briefly. Yet, it is possible.

South India is a materialistic society, which means there are higher degrees of education compared to northern India. However, the country's unemployment rate is still a very high 38%.

For years, financial managers have been adding hedge funds to clients' portfolios to pump up returns. What if this only improved manager and hedge fund income and not the clients?

Tour companies aren't forthcoming about letting passengers know if they could be entering pirate-infested waters. Here's what you need to know to prevent unknowingly boarding a ship that could be attacked.

While in India, Shirley Mueller was drawn toward investing in the country, but it's a big risk that comes with a host of issues that could make investors think twice.

Residential real estate is the world's largest asset class and should be a part of everyone's portfolio. And, in fact, it is for homeowners. But now renters can also get in with housing futures.

The developing brain is adversely affected by poverty. The long-term effects are not only negative for the child, but society in general. If you have ready cash, you might want to consider giving aid to families caught in the economic downturn.

Cash currently earns little to no interest in a traditionally risk free money market. If the money isn't essential later in life, then you should use it to vacation with the family or for some other experience.

This is the holiday season. We know we are supposed to feel charitable. But, sometimes we don't, especially when we think someone has taken monetary advantage of us. As it turns out, our response is not mean spirited - it's only human.

Humans are complex: though we think we are rational, we can be irrational. Is it rational to be irrational?

Stock market predictions aren't what they are cracked up to be. No one can forecast the future. Still, investors often believe what they are told. Does it work to their advantage?

Not very long ago a smart educated couple in their 30s told Shirley Mueller that they sold all their stock. They were scared stockless.

Despite the fact that buying real estate is actually attractive right now, human nature is preventing people from making a profit.

Fine wine is a luxury commodity just like art. Studies have shown that both can be added to an investment portfolio to diversity it.

Investors take into consideration more than expenses when they choose between equivalent ETFs and index funds. They also consider personal goals.

It is so refreshing to find investing options that are not only easy and successful but that an individual investor can execute himself.

Investors now know they need to concentrate not only on the anticipation of potential success should they take more risk, but to consider the reverse as well. How would they react if an unexpected market dive would greatly diminish their portfolio?

Recognizing innate forces that can work against personal investing interests.