Shirley M. Mueller, M.D.

In 2009, the Harvard and Yale endowments were praised for beating the market with their broad diversification strategies. One year later, each of the endowments posted double-digit losses -- forcing Yale to borrow money to cover the shortfall. Here's what went wrong.

While it's true that hitting the lottery is a rare source of new-found wealth, it's generally easier to strike it rich at home: 20% of all households receive some kind of inheritance. While the newly rich can enjoy the sudden windfall, it often comes a new set of problems.

Have you ever been on a receiving end of a blatantly flattering comment from a sales associate or a financial advisor? There's a reason for that: It works. Researchers found that people respond positively to flattery, even when they know the flatterer has an ulterior motive.

Home sale prices sank in July, and one expert believes that may be the most encouraging news we'll see from the housing market for a while. The decline in home prices is being driven by huge inventories, already depressed prices, and the increasing number of distressed sales.

Oxytocin is the chemical that enhances trust when released -- and it can boost warm and fuzzy feelings, too. Now, one study suggests that charitable organizations may convince donors to give more by exposing them to oxytocin.

A new study shows people make purchasing decisions based on their perception of the cost, rather than the actual price. Though the authors studied the purchase of various consumer products, if one considers stock and other investments as merchandise, the same results would seem to apply.

Investors now may be too risk adverse, in part because they were previously taking chances that failed when the market fall. Perhaps a better approach is an in-between course, a way to gain whether the markets rises or falls.

In this type of sideways trading, the stock market can be something of a crap shoot. Here's a new approach on how to invest for those who will need their money sooner rather than later.

Buying low is easy after the market plunges -- most stocks, mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) are on sale. In this type of market, every investor needs to have a "bucket list" at the ready to snap up bargains. Here's mine.

Anyone who has read "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph," the autobiographical account of the experiences of British soldier T. E. Lawrence -- or who saw the film "Lawrence of Arabia" and enjoyed his thrilling adventures -- will want to Wadi Rum in Jordan.

The largest investors in private equity are U.S. pension funds -– but a new study finds that these investments may not be benefiting the retirees they were meant to help. Pension funds that invest in private equity are not making sufficient return for their pensioners for the level of risk they are taking.

While the summer temperature is soaring, the prices of consumer products are not. The last three months saw a decrease in the cost of durable goods, which suggests deflation -- a scenario where purchases cost less. In this environment, "safe money" is a smart investment.

These days, stock market watchers are in search of two types of crosses: the death cross and the golden cross -- Wall Street jargon for indicators in the stock market that suggest its direction, up or down. This type of sign is especially important in a volatile market such as the one we're in now.

In the final installment of a four-part series on house-hunting in New York City, the doctor's unexpectedly finds closure after her futile search for the perfect pied-à-terre.

In Part III of a four-part series on house-hunting in New York City, the doctor's deal to purchase a co-op is suddenly undone -- and her 10 percent downpayment in jeopardy -- when her agent drops the ball on residency restrictions.

Whether it's the name, the lack of signage -- or simply that people prefer the grander Petra -- Jordan's Um er-Rasas UNESCO World Heritage site appears to be underappreciated by travelers.

In Part II of a four-part series on house-hunting in New York City, the doctor looks at the good, the bad (and the ugly) of dealing with real-estate brokers, and the ins and outs of the bidding process.

In a four-part series, the doctor offers advice and guidance on a subject many people seem to have an itch to do these days: Buy property in New York City. Here she lays out some things buyers need to know.

On a recent trip to Jordan, our Money MD stayed at Wadi Musa -- the village where the legendary Petra is located. Petra's majestic "Treasury" site was used a location for filming "Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade."

The Dead Sea in Jordan may be too salty for sea or plant life, but it certainly draws other kinds of organisms, those of the human species. It is a magnet for people who believe in its healing properties and also for those that are just curious. It is worth a visit and, if possible, should be done in style.

An excess 401(k) charge of 1% over 20-25 years could diminish returns by as much as 20%! If you think that's bad, consider that 90% of plans are paying 3-3.5%, and some as high as 5%.

For each ten percent female representation on both the bidder and target boards, bid premiums are reduced by approximately 12%. Sound like a win for bidders? Not so fast...

A client and I were talking and I shared with him that I did not foresee this first quarter bull market. He said to me with sarcasm, "You must be the only one." His point was this: others can't seem to forecast the future either. Having said that, allow me to throw a dart at the proverbial market dartboard...

Trouble in the auction-rate preferred securities market made Dr. Mueller ponder what a conversation between investor and broker regarding the troubled security might have sounded like, and what could have been done differently.

Museum of American Finance exhibit draws attention to female Wall Street pioneers. Learn about the Queens of Finance and the Witch of Wall Street thru January 16, 2010.

It’s been said that buying securities equals insecurity. On the other hand, avoiding securities will lead to security. At no time could these statements encompass more wisdom.

Making money in this market reminds me of a farmer trying to grow crops when weather conditions are unpredictable. Few farmers achieve it. Likewise, hardly any investors are making money now during a stormy market.

When buying bonds direct, the broker makes a difference. The problem is that the client rarely has a chance to know this, because fees are almost always embedded in the bond price and are not transparent. The client can’t tell what she is really paying.

As the stock market goes down, expenses take a bigger cut out of return. This begs the question: What are you paying in expenses?