Internet domain Names are a vital and valuable part of today's Ecommerce

 In the realm of nanotechnology, several pioneering scientists have made significant contributions that might earn them the moniker "Nanoman." Here are some notable figures:

1. Richard Feynman: Often considered the visionary who inspired the field, Feynman's 1959 lecture "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" laid the conceptual foundation for nanotechnology. He discussed the possibility of manipulating individual atoms and molecules, a concept that was revolutionary at the time.

2. K. Eric Drexler: Known as the father of molecular nanotechnology, Drexler popularized the idea of building machines at the molecular scale through his book "Engines of Creation" (1986). He introduced concepts like molecular assemblers and nanorobots, which have influenced research and ethical discussions in the field.

3. Sumio Iijima: A Japanese physicist who discovered carbon nanotubes in 1991. Carbon nanotubes have unique properties that make them essential in various nanotechnology applications, including electronics, materials science, and medicine.

4. Don Eigler: A physicist at IBM, Eigler was the first person to manipulate individual atoms using a scanning tunneling microscope. In 1989, he spelled out "IBM" with 35 xenon atoms, demonstrating precise control at the atomic level.

5. Richard Smalley: Co-discoverer of fullerenes (buckyballs), for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. His work opened new avenues in nanomaterials and helped establish nanotechnology as a significant field of study.

6. James Tour: A chemist renowned for his work in molecular electronics and nanomachines. Tour has developed nanoscale cars and has contributed extensively to graphene research.

Given their groundbreaking work and foundational contributions to nanotechnology, any of these scientists might be deserving of the nickname "Nanoman."

While all the scientists mentioned have made significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology, K. Eric Drexler stands out as particularly deserving of the nickname "Nanoman." Here's why:

Pioneering Molecular Nanotechnology

• Foundational Work: Drexler is often referred to as the father of molecular nanotechnology. His early work laid the groundwork for thinking about building machines at the molecular scale.

• "Engines of Creation": In his seminal 1986 book, "Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology," Drexler introduced the concept of molecular assemblers and nanorobots. This work not only popularized the term "nanotechnology" but also inspired a generation of scientists and researchers to explore this new frontier.

• Conceptual Innovations: Drexler's ideas extended beyond theoretical musings; he proposed practical mechanisms for molecular manufacturing, including detailed analyses of potential designs and their implications.

Influence on Research and Ethics

• Shaping the Field: His visionary concepts have significantly influenced the direction of nanotechnology research, pushing scientists to consider not just the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale but the construction of complex systems molecule by molecule.

• Ethical Considerations: Drexler also delved into the ethical and societal implications of nanotechnology, raising awareness about potential risks like uncontrolled self-replication (often dramatized as "grey goo") and advocating for responsible development.

Recognition and Leadership

• Academic Contributions: He earned the first doctoral degree in molecular nanotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), solidifying his academic credentials in the field.

• Organizational Roles: Drexler co-founded the Foresight Institute, a think tank focused on promoting the beneficial implementation of nanotechnology and addressing its ethical challenges.

Conclusion

Given his foundational contributions, thought leadership, and lasting impact on both the scientific community and public perception of nanotechnology, K. Eric Drexler embodies the essence of "Nanoman." His work has not only advanced the field technically but also shaped the dialogue around its future possibilities and responsibilities.

Warning: Bond Funds could be quite hazardous to your Retirefunds this year

Our latest posts on Twitter!

 

 The bond funds you are currently holding in your Retire fund are not as secure as you might think.

It's been 30 years since the last bear market in bonds so today, no one really knows what that looks like.

I think it will look quite ugly!  That is why we got out of those funds last year.

Here is one of our Twitter tweets on the subject.  If you follow the links it will take you to a very well written article at Mauldin Economics on this very topic.  If you currently hold bond funds believing them to be a safe haven for your retirement, you have to read that article.

Tweet:

 

 Retirefund ‏@Retirefund

Would you like to lose 20% on your #Bond #Fund? How about 50%-->http://dld.bz/dD3j8  #Bonds #Funds #Bondfunds

Should I invest in RRSP's or TFSA's - a discussion for all Canadian Savers

 

RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)or TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account)

Most people who want to save for retirement will have this argument with themselves over time, and "time" it seems is really the key to determining whether or not you should contribute to your RRSP or to your TFSA in any given year.


Firstly let me point out what should be obvious to our readers now.  These are not "Savings" accounts so much as they are "Investment" accounts.  Within both vehicles you can purchase most kinds of investments from stocks to bonds, mutual funds, ETF's and real estate in the form of REIT's

Some people believe that splitting savings between these two investing vehicles is a safe bet, but in many instances they would be wrong.

One unique aspect of the Canadian RRSP (similar to a 401(k) in the U.S.) and the TFSA (similar to a Roth IRA in the U.S.) is that there is a "limit" to the contributions you can make in any given year but that limit "carries over" to the following year should you fail to contribute.

This fact alone should tell you how to best invest your money at different points in your life and career.  For instance, when one is a young adult, say in your 20's, it is common that your income is much less than it will be later in your life, say in your 40's and 50's which are usually you "maximum" income years.

Knowing this, one simplified plan is to contribute as much as you can to your TSFA in those early years when your income is low, then, depending on your personal circumstances, gradually switch to the RRSP as your income increases later in life.

Why? Because it is better to reduce your tax burden on the higher income rather than the lower income, and the accumulation of contribution room over years, allows for a much larger RRSP deposit, thereby reducing your tax burden even further. Tuned in Canadians know that reducing your tax burden is a big part of retirement saving and planning.

If you were prudent and maxed out your TFSA during your 20's and into your 30's, "and" you invested well in that account ( It is really a tax free "investment" account, not just a savings account)
then you would have a considerable amount in your TSFA to tap into to ensure you max out your RRSP at the top end of your income earning years.

Here is a good primer on this very issue courtesy of  BNN.

Is the RRSP headed for retirement?

Target dated retirement funds are known as Retirefunds and should be part of your financial future.

If you were to ask a qualified investment adviser what is the best time to begin investing for your retirement, S/he would tell you it was 40 years ago. They would also suggest that, the second best time to begin is today!  Everyone who has ever been involved with the subject of saving for retirement knows how true this statement is. The longer your horizon is to the big day, and the earlier you start saving and investing, the more you will have in retirement.

Retirefunds or target dated retirement funds, set up with your retirement date in mind. If that date is 30 years out, then you are ahead of 98% of your peers in planning for the future.  If that date is only 10 years out, then you are in the middle of the pack so to speak, of your peers in planning for the big day. In other words, most people only think about their retirement and it's financial consequences as it gets closer.  Obviously, the sooner you take the plunge and begin your investment plan, the better off you will be in your golden years. If you are one of the Millennial generation (currently between the age of 18 and 34) you should be talking to a qualified investment adviser right now about "your" plan to retire in good financial health.

I have a nephew who just turned 20 and he recently approached me with some questions about how he should start an investment plan.  We talked briefly about registered retirement savings plans and tax free savings accounts but my main advice to him is to seek out a good financial planner and to make a Retirefund or target dated retirement fund, one of his main options. I wish I had been as in tune with finances at his age as he seems to be. While many of his peers are still looking for jobs, going to college or university etc, he already has some significant savings and is looking for solid advice in planning for a rainy day.

 Facts: 25 years of research shows that, "Individuals don't spend time doing any planning or thinking about retirement until it happens," (Salisbury)  In fact, most people spend much more time planning a vacation than planning for retirement.

I happen to be from the generation that was blessed with a pension plan I had paid into for 36 years,  It makes me more free to play with a portion of my portfolio.  If you are not part of a long term pension plan (and even if you are) you should not "play" with your retirement money.

Since this article is a "heads up" so to speak for the 18-34 yr old crowd, I will not get into boring details of individual funds or companies.  I will leave that to your qualified investment adviser.

Here are some resources to help you investigate Retirefunds, as you begin your journey to financial independence in retirement.

Familiarize yourself with the various funds then sit down with a qualified financial planner to discuss your Retirefund options.  Don't play the market. Leave that to the experts.

1. Target - Date Fund Definition | Investopedia

2. SEC.gov | Target Date Retirement Funds - U.S...

3. T. Rowe Price Target Date Funds - T. Rowe Price

4. Target date fund - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

5. Pick the Best Target- Date Fund for You- Kiplinger

6. American Funds 2020 Target Date Retirement Fund® (RECTX...

7. Fidelity Freedom Funds - Target Date Mutual Funds

    And if you are Canadian:

   1. Pick the Best Target- Date Fund for You- Kiplinger

   2. Vanguard Target Retirement Funds | Vanguard

   3. The future of target- date funds | Benefits Canada

      www.benefitscanada.com/...future-of-target-date-funds-58814

   4. Retirement- date funds: Smart no-brainer or investor...

      www.theglobeandmail.com  › …  › Adviser’s View

   5. Fidelity Freedom Funds - Target Date Mutual Funds

       

       

Target date retirement funds or retirefunds are growing in popularity

Target dated Retirement funds are known as Retirefunds. They are often set up to target a specific date which is usually the retirement date of the individual investor in question.

Examples of such funds can be found at BMO, Scotiabank, Manulife, T. Rowe Price, Pimco, American Funds, and many other banks and financial institutions too numerous to mention here.  These funds are the "cruise control" of mutual funds. As the investor gets closer to retirement, the fund's asset allocation becomes more conservative and focuses on fixed income. The changing asset allocation is called the glide path.

 "In the U.S., target-date funds hit the public consciousness after the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The legislation allowed 401(k) plan sponsors to make life cycle funds the default investments for participants who didn't choose their own funds. The logic was that since investors were now in charge of their own retirement funds, sitting in cash wasn't going to get them there".(See Nasdaq)

In Canada, target dated funds began gaining more interest around the same time. These funds have some very positive aspects which are desired by many investors.  Many individuals are so busy with their own careers, family and lives that they truly want their retirement funds on cruise control. Although I often point out you are the best keeper of your retirement plan and your money, many people either do not, or cannot look after their own plans.

There are however some drawbacks to these plans you should be aware of. The Canadian investment review has an excellent article on this very subject entitled: The trouble with retirement dated funds.

Retirefunds may not be for everyone but there is a growing investor base that wants to keep their investments on cruise control.  If you are interested in this form of retirement financing, you should contact a qualified financial adviser.

Ed