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JOBS!!!!
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Soy impeccable con mis palabras
No te tomes nada personalmente
No hagas suposiciones
Haz siempre tu máximo.
Bajo cualquier circunstancia, haz siempre tu máximo esfuerzo.
El perdón es la única manera de sanarnos. Podemos elegir perdonar porque sentimos compasión por nosotros mismos. Podemos dejar marchar el resentimiento y declarar: «¡Ya basta! No volveré a ser el gran Juez que actúa contra mí mismo. No volveré a maltratarme ni a agredirme. No volveré a ser la Víctima». Para empezar, es necesario que perdonemos a nuestros padres, a nuestros hermanos, a nuestros amigos y a Dios. Una vez perdones a Dios, te perdonarás por fin a ti mismo. Una vez te perdones a ti mismo, el auto-rechazo desaparecerá de tu mente. Empezarás a aceptarte, y el amor que sentirás por tí será tan fuerte, que al final acabarás aceptándote por completo tal como eres. Así empezamos a ser libres los seres humanos. El perdón es la clave.
Sabrás que has perdonado a alguien cuando lo veas y ya no sientas ninguna reacción emocional. Oirás el nombre de esa persona y no tendrás ninguna reacción emocional. Cuando alguien te toca lo que antes era una herida y ya no sientes dolor, entonces sabes que realmente has perdonado. La verdad es como un escalpelo. Es dolorosa porque abre todas las heridas que están cubiertas por mentiras para así poder sanarlas. Estas mentiras son lo que llamamos «el sistema de negación», que resulta práctico porque nos permite tapar nuestras heridas y continuar funcionando. Pero cuando ya no tenemos heridas ni veneno, no necesitamos mentir más. No necesitamos el sistema de negación, porque se puede tocar una mente sana sin que experimente ningún dolor. Cuando la mente está limpia, el contacto resulta placentero. Para la mayoría
Bajo cualquier circunstancia, haz siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, ni más ni menos. Pero piensa que eso va a variar de un momento a otro. Todas las cosas están vivas y cambian continuamente, de modo que, en ocasiones, lo máximo que podrás hacer tendrá una gran calidad, y en otras no será tan bueno. Cuando te despiertas renovado y lleno de vigor por la mañana, tu rendimiento es mejor que por la noche cuando estás agotado. Lo máximo que puedas hacer será distinto cuando estés sano que cuando estés enfermo, o cuando estés sobrio que cuando hayas bebido. Tu rendimiento dependerá de que te sientas de maravilla y feliz o disgustado, enfadado o celoso. En tus estados de ánimo diarios, lo máximo que podrás hacer cambiará de un momento a otro, de una hora a otra, de un día a otro. También cambiará con el tiempo. A medida que vayas adquiriendo el hábito de los cuatro nuevos acuerdos, tu rendimiento será mejor de lo que solía ser. Independientemente del resultado, sigue haciendo siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, ni más ni menos. Sí intentas esforzarte demasiado para hacer más de lo que puedes, gastarás más energía de la necesaria, y al final tu rendimiento no será suficiente. Cuando te excedes, agotas tu cuerpo y vas contra ti, y por consiguiente te resulta más difícil alcanzar tus objetivos. Por otro lado, si haces menos de lo que puedes hacer, te sometes a ti mismo a frustraciones, juicios, culpas y reproches. Limítate a hacer tu máximo esfuerzo, en cualquier circunstancia de tu vida. No importa si estás enfermo o cansado, si siempre haces tu máximo esfuerzo, no te juzgarás a ti mismo en modo alguno. Y si no te juzgas, no te harás reproches, ni te culparás ni te castigarás en absoluto. Si haces siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, romperás el fuerte hechizo al que estás sometido.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ufWn1xkV_mY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmmEVquAg1E
The Wall Street Journal asked 22 well-known investors and writers for their best piece of advice about money. Some shared advice they gave, while others passed on advice they were given.Among the [hopeful] pearls of financial wisdom…
The Checking and Spending Basics
CUANDO TIENES MIEDO A ALGO HASLO! PARA QUE TE QUITE EL MIEDO
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ENGLISH BANKS ARE JUST AS BAD AS OURS –
8-- To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 8
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"When
you stop chasing the wrong things,You give the right things a chance to catch
you."
Be
kind to people who helped on your way up, you may need them again on your way
down.
"The
person who questions others opinions is wise, but, a person who fights to hide
the facts is a fool."
"The most trying exercise is carrying your
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old..
-yesterday’s
thoughts- on your back.”
“Music
is the only religion that inspires the
soul.”
No te tomes nada personalmente
No hagas suposiciones
Haz siempre tu máximo.
Bajo cualquier circunstancia, haz siempre tu máximo esfuerzo.
El perdón es la única manera de sanarnos. Podemos elegir perdonar porque sentimos compasión por nosotros mismos. Podemos dejar marchar el resentimiento y declarar: «¡Ya basta! No volveré a ser el gran Juez que actúa contra mí mismo. No volveré a maltratarme ni a agredirme. No volveré a ser la Víctima». Para empezar, es necesario que perdonemos a nuestros padres, a nuestros hermanos, a nuestros amigos y a Dios. Una vez perdones a Dios, te perdonarás por fin a ti mismo. Una vez te perdones a ti mismo, el auto-rechazo desaparecerá de tu mente. Empezarás a aceptarte, y el amor que sentirás por tí será tan fuerte, que al final acabarás aceptándote por completo tal como eres. Así empezamos a ser libres los seres humanos. El perdón es la clave.
Sabrás que has perdonado a alguien cuando lo veas y ya no sientas ninguna reacción emocional. Oirás el nombre de esa persona y no tendrás ninguna reacción emocional. Cuando alguien te toca lo que antes era una herida y ya no sientes dolor, entonces sabes que realmente has perdonado. La verdad es como un escalpelo. Es dolorosa porque abre todas las heridas que están cubiertas por mentiras para así poder sanarlas. Estas mentiras son lo que llamamos «el sistema de negación», que resulta práctico porque nos permite tapar nuestras heridas y continuar funcionando. Pero cuando ya no tenemos heridas ni veneno, no necesitamos mentir más. No necesitamos el sistema de negación, porque se puede tocar una mente sana sin que experimente ningún dolor. Cuando la mente está limpia, el contacto resulta placentero. Para la mayoría
Bajo cualquier circunstancia, haz siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, ni más ni menos. Pero piensa que eso va a variar de un momento a otro. Todas las cosas están vivas y cambian continuamente, de modo que, en ocasiones, lo máximo que podrás hacer tendrá una gran calidad, y en otras no será tan bueno. Cuando te despiertas renovado y lleno de vigor por la mañana, tu rendimiento es mejor que por la noche cuando estás agotado. Lo máximo que puedas hacer será distinto cuando estés sano que cuando estés enfermo, o cuando estés sobrio que cuando hayas bebido. Tu rendimiento dependerá de que te sientas de maravilla y feliz o disgustado, enfadado o celoso. En tus estados de ánimo diarios, lo máximo que podrás hacer cambiará de un momento a otro, de una hora a otra, de un día a otro. También cambiará con el tiempo. A medida que vayas adquiriendo el hábito de los cuatro nuevos acuerdos, tu rendimiento será mejor de lo que solía ser. Independientemente del resultado, sigue haciendo siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, ni más ni menos. Sí intentas esforzarte demasiado para hacer más de lo que puedes, gastarás más energía de la necesaria, y al final tu rendimiento no será suficiente. Cuando te excedes, agotas tu cuerpo y vas contra ti, y por consiguiente te resulta más difícil alcanzar tus objetivos. Por otro lado, si haces menos de lo que puedes hacer, te sometes a ti mismo a frustraciones, juicios, culpas y reproches. Limítate a hacer tu máximo esfuerzo, en cualquier circunstancia de tu vida. No importa si estás enfermo o cansado, si siempre haces tu máximo esfuerzo, no te juzgarás a ti mismo en modo alguno. Y si no te juzgas, no te harás reproches, ni te culparás ni te castigarás en absoluto. Si haces siempre tu máximo esfuerzo, romperás el fuerte hechizo al que estás sometido.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ufWn1xkV_mY
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, EXISTS IF KNOW WHAT TO DO.
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- LA GRATITIS: ES UNA ENFERMEDAD!
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- Quitate la gratitis, no aceptes nada gratis! May 12, 2005
-
Page 1 of 8
|
| http://www.secform4.com/training/legal-illegal-insider-trading.htm |
Page 1 of 8
Asset Allocation is a Diversification Strategy
Mary Willett, CRA, CRC, Willett Consulting
Curt Morrow CFP®, ChFC, CRC®, Nationwide
As fiduciaries, state and local government employers are responsible for the adequacy and
appropriateness of the investment options that are included in their defined contribution and
deferred compensation plans. This responsibility can be assigned to a board or committee,
internal staff, or contract service provider, such as a third party administrator or consultant.
Because fiduciary responsibility cannot be completely delegated, employers should have a
basic understanding of diversification and asset allocation, and how it can help investors
minimize risk, to allow them to evaluate the adequacy of their plan’s investment menu. This is
true even if selecting and monitoring investments are completely outsourced and assigned to a
contract service provider.
This brochure has been prepared to discuss:
why diversification and asset allocation are important in defined contribution plans
what are the asset classes generally used in defined contribution plans
what employers should do to promote asset allocation in participant accounts
current trends in defined contribution plans
Diversification versus Asset Allocation
The phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is often used as an illustration of
diversification. Having all investments in a single security or issuance can result in the entire
portfolio being wiped out if the investment goes bad. Diversification…or the action of spreading
investments among various securities or investments…can reduce this risk.
In a public sector defined contribution plan, the most common investments offered to
participants are mutual funds that are, by design, diversified because they hold multiple
securities designed to meet the same objective within a single portfolio. More conservative,
fixed investments, such as stable value funds and fixed annuities are also diversified, as they
typically contain securities or bonds from a variety of issuers.
Asset allocation is a strategy that diversifies an individual’s investments beyond multiple
securities and spreads dollars over several investment classes (stocks, bonds, cash, etc.).
Research shows that it's the asset allocation of investments that accounts for nearly 92% of the
variability of returns for the total portfolio holdings. This is because each asset class has distinct
characteristics and, historically, reacts differently under the same market conditions.
By strategically diversifying investments by asset categories, declines in any one particular
asset class can be offset and the fluctuations of the performance of the total portfolio may be
reduced. Although these strategies are designed to mitigate the risks of fluctuation, the use of
diversification and asset allocation does not guarantee that participants will be protected against
loss in a declining market.
In addition to mitigating risk, an appropriate asset allocation strategy will reduce the likelihood of
participants trying to time their buys and sells to the ups and downs of the market. This means
that they won’t be “buying high and selling low” when their timing is off, and their dollars will
remain in the market during down cycles and benefit from rallies as they develop.
May 12, 2005
Page 2 of 8
Asset allocation strategies are established to meet the individual needs of each investor based
on their time horizon (the amount of time their dollars will be invested), risk tolerance and
retirement income goals. As a result, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to asset
allocation strategies and the investment products available in your defined contribution plan
should cover all of the core asset classes.
Overview of asset classes
Generally, the investments that are available to
defined contribution plan participants will fall
under three broad categories: stocks, bonds and
cash and fixed rate equivalents. There are
several subcategories within these segments
that will also provide further diversification to
participants to maximize potential returns while
reducing risk. The following discusses the
various asset categories and how they are
generally used (or not) in a defined contribution
plan.
Cash and fixed rate equivalents:
Most defined contribution plans will provide
between one and three investment choices in
this asset category. These investment vehicles
are a core component of an appropriate asset
allocation strategy to provide security and
guarantee of investment principal. They generally are considered low risk and provide a small
to modest return. These options include:
Stable value funds are typically commingled funds that may invest in Guaranteed
Investment Contracts (GICs), Bank Investment Contracts (BICs), synthetic GICs,
Government-backed securities, and bonds. Maturities and duration of these portfolios are
usually two to five years. Interest earned on this type of investment generally fluctuates on
a daily basis.
Fixed annuities are general account obligations offered by insurance companies. The
insurance company guarantees the return of principal and typically provides a minimum
guaranteed interest rate for the current quarter, current year, and/or life of the contract.
These investments typically have a longer maturity period, with some securities maturing in
10, 20, or more years, and may include corporate mortgage bonds, corporate bonds,
government securities, Treasury and Government-backed securities. Guarantees are
subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Bank or credit union savings options are normally insured by federal or state agencies.
Investments are typically short-term and provide interest at current market rates that may be
adjusted on a quarter, semi-annual or annual basis.
Money market mutual funds are short-term investments that typically mature in less than
one year. Investments generally include certificates of deposit, bank repurchase
Under ERISA 404(c), fiduciaries can potentially
limit their liability for participants’ decisions by
following certain requirements when establishing
the slate of investment options. Although public
plans are not subject to ERISA, these can be
used as guidelines. The basic requirements of
404(c) are:
• offer a broad range of diversified core
investment options with different risk or
return characteristics
• allow participants to make changes to their
investment decisions with a frequency that is
appropriate for the options being offered; for
example they must be allowed to redirect
investments in at least three of the core
investments at least once per quarter
• provide written information that they have
the right to direct the investments held in
their account
May 12, 2005
Page 3 of 8
agreements, Treasury securities, and commercial paper. Interest earned will fluctuate on a
daily basis. An investment in a money market or cash fund is not insured or guaranteed by
the FDIC or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value
of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Bonds:
Bond investment options provide participants with a low to moderate risk/return alternative.
Bond mutual funds may invest in a mix of government and corporate bonds. These funds
typically offer a higher rate of return than cash-type investments and carry a higher level of
investment risk than cash equivalents. A defined contribution plan will typically offer between
one and four bond investment choices that include the following.
High-quality domestic bonds are usually investment-grade
bonds that have been rated B or higher by leading bond
rating agencies. These investments may be short-term
(three years or less in duration), intermediate-term (three to
7.5 years in duration) or long-term (over 7.5 years in
duration). Securities offered by government agencies are
typically not subject to default risk. However, the
Government and its agencies do not guarantee the fund’s
value and they may be subject to market risk caused by
fluctuations in interest rates. Bonds issued by corporations
may be subject to both default and market risk.
High-yield domestic bonds are lower quality bonds offered
by corporations. They are typically rated BB or lower by
leading bond rating agencies. They have sometimes been
referred to as “junk bonds”, but can offer higher yields and
higher potential for capital gains than high quality bonds.
International bonds are offered by governments or corporations of non-U.S. issuers. They
may be subject to foreign currency, accounting and political risks that domestic bonds do not
experience. Limited availability of information may also be a factor. However, international
bonds may offer higher returns than domestic bonds and additional diversification within the
bond asset class.
Stocks:
There are several categories of stock, or equity, investment options that typically are part of the
plan’s core investment menu to provide retirement plan participants with the ability to establish
an appropriate asset allocation strategy in an attempt to diversify risk. Equities have higher
investment risk than cash or bond securities. In exchange for assuming this risk, participants
gain the potential for higher returns. Typically, plans offer between 4 and 15 equity funds within
the following categories:
Large cap stocks are issued by companies that have market capitalizations in excess of
$8.5 billion dollars. They are typically the older, more established, and well-known
companies. The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is a common proxy for the large cap asset
class. General Motors Corporation and IBM are examples of large cap companies.
Bond Ratings
Rating organizations
(such as Standard &
Poor’s and Moody’s) rate
the level of risk of
corporate, municipal and
government issued
securities based on
current research.
The rating system
indicates the likelihood
that the issuer will default
on interest or capital
payments. Bond ratings
generally range from AAA
to D (default).
May 12, 2005
Page 4 of 8
Mid cap stocks are issued by companies that have market capitalizations between $1.5
billion and $8.5 billion. These stocks are from companies that are generally less-seasoned
than those identified as large cap, but are more developed companies than small cap. The
Standard & Poor’s 400 MidCap Stock Index is a common proxy for the mid cap asset class.
Tyson Foods and Caesars Entertainment are examples of mid cap stocks.
Small cap stocks are issued by companies that have market capitalizations of less than $1.5
billion. They may be newer companies with higher debt and/or lower profit margins than
other equities. Stocks of small or emerging companies may have less liquidity than those of
larger established companies and may be subject to greater price volatility and risk than the
overall stock market. The Standard & Poor’s 600 SmallCap Index is a common proxy for the
small cap asset class. Roto Rooter, Inc. and Yankee Candle are examples of small cap
stocks.
International stocks are issued by corporations that are traded on market exchanges outside
the U.S. The Morgan Stanley Capital Incorporated Europe, Australasia, and Far East Index
(MSCI EAFE) is a common proxy for international stock markets. Certain inherent risks may
be associated with international investing. The Sony Corporation and Honda Motor
Company are examples of international stocks.
Within the domestic and foreign equity classes, there are additional defined categories to
delineate the investment philosophy or style of the mutual fund investments. The following
provides an explanation of these three categories: growth, blend or value.
Growth funds – these funds invest in stocks of companies that are experiencing a higher
rate of growth than other companies. These types of companies may be paying a lower
dividend rate or no dividends, but may have current earnings that are growing at a faster
rate than the market. An example of a growth company would be Microsoft.
Value funds – these options invest in stocks of companies that may be out of favor with the
current market, but are typically more established companies that pay dividends at a rate
higher than the market average. An example of a value stock would be the Exxon Mobil
Corporation.
Blend funds – these options use a combination of growth and value securities and produce
returns that are more in line with the current market conditions. Typically, blend funds will
vary their investments towards more growth than value, and vice versa, whenever the
market is appearing to favor one style of investment over another.
There are also certain asset classes that are typically found in brokerage options or mutual fund
windows, and not often included in the plan’s core line-up. Specialty or sector funds such as
real estate, precious metals, and financial stock funds are examples of sector funds. Nondiversified
funds, those concentrating in a relatively small number of securities or specific
sectors, may be subject to greater volatility than a more diversified investment and should be
considered a vehicle for diversification and not a balanced investment program.
What should employers be doing to promote asset allocation?
In a defined contribution plan, participants are responsible for their own investment decisions.
However, the role of the fiduciary is to make certain that suitable choices are available and
May 12, 2005
Page 5 of 8
sufficient education is provided so that employees understand the plan’s investments and are
able to make appropriate decisions.
Promoting asset allocation and providing information on how to establish a suitable investment
strategy should be an integral part of this educational effort. Past research has shown us that
many participants fail to make changes to their investment decisions after initial enrollment.
Therefore, educational efforts are most critical when employees first establish their investment
strategies at the time of enrollment. Asset allocation and its importance should continue to be
reinforced through on-going participant communications (e.g., newsletters, brochures, Web
sites, workshops, etc.).
In determining a suitable asset allocation strategy, participants must understand their tolerance
for risk in order to potentially receive higher long-term returns (e.g., can they stand to see shortterm
losses on their quarterly statements). Often, the plan’s education will include a
questionnaire as a self assessment tool to help participants understand and identify how much
risk they are able to withstand.
Education will also typically include sample asset allocation portfolios that are geared to differing
levels of risk and/or time horizons. Generally, there are at least three sample models –
conservative, moderate, aggressive – to provide examples to participants on how to establish
their own retirement portfolio. These asset allocation models usually incorporate the same
asset classes, but vary in the amount allocated to each of the asset classes.
Once an asset allocation strategy is established, participants must monitor their accounts on an
on-going basis. The gains and losses experienced in the underlying asset classes require
participants to periodically rebalance their accounts to ensure the portfolio matches their original
asset allocation strategy. Without this action, participants’ investments will become more or less
risky than originally planned.
To address this, the plan sponsor should ensure participants are reminded about rebalancing
their account at least annually in participant newsletters, workshops, or other communication
efforts. As an enhancement to education, administrators are also offering an automatic
rebalancing service within the plan design. This type of service generally allows participants to
establish a diversified portfolio for their account and the plan’s recordkeeping system will
automatically rebalance the dollars within their portfolio when it doesn’t match the allocated
percentages to each investment by a certain threshold (e.g., out of balance 5% or more).
This automated service replaces the need for participants to take action on an on-going basis.
However, education efforts need to remind them that their allocation strategies should be
periodically examined (particularly at certain life events, such as marriage, having children,
retirement, etc.) to ensure it continues to be appropriate to meet their retirement income goals.
Many defined contribution plans are also offering lifecycle or lifestyle funds in their investment
menus to provide a one-stop approach to asset allocation strategies. These mutual funds allow
participants to select a single option that is geared to their risk tolerance or time horizon. The
portfolio managers of these funds are responsible for maintaining the asset allocation. The
following describes these investment vehicles.
Lifecycle funds – these options provide age-based diversified portfolios that include a mix of
asset classes that are designed to become more conservative overtime - as investors near
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May 12, 2005
Page 6 of 8
retirement age and begin receiving distributions from their account. These investment
choices are generally identified by retirement year (e.g., 2020, 2030, 2040 and so on).
An advantage of lifecycle funds is that, once-selected, participants do not need to take
future action to become more conservative overtime, as the fund manager will automatically
adjust the allocations as needed in consideration of the stated retirement year. One
disadvantage is that these funds do not take into consideration individuals’ risk tolerance
and other assets that may contribute to the employee’s retirement income. Failing to
include assets, such as the pension plan and/or social security benefits to be paid to
employees and their spouses, may result in the asset allocation being more conservative or
aggressive than needed to meet future retirement income needs.
Lifestyle funds – these options provide risk-based diversified portfolios that include a mix of
asset classes that maintain a constant level of risk. This allows participants to make a single
choice for their retirement investments based on their personal risk tolerance levels.
Lifestyle options generally include choices that are conservative, moderate and aggressive.
An advantage of lifestyle funds is that once-selected, the manager of the fund rebalances
the portfolios assets for the goal of maintaining a consistent asset allocation and risk level
over time. One disadvantage is that they require investors to periodically review their risk
tolerance to determine whether their financial situation has changed since their initial
election. A marriage, change in job, health issues, or an inheritance may require a revision
to the originally selected risk model.
An additional choice that public sector plans are beginning to explore are managed accounts,
where a professional money manager makes investment decisions for the participant based on
their individual needs (usually determined by answers to a questionnaire or information from the
employer’s record keeping system). This approach may be more costly than lifecycle or lifestyle
options but will provide a personal investment plan geared to the individual needs of each
participant based on both time horizon and risk tolerance levels.
Managed accounts will generally establish the asset allocation portfolio from the investment
options offered within the plan’s core menu. Alternatively, the manager may be permitted to use
a broader list of investments to provide more flexibility in creating and revising the managed
accounts. After the initial the portfolio has initially been established, participants should
periodically review their time horizon and risk tolerance levels based on their current financial
and life situations to determine if the basis for the managed account strategy has changed.
The above discusses three of the more common types of asset allocation strategies in public
sector deferred compensation plans. Before deciding on an approach that is right for your plan
and its participants, employers may want to explore other types of asset allocation funds that
are available in the market today.
Current Trends
Research is showing that employees participating in defined contribution plans are beginning to
understand asset allocation and the importance of diversifying their retirement portfolios. There
is a long way to go, however, before plan sponsors and program administrators can claim their
education programs are completely effective and successful in regard to asset allocation.
May 12, 2005
Page 7 of 8
A recent study of public sector plans, America’s Retirement Voice – Public Sector Retirement:
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,1 confirmed that more employees are creating diversified asset
allocation portfolios for their retirement accounts than ever before. In 1999, only 12% of
participants in Section 457 deferred compensation plans used three or more asset classes in
their retirement portfolio and 57% were invested in one asset class. At the end of 2003, the
number invested in three or more asset classes grew to 32% while those with one asset class
decreased to 44%.
When examining diversification by participant age, this study found the most notable
improvements over the past five years in the youngest age groups…ages 18 to 25 and 26 to 35,
with 39% and 36% increases respectively to the percentage of participants who are investing in
three plus asset classes. As to gender differences, this study showed little difference between
male and female participants in regard to asset allocation trends, although females tend to be
more conservative in their investment choices for on-going deferrals.
This study also found that the use of asset allocation funds (i.e., lifestyle and lifecycle funds) is
on the rise. At the end of 2003, 8% of participants were invested in this fund type. Younger
participants (those 18 to 25 years old) were more likely than older participants to select this fund
as their only investment option in their portfolio. Females in all age groups were more likely
than male counterparts to use an asset allocation fund as their only investment choice.
Another recent study, the 2005 Retirement Confidence Survey,2 found that employees who
currently are not participating in their employer sponsored defined contribution plans are more
likely to do so if asset allocation funds are an available option.
66% of non-participating workers said they would be more likely to participate if the plan
offered lifecycle funds - funds that automatically provide workers a more conservative
investment allocation as their retirement date approaches (21% much more likely; 44%
somewhat likely)
49% said they would be more likely to participate if the plan offered lifestyle funds - a set of
mutual funds with a pre-set mix of conservative, moderate and aggressive investments (13%
much more likely; 36% somewhat likely)
35% said they would be more likely to participate in the plan offered managed accounts –
where a professional financial manager made investment decisions based on the results of
a questionnaire that the employee completes (15% much more likely; 20% somewhat likely)
The Retirement Confidence Survey also found that employees currently participating in an
employer-sponsored plan that does not offer asset allocation funds would be interested in these
options if they became available.
68% of participants said they would be likely to use lifecycle funds if offered by their plan
(23% very likely; 45% somewhat likely)
1 America’s Retirement Voice – Public Sector Retirement: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow; Published by
Nationwide Retirement Education Institute, April 2004 can be found on-line at www.nrsforu.com
2 The 2005 Retirement Confidence Survey was conducted by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit
Research Institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, Inc. and was underwritten by
Nationwide.
May 12, 2005
Page 8 of 8
67% said they would be likely to use lifestyle funds (21% very likely; 46% somewhat likely)
51% said they would be likely to use managed accounts (15% very likely; 36% somewhat
likely)
In summary…Employers need to pay attention to the asset allocation of plan assets
Investment education is a critical component of defined contribution plans to ensure participants
are able to make appropriate decisions in structuring their portfolios to reduce investment risk
through asset allocation. Equally important, however, is the plan’s investment menu.
Plan sponsors need to evaluate if their defined contribution plan’s investment options are
sufficient to meet their employees needs in establishing an asset allocation strategy. If not
currently offered, it might be advisable for employers to consider exploring asset allocation
options, such as lifecycle, lifestyle and/or managed accounts, to determine if they would be an
appropriate addition to their plan’s investment spectrum.
Asset allocation is important for employees to successfully invest for retirement. It is the
employer’s responsibility, as the plan’s fiduciary, to make sure there is sufficient choice
available to allow participants to establish asset allocation strategies that meet their individual
needs.
About the authors…
Mary Willett, CRA, CRC, Willett Consulting, has more than 20 years experience in the field of
public employee retirement benefits. She is the past director of the State of Wisconsin
Supplemental Retirement Plans and started her own consulting business in 2002. She was the
2001/2002 President of NAGDCA and currently serves on the InFRE Board of Standards. She
currently is working with Nationwide on plan sponsor education initiatives.
Curt Morrow CFP®, ChFC, CRC® is Investment Services Manager with Nationwide Investment
Services Corporation (NISC), an SEC-registered investment advisor and member NASD firm,
and is affiliated with Nationwide Retirement Solutions (NRS). He has provided investment
consulting services for over ten years, primarily to public sector retirement plans.
The Wall Street Journal asked 22 well-known investors and writers for their best piece of advice about money. Some shared advice they gave, while others passed on advice they were given.Among the [hopeful] pearls of financial wisdom…
http://www.lumosity.com/app/v5/personalization/memory“Price yourself high and see what happens.” Humans aren’t good at knowing their market value. — Scott Adams, Creator of ‘Dilbert’ and author of ‘How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big’.“Invest in what you are doing, show your own confidence in what you are doing.” — Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, chairman of Starr Insurance Holdings and former chairman of American International Group.
“When friends and acquaintances are telling you [that] you are a genius, before you accept their opinion, take a moment to remember what you always thought of their opinions in the past.” — Carl Icahn, activist investor.
“Pay off your debt first. Freedom from debt is worth more than any amount you can earn.” — Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
The entire article, which also includes advice from Charles Schwab, Bill Gross and Robert Shiller, among others, can be found here.
– Rex Crum
Follow Rex Crum @mktwcrumFollow the Tell @thetellblogMore must-reads from MarketWatch:10 unnecessary drains on your wallet in 2014Would you spend $5,000 for dating advice?The year’s best day for buying a car is approaching
Bill Gross,
Charles Schwab,
Hank Greenberg,
Mark Cuban,
robert shiller,
Scott Adams
Money Secrets
Above all, the goal is to assist you in taking the reins of your financial future. But everyone's situation is different... Someone who's already established an emergency fund, set up individual retirement accounts, and funded a brokerage account will have different needs and goals than someone who has only a checking out and perhaps an employer-provided retirement plan like a 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA.
Similarly, someone in their late 20s or 30s should have a different plan than those closer to retirement. The amount of investable capital is different, the risk appetite is different, and the time frame is different.
Let me break it down a bit further and provide some tips and guidelines for investors of various stages.
The Checking and Spending Basics
No matter who you are, you should keep an interest-bearing checking account where your paycheck gets deposited and that you use to pay monthly bills like the mortgage, cable, phone, and utilities.
This should be a free account with no monthly fee for anything. It should also reimburse all your ATM fees. Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account. It has no minimum balance, offers unlimited ATM fee rebates anywhere in the world (never search for you bank's nearest ATM ever again), has free bill pay and direct deposit, and even gives you free standard checks.
You should only keep enough in that account to cover monthly bills.
All other expenses should go on a credit card with a rewards program that's best for you. This can be cash back, travel miles.
You should pay that balance in full each month. I've never paid one cent of interest on my credit card.
Then, before you start investing, you should build an emergency fund that contains enough to cover six month's living expenses. This should be liquid but still earn you interest, even if it's a pittance.
I suggest finding the highest-yielding savings account you can. Kasasa is a good place to start.
Retirement Capital
Once you have that squared away, it's time to get your retirement accounts going.
This means taking part in and maxing out any plan offered by your employer.
You can put $17,500 per year ($23,000 if you're over 50) in a 401(k). If your employer offers a SIMPLE IRA, you can contribute $12,000 per year ($14,500 if you're over 50).
Separate from any employer plan, you can put $5,500 per year ($6,500 if you're over 50) in a Traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Because of the tax savings, I suggest maxing out these plans before you open up any sort of brokerage account.
For example, the appropriate amount of funds comes out of my paycheck every two weeks so I hit the maximum contribution limit for my SIMPLE IRA. In addition, I keep a separate Traditional IRA that I also max out.
For 2013 that means I'll have $17,500 in retirement capital that will enjoy tax-shielded benefits.
You'll usually have to stick to the mainstream funds (American Funds, Fidelity, Vanguard, etc.) offered by your employer's plan. But you can buy whatever you want in the separate IRA and still enjoy the tax benefits.
Only when I know those two accounts will be maxed out for the year do I put money in my brokerage account, because any gains in that account are taxed annually at your marginal tax rate.
If you invest with a brokerage account before maxing out retirement accounts, you're giving money away to the tax man.
Risk Capital
Once you have your banking accounts, emergency fund, and retirement accounts, it's time to start investing through a brokerage.
Here, you can buy and sell anything you want at any time. You can also withdraw funds at any time. You can build buy-and-hold positions that delivery monthly, quarterly, or annual dividends, or you can establish and accumulate positions in growth companies.
Once you're confident in the amount you're saving for retirement, you can (and I think should) allocate a portion of this brokerage account to risk capital. This is money you use to take advantage of high-risk, high-reward investments — like junior mining companies or biotech companies working on the next big thing.
Risk capital can deliver spectacular returns if you hit that big winner. But those risky companies can also go bust, so risk capital should be money that is not needed for retirement.
NOTES OF STOCKS: what I believe will be the next one — and perhaps much more.
In fact, if all the research I've put into this investment pans out, we'll be counting gains with much more than three digits. I think you'll understand why when you see the potential for yourself.
In fact, if all the research I've put into this investment pans out, we'll be counting gains with much more than three digits. I think you'll understand why when you see the potential for yourself.
Call it like you see it,.
FORMULA #7
Sin usan computadora
En 7 minutos
Value line :
Go to: The value line investment survey.
Then: Summery and Index: Highest growth stocks
En la columna de time lines de esta lista pone un circulo rojo en las que tengan un numero 1. Y en la misma pagina en la columna de Industry Rank 1. Le pones un circulo rojo . Y usando la columna Industry Rank usando los numerous mas bajos que tengan circulos en time lines al mismo tiempo.
Time lines #1
Industry Rank #1 oh numerous mas bajos que encuentres.
Industry rank si ay numero unos major, y sino los numerous mas bajos que encuentes, y escoje 5 companias. Divide tu dinero en 5 y compras cada 13 semanas sin romper las reglas. Y alguna compania todabia esta en 13 semanas despues, necesitas rebalanciar y solamente 4 % de dinero de trading. Cada 13 semanas haces lo mismo. Si no rebalanceas puedes perder. Esta formula da una gancia de 25.5% annual. Esta formula es muy ponderosa. Talves algunos tiempos talves ganes mas oh pierdas un pico.
FORMULA #8
No requiere computadora.
Toma una hora cada mes o cada 3 meses.
Unsando: Value line
and
INVESTOR Busienes daily
VALUE LINE INVESTMENT SURVEY
Summary and Index:
Go to : Time lines stocks ranking #1
Divide la hoja de papel en dos margines iguales.
Now go to: INVESTOR BUSINESS DAILY
En las columnas de earnings per share ranking # 99 tiene mejores ganacias (or the highes the better)
En la columna de relative price strangh #99 (or the highes the better).
En tu copia puedes colar seleccionando las que tengan la mejor va ser la que tenga el numero mas alto en relative price strangh #99 y espues vez el numero the ranking earning per share. Debes hacer cada mes oh cada 3 meses. Y no rompas las reglas.
ANALYSAR EL PROCESO DE: WINDOW IN WALL STREET.
Correr modelos :
S&P500
Wall Street Journal
Barron’s
La list con mas volume de trading
USANDO LAS 2 LISTAS: NASDAQ AND NYSE
El precio de UN stock mientras mas Alta, mas exitosas. Usando el precio de una company serial ba de $20 Para Arriba. Para hacer trading una company tiene que tener buenas ganacias. Que cada trimester a Ganado mas y gana con aceleracion oh momentum, porque el precio ba a seguir subiendo. Las companies que debes elejie tengan productos rebolucionarios y nuevos, que sean la mas esclusiva entre las lideres. Que la compania este en lider and de moda en ese momento que bas a comprar. La compania tiene que mover para poder hacer trading. Y que tengan un percentage en las instituciones grandes. Tienes que tener disiplina y constancia y no romper la reglas
Go to: summery and index time line (value line)
Value line investment survey
summery and index time line (value line)
You will find the 50 time line stocks
companies Ranking # 1
Ranking 99 de ganacias
1. Earning per share 99
2. Relative price 99
Invirtiendo en el mercado de valores.
ganancias del futuro usando buenos principios y logica. Mas que todo tener pasiencia. Tener humildad, porque nadie sabe si el mercado ba a subir oh bajar!!!
Usando wallstreet, barons, investors business daily.
Con mas volumen de trading en el dia anterior. Y tomando encuenta que un porcentage de estas acciones ya estrn en las manos de instituciones grandes. Con la historia de mas de 52 semanas.
formula 1:
1. Value line investment survey
•Summary and index
Highest growth stocks
Time lines
De la colunma time lines
time lines: with number 1!
industry rank:
industry rank number 1 and 2 and 3
The lowes the better!!!
Nesesitas 5 vompanias.
Escojes 5 companies con timelines con número 1. Que tambien tienen Los numeros mas bajos en industry ranking 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Eso es todo!!!
2. investors business daily
Las columnas. EPS & RPS 99-98
EPS: 99-98
earnings per share.
RPS: 99-98
Relative price strength
Summary and index
Timely stocks 100 majores companias
Las que tengan el número mas alto en EPS and RPS.
Tines que hacer cada 3 meses. El trading de estos stocks.
S&P 500
NASDQ
tienes que ser realista
Las companias que esten en las mejores condiciones cuado se cae todo el mercado. Diseniando un plan de largo tiempo. Los invercionostas Siempre invierten a largo plazo.
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INVESTING
INDUSTRIES
PERSONAL FINANCE TECH
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GENERAL
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FORMULA #7
Sin usan computadora
En 7 minutos
Value line
The value line investment survey
Summery and Index
Highest growth stocks
En la columna de time lines de esta lista pone un circulo rojo en las que tengan un numero 1. Y en la misma pagina en la columna de industry rank 1. Le pones un circulo rojo . Y usando la columna industry rank usando los numerous mas bajos que tengan circulos en time lines al mismo tiempo.
Time lines #1
Industry rank si ay numero unos major, y sino los numerous mas bajos que encuentes, y escoje 5 companias. Divide tu dinero en 5 y compras cada 13 semanas sin romper las reglas. Y alguna compania todabia esta en 13 semanas despues, necesitas rebalanciar y solamente 4 % de dinero de trading. Cada 13 semanas haces lo mismo. Si no rebalanceas puedes perder. Esta formula da una gancia de 25.5% annual. Esta formula es muy ponderosa. Talves algunos tiempos talves ganes mas oh pierdas un pico.
FORMULA #8
No requiere computadora
Toma una hora cada mes oh cada 3 meses.
Unsando: Value line
and
INVESTOR Busienes daily
VALUE LINE INVESTMENT SURVEY
Summary and Index
Go to : Time lines stocks ranking #1
Divide en dos margines iguales.
Now go to INVESTOR Business daily
En las columnas de earnings per share ranking # 99 tiene mejores ganacias (or the highes the better)
En la columna de relative price strangh #99 (or the highes the better)
En tu copia puedes colar seleccionando las que tengan la mejor va ser la que tenga el numero mas alto en relative price strangh #99 y espues vez el numero the ranking earning per share. Debes hacer cada mes oh cada 3 meses. Y no rompas las reglas.
ANALYSAR EL PROCESO DE
WINDOW IN WALL STREET.
Corer modelos
USING: Value Line Investor business daily
STANDARD AND POORS
Wall street journal
Barron’s
La list con mas volume de trading
USANDO LAS 2 LISTAS: NASDAQ AND NYSE
El precio de UN stock mientras mas Alta, mas exitosas. Usando el precio de una company serial ba de $20 Para Arriba. Para hacer trading una company tiene que tener buenas ganacias. Que cada trimester a Ganado mas y gana con aceleracion oh momentum, porque el precio ba a seguir subiendo. Las companies que debes elejie tengan productos rebolucionarios y nuevos, que sean la mas esclusiva entre las lideres. Que la compania este en lider and de moda en ese momento que bas a comprar. La compania tiene que mover para poder hacer trading. Y que tengan un percentage en las instituciones grandes. Tienes que tener disiplina y constancia y no romper la reglas
Go to: summery and index time line (value line)
Value line investment survey
summery and index time line (value line)
You will find the 50 time line stocks
companies Ranking # 1
Ranking 99 de ganacias
1. Earning per share 99
2. Relative price 99
E
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DealBook: Europe Accuses 13 Banks of Blocking Entrants to Default Swaps Market
The European Commission says it has found evidence that the banks had tried to prevent exchanges from entering the credit derivatives business between 2006 and 2009.DealBook: Nokia to Buy Control of Its Joint Venture With Siemens for $2.2 Billion
Nokia has agreed to buy Siemens’s half of a telecommunications equipment joint venture for about $2.2 billion, as Nokia continues to struggle with challenges in its cellphone business.Stocks Up 1% on Factory and Construction Data
Wall Street rose Monday after data showed that United States manufacturing activity rebounded from an unexpected contraction, and construction spending rose to its highest level in nearly four years.Inside Asia: Turning on the Lights in Pakistan
Many are wondering whether the Karachi utility's successful privatization will be repeated elsewhere.Algae-Engineering Joint Venture Disbands
Solazyme will try to expand its food business to commercial scale, now that its venture with Roquette is closing.The Boss: How Audubon Society’s Chief Took Wing From Journalism
The president and C.E.O. of the National Audubon Society describes his career journey, which included many years at The San Jose Mercury News.DealBook: Tribune to Buy 19 TV Stations Amid Groundswell of Consolidation
The Tribune Company agreed on Monday to buy 19 local television stations for about $2.7 billion, becoming one of the nation’s biggest commercial TV station owners.Q. and A. With Stuart Elliott
Are those references to Hershey’s chocolate in “Mad Men” legitimate or a higher form of product placement?DealBook: Talk of Mergers Stirs Cable TV’s Big Players
John C. Malone is weighing a deal for Time Warner Cable, using Charter Communications as the merger partner, people briefed on the matter said.Motorola Says It Has Settled With TiVo
Motorola says it has reached a settlement with digital video recording pioneer TiVo ahead of a patent trial that was to start in a Texas court next week.Sony’s Bread and Butter? It’s Not Electronics
Citing heavy losses in its electronics business, analysts say Sony should concentrate its efforts where they pay: selling life, auto and health insuranceF.T.C. Is Said to Begin a New Inquiry on Google
People contacted in connection with the case said that regulators were asking questions about Google’s bundling of advertising services.Well: Feeling Stressed? It’s Probably Harming Your Health
If you believe stress is affecting your health, you are probably right, a new study concludes, and that perception may increase your risk for heart disease.Personal Health: A Label Calls Attention to Obesity
The American Medical Association has finally labeled obesity a disease, not just a risk factor for other disorders.
Maternity care and childbirth cost far more in the United States than in other developed countries, but studies show that their citizens do not have less access to care during pregnancy than Americans.
Morning Agenda With William Alden
- Deal Talk in Cable TV John C. Malone of Liberty Media is said to be weighing a deal for Time Warner Cable. | Criminal defense work, once shunned by top law firms, is looking increasingly lucrative. | Onyx Pharmaceuticals put itself up for sale after rejecting an unsolicited $10 billion takeover bid. | An updated analysis shows C.E.O.’s got a large raise last year.
CONCENTRARSE EN LA OTRO SER HUMANÓ*
*EL SER UNAN NO SABEMOS EL PODER QUE TENEMOS! ASTA CUANDO LO NECESITAMOS TODO SER HUMANO PRODUCE, PLACER OH DOLOR.
*TOMAR DECISIONES CON PLACER INMEDIATO. Y NO VERAS EL DAÑO A LARGO PLASO
CUANDO TIENES MIEDO A ALGO HASLO! PARA QUE TE QUITE EL MIEDO
* NINGUNA SORPRESA ME SORPRENDE *CREAR HÁBITOS DE TRIUNFO*
*LOS ACTOS HUMANOS LOS HACEN LAS PERSONAS QUE TIENEN LOS OJOS ABIERTOS!
DATE A TI MISMO ARMONÍA FELIZIDAD BUENA VIDA!. AS LOMEJOR QUE PUEDAS NO IMPORTA SI NO TE ENTIENDEN!
NECESITAS TENER 8 REQUISITOS PARA LOGRAR ESTAS 2 METAS.
1. CREER QUE SI SE PUEDE LOGRAR, CREER QUE YO PUEDO QUE EL MUNDO ESTA A MI FAVOR CREE DENTRO DE MI.
2. RAZONAR: Usar tu mente para controlar las emociones negativas.
3. Mejorar : Mejorar tus creencias
4. Sembrar: Actuar: Servir, Creer (Haciendo que otros humanos estén mejor.
5. ELIMINAR EL EGOÍSMO!
6. CAMBIAR LOS HÁBITOS: Manera de ser. hacer otras cosas, descubrir quien eres tu! Cambia hoy.
7. PERSEVERAR: No abandones tu esfuerzo! Seguir y llegar al triunfo personal!
8. METAMORFOSEA:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/29/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm?cnn=yeshttp://www.bing.com/finance/stockscreener?query=Highest-Yielding%20S&P%20500%20Stocks
1 Sept. 29, 2008 10,365.45 –777.68 – 6.98%
2 Oct. 15, 2008 8,577.91 -733.08 - 7.87% 3 Sept. 17, 2001 8,920.70 –684.81 – 7.13% 4 Oct. 9, 2008 8,579.19 –678.91 – 7.33% 5 April 14, 2000 10,305.78 –617.77 – 5.66% 6 Oct. 27, 1997 7,161.14 –554.26 – 7.18% 7 Oct. 22, 2008 8,519.21 -514.45 - 5.69% 8 Augt. 31 1998 7,539.06 –512.62 – 6.37% 9 Oct. 7, 2008 9,447.11 –508.39 – 5.11% 10 Oct. 19, 1987 1,738.74 –508.00 – 22.61% Largest percentage losses
Oct. 19, 1987 1,738.74 -22.61% Oct. 28, 1929 260.64 -12.82% Oct. 29, 1929 230.07 -11.73% Nov. 6, 1929 232.13 -9.92%
http://www.mechanicalinvestor.net/english-definitions-of-screens-partial-list/ http://www.mechanicalinvestor.net/english-definitions-of-screens-partial-list/ http://blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/7559/2011-08-02.html
How in the world does the average American family survive in this economy?
The median household income is a little bit less than $50,000 a year right now. So let's call that about $4000 a month. But before any of that money gets spent, you have to take out at least $1000 in taxes. That leaves about $3000 a month to pay all the bills with. With that $3000 you have to pay the mortgage (or rent), make the car payments, make the student loan payments, pay for power and water, pay for health insurance, pay for home insurance, pay for car insurance, pay the phone bill, pay the Internet bill and pay the cable bill. On top of all that, every member of the family needs three meals a day and the cars need to be filled up with gasoline or they won't go anywhere. Of course I haven't even mentioned expenses that don't happen every month such as car repairs or new shoes. No wonder so many families are feeling so financially stressed!
The truth is that American families are getting squeezed harder than they have been in ages. The number of good jobs is declining, incomes are going down, and the cost of living just keeps going up.
The following are 17 facts that prove that the average American family is getting absolutely pulverized by this economy....
#1 The cost of a health insurance policy for the average American family rose by a whopping 9 percent last year. According to a report put out by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust, the average family health insurance policy now costs over $15,000 a year.
How in the world can most families afford that? Yes, in many cases employers are paying for at least a portion of that, but still that seems absolutely outrageous.
#2 Due to rising costs, a lot of employers are completely getting rid of health plans for their employees. In fact, the percentage of Americans covered by employer-based health plans has fallen for 11 years in a row.
#3 The number of uninsured Americans continues to rise. Things have gotten so bad that an all-time record 49.9 million Americans do not have any health insurance at all.
#4 At this point, most American families are tapped out financially. According to the U.S. Labor Department, incomes and spending were both down for the second straight year in 2010.
#5 At the same time, the employment picture continues to look worse with each passing month. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of layoffs in the United States was up 14 percent in August.
#6 Even if you do have a job that doesn't mean that you are doing much more than surviving. According to Paul Osterman, a professor of economics at MIT, approximately 20 percent of all employed Americans are making $10.65 an hour or less.
#7 The amount of debt that the average American family has piled up is absolutely staggering. The median yearly wage in the United States is just $26,261, but the average American household is carrying $75,600 in debt.
#8 Consumer confidence is extremely low right now. If the U.S. economy was in good shape, the Consumer Confidence Index would be up around 90. Instead, it is sitting at 45.4.
#9 Nearly every recent survey shows that the American people are feeling really depressed about the economy right now. In fact, one poll found that 80 percent of them believe that we are actually in a recession right now.
#10 Many consumers are seriously starting to cut back on spending again, and that is not a good sign for the U.S. economy. According to one recent study, 40 percent of all Americans have cut back on their spending within the last 60 days.
#11 It certainly does not help that millions of good jobs have been shipped out of the country. Sadly, the trend of offshoring our jobs is going to continue to accelerate if something is not done. According to Professor Alan Blinder of Princeton University, 40 million more U.S. jobs could be sent offshore over the next two decades.
#12 There is a lot of fear in the workforce right now. According to Gallup, 30 percent of all employed Americans are worried that they will be laid off soon.
#13 Today, there are 5.9 million Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 that are living with their parents. That is putting an even greater strain on the budgets of many families.
#14 American families have gotten very accustomed to using plastic to pay for things. Today, the average U.S. household has 13 different credit cards.
#15 Many American families are not making it at all in this economy. Last year, 2.6 million more Americans dropped into poverty. That was the largest increase that we have seen since the U.S. government began keeping statistics on this back in 1959.
#16 For many American families, living on food stamps has become a way of life. Today, there are more than 45 million Americans on food stamps and we keep setting a brand new record almost every single month.
#17 Things have gotten so bad that many American families are selling off whatever they can in order to survive. For example, down in Florida hundreds of people have been selling off their burial plots in an attempt to raise cash. The following is an excerpt from a local news report about this new trend....
Sellers are posting online, using burial plot brokers, and also funeral homes to market the real estate. Some of those advertisements show single plots starting at about $1,000, while family plots can go for up to $50,000.
Most American families are living in a state of almost constant financial stress. Way too many parents are spending way too many sleepless nights wondering how in the world they will be able to keep their heads above water for another month.
Very few families seem to have "extra money" for stuff these days. Yeah, there are the "privileged few", but most people are really struggling to get by.
In America today, if you are able to keep your home from being foreclosed and you are able to put food on the table and clothes on the backs of your family then you are doing pretty good. Sadly, as our current economic crisis deepens, the average American family is going to have an even more difficult time trying to survive financially. *Post courtesy of The Economic Collapse Blog.
A very interesting colun. COMPLETELY NEUTRAL.
Be sure to Read the Poem at the end..
Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel... He has been a journalist for 49 years. He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
Be sure to read the Tax List at the end.
This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be.
Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel... He has been a journalist for 49 years. He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
Be sure to read the Tax List at the end.
This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be.
The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It's a short but good read.
Worth the time. Worth remembering! 545 vs. 300,000,000 People-By Charlie ReesePoliticians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes? and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes? and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..
( The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.)
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
[The House has passed a budget but the Senate has not approved a budget in over three years. The President's proposed budgets have gotten almost unanimous rejections in the Senate in that time. ]
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ..
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees... We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ..
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees... We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so true. Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax him if he Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways To tax his ass.
Tax all he has,
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways To tax his ass.
Tax all he has,
Then let him know
That you won't be done Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
That you won't be done Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in Which he's laid...
Put these words Upon his tomb,
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in Which he's laid...
Put these words Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom...' When he's gone,
Do not relax, Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax Building Permit Tax CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Taxes.
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax,
Personal Property Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service Charge Tax,
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
Sales Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax Telephone Federal,
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Taxes.
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax,
Personal Property Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service Charge Tax,
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
Sales Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax Telephone Federal,
State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes, Vehicle License Registration Tax, Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax, Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax, Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax,
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'I hope this goesaround THE USA at least 545 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!
GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'I hope this goesaround THE USA at least 545 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!
GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!
An elderly British lady actually wrote this letter to
her bank. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in The Times.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to thank you for bouncing my cheque with which I endeavoured to pay my plumber last month. By my
calculations, three 'nanoseconds' must have elapsed between his presenting the cheque and the arrival in my account of the funds
needed to honour it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my Pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in
place for only eight years.
You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account £30 by way of penalty for
the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my
errant financial ways.
I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the
impersonal, overcharging, re-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become. From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal
with a flesh-and-blood person.
My mortgage and loan payments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank by cheque, addressed
personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate. Be aware that it is an offence under the Postal
Act for any other person to open such an envelope.
Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight
pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all
copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Solicitor, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation
(income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof.
In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me. I regret that it cannot be
shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on
your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Let me level the playing field even further - When you call me, press buttons as follows:
1-- To make an appointment to see me.
2-- To query a missing payment.
3-- To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.
4-- To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.
5-- To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.
6-- To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.
7-- To leave a message on my computer (a password to access my computer is required. A password will be communicated to you at a
later date to the Authorised Contact.)
8-- To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 8
9-- To make a general complaint or inquiry, the contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering
service. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement.
May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous, New Year.
Your Humble Client
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