I.O.U.S.A.

Are you confused about why commodity prices are going up and the dollar is tanking? Are you confused about whether we are in a recession or not? Thank goodness we are now a global economy or we would be in dire straights for sure!

A documentary is now playing across the nation that’s about Americas 4 key deficits - savings, budget, balance of payments and leadership, plus the implications for all of us as U.S. citizens.

This movie explains why as a nation we can’t continue "business as usual", and why we need a major shakeup to avoid becoming what we are referred to in China…… "The Modern Roman Empire"

Find a movie location in your area by clicking I.O.U.S.A. If it’s not playing near you, the DVD should be out soon.

If you’ve seen this movie, leave a comment about your reaction and thoughts

Until next time, J.

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"

Why You Should Start Your Own Business Today

Here are excerpts from a fantastic article I read in Success Magazine .
Please leave me your comments and thoughts about whether you agree or not.

The Great Migration

Across the country and around the world, legions of people are abandoning their dependence on big business and seeking independence through their own enterprises. Every month, about 1 million Americans go through some type of job change or loss, and increasingly they are deciding to start their own businesses.

Security, which may come as a surprise, is a big reason behind the move. Only a generation or two ago, going into business for yourself was considered risky, and the safest route was to get a good job in a large firm. Back in the 1960s and ’70s, companies like IBM made “employment for life” the gold standard of job security.

A Better Lifestyle

One of the biggest reasons for the self-owned business boom is that people love the benefits of working for themselves and enjoy the freedom they gain from designing their own prosperity . No more commute and no more boss. You get to choose when you work, how you work and with whom you work. Best of all, you don’t have to make the agonizing choice between time for family and time for business.

Greater Financial Opportunity

The masses making this migration also have a clear eye on the bottom line: There is far greater opportunity to make money by building your own business than by working for someone else’s. There was an implicit trade-off in the old 40-year plan: Working for a firm typically meant there was a fixed ceiling to the wages one might earn, but the benefits and job security were worth it. Now that the benefits and job security (half of the equation) are evaporating, millions are asking, why settle for that arbitrary income ceiling?

A Life of Greater Impact

The nation’s 78 million baby boomers are just starting to reach retirement age, yet they’re realizing that they can’t afford to retire. What’s more, they don’t want to.

Taking the Plunge

“Leaving the rat race is not as daunting as it may seem ,” says author Dan Clements in his guide to worklife balance, Escape 101. “You’ll look back in later years and marvel at how easy it was and how much you gained for so little cost.”

Until next time, J.

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"

Why We Want You to be Rich

"Why We Want You to be Rich " is a New York Times best seller by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki . I was initially hesitate to read it because I didn’t think the two men could possibly come from the "same place" and work as a team. But their sub -title "Two Men - One Message" says it all…. they really did come across as a team.

I have found myself referencing comments and quotes frequently from this book, because their perspective and insight on world affairs and our economy is eye opening. They hit things right on the head such as the "entitlement mentality " I mention at times. Those people who expect their employers, families, or countries to take care of them. Both of these men are on a mission to help educate people in our society through "financial education "…. the only way to solve our countries money problems.

One of the quotes from the book, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

I would encourage you to get a copy and read it for yourself . There are some good "How To’s" in the book in getting you started on the right path to educating yourself. Your future depends on you!
Please leave a comment about your thoughts on their perspective and if it got you "thinking"…

PS - To make it easy for you to order…. you can use the info below or there is an Amazon icon / box to your left if you’d like something else. You can enter the book name and order it from there!

Until next time, J.

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"

Can a Home-Based Business Help Your Retirement Plan?

Admit it. You’ve thought about your retirement plan - right? So what’s the number you came up with to live comfortably? You may need to consider a home based business….

Chances are you said something much larger than $25,000 I bet. But did you know that according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute 60% of current retirees have less than $25,000 in savings and investments?

Excuse me!? But, how do they do it? Sure, they may be receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits, but can you imagine going into your Golden years "unprepared" ? How do you travel, treat the grandkids, and explore your hobbies, not to mention potential health related issues?

Those in the workforces need a reality check too! The same survey shows that 36% of workers have less than $10,000 in savings.

If you’re not able to plan for your future with the salary you’re currently making it may be time to start a home based business . Begin slow (part time) to supplement your income and then invest it for your future. There are many tax advantages that may surprise you as well.

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will" (And that might not be a positive thing!!)

Please leave a comment about how you are planning to "fund" your retirement….

Until next time, J.