So Easy

It is so easy to put certain things off. Things that do not demand our immediate attention. Things that do not need to be constantly monitored or watched or baby sat. Things like that extra load of laundry, the timely payment of the minor bills, the simple note of appreciation for a kindness extended in your direction, or our planning for the future.

Time passes so very quickly. Things we really meant to get to are yet left undone. Some of them are even postponed until it really is too late.

One of the saddest statements I have ever heard or read is the one that says, “The family would like to thank those who have so graciously given their sympathies, and would request a cash offering in lieu of flowers.”

How sad that yet another person has passed on and left it to someone else to struggle out their financial affairs.

The solutions are so simple, so easy, yet they do require one to take the time and initiative to set things in proper order.

There are three basic considerations in life that are so easy to plan and set in motion to secure our futures. They are (1) getting out of debt and staying debt free, (2) planning for retirement, and (3) securing your financial future.

(1) Getting Out Of Debt.
Of all three considerations, this one requires the most self discipline. Start by checking your credit and credit score (FICO). You can get free copies of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies at http://annualcreditreport.com.

Next, consider looking at where you want to be in the future, financially. A site that can help in this discovery is www.primericafna.com. Perhaps a debt consolidation loan can make a difference for your situation. If possible, get one that allows payments on the loan every two weeks to reduce the principle amount even faster.

(2) Plan for Retirement
One of the best options in planning for retirement is to consider investments. There are a number of regular and tax advantaged options that may be used to fund long term and short term savings goals. Consult your own financial advisor for details. What? You don’t have a “financial advisor”? You aren’t alone. A recent study showed that three fourths of all American families do not have a financial advisor. Ask people you trust for recommendations, or even refer back to the website I mentioned last. When you get the contact information for a personal financial advisor, give them a call and make an appointment to meet with them. You will probably find it an informative and enlightening experience.

(3) Securing Your Financial Future
This consideration goes hand in hand with #2. The best thought is to buy sufficient “term” insurance to cover your family’s needs if you were gone. Then, as in #2, invest in some funds that will produce a savings plan for your future.

None of us plan to fail. But sometimes, we just fail to plan. It is just so easy to take the time and plan for our futures. So easy, yet so necessary.

Take the time. Do it now. Do it today!

Bob Curtis has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and has been writing about the elements of relationships for a number of years. He is the manager of the Essential Sunshine Association, a new website for positive relationship development at http://www.essun.blogspot.com.

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The Best Investment Advice and Stock Picks for 2006

Everyone is trying to give advice on what to do with your money. There are numerous shows, infomercials, etc… Many charge a lot of money and make huge promises and then you find out it was a scam, bad advice, etc… I am going to show you how I averaged 187% returns on all my investments last year and over 500% for the last 3 years. I will tell you how to prosper in 2006 and make it your best year ever. And the best thing is I won’t charge you a penny. This is for real and all my advice is easily verified. Make 2006 your best year ever!

1. Fire your commision based financial planner. Get a fee-based financial planner (look them up on Google). Commission based like Prudential, American Express, Allstate, etc… are only going to show you products that give them fat commisions. In otherwords you will not get the help you really need. And a lot or all of your earnings will be negated and squandered on these heavy commissions. You need a non-biased financial planner who will find you the best investments regardles of what company has them. Fire your commission based financial planner.

2. Never ever buy whole life insurance! It is basically a big money maker for the agent (commissioned financial planner) - it is their highest commission product - why do you think they push it so hard? Two words are all you need to remember - TERM LIFE! Buy term for twenty years. You will save a ton and it is dirt cheap! Put your life in gear and you won’t have to worry about anything after those twenty years. Remember term life good - whole life bad.

3. Learn to stop impulse buying. If you can’t afford to pay cash don’t buy it. Tear up your credit cards except for one emergency card. The only purpose of a credit card is to make huge profits for the bank or store that gave you that card. If you have debts get a plan together to get them paid off. A fee based financial advisor can help you with this. Remember, accessories don’t make the man, owning your own home and being financially independent does.

4. Take 10% of your disposable income and invest it - pay yourself first - it works. If you can arrange for your employer to take it out of your paycheck or otherwise make it automatic that is best. If you don’t see it, you won’t miss it. If your employer has a 401K program max it out. Especially if they have a percentage match contribution - thats free money. $50 here and a $100 there may not seem like much, but it will compound fast. And the larger your investments get the more they will make. Ther rich learned that they can only earn so much themselves, but their money can gro to the point where it will earn far more than you could ever earn. Get started saving and investing.

5. Switch your auto insurance to Progressive - Regardless of what the commercials say they are the lowest price, best service, and best deal - period! Do you think your local agent and those paid endorsers work for free - they get paid from your higher fees and commissions (it has to come from somewhere). Remember it adds up - an extra $200 - $800 saved per year from your insurance invested correctly will be worth $20,000 really fast.

6. Invest in DRIPs - Direct Reinvestment Plans. Many of the top companies have these and it allows you to invest for very low or no trading fees (some even give you a discount so it actually ends up paying you just to invest - I like that). Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Cross Timbers Oil Co. (XTO) are hot oil DRIP’s. XTO has experienced a more than 1200% growth in the past 3 years. Buy it. You need to have a good, solid play in the oil, energy sector. They don’t have the best dividends, but with their growth who cares? I also recommend buying natural gas - Piedmont Natural Gas (PNY) is the steadiest, safest player in this field. Great dividends and rock solid - it won’t give you the gains of XTO but will average out some of the peaks and lows. Buy it. Remember to get diversified so find a financial DRIP like Banco Popular (BPOP) - a great spanish bank ripe for a takeover that pays great dividends.

7. For instant diversification, steady growth and solid dividends use an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund). Unlike mutual funds, etf’s can be traded throughout the day just like stocks. Choose an ETF that tracks a major or minor stock index (for better diversification). I recommend IJR - it provides the best growth and dividend return of the ETF’s. Buy IJR. Remember do not put more than 20% of your investment portfolio under any one stock or ETF - diversification is the key to amassing great wealth.

8. Learn that no matter how hard you work for someone else you will never be paid what you are worth. You will only be paid what you are worth when you realize this and decide to go into business for yourself. Do your homework first and pick something you like that can be turned into a moneymaker. Remember 70% of new small businesses fail mostly due to poor planning. You will make mistakes, we all do, but its how you interpret those mistakes and what you learn from them that makes the difference.

9. Whatever your religion, pray and read your bible. If you trust and have faith in God you will be provided with what you need. The steps above will provide you with financial freedom and wealth. If you let him, God will provide you with
understanding, happiness, meaning to life and less stress. Studies have shown that people who pray and have faith are healthier and live longer. What good does all that money do if you can’t enjoy it and help others with it? Volunteer. Be a Big Brother. Help others out. Once you have become successful please help others to do the same. Pray, read your bible and volunteer.

There you have it - if you follow this advice you will undoubtedly be well on your way to financial freedom and happiness. And there’s more easily proven and helpful advice here than in all those infomercials and books you see on TV like no money down realestate, the greatest vitamin, paytrading, etc… Fire your commissioned investment advisor. Stay away from Whole Life and only purchase Term Life - you will save tons.Learn to pray and read your bible. Do yourself a favor and print this out. If you care about your friends give it to them. Put it in your email lists. If you believe in helping others and making the world a better place then pass it on to everyone you can. These ideas and stock tips will provide you and everyone else with solid gains for years and a greater chance at financial freedom. The best thing is it didn’t cost you a cent.

Just do me a favor and visit and promote my sites listed below (www.mdwholesale.com and www.bestskinpeel.com).

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com and at http://www.bestskinpeel.com

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