Readjust, Reevaluate and Rejuvenate…
and...Be Thankful for what you do have as a Single Parent Family
Readjust, Reevaluate and Rejuvenate…
The top person and head of the World’s largest single amount of bonds said this week; if you are lucky enough to make 5% on your money for the foreseeable future, then you are likely to be counted as one of the fortunate few. Wow, this comes as quite a shock since it seems that forever we’ve been led and inclined to count on double digit long term returns on our savings money.
Even Dave Ramsey and his throng of followers still believe his website, touting 11% or better forecast for investments. And Dave isn’t a money manager nor licensed to be such, while Bill Gross, the head and fearless leader of PIMCO investment (and the head of more bonds than any other human on the planet), has the motivation and credibility to offer a much rosier outlook. With Europe now hitting the banking crisis we dealt with in the USA back in 2008, it seems that many and mini more financial markets will tumble like dominoes.
The US dollar has become the tallest midget or the cleanest dirty shirt as a perceived safe haven for those wanting to invest or park money until things improve. And surely the banks know this and offer virtually nothing in the form of interest on money in your bank and checking accounts. But today it’s much better to play defense and win by not losing; or staying even and not going backwards in your savings and investment accounts.
But until our Nation gets out from under the burgeoning humongous debt now topping $15 trillion, there isn’t much optimism on the horizon for baby boomers or generation X. Readjust your lifestyle now before it’ too late and reevaluate what you need and buy. And there’s no time like the present to begin educating our children to a healthy, less heavy footprint financially. Lead them by your example financially. Be your children’s financial hero and role model.
Burying your resources or money in a coffee can in the backyard or under your mattress is not being a good master or steward either. You do not have to become an expert yourself. Seek out advice and local help on places to stash your cash. With the New Year around the corner, it’s time to get serious about setting up your personal or family budget; and sticking to it. Whether you may need an IRA, add more to your 401K or 403B or start your own retirement plan, there’s no reason to go it all alone.
Remember that everything goes in a cycle and has a season. In this holiday season be mindful of this and also be thankful for that which you do have. It takes the tough times in life to help make us more appreciate the easier times when they return. Don’t fret about it but instead be relaxed, prepared and content knowing that you and your family will be okay.
About the Author
Michael Ham
BIO:
The year was 1967 and his Dad was in Vietnam. Since his birthday was September 11th, he wasn't old enough to go into first grade with most of his buddies. Suffering from timid shyness and a distinct stutter, Michael Ham burst into tears of terror at age six, when he learned he was selected as a weekly cast member of television's Romper Room series.
Obviously, Michael overcame these obstacles as he now speaks to thousands, confidently with a natural charisma that entertains and inspires.
From meager beginnings in South Dallas and the "baby and first in his absurdly large family (his mother was the eldest of 13 siblings) to attend and graduate from college. Michael has "wiz-dom" that is remarkably humorous and insightful in today's unique sales environment. After college, Michael Ham trained on Wall Street in 1988 with Smith Barney and built a Million Dollar book of business, while achieving honors, accolades and awards. He was the top new account opener his rookie year and worked the old fashioned way, by "earning" his way up to Executive Director with CIBC Oppenheimer.
His successful system is built around communication skills and simplicity in his marketing approach. The lion's share of his success was gleaned from making cold calls and learning how to use language via voice to disarm, charm and assuage his "audience of one."
Michael paints a flowing picture with visual images and relates how being "conscious" and in the moment when making a presentation; as if you're on a stage, prepare, perform and produce your product to your audience. He makes it simple. His stories of real life sales calls and experiences are hilarious and motivational. Following his instruction, you can't help but be amused, ready to rumble and not afraid to fail...
Michael ventured out after the World Trade terrorist attack and founded a successful business model for his independent practice. Almost ten years later his model is consistently profitable, viable and simple for others to follow. Layered in Michael's presentation are drills for skills in leadership, perseverance, memory retention and assertiveness learned from performing both athletically and musically on field and stage in his youth.
Learning how to "act" to attract is key to Michael's proven method of success. He has invested well over a Quarter of a Billion Dollars for his clients and has written over $150,000,000 in annuity premium in both fixed, variable and equity index annuities. Michael used life insurance as a tax free retirement plan for his own personal pension and has endorsed permanent life insurance for 20 years.
Like he was mentored by athletic coaches, music instructors, stage directors and a Fortune 500 CEO, Michael takes the practice of "paying it forward" to heart and to another level. He has trained and mentored hundreds of successful investment advisors and agents.
In addition to writing a monthly column for The Senior Market Advisor (a national magazine) Michael is also a published Author for the popular book, The Women's Investment Guide, a Member of MENSA since 1986, as well as the top producer at his broker dealer's firm the past two consecutive years.
Since his TV debut as a child, Michael has appeared on the Dallas, TX ABC, CBS and FOX television affiliates. He has been praised for his financial educational work by The Dallas Morning News and was the business reporter for KEWS, (the CNN Dallas radio affiliate.).
Michael's work earned the endorsement of celebrity William Shatner and he received the Keeping America Strong Award, presented by Navy Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney. Using his prospecting system for fund raising efforts, Michael earned the Platinum Award presented by the American Cancer Society and was named as one of Texas Monthly Magazine's Five star Wealth Managers in 2009 and 2010. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Getting people and teams to work together in collaborative ways are truly a gift Michael possesses and passes on to his audience freelyThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | www.mymoneytrack.com
