Is The Sky Falling

Sky Is Falling by Christian Mcleod

"If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there and worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the loss of sleep." -Dale Carnegie

Things are tough out there are possibly getting worse. As American taxpayers, we are now part owners of million dollar homes, shopping malls, investment firms and we are also in the insurance business. All of this is due to the recent government bailout of many firms, all in the name of saving the American economy.

I understand that I am getting a bit judgemental about things here. I am just a frustrated taxpayer like many others. I could write and complain for many paragraphs, yet it wouldn't accomplish much other then making me feel slightly better.

What I can do is offer some tips that I collected to help you possibly ride through this cyclical thing we call the economy.

No. 1: Do not panic. The sky is not falling and yes, there will be people that get hit hard as many have already. But to panic will not do you any good. Sit back, stay calm and start thinking of ways to find your way to the other side of this.

No. 2: Prepare for adversity. We don't say this enough, early enough to our kids and to ourselves, save, save, save. By establishing emergency savings and preparing for these times will soften the blow. Now that we are in a downturn doesn't mean to stop saving, keep saving if even in smaller increments.

No. 3: Tighten your spending. Go over your personal spending with a fine-toothed comb and look for areas to cut back, such as dining out and entertainment. Put big-ticket purchases on hold. Downscale or delay vacation plans. Look for bargains and shop for the best deals.

Even though the economy rides on the shoulders of consumer spending, people must contain their expenditures during a slowdown. Otherwise they are at risk for personal financial crisis, experts said. "Overall, more consumer spending is obviously a boost to the economy, but at the individual household level, more spending may not be the prescription for your financial ills."

No. 4: Proceed with caution. You need to continue to spend and invest, but be more cautious, especially if you fear that your job or your company may be at risk. Life requires living and to live we do need to spend some amount of money. But evaluate your your job or industry. If either seem tenuous, you should be more conservative about your spending until the economy strengthens.

No. 5: Plastic Diet. The credit-card rates continue to soar reaching into the 20 percent range. Cut down usage or pay it off; it's like earning double-digit returns on your money by cutting out credit card debt. Easier said then done, families in shaky financial condition or uncertain employment may have to make a difficult choice. If your earning are steady and secure, then continue to whittle away at the credit-card debt. For those people with unstable incomes or a chance of being laid off, it's better to beef up emergency savings. Just know that those interest charges will build, so curtail credit-card spending to limit the growth of those credit charges.

No. 6: Manage your credit smartly. Check your credit report routinely and keep your credit score high so you can get favorable interest rates if you need to obtain financing. Pay bills on time, even if it is just the minimum required. Don't open a lot of new credit-card accounts. Don't respond to repeated "special offers" for credit cards in the mail or online. Resist the temptation to get discounts at retailers by opening an in-store account.

No. 7: Think fuel efficiency. Consider buying a more fuel-efficient car. Just remember, though, that spending on gasoline is a small part of the budget for most people, about 5 percent, and trimming your gas mileage likely won't make a huge difference in your budget's bottom line. If you take on a higher auto payment, you might even end up with less discretionary income at the end of the month.

So there it is, seven tips and by reading, I am positive you will find more great advice out there. I'm no financial expert, but want to ensure each of you have an idea of what can be done. Keep your focus, keep your attitude, keep your sanity and you will get through this.

Many have before us; Wall Street Collapse of 1929, the "dot-com" bust of the late 1990's and many others have shown that by staying calm and sensible, you will survive. I fully understand it doesn't seem that way when you are going through it. I was first married in 1980, with a child and the highest interest rates our economy had ever seen. I had thoughts that we would never make it through, but we did...so will you.

So those seven tips...the number seven that I've written about before. Take a few minutes, possibly seven, reflect and consider what you do have. It might be the most important seven minutes of your day.

Pancreatic Cancer - Raising Awareness

"You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it." - Albert Schweitzer


Today I'm making an appeal for donations to an effort to fight cancer. Many of you only know me through my writings and book. But please know that your personal decision to participate or not is fully respected...so thank you for reading on.

My intent as with anyone else is to go those last steps to not only help my own mother, but to maybe give hope to others. Back in March of 2008 my mother, Rose was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She was already stage three at that time with not a very good prognosis, so much that we never expected her to make it to Mothers Day in May.

Here we are in September and she is still fighting and surviving. We know the inevitability and most of the fight is to maintain and make life as enjoyable as we can. But all of this would not be possible without research dollars and new treatments that are being developed.

In trying to help raise more research dollars, my wife Laura and I are participating in an event for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This is a 5K Run/Walk type of event and to find out more and to make a donation, you can click on the link below. We are also putting together a team of walkers/runners for those that are local to Atlanta and would like to get out and participate.

If you are not aware, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a non-profit organization working to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization funds research grants, provides information and resources to patients and their families at no cost, pushes for increased federal research funding and educates the public about this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it receives less funding per patient than other leading cancer killers. Your support helps the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fulfill its mission and provides hope to the over 37,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and nearly 35,000 will also die from pancreatic cancer this year.

Please visit my personal page to learn more. Thank you for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in our efforts to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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Security

"The ultimate security is your understanding of reality." -H. Stanley Judd

With all of the technology that exists in this world, it has become a bit easier for those that wish to do us harm. There will be those that wish to take from us our money, the base reason that identify theft exists. It isn't about becoming you because they like your name or your life. It is the money that they want to extract from your life before moving on to their next victim.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that identity theft happens to nearly 10 million U.S. consumers annually. Nearly 4.6% of us report each year having been a victim of this crime. This happens either by new credit cards being opened under your name or thieves gaining access to existing accounts.

So how can you protect yourself? In a recent State Farm mailing, they reported that many experts agree the following tips will help you guard against identify theft.

- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, public trash cans or unattended gasoline pumps.
- Shred pre-approved credit card offers before discarding them.
- When making an ATM transaction, block the screen and keyboard with your body.
- Memorize your Social Security number and all of your passwords. Do not record them on any cards or on items in your purse or wallet.
- When writing a check for a credit card payment, do not write the entire account number on the check. Instead, use just the last four numbers.
- Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
- If your credit cards are stolen, immediately call the three credit bureaus (listed below) and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your name and Social Security number.

Equifax: 800-685-1111
Experian: 800-682-7654
Trans Union: 800-916-8800

- If your credit or bank cards are stolen or you believe they have been tampered with, contact your financial institution immediately (so know their number).
- Immediately file a police report in the jurisdiction where your credit and bank cards were stolen. Request a copy of the report in case you later need proof of the crime for your credit card company.

Technology is here and there are people out there that will try to use it to harm you. Just embrace the technology and learn how to protect yourself. Use technology to your advantage.

Celebrating Labor Day; Celebrating Life

"If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend." -Doug Larson

We just completed a three day weekend, which is an end to the summer holiday season here in the United States. Jerry Lewis and his 43rd Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon raised $65 million dollars. A hurricane, Gustav made land fall just west of New Orleans along the United States Gulf Coast region.

So many people out travelling, visiting friends, attending weddings; a full three days for everyone. We move on now to fall activities with eager anticipation of Thanksgiving in November and of course the Christmas and New Years holidays.

The holidays come and go, but keeping in touch with those around you is very important. Family and friends can lift you higher then anything else. I have high spirits as my mother passed the six month mark of being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She is an inspiration to all of us and I can only hope that she celebrates so many more milestones.

As we celebrate the holiday, let us also celebrate life. Congratulations Mom and congratulations to everyone, we each deserve the kind thought.