Merry Christmas...Tax Cuts!

Déjà Vu

If I didn't know any better, I would think we only hire idiots to serve in Congress...and I have the highest respect for those willing to serve, after being elected as an Oklahoma Representative to the White House Conference on Small Business.

Writing legislation that a committee - from New Jersey, to San Francisco, to the Midwest - can agree on is no easy task! But with 4000 Top Issues effecting Small Business Owners that was narrowed down to 60, legislation was written, debated, voted on, and submitted to the President to submit to Congress in 4 days, I have little sympathy. Ya heard me right? 4 Days.

Does one Really have to wonder why the American people want successful Business Owners to run for office? I dont think so.

Here goes the Diva being outraged!

* Referring/Calling the "Tax extensions" "Tax Cuts", is absurd.

* Pretending we haven't known for 10 years this was coming up for renewal, is absurd!

* Just because Congress doesn't choose to plan a proper budget or plan for their tax responsibility doesn't mean Americans don't. But we do deserve more than a day or week to do it. Absolutely absurd!

* And for those who want to argue the "Rich", all of you earning over $250,000 per year (believe me, I know a small business owner earning $250,000 isn't rich; poor Congress doesn't even know how a business is managed successfully) can really send in any amount over and above their tax responsibility and have always had that opportunity. A recent quote from Mr. Warren Buffet, "I think that people at the high end - people like myself - should be paying a lot more in taxes...." Nobody's stopping you. Absurd.

Just like during the financial crisis in 2008, Congress didn't act until it was too late for millions of Americans....retroactive...seriously?!

Gold vs. Stocks

To Buy Gold or Stocks, That Is the Question... I Choose Stocks.

If you want to ensure the most money when selling your gold make sure to ask the following questions: "Are you a licensed dealer for gold"? "Have your scales been tested and approved"? "What are you paying for gold"?

Want Warren Buffett's opinion on Gold? Click Here: Forget Gold!

To make sure buyers/sellers are licensed, visit your state's website under consumer credit and look to see for yourself!

Consumer Credit-Oklahoma

Watch as I Discuss Saving a Buck

The Financial Diva seen on NewsChannel 4 this morning.

Click the link below to watch Meg Alexander's segment and Victoria on "Saving a Buck: New Baby Blunders."

Saving A Buck

Should I Die This Year?

2010 Tax Conundrum

Are you confused about all the chatter regarding 2010 Tax Planning? Do you know how to plan for the likelihood of the tax laws changing?

If you're not, you should be.

For example; if you really love your children, schedule your death on December 31st. That's right, this would be the most emotionally considerate and most efficient for Tax planning purposes for your children. Thanks to the Economic Growth and Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2001, for this one year only you would pay zero estate tax! Which will expire January 1, 2011.

All the chatter about will or won't Congress extend/modify the 2001 Act for Long term, Short term capital gains, AMT tax, etc. is exhausting. In my conversations with numerous CPA's, Economists, Strategists, etc., no two Financial Gurus can agree.

So what is a person to do?

Best course of action is, as always, have a Plan. If you haven't heard from your CPA, be proactive, contact them for their recommendation for Plan A (Congress extends the Tax cuts) and Plan B (if Congress doesn't). This way you will not be blindsided come April 2011.

For me; I will be attending an exciting Tax Forum to learn anything new I may pass along and continue to keep my eye on Congress to see which way the winds will blow.

Happy Tax Planning!!

Money Does Matter!

My good friend, Cyndi Cleary, wrote an article the other day of why "Money Matters". In my opinion, it is a "must read". She is the Property Manager and Commercial Leasing Banker for Waterford Properties. Also, she is the 2010 chairman for the Commercial Real Estate Alliance for OKC Metropolitan Association of Realtor's.

Money Matters
By: Cyndi Cleary

"Money Matters" they can make your life a living hell or we can take "Money and Make it Matter". We can take a positive approach, by turning situations around, make it into something good and finding ways to make money heal.

Today the media is constantly bombarding us with negativity about the Economy, Health Care, Terrorism, War, this and that of which many fears are based upon Money and the lack thereof.

We need to Detoxify our minds, try turning off the TV, setting aside the papers and periodicals and look with a different perspective on how Money can Matter, in a positive light.

We need to feed our minds with books and programs that help build our minds and spirit. At the OKMAR Management Conference I received a copy of the book "ReThink your Life". We can learn to live a quality life and make the most of our precious time here on Earth. We as individuals can make a difference.

When we take care of ourselves, we make a positive effect in our community and in the World. In these times and days, that truly is a refreshing blessing to ourselves and for others to behold.

A dear friend of mine Victoria Woods, who has appeared on local and National Television, she is also known as the "Financial Diva" and the author of the book, "It's all about the Money Honey". She has laid out some very simple specific steps to financial freedom. Get out of debt, cash is king. Make a budget, have a plan and stick to it. Give to others, by way of tithes or gifts. Pay yourself automatic payments, it makes savings easier. Keep balanced; diversify your assets by not putting all your eggs in one basket. Do your best to save 24 months of expenses, as a safety net, in the case of challenging times. "Consistency will always outperform occasional brilliance."

Don't ask advice from broke people, mentally financially, or spiritually, or anyone who does not have what you want. Surround yourself with good advisors and people who have what you want in life.

Money is not evil. Money is not only good, but very good. Lead a balanced life; satisfy your peace of mind, harmony, love, joy, and perfect health. Have a desire to express your talents and be joyful in contributing to the welfare and success of others. Envy and jealousy are a stumbling block to the flow of wealth; therefore rejoice in the prosperity of others.

Decide to be wealthy by using your mind in accumulating wealth, for the sweat of your brow and hard labor is one way to become the richest man in the grave.

Don't make money your aim. Claim wealth, happiness, peace, true expression and love and personally radiate love and good will to all.

Wealth is not simply a "Matter of Money"; it's about a way of life. The more you give the more abundance flows back to you. Circulating it freely in your life, you are economically healthy, like the tide and flow. When the tide goes out, you are absolutely certain it will return.

You are destined for greatness. With perseverance you can make a difference in the world. The wealthier you are, the more people you can help, as well as help solve problems.

Isn't it a striking coincidence that "American" ends with "I Can"? Make a difference in your personal life, career, and community by making "Money Matter".

Cyndi Cleary RPA., ARM.
Property Manager & Commercial Leasing Broker
Waterford Propertiess

Seriously? $2 Million Dollars?

The Myths...

TARP vs. Stimulus

Our Economy unquestionably needs Stimulus, and lots of it. But, have you looked far into the details of the proposed "financial rescue plan" (known as TARP)? It may matter more than you think.

What are a few of the Public perceptions that you may have? Here are a few of the Myths...

1.) TARP & Stimulus? -Same thing.
- MYTH! "The Troubled Asset Relief Program" was an $800 billion lending program to stop a run on banks, which is due back to the lender; that would be You!

2.) The Stimulus, can't Stimulate!!
-MYTH! Stimulus is designed to introduce money that will be spent abruptly; roads, highways, bridges, etc; thus keeping employment from declining further. We then wait for consumers to be ready to start spending again! Keep in mind, this is only a temporary gap-filler, NOT a permanent fix. Problem is it isn't working so well due to the polarization of Business Owners reluctant to add employees.

3.) Tax cuts for wealthy people stimulate spending! (First you might want to define wealthy; would we be talking Celebrities, Professional Athletes or Small Business owners? The job creators, taking all the risks, kinda like you and me?)
-MYTH! WSJ can call it a Myth, however, I know when I keep more of my money I don't waste it, I hire more people, buy more stuff; thus support other small business owners, tip more, buy more gifts, give more away...etc. People are simply more of who they are when they have more money...if they are naturally greedy that is what they will be more of, if they are generous they will be more generous!

4.) 66 Cents in value for every TARP dollar spent??
-MYTH! Elizabeth Warren is getting criticized regarding her admonishing of our Treasury Department. It would be horrifying to me if it were true...we are being paid back for a great deal of the TARP, but Stimulus is much worse. LA recently reported every job saved/created was at a cost of an estimated 2 Million. The rebuttal - only 7 Million has been spent...thus costing ONLY $128,444 per job! Don't you feel better? Well California, get to spending and creating those jobs for Americans. It would not take me long to create jobs if Americans gave me 11 Million.

If it weren't so frustrating you could laugh! But then that's coming from someone who literally hurts if Time, Money or Opportunity is wasted!

Great Opportunities!

In our Quarterly Client Advisory Board meeting we had a lengthy discussion regarding my position and philosophy on SMA (Separately Managed Accounts). These accounts are for Investors that have discretionary funds in a separate account for alternative investments, Individual stocks, etc. I shared the 3 recommendations over the last 18 months at the meeting. They have positive returns of +12.47%, +41.27% and +49.29%.

You may have heard the term "Alternative Investments" in the news recently and wonder "what the heck is that'? As usual, "it depends" on who you ask and what their definition is. So first and foremost; "what do you mean by Alternative Investments?"

At ChappelWood Financial Services (CFS) we define it as any investment that is anything other than traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, cash, property or insurance products.

At the top of this list is a Private Placement. During our last 22 years we have seen 1 or 2 every four or five years. We are now seeing 4 or 5 every couple of months. If you have ever wanted to be an Investor in a Movie, Web based Recreational Sports company, Products sold in Home Depot, Energy company, Physical Fitness products, Security Industry, etc now is the best opportunity. By the time I finish typing there will be another on my desk, in my email or by phone message. It should also be noted that one Board Member described the additional time, research and analysis as "a Lot of additional work!". I greatly appreciate his recognition because yes, it really, really is!

We can always discuss these opportunities in our next Quarterly Review and how appropriate they may or may not be for you. To discuss these opportunities before then simply call me at the office at 405 348-0909.

Hoping your summer continues to be filled with lasting memories!

- The Financial Diva