Retirement...America's Other Pastime

The 4^th of July has come and gone, the heat is up all across the nation, and no one returns phone calls…summer time is most definitely here.

“The Boys of Summer”, can teach us a lot about managing our finances, and no, I’m not talking about the Don Henley song. I’m talking about baseball, America’s pastime. Baseball is a game of skill. But it’s also one of strategy and fundamentals. The teams that make it to the World Series in October are those who practice and master the basics of the game in July.

Finishing the retirement game is the same. You have to practice the fundamentals early in order to win later.

Small Ball
Everyone loves hitting home runs. They’re exciting. But bunting with runners in scoring position can score a run just as effectively as a homer, and it’s a lot easier to do. Chase big returns when it’s prudent. But be sure to take advantage of multiple strategies and tools to put your portfolio in position to win. Remember, consistency will always outperform occasional brilliance

Bring in Your Closer

An ace pitcher can start off a game strong. And if he makes a mistake early in the game, there is time to recover. But in the late stages of the game, mistakes can no longer be tolerated. The Closer comes in with a fresh arm and laser focus to preserve a victory. Your financial life starts with someone that specializes in accumulation. But eventually, you need a specialist who can help you protect what you’ve got, find other ways to generate wealth, and minimize or eliminate mistakes.

Five-Tool Player

A well-rounded baseball player has running speed, arm strength, hits for average, hits for power, and is a good fielder. They are called a “five-tool player”. Your retirement plan’s five tools are an emergency fund, structured income, money for occasional major expenses, long-term growth, and a legacy plan.

 In baseball, if a team ends up with a bad record and misses the playoffs, fans usually say “There’s always next year.” When it comes to your retirement plan, your number of “next years” is very limited. Play to win today. Practice the fundamentals. Use the basics. When the time comes to hit a homerun, you’ll be ready.

Live Fabulously – Diva

www.FianncialDiva.com | www.ChappelWood.com

Your Tax Refund - Evidence of a Terrible Financial Decision

Here we are, with just a few weeks left until one of our nation’s most reviled, I mean revered, dates on the calendar. April 15. Tax Day. That day when you are reminded just when you think no one in your family cares about you, your dear old Uncle Sam is always interested in what you’re up to.

It’s also around this time that I hear from clients, listeners to my radio show, and just about anyone that pays taxes how happy they are to be getting a gigantic refund from the government. I can’t do anything but hang my head and think, “Where have I gone wrong?!”

You see friends, your refund does not represent some financial boon. It is not found money. It is money you have already earned, and it represents an interest free loan to the United States government. It also represents money that you could have invested or used for some other purpose.

I recently gave a presentation at a local company for an event celebrating National Women’s History Month. After the presentation, one attendee asked this question:

“My husband and I have more money withheld from my paycheck because we like to use it as a sort of savings account. We know we’ll get that money back in April to use for major purchases. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

Tax deferral is one of the greatest weapons we have in our financial arsenal, and guess who gave it to us? The government! I spend my every waking moment helping clients avoid, or at least delay, paying taxes. It’s not that I’m un-American or don’t want to pay my fair share. I just don’t want to pay any more than is necessary any sooner than is necessary. My advice to the sweet lady that asked the tax question was this – lower your tax withholding and invest the difference in your company’s 401(k) plan. The 401(K) offers tax deferral, and combined with compound interest over time can be quite powerful. I gave her an example of $1,000 from her paycheck.

  Bank                    401(k)

Earn                    1,000                   1,000
Taxes (28%)         -280                          0   
Save                       720                   1,000
Interest (6%)          43                         60
Taxes (28%)           -12                           0
Total Saved           751                   1,060

If you are paid $1,000, and have taxes withheld, you sacrifice $249. Over 30 years invested at 6% interest, that $249 would have been worth $19,685. Still feel like giving it away for free to the government? Conversely, if you invest the full $1,000 each year in the 401(k), in 30 years at 6% interest, your account total would be $79,058. 

 

Another added benefit of tax deferral to a retirement account is that if you make pre-tax contributions, you will lower your taxable income, which means your overall tax bill will be lower. That’s two tax benefits for the price of one! Tax deferred growth of your investment and immediate reduction of your tax bill. 

 

There’s probably not a lot you can do to reduce your tax bill for 2014 at this point. You do have until April 15 to contribute to your Traditional IRA or a Health Savings Account, which will give you deductions. But from here on out, I want you to learn this rule – large tax refunds represent a bad financial decision. Plan now to keep more money in your pocket and out of Uncle Sam’s.

 

Live Fabulously - Diva

When Is Zero a Great Investment Return? You Might Just Be Suprised!

I remember the date as if it were yesterday.

September 29, 2008. The Dow Jones index fell 777 points, the most in any single day in its history. It was the official beginning of what would become known as the Crash of 2008, and investors everywhere saw portfolios that took years to build blow away in the wind in a matter of weeks.

Less than 18 months earlier, the Dow Jones index had reached its highest level up to that point, 14,164. The economy was flying high and we felt great about the future.  “Let the Good Times Roll!”… but, do good times last forever? The worst recession in a generation set in for two years, but it seemed like a lifetime.

When I think back on that time, I recall two things:

·       Those that lost most of their retirement nest eggs failed to protect them.

·       I didn’t lose one client because mine were well diversified and included protection as well as growth in their portfolios.
 

When I ask potential clients “When is zero a great investment return?” it usually takes them a few seconds to think, but they eventually come up with the right answer – when it’s better than a negative return. Now how is this possible? Don’t all investments come with some risk of loss? All investments in the market do. But there is an option that protects your money from the market, can grow your money at a modest rate, earns no less than 0%, and never declines. This seemingly magic option is not magic at all. It’s called a fixed index annuity, and if protecting at least some portion of your money is something you care about, then it’s an option you should consider.

A fixed index annuity is not an investment in the market. It is an insurance vehicle whose performance is tied to, but not directly invested in, the performance of a market index like the S&P 500. You deposit a sum of money into an account for a certain period of time for an agreed upon rate of interest, and your money is guaranteed never to decrease. Annual interest on a fixed index annuity is tax deferred. Most fixed index annuities will earn you between 3% and 6%, depending on where you live and the type you choose, but can never earn less than 0%. You can add money to some indexed annuities depending on which you choose, so be sure to ask.  Some are Single Premium and will not allow additional deposits. When the term of years is up, you can pull out the money in a lump sum, convert it to a stream of lifetime payments, leave it to grow, or move it to a newer annuity that better suits the current environment and your life. Since you can name direct beneficiaries, an annuity is removed from your probate estate in the event of your death. But the most important thing to remember is this – no matter what happens, this money will always be there for you.

I want you to do a little exercise. Take a look at all your assets – cash, investments, real estate (other than the house you live in), and any other liquid assets you own. Now, of that money, how much would you absolutely, positively not want to lose if you knew the market would crash tomorrow? That is the amount of money I would advise you to protect with a fixed index annuity.

I am an economic realist. I know the market will eventually come down, and if you believe the predictions for this year, we are in a for a major market correction. If you saw a train coming a mile away, it could reverse, stop or keep going. Regardless, would you stay on the tracks or get off just to be safe? The market may go up, it may go down. But the only way to keep some of your money safe is to get it off the tracks.

Live Fabulously - Diva

Love is Blind, and That’s Not Always a Good Thing

As we come off the sugar high of that most romantic of holidays, Valentine's Day, I am reminded of all the events I've attended where loving couples have dressed their best. Gorgeous women with perfect hair and amazing dresses, and good looking men in perfectly coordinated suits, because the gorgeous woman with them said, "Here, you will wear this!"

As I watch the crowds mix and mingle, couples exchange kisses and glances. Events like this always put us in a mood of bliss and happiness. Love truly is blind, and this is especially true when it comes to money.

Now I’m not bashing relationships and love. After all, I’ve been happily married for nearly 30 wonderful years and just came back from a phenomenal trip to Australia that was an anniversary trip more than a decade in the planning. But consider this – there is no romance without finance! Study after study has shown that disagreements over money are among the most destructive in relationships. When the good looks and romance fade, that $50,000 in credit card debt will still be there to remind of you what a great time you once had.

So how can you tell if your significant other is a financial ticking time bomb? Here are a few signs I’ve picked up on after 25 years of counseling couples young and old.

They never want to talk about money.
Money is a taboo subject in our society, but it shouldn’t be in any marriage or long-term relationship.

They have significant credit card debt, and no discernible plan for getting rid of it.
If you get married, their debt becomes your debt.

They are always borrowing money from others, including you.
Trust me, they will probably never get around to paying them or you back.

They spend more time looking for work than going to work.
If your better half is constantly out of work, that’s either a sign they can’t commit to something, lack ambition, or both.

You catch them in lies.
Dishonesty in a relationship is never good, but dishonesty about money, in my opinion, is a form of infidelity.

They have no plan at all.
Plenty of people don’t have well-built, comprehensive plans for their finances. But someone with no clue about what they want is a disaster waiting to happen.

Relationships are certainly about more than money and I’ve seen couples with plenty of money and no financial troubles have fights that would curl your toes. But if you are in a relationship you think could end in marriage, remember this – marriage may be an institution, but being in a marriage saddled with financial problems will put you in an institution.

Live Fabulously – Diva

Shake Your Money Maker

www.chappelwood.com
www.financialdiva.com

Back in the 1970's, as an up and coming Financial Diva, it wasn't out of the ordinary to occasionally find myself in an establishment with adult refreshments and some great music you could dance to. Just imagine a disco ball and the soundtrack from Saturday Night Fever and that should provide you all the mental image you can handle. I had this friend who loved to say, "Let's shake our money makers tonight!" That always made me laugh, and that girl could dance.
Since those halcyon days of polyester and sequins, I've hung up my dancing shoes, but I'm still thinking about money makers.

The most valuable asset you will ever possess is your ability to generate an income. More valuable than your home, your car, or any high dollar toy. Consider the fact that most of us will work for 30 to 40 years. If you average $50,000 per year in salary, which is a pretty low average for a lot of you, that's $1.5 million to $2 million in potential lifetime earnings.

The Social Security Administration says that 1 in 4 Americans who are 20 years old have a chance of
becoming disabled by the age of 67. What happens if you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s when this happens and have many years to retirement? Once you exhaust your paid leave, how will you generate an income if you can't work? The answer is Disability Insurance.

Short-term Disability Insurance will protect you for six months or less, while long-term kicks in after the short-term period ends. It will not replace your entire income if you are unable to work, but rather a percentage - say 60% to 70%. Depending on the type of coverage you elect, your age, and your health, it can be extremely affordable compared to the alternative of having no income. There are a few things to consider when choosing a disability policy:

• Does your employer offer Disability Insurance as part of its employee benefits package? If not, an individual policy from your insurance company will work just fine.
• What types of disabilities does the policy cover? Total or Partial? Permanent or Temporary?
• Is coverage for Own Occupation or Any Occupation? Own Occupation is better for you since you only have to prove you can't perform the duties of your own job to receive benefits. Any Occupation is more restrictive as you have to prove you can't perform duties of any job to receive benefits.
• What percentage of your income will the policy replace and for how long?
• What is the elimination period? This is the period of time between when your disability starts and when the policy begins paying benefits. The longer you wait to receive benefits, the cheaper the coverage will be.

We all feel invincible when we're young and in good health But anything can, and does, happen. Part of managing your finances includes protecting yourself with insurance. There is no more important thing to protect than your money maker.
Live Fabulously - Diva

Thy Will Be Done

www.chappelwood.com
www.financialdiva.com

I'll tell you what I hate about death...it's so permanent! Once you're gone, you're gone. That's it. Kaput. No do overs.

But through the miracle of modern financial planning, there is a way you can still get your way even after you head off for that great fashion show in the sky. It’s called estate planning and it’s all the rage.

Now let me share a revelation I have come to learn after more than 25 years as a financial advisor.

100% of those reading this, and writing this, will die.

I know, it's shocking. Further, I have also come to learn that no amount of avoiding estate planning will avert death. I’ve found nothing will do that, though I did hear drinking a bottle of Dom Pérignon while binge-watching all six seasons of Sex and the City in one glorious weekend can add significant years to your life. But I digress.

Without a plan of your making, your estate will be subject to your state’s intestacy laws. If you elect to use this “wonderful” government sponsored estate plan, you do not get to choose who receives custody of your minor children. You have no say over who makes financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, including whether or not to continue life support. You lose the right to pass on your values with a legacy to charities you hold dear. Simply put, without an estate plan, you choose to allow the state and courts to determine what is best for you and your family. I’m not here to make any political statements, but I think we can all agree that any plan of your choosing will be better than one created for you by a bunch of legislators and judges for whom you may or may not have voted.

For an investment of a few hundred dollars or less, depending on your needs, you can have a Will created through a qualified attorney. In some states, it’s even legal to hand write your Will on a napkin, piece of paper, or anything you have handy, called a Holographic Will, though I would advise that you have a Will prepared by a licensed attorney and witnessed by others as appropriate.

Your Will tells the world how your assets are to be divided. But your estate plan also needs to include a Durable Medical Power of Attorney, naming who makes medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t. An Advance Directive, or Living Will, tells your family and doctors how you want life support decisions handled if there is no chance you will recover. This is especially important in making sure loved ones are not faced with the difficult choice of letting you live or die.

You work hard for your money and your family. You may not get to take them with you, but you darn sure can exercise your right to decide what happens to and for them when you shuffle off this mortal coil.


Live Fabulously – Diva

It's a New Year. Time to Sober Up From That Holiday Hangover!

The holidays are over. The relatives have all gone home. The decorations are packed neatly in their tubs or boxes and wait in the attic for another year. But sometimes, it’s so hard to let go isn’t it? You can still hear the Christmas carols in your head, the aromas of cinnamon potpourri may still hang heavy in the house, and all your favorite stores are welcoming you back to take advantage of the post-Christmas sales. This is called the Holiday Hangover.

But something else is about to happen that will shock you back into reality. Soon, you will receive a piece of mail that will remind you of the great time you just had, but that won’t be any fun. It’s your credit card bill, and if you are like 14 million other Americans, you’re still paying off your Christmas bills from last year!

How can you make sure that Christmas 2015 will be merry and bright for your bank account? Take the Diva’s advice:

1.     Make a plan to pay off your credit cards ASAP!

Plain and simple, you can’t build wealth and peace of mind with debt crushing you. Don’t let that $20 sugar cookie candle you bought for your hairdresser be a 12-month loan. It’s $20! Pay it off.

2.     Set a budget now and stick to it.

This really goes for your entire household, but if budgeting seems scary or intimidating, then start small. Build a Christmas budget and don’t go over it.

3.     Open your Christmas Club savings account this month!

Most financial institutions offer some variation of this idea. Take that budget you just made, divide it by 12, and set aside a little money each month to go to a designated account for your Christmas giving this year. Paying with cash avoids needing credit all together.

Christmas is 12 months away. It comes the same time each year, which makes it easy to anticipate and plan for. Save yourself stress, time, and money later by saving a little now.

 Live Fabulously – Diva

Women Will Inherit the Earth, and All the Money

In the hit 1993 film Jurassic Park, acclaimed mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm quips, “God creates dinosaurs, God destroys dinosaurs, God creates man, man destroys God, man creates dinosaurs.” His fellow scientist, Dr. Ellie Sattler famously replies, “Dinosaurs eat man, woman inherits the earth.”

Ok, I’ll admit that gives me just a little smile. I mean, wouldn’t it be just like a group of well-meaning, lovable guys who can think of no better way to use their collective talents than to spend years of research and hard work to recreate a bunch of dinosaurs, who promptly turn around and eat them. I mean, if they really wanted to impress us women, they could just unload the dishwasher once every couple months.

Ladies, while I’m fairly certain that the men we love so dearly won’t disappear as dino-snacks, I’m also fairly certain that most of them are going to die before most of us. Don’t believe me? According to an October 2014 report from the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy of an American female is 81 years, compared to 76 years for a male. The reasons range from the fact that men usually take more daredevil risks to the fact that women are more proactive in caring for their health.

Whatever the reasons, if you’re a woman married to a man, the odds are you will outlive him. This means you will end up with all the assets and need to have knowledge and command of your financial plan.

You need to know how much cash you have and where it’s located. You need to know what retirement accounts you have, their balances, when you can start taking distributions, and their tax implications. You need to know where important documents like life insurance policies are. You and your husband need to have an estate plan with wills that detail the distribution of assets and guardianship for minor children. You also need to make sure you have advance directives and medical powers of attorney in place should either of you become incapacitated and need someone to make decisions on your behalf.

Thinking about losing someone we love is not a pleasant thought, but not thinking about it or planning for it won’t keep it from happening. Having your financial affairs in order will make it easier to grieve the one you’ve lost and be strong for others in your family.

 

 Be Fabulous – Diva

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

Shivaun Palmer interviews Victoria Woods on Women's Broadcast Network!

Are you tired of watching your money disappear?


Watch and listen as The Financial Diva discusses telling your $Money "what to do" and ways to make informed judgments about the use, and management of your money.


Click the link below to check it out!

Women's Broadcast Network
(The life-lifting News Program for Women)

Is it time for you to get out your oars and Row?

You may have heard, over the years, the term "Sailing & Rowing". It goes a little like this; when the market is on the rise, the waters are smooth, the winds are brisk, and you can cast your boat sails, sit back and glide along with the tide. But when the market is volatile, the tide is turbulent you may have to get out your oars and row.

We would rather be Sailing than Rowing, but as we have recently experienced, the market is ever-changing, and sometimes we "must" get our oars out and row.

ChappelWood Financial is providing this interactive video with five simple questions that may help you determine your financial future. Just click the link below to view the Sailing & Rowing Interactive video;

Click this link!

Good News

Happy Birthday America!!

Consumer Confidence Market Volatility

Today I was at a wonderful party and the conversation is always the same these days; economy, media and Administration. One very seasoned successful business owner I have known for almost 20 years shared with me what he encourages his employees to do; "turn off the news and don't read the newspapers! We are sustaining our business. We don't want you to buy into talking ourselves into a never ending recession". He is a very smart employer.

Are there any positives? Will you ever hear any of them? Probably not. Here are just a couple to give you the idea of what we know:

* Economic activity advanced in 47 of the 50 states in May and over the past three months, according to the Philly Fed and 19 states registered positive growth over the last 12 months
* Half of the ten individual indicators made positive contributions in May, led by the interest rate spread and real money supply
* The national index rose 0.5% in May, the most since March 2000. It has risen 1.3% over the past three months, the most in six years, and equivalent to a 5.3% annualized rate of real GDP growth

We can not deny the seriousness of our current economic circumstances. However, we must analyze and evaluate the world as it is, how it is changing and make the best decisions accordingly, understanding the very fragile volatile environment we find ourselves in. Of course we expect this even when the Dow soared to 11,500. My comments to the media from August of 2009, "if we end 2009 at 10,000 we should fall on our knees and give thanks".

Many investors with "new monies" are considering investments they have considered inappropriate for their Risk Tolerance in the past, such as Preservation Strategies, Annuities and Private Investments. It is having all asset allocations, a mix of varying strategies, guarantee of principal and added alternative investments, nothing in correlation.

Over the years there have been private investment opportunities come my way and I have shared with select clients with cash looking for these opportunities, which don't come along that often; a few every 5 years. In the last several months I have had more of these Investment opportunities than in the last 10 years. This is a clear indication Banks are still not lending as in the past. They clearly still want to take very little if no risk at all which is not exactly the Entrepreneurial American Spirit! Opportunities could be provided by looking closely at some of these opportunities, and I will be sharing them with those of you with additional liquidity at hand.

Happy Independence Day!

Financial Diva - "Boosting Your Salary"

Did you miss the Diva's segment with Chellie Mills on KFOR Tuesday evening?

Well, here's your chance to catch up
on what the Diva had to say on ways to Boost Your Salary...just click the below link!

4 Ways to Boost Your Salary

What the 2010 State Repeal Means

The Federal Estate Tax Has Been Repealed For 2010, But It Is Scheduled To Return In 2011 With An Exemption Of $1,000,000.

As of January 1, 2010, the Federal Estate Tax has been repealed! That's the good news. The bad news is that if Congress does not change the law, the exemption will be one million dollars beginning January 1, 2011.

The highest estate tax rate is also scheduled to increase to 55%. There have been attempts to pass legislation to prevent this, but all have failed. This means if your net estate were $2,000,000, the estate tax owed would approach $500,000.

This is not a time to panic, but it is a time for a close Trust review in 2010. Remember, your estate includes all of your assets and the proceeds from any life insurance policy you control.

Source: Michael Clark, Vaughn, Winton & Clark