Most interesting to me was a chart that showed current Gold, Silver, Platinum, etc. prices today (at record highs) and then compare them to “inflation adjusted” 1980 prices.

What the chart leads you to believe is that when you take inflation into consideration, precious metals may still have significantly more upside potential, especially if you believe that the current economic environment is similar to the environment in 1980.

I’m extremely intrigued by precious metals…and rare coins for that matter.  I’ve written quite extensively about Silver Investing as you may know, and have recently invested a significant amount of money into Natural Gas when it was around $3 a MCF.

Anywho…please pipe in on Gold, your opinions do matter to me…as in the case of Natural Gas, your feedback helps direct my actions.  That is what this blog is all about!

And BTW, I still have not decided on a vehicle.  I’m leaning towards the Ford Taurus, but am waiting until they are available with about $2500 in rebates that I can take advantage of.  They currently DO offer $2500 in rebates, but you can only get access to $1500 of those dollars if you have a competitors lease.  Unfortunatly, I own competitior vehicles, but OWN them, don’t lease them at this time.  I will keep you posted.

This word is all my little brain could register when I pulled up my retirement account at Firstrade today.

I’ve been a licensed securities broker for almost 9 years now, and I NEVER saw this coming. 

Buy and Hold index fund investing is officially a TRAIN WRECK if you started in about the last 12 years or so.  I’M REALLY GLAD for all those variable annuities that I sold between 2003 and 2007…as most of them had GUARANTEES attached to them that may end up being EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO HAVE!

I HAVE NO ANSWER to my title question, and no one else does either.  As a student of history and economics, I know this type of market meltdown has happened before, but the variables are so different now.  And don’t turn on CNBC, because that will just give you a headache.  They will have “experts” on their shows back to back who will completely contradict each other.  Both, probably very smart people, are understanding our current economic realities in TOTALLY different ways.  BRIGHT SPOT THOUGH…MOST EVERYONE SEEMS TO BELIEVE IN THE LONG TERM SUCCESS OF CAPITALISM AND OF THE UNITED STATES!

I’ve posted several times regarding the auto industry here in Michigan.  Since then, we have seen GM and Chrysler receive some federal money to try to keep them afloat. 

Ford Motor Company appeared to shy away from federal dollars and put up a good front that they had everything under control…we don’t need any bailout money. 

Based on this, I’ve had friends invest significant dollars into Ford Stock.  They believe that by Ford not taking any federal money, they are proving that their company is in good shape and on a smooth path for future profitability.  I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE!  Here is why…

I believe that Ford has taken a “calculated risk” in deciding to put their best foot forward to the general auto buying public.  Ford is trying to convince us that they are operating “business as usual”…”no need to worry here”…”Come buy cars from us, we will be around to honor warranties!”  I DON’T BUY IT.  The public records that make their income statement and balance sheet open to observation lead me to believe that Ford is in a world of hurt, just like the other guys. 

My point is to look hard and do your own research before investing into individual companies.  The last 6 months have proved that his can be risky business!

1. Go on a Diet! This is a great tip for your physical health and well being, but it is also a great tip for fattening up your pocketbook and not your gut.  The average American spends over $1500 per year eating out.  By cutting this in half and eating healthy stuff that is probably already in your pantry, you can save money and calories!
2. Go on a Budget!  This seems oversimplified and common sense BECAUSE IT IS!  Everyone knows they should track their spending, but few of us actually make a budget and stick to it.  Make 2009 your year to actually do it.  Sarah and I did it for all of 2008, and we cut our spending by almost $30,000 when compared with our 2007 spending.  We are looking to trim the fat even more in our 2009 budget!
3. Carpool or Ride Your Bike!  With gas prices at 4 year lows, it would be easy for me to take the H2 out of storage and drive it all over God’s green earth.  No Way.  I’m looking to keep the fuel costs down as much as possible in 2009, and lower my carbon footprint in the process!
4. Read More!  Knowledge in power, so if you don’t read, your knowledge base is growing at a slower pace than it should be.  There is tons of great information out there to help you spend and save wisely, but you must invest the time to get the knowledge!
5. Increase Your 401K Contributions!  If you have more than 10 years until retirement, this is a must.  I am bullish on the world economy over the long term.  We will have our ups and downs, but I believe we will continue to grow and innovate.  Don’t stop investing now because of fear, stay the course!  If your retiring soon, or are a nervous investor, talk to an expert.  Advice is always worth what you pay for it!
6. Start A Business!  Technology and the Internet has made it SO EASY to start your own Home Business, and be successful at it!  Turn your hobbies into cash flow.  If you like knitting, sell your stuff on ebay.  If you collect things, learn how to buy, sell, and trade them for a profit.  Use your imagination, it is easier than you think.  This will be extra work, for sure, but it beats wasting time in from of the TV every day!
7. Pinch Pennies!  I suggest that in January of each year you revisit every bill that you pay on a monthly basis.  I promise you can find savings very quickly and easily.  Maybe scale back your cable bill, renegotiate your auto and homeowners insurance, use Blockbuster Online instead of driving to the video store every weekend, make your home more energy efficient, find a better rate for any credit card balances you are carrying.  These actions and many more will pay off BIG in 2009
8. Unclutter You House! Get rid of everything that you don’t at least use once a month.  Sell it on Craigslist or E-bay.  Then make an inventory of all your important possessions and make sure you are properly insured via a homeowners or renters policy.  Make sure you are not overpaying for stuff you no longer own!
9. Start a Blog!  Blogging is a great way to get your thoughts organized and keep you motivated to make the changes that you need to make.  It is fun and easy to do! 
10. Work Harder!  Times are tough and many great people are losing their jobs.  My suggestion to you is to work that much harder at whatever it is you do to bring home the bacon.  Become the “we cannot lose, period” employee at your job.  This is often thankless extra effort, but it is worth it in the long run.  I believe great effort is always richly rewarded over the long haul!

Blessings on all your endeavors for 2009.  Let’s make this a year to be smart and move the ball down the field as far as we possibly can!

I’m privileged in my career to meet some highly successful people.  The common theme of these seemingly ordinary people is their unyielding commitment to their personal dream…whatever that may be. 

I’ve been talking to my young daughters lately about the power of dreaming big in life.  I feel strongly that every day is a gift and we are CRAZY if we don’t do our best to try to live out our dreams on a daily basis.  I have business dreams…so I pursue them!  I have family dreams…so I invest heavily in my family.  I have spiritual goals…so I try to keep my life centered as best as I can. 

I say all this because life is short, and I’m amazed at how quickly the past 29 years have flown by.  I count it a blessing that every day I wake up in pursuit of big dreams.  And when you ask me how I’m doing and I tell you that I’m “Livin on a dream!” I REALLY MEAN IT!  Those of you who have seen the way my little girls love me know that it is true!

Amen…goodnight!

Zecco offers up to 10 COMMISSION FREE trades per month. 

He found the system to be user friendly for the most part.  The trading screen was easy to use and the execution was fast and within a penny of the Free Real Time Quotes. 

Overall he gives the Zecco platform a 9 out of 10.  It is hard to beat free trades with no account minimums.

I would love other user feedback regarding Zecco.com as I personally have not yet switched from my online discount broker.