Friday, March 6, 2015
Four years later, even more things to think about.......
Four years ago I mentioned savings at 3% APR rate. Well, it's now ZERO and could go lower as some banks in the the EU are doing or threatening to do. That would be "Thank you Federal Reserve."
The rest of my points from four years ago are still valid, but I will add.....
Please for God's sake, be a critical thinker!
Question what you see, hear and read. Not everything is truth. When you have two conflicting stories, one is probably wrong, or both of them. Learn to ask (at least of yourself) "Is that really true?" Then set out to validate or invalidate the information based on your research. And don't forget to check within your own self. Common-sense and intuition are pretty good checks, unless you are drunk, of course.
So get your head out of the sand. Stop listening to FOX news or any main stream media for that matter, and use the internet while you still can. Just because the stock market is at all time highs, does not mean the world, or even the USA is in an "all is well" status.
At the very least, we've got some real certifiable dumb shits running the country and most of the world. I prefer to think that regular stupidity is the reason so many bad decisions are being made, especially in Congress, rather than deliberate self-serving ill-intent for the gain of a few at the expense of the most of us. We may never know. And for sure, the controlled media is not going to be a reliable source for truth. Propaganda, hasbara, lying-on-purpose, whatever you want to call it keeps us common folk all warm and fuzzy feeling and/or terrified of the terrifiers of the world, depending on the day.
But we all have a choice: be afraid, be very afraid OR go inside (yourself) and calm down and imagine the world at peace. Imagination is powerful. It is creative and capable of changing the world. Not all hope and change hype. For one thing, "Hope" is not a plan. Yes, it keeps us hoping that things can get better. But CHANGE comes when the people who are awake and conscious and questioning and challenging join their energies and become a collective power-house for change.
I don't mean taking matters into our own hands, as some may believe. The sun will shine again on this country and hopefully many others when there is critical mass of soulful positive energy that will over-power the intentions of those who would do us wrong. Intention is powerful. And it can be peaceful through its powerful and creative process.
It seems a lost cause when we see so many ill-intentioned politicians surrendered to corporate wealth, either for their own gain, or perhaps some element of personal fear. The few ill-intentioned, wealth-driven sock-puppets of the rich and infamous are causing great pain on a great many innocent human beings all around the planet. This WILL change, even when only a few well-intentioned, people-driven, thinking and caring individuals get our heads and hearts full of creative intention and go forth and make change!
We have to want to. We have to be awake to what is going on around us. ALL is NOT well. People are suffering - beaten and starving and dying - because someone else has determined that is a good thing - good for the oligarchs and tyrants - to make war and move the world's riches to the off-shore accounts of the war-makers until there is no more value to move.
Back to what I said above - go inside (yourself) and calm down and imagine the world at peace. Imagination is powerful. It is creative and capable of changing the world. If you are not awake, this will be utter nonsense to you. But if these words resonate, you may be awake or in the process of remembering and caring about who you are and the power that you have to co-create a world of peace and shared prosperity.
Peace, Light and Love!
Dave
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Retirement is not for Weenies!
I've enjoyed a full year now drawing my Social Security entitlement (paying into for 40+ years entitles me to it, by the way). But I do feel a bit guilty taking my money. After all, my Social Security income is part of the huge budget deficit and $14 trillion+ national debt, according to a rather wealthy group of politicians in Washington.
Even so, I look back over my past year and give it an A-. First of all, being home more with my honey has been really good, the best part even. Having more time with the grand-kids now that I'm not "too worned out" as my 4 year old grandson Robbie says when we suggest that he pick up his toys and other gear - tools, fans, computer parts, wires, etc. "But Gran.... I'm too worned out."
But that's not what downgrades my otherwise stellar AAA rated retirement. For one thing, I watch far too much daytime TV....... and evening TV - the news is all bad, Dr. Phil is hammering troubled families, Oprah quit her day job, but Ellen DeGeneres still makes me laugh! The weather has been the same for over a year now - too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet. Not much change that I can see, so watching the Weather Channel is useless most of the time.
I really like News Shows, except Fox News. The Fox team is just too funny and I can't take it. The other network talking heads are trying too hard to appear neutral and balanced. But I happen to know that they are spinning what works best for the big guys running everything from the top of their pyramid..... the one you see on the back of our slowly fading paper dollars. The big eyeball knows whats best for the US. So I try to just chuckle at Wolf and Ed and Bret and Brian and Anderson as they try to keep us informed of the official story, and keep the fear simmering.
Of course some of the official story does happen to be true. After all, we can can see from the video footage that the Libyan rebels are good fellows who will now settle down and let the US led NATO forces gently guide them into becoming a new democratic nation. We all know that Qaddafi was a stinker, but that's what worked for him for 40 years and kept things lined up right with the rest of the world until....... well, until he pissed off the wrong people and didn't line up right anymore I guess. We can only hope that Libya will indeed be free. Ah, but I digress.
Another thing..... this summer (2011) I was blessed with about eight (8) weeks in Sweden as a consultant. I love it there, but it was a strain on retirement for sure. But, considering that I am not actually in the wealthy class, the additional income was very nice to have going into the Fall of uncertainty. Okay, maybe it's not uncertain, just a bit edgy when you consider the lack of reason in government and financial leadership, big bank irresponsibility, and the general economic pain that is needlessly being inflicted on the middle - er, the lower class. There's really just two classes now. Actually, there is a marginal income difference between the very poor and the middle class, but then a steep jump to the quite well-off, many of which are in the government. The top 50 congressmen and women each have a net worth between 6 million and 290 million dollars.
Our view of global uncertainty depends on who we talk to or listen to.... media, books, people, etc. My banker says the world corporate economy is improving but the bank's hands are still tied when it comes to lending. But apparently consumers are more confident these days, except in housing, automotive, and a bunch of other things. Prices are jumping - especially in energy and food. But inflation is still low according to the government data guy sitting in the basement of the government GAO building across from the White House, running his adding/subtracting machine and matching his numbers with what the big eye on the pyramid wants to see.
But still, life is good in the Retired Lane. Health is good. Money hasn't dried up yet and we're all happy with the prospects of an even better future after the transition to a global system of Light-based love for all of humanity. No more wars. No more hatred. No more power and greed. Just enlightened awareness of who we really are in the Universe.... people of Light with a great tendency to kindness and concern for others well-being. This will take a bit of a shift in our thinking, our values, our spiritual energy, and our understanding of truth. Such a shift in consciousness and realignment of energies may cause some turbulence in the days ahead. May be a good time to fasten your seat-belts and not "move about the cabin" too much.
On that note.... stay tuned in to what's going on around you! Respond to concerns and challenges by looking within yourself. If your thinking or belief rings true, then keep going. Otherwise, adjust, and then keep going! Don't give in to fear when you see or hear scary things. Don't listen to the fear-mongers about how bad it is or is going to be. Focus on the Light, especially within you. And best of all, Light always does win, but not necessarily in our time-frame. Be patient in love and light my friends.
Even so, I look back over my past year and give it an A-. First of all, being home more with my honey has been really good, the best part even. Having more time with the grand-kids now that I'm not "too worned out" as my 4 year old grandson Robbie says when we suggest that he pick up his toys and other gear - tools, fans, computer parts, wires, etc. "But Gran.... I'm too worned out."
But that's not what downgrades my otherwise stellar AAA rated retirement. For one thing, I watch far too much daytime TV....... and evening TV - the news is all bad, Dr. Phil is hammering troubled families, Oprah quit her day job, but Ellen DeGeneres still makes me laugh! The weather has been the same for over a year now - too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet. Not much change that I can see, so watching the Weather Channel is useless most of the time.
I really like News Shows, except Fox News. The Fox team is just too funny and I can't take it. The other network talking heads are trying too hard to appear neutral and balanced. But I happen to know that they are spinning what works best for the big guys running everything from the top of their pyramid..... the one you see on the back of our slowly fading paper dollars. The big eyeball knows whats best for the US. So I try to just chuckle at Wolf and Ed and Bret and Brian and Anderson as they try to keep us informed of the official story, and keep the fear simmering.
Of course some of the official story does happen to be true. After all, we can can see from the video footage that the Libyan rebels are good fellows who will now settle down and let the US led NATO forces gently guide them into becoming a new democratic nation. We all know that Qaddafi was a stinker, but that's what worked for him for 40 years and kept things lined up right with the rest of the world until....... well, until he pissed off the wrong people and didn't line up right anymore I guess. We can only hope that Libya will indeed be free. Ah, but I digress.
Another thing..... this summer (2011) I was blessed with about eight (8) weeks in Sweden as a consultant. I love it there, but it was a strain on retirement for sure. But, considering that I am not actually in the wealthy class, the additional income was very nice to have going into the Fall of uncertainty. Okay, maybe it's not uncertain, just a bit edgy when you consider the lack of reason in government and financial leadership, big bank irresponsibility, and the general economic pain that is needlessly being inflicted on the middle - er, the lower class. There's really just two classes now. Actually, there is a marginal income difference between the very poor and the middle class, but then a steep jump to the quite well-off, many of which are in the government. The top 50 congressmen and women each have a net worth between 6 million and 290 million dollars.
Our view of global uncertainty depends on who we talk to or listen to.... media, books, people, etc. My banker says the world corporate economy is improving but the bank's hands are still tied when it comes to lending. But apparently consumers are more confident these days, except in housing, automotive, and a bunch of other things. Prices are jumping - especially in energy and food. But inflation is still low according to the government data guy sitting in the basement of the government GAO building across from the White House, running his adding/subtracting machine and matching his numbers with what the big eye on the pyramid wants to see.
But still, life is good in the Retired Lane. Health is good. Money hasn't dried up yet and we're all happy with the prospects of an even better future after the transition to a global system of Light-based love for all of humanity. No more wars. No more hatred. No more power and greed. Just enlightened awareness of who we really are in the Universe.... people of Light with a great tendency to kindness and concern for others well-being. This will take a bit of a shift in our thinking, our values, our spiritual energy, and our understanding of truth. Such a shift in consciousness and realignment of energies may cause some turbulence in the days ahead. May be a good time to fasten your seat-belts and not "move about the cabin" too much.
On that note.... stay tuned in to what's going on around you! Respond to concerns and challenges by looking within yourself. If your thinking or belief rings true, then keep going. Otherwise, adjust, and then keep going! Don't give in to fear when you see or hear scary things. Don't listen to the fear-mongers about how bad it is or is going to be. Focus on the Light, especially within you. And best of all, Light always does win, but not necessarily in our time-frame. Be patient in love and light my friends.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
There's more to life......
Decision-time........ 7/14/10
For about three years I have been thinking about retirement. Not consumed by the idea, mind you, but knowing that I was getting closer to the day! Of course, that meant several different things.... and lots of questions......
• What would I do if I wasn't working 60+ hours per week?
• Would my wife want me around all the time?
• Am I saving enough to be able to retire, ever?
• Will Social Security be available or out-of-business?
• How much income do I need in retirement?
• Will I need to work part-time?
• How will I afford Health Care?
Financial and timing concerns have always been staring me down, but as time marched on and I approached the early retirement age of 62, I marked my calendar on my birthday, "I could retire today!"
Between age 62 and 64, the economy tanked (2008-2009), and my retirement funds dropped, but only a fraction of the 50% stock market slide. I escaped with only a 10% drop because I'm no longer a financial risk-taker! Growth of money market funds and other low risk investments is only slightly better than zero, but that still holds true in plunging markets. At least historically.
Amazingly, I managed to hang-in there until age 64, and now I am making the early retirement decision, two years before my full retirement age (FRA) of 66. It came down to me personally saying no to the job pressure of doing more with less (but longer hours). And I'm not the only one in the world facing these pressures. I'm just one of the lucky ones who can walk away from it all. The corporate owners and shareholders continue to be duly compensated for their wise investment that has netted them millions. But hey, that's what businesses do, especially publicly held corporations. Companies are in business to make a fair profit. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that "fair" is never quite enough. On the other hand, I am grateful for the opportunities of the last 46 years and the many years of compensation and benefits! Thank you ex-employer for 22 years of that!
Anyway, my decision point was reached when 1) I realized that I was no longer key to the corporate agenda and success and 2) my spreadsheet showed that I probably have financial resources to make retirement work! Other factors that could affect your decision may come about due to a shift in your personal beliefs, declining energy level, health issues, or just because you need to move on and devote more time to living your life the way you want to! Happiness is what we make it.
More later on being retired, financial planning, social security challenges, and health care.
So far, so good………………. (8/13/10)
Well, it’s a done deal. Friday, August 6, 2010 was my last day as an employee. Bittersweet moments, as I leave behind some really good friends that must continue to suffer coming in to work every day! On the other hand, it’s all in how you look at it. Most of my years were good - I enjoyed working and feeling good about adding value to the company. Then, when you run out of value to add, it’s time to pull the trigger..... in a nice way of course..... not literally! Decision now made and the plan put in place, my first week of retirement has been great! A mix of relaxing, productive and satisfying. I won't start worrying about when the money will run out - Social Security or my 401K - until I've had some good time to just soak up the freedom I now have!
Really, the only "bad" thing about retirement is that you have to be old enough to retire - unless you have stashed away a big chunk of cash while you are still young. To do that you needed to be a corporate exec, politician, or surgeon - or not have 4 kids to raise! Since none of those things were true for me, I had to wait until I was old enough to start getting my 46 years’ worth of social security contributions back and build up a little bit of cash reserves in a 401K plan.
If I had been able to invest my FICA over the past 46 years into independent "safe" investments at just 5% annual compounded growth, I would have a whole lot more than I do now. BUT, would I have invested it? Privatizing SS may be good for some, but most workers would not invest their FICA voluntarily. Some couldn’t invest, but many just wouldn’t. I know this sounds like socialism, but let’s be honest….. socialism could work if we could find a way to sensibly balance greed and entitlement.
Some things to think about……………… (11-11-10)
Very simple advice – do a little planning for the future –
• for each $1/day you save, at 3% APR, you will have over $40,000 in 50 years. Trust me, 50 years goes by in a hurry! You will of course save more than $1/day as your income increases over the years.
• Live within your means – limited, if any, use of credit cards – they can kill you financially.
• Eat healthy – skip fast foods and eat whole foods as much as possible. Skip added sugar and artificial sweeteners – I know that pretty much just leaves water and beer for beverages!
• Exercise – stay active – at the least, try to walk 6000 steps/day.
• Practice voluntary socialism – take from your wealth and give to those with less. Start with love and let your heart be your guide.
Peace, Light and Love!
Dave
For about three years I have been thinking about retirement. Not consumed by the idea, mind you, but knowing that I was getting closer to the day! Of course, that meant several different things.... and lots of questions......
• What would I do if I wasn't working 60+ hours per week?
• Would my wife want me around all the time?
• Am I saving enough to be able to retire, ever?
• Will Social Security be available or out-of-business?
• How much income do I need in retirement?
• Will I need to work part-time?
• How will I afford Health Care?
Financial and timing concerns have always been staring me down, but as time marched on and I approached the early retirement age of 62, I marked my calendar on my birthday, "I could retire today!"
Between age 62 and 64, the economy tanked (2008-2009), and my retirement funds dropped, but only a fraction of the 50% stock market slide. I escaped with only a 10% drop because I'm no longer a financial risk-taker! Growth of money market funds and other low risk investments is only slightly better than zero, but that still holds true in plunging markets. At least historically.
Amazingly, I managed to hang-in there until age 64, and now I am making the early retirement decision, two years before my full retirement age (FRA) of 66. It came down to me personally saying no to the job pressure of doing more with less (but longer hours). And I'm not the only one in the world facing these pressures. I'm just one of the lucky ones who can walk away from it all. The corporate owners and shareholders continue to be duly compensated for their wise investment that has netted them millions. But hey, that's what businesses do, especially publicly held corporations. Companies are in business to make a fair profit. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that "fair" is never quite enough. On the other hand, I am grateful for the opportunities of the last 46 years and the many years of compensation and benefits! Thank you ex-employer for 22 years of that!
Anyway, my decision point was reached when 1) I realized that I was no longer key to the corporate agenda and success and 2) my spreadsheet showed that I probably have financial resources to make retirement work! Other factors that could affect your decision may come about due to a shift in your personal beliefs, declining energy level, health issues, or just because you need to move on and devote more time to living your life the way you want to! Happiness is what we make it.
More later on being retired, financial planning, social security challenges, and health care.
So far, so good………………. (8/13/10)
Well, it’s a done deal. Friday, August 6, 2010 was my last day as an employee. Bittersweet moments, as I leave behind some really good friends that must continue to suffer coming in to work every day! On the other hand, it’s all in how you look at it. Most of my years were good - I enjoyed working and feeling good about adding value to the company. Then, when you run out of value to add, it’s time to pull the trigger..... in a nice way of course..... not literally! Decision now made and the plan put in place, my first week of retirement has been great! A mix of relaxing, productive and satisfying. I won't start worrying about when the money will run out - Social Security or my 401K - until I've had some good time to just soak up the freedom I now have!
Really, the only "bad" thing about retirement is that you have to be old enough to retire - unless you have stashed away a big chunk of cash while you are still young. To do that you needed to be a corporate exec, politician, or surgeon - or not have 4 kids to raise! Since none of those things were true for me, I had to wait until I was old enough to start getting my 46 years’ worth of social security contributions back and build up a little bit of cash reserves in a 401K plan.
If I had been able to invest my FICA over the past 46 years into independent "safe" investments at just 5% annual compounded growth, I would have a whole lot more than I do now. BUT, would I have invested it? Privatizing SS may be good for some, but most workers would not invest their FICA voluntarily. Some couldn’t invest, but many just wouldn’t. I know this sounds like socialism, but let’s be honest….. socialism could work if we could find a way to sensibly balance greed and entitlement.
Some things to think about……………… (11-11-10)
Very simple advice – do a little planning for the future –
• for each $1/day you save, at 3% APR, you will have over $40,000 in 50 years. Trust me, 50 years goes by in a hurry! You will of course save more than $1/day as your income increases over the years.
• Live within your means – limited, if any, use of credit cards – they can kill you financially.
• Eat healthy – skip fast foods and eat whole foods as much as possible. Skip added sugar and artificial sweeteners – I know that pretty much just leaves water and beer for beverages!
• Exercise – stay active – at the least, try to walk 6000 steps/day.
• Practice voluntary socialism – take from your wealth and give to those with less. Start with love and let your heart be your guide.
Peace, Light and Love!
Dave
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