Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Depression and Recession...How does it shape Financial thought
In a recent article in the March 8th 2009 Week in Review article titled Generation OMG, the parallels of the effects of the Great depression and our now Great Recession show some surprising things. If you are not aware of this, in the 1930's, the United States was in what is called a Protectionist state. What this means is, as a country we kept to ourselves and wanted less to do with the world. This had a profound effect on the children growing up at that time. It kept them simple, unimaginative. According to the article, many of them were not adventurous and were not inclined to start businesses etc.
When you look at this recession we are in today, the fear is that this mentality and thinking has a good chance to repeat. This is not good to look forward to. As the article puts it, The Depression "...created the risk-averse generation." "In job interviews, the first thing Depression babies asked potential employers about what was the pension plan". In my opinion, many of us are STILL stuck in thought process as a result of our education. This generation "produced more than a dozen White House chiefs of Staff, but not a single president". So the recession today is creating this same bubble of protectionist attitudes for our children. Keeping to ourselves and thinking we dont have to worry about the world and what happens in it is a VERY dangerous thought in this interconnected society. The time to consider and take hold of this trend is now!
The entitlement attitude in todays society is very apparent. Our dependence upon the system has placed many of us now in very bad and dangerous circumstances. The biggest difference between the Depression era and our recession era is the way the world and economies operate today vs then. Having an entitlement or "protect me" attitude, as we can clearly see today, WILL NOT WORK. The banks need a bailout. People thought the banks and government would do right by them and took on mortgages they should never have had.
The point I am trying to make with all of this is that we need to strike out NOW and take care of ourselves. We need to fight against the traditional thought that we are going to be taken care of. Social Security is a JOKE and will NOT help you. (A concept thought up after the DEPRESSION...does not work TODAY!!) The crisis today destroyed the concept of 401k as a nest egg. Look at how MANY have no retirement money. Many are going back to work in their 60's and 70's. (How will your health be by then...the U.S does not rank very highly as a healthy country...a topic for different forum).
The time to learn about money, finances, banking, business...preferably now home businesses, investing etc is NOW. DONT WAIT for someone to find your solution. LOOK NOW if you can to learn. Dont stay in your entitlement mentality...Just look...if you are having or see others having money issues...is the Government helping them or you? Who is going to teach you? Are you going to go with the same financial advice? Look at the times. See the world around you and take action. Create your own bailout. Dont go towards the Depression mentality...or the changes in the world today may overcome you.
When you look at this recession we are in today, the fear is that this mentality and thinking has a good chance to repeat. This is not good to look forward to. As the article puts it, The Depression "...created the risk-averse generation." "In job interviews, the first thing Depression babies asked potential employers about what was the pension plan". In my opinion, many of us are STILL stuck in thought process as a result of our education. This generation "produced more than a dozen White House chiefs of Staff, but not a single president". So the recession today is creating this same bubble of protectionist attitudes for our children. Keeping to ourselves and thinking we dont have to worry about the world and what happens in it is a VERY dangerous thought in this interconnected society. The time to consider and take hold of this trend is now!
The entitlement attitude in todays society is very apparent. Our dependence upon the system has placed many of us now in very bad and dangerous circumstances. The biggest difference between the Depression era and our recession era is the way the world and economies operate today vs then. Having an entitlement or "protect me" attitude, as we can clearly see today, WILL NOT WORK. The banks need a bailout. People thought the banks and government would do right by them and took on mortgages they should never have had.
The point I am trying to make with all of this is that we need to strike out NOW and take care of ourselves. We need to fight against the traditional thought that we are going to be taken care of. Social Security is a JOKE and will NOT help you. (A concept thought up after the DEPRESSION...does not work TODAY!!) The crisis today destroyed the concept of 401k as a nest egg. Look at how MANY have no retirement money. Many are going back to work in their 60's and 70's. (How will your health be by then...the U.S does not rank very highly as a healthy country...a topic for different forum).
The time to learn about money, finances, banking, business...preferably now home businesses, investing etc is NOW. DONT WAIT for someone to find your solution. LOOK NOW if you can to learn. Dont stay in your entitlement mentality...Just look...if you are having or see others having money issues...is the Government helping them or you? Who is going to teach you? Are you going to go with the same financial advice? Look at the times. See the world around you and take action. Create your own bailout. Dont go towards the Depression mentality...or the changes in the world today may overcome you.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Crisis of Credit Visualized - Part 1
We are all affected by this credit market. Consider how you will recover if these organizations wont help.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Did you know? Technology.
These are some very amazing truths that you should pay attention to...It WILL affect you if you desire it or not.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Dumbing yourslef Down?
I just had to share this with everyone. I was watching CNN yesterday and I saw a piece on what some people are doing to get A job. It did not even matter if it is one they really wanted.
The story takes place in Idaho. It was found that many people were "dumbing down" their skills and credibility for a position just to qualify for ANY position the company may have. Turns out the reasoning for this is because so many companies are laying off, if they do have positions, they may be for lower end positions. Positions that don't need quite a varied set of talents or skills. The funny thing about it is that for some this is what is getting them a check again. All things being equal, I don't blame them one bit.
Its amazing to me how a recession of this magnitude changes the landscape and rules of that JOB. All of a sudden when things get tight, people are willing and motivated to adjust not only what they do but who they are to obtain a source of income...wages in this case. For all the problems we are having, I believe in a way that this bas situation can work out well for some. I say this because hard time tend to reshape us and redefine who we are or what we chose to do in our lives. I am sure we have all heard stories of change through adversity. Whoever you are, I pray that if adversity has hit your life you can find what you need. Redefine yourself in these tough times. It can be done.
The story takes place in Idaho. It was found that many people were "dumbing down" their skills and credibility for a position just to qualify for ANY position the company may have. Turns out the reasoning for this is because so many companies are laying off, if they do have positions, they may be for lower end positions. Positions that don't need quite a varied set of talents or skills. The funny thing about it is that for some this is what is getting them a check again. All things being equal, I don't blame them one bit.
Its amazing to me how a recession of this magnitude changes the landscape and rules of that JOB. All of a sudden when things get tight, people are willing and motivated to adjust not only what they do but who they are to obtain a source of income...wages in this case. For all the problems we are having, I believe in a way that this bas situation can work out well for some. I say this because hard time tend to reshape us and redefine who we are or what we chose to do in our lives. I am sure we have all heard stories of change through adversity. Whoever you are, I pray that if adversity has hit your life you can find what you need. Redefine yourself in these tough times. It can be done.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Importance of a Plan B
If you have not read the little Bio I have on myself, then you missed that I am a licensed pharmacist in NY. That being said, I can say through personal experience that I have witnessed first hand the ravages on families that poor health can create.
I want to share with you a story that I just experienced first hand today. In doing so, I feel this will provide everyone out there with a great reason to start pursuing a Plan B for their financial future.
Early this morning, I received some prescriptions for a patient at a major NYC hospice. The patient is clearly dying and is on a great deal of what we call palliative medicine. These are medications to keep you comfortable. This patient only had their new Medicare Part D coverage instituted by President Bush and a secondary card to cover copays. Once I had finished processing the medications, even with supplemental insurance, the copays came close to $500. I had the unpleasant task of calling the patient's wife to ask how she was to pay for the medications. Here is the crushing part. She tells me that she must have his medications. However, she has no money left. She and her husband are on fixed income through social security. She herself has advanced Multiple sclerosis and already has heavy bills of her own. She tells me that all she can do is continue to charge on her card until she cant any longer. Her last statement to me was "soon enough, we will all be on Medicaid." She also said "things like this are easier to handle when you are earning a living and have a job."
This story is tragic already. What makes this situation all the more difficult to handle is the lack of money. Its hard enough coping with the loss of a loved one. Not having the money or resources to provide for them the way you want to makes it the harder to handle.
Now we should all look at this and learn. We cannot afford to rely on our J.O.B to be our safety net. We clearly can see Social Security is not a help at all. Although 401k have their place, they may not be the all out vehicle we need to be comfortable and secure in the retirement years. The point is that if there are alternatives to the 9-5 that can increase our income consistently, residually and passively, why are we not doing it? Why do we continue to stay in the rat race?
Considering your own business, whatever it might be should be of paramount consideration for those that feel they have what it takes to make it happen. I believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Look at me. I studies science, not business. Yet that is where I am going. That is what I am learning. I have taken my desire to help others and put it to a different health....Financial health. As I continue on my journey and grow and gain the wealth that is possible, I will be helping many. When that happens.....I will sleep real well at night!!!
I want to share with you a story that I just experienced first hand today. In doing so, I feel this will provide everyone out there with a great reason to start pursuing a Plan B for their financial future.
Early this morning, I received some prescriptions for a patient at a major NYC hospice. The patient is clearly dying and is on a great deal of what we call palliative medicine. These are medications to keep you comfortable. This patient only had their new Medicare Part D coverage instituted by President Bush and a secondary card to cover copays. Once I had finished processing the medications, even with supplemental insurance, the copays came close to $500. I had the unpleasant task of calling the patient's wife to ask how she was to pay for the medications. Here is the crushing part. She tells me that she must have his medications. However, she has no money left. She and her husband are on fixed income through social security. She herself has advanced Multiple sclerosis and already has heavy bills of her own. She tells me that all she can do is continue to charge on her card until she cant any longer. Her last statement to me was "soon enough, we will all be on Medicaid." She also said "things like this are easier to handle when you are earning a living and have a job."
This story is tragic already. What makes this situation all the more difficult to handle is the lack of money. Its hard enough coping with the loss of a loved one. Not having the money or resources to provide for them the way you want to makes it the harder to handle.
Now we should all look at this and learn. We cannot afford to rely on our J.O.B to be our safety net. We clearly can see Social Security is not a help at all. Although 401k have their place, they may not be the all out vehicle we need to be comfortable and secure in the retirement years. The point is that if there are alternatives to the 9-5 that can increase our income consistently, residually and passively, why are we not doing it? Why do we continue to stay in the rat race?
Considering your own business, whatever it might be should be of paramount consideration for those that feel they have what it takes to make it happen. I believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Look at me. I studies science, not business. Yet that is where I am going. That is what I am learning. I have taken my desire to help others and put it to a different health....Financial health. As I continue on my journey and grow and gain the wealth that is possible, I will be helping many. When that happens.....I will sleep real well at night!!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
The cat is out of the bag.
How effective would my blog be without mentioning what business I do and what the model is? Not very effective at all. As I mentioned in prior posts, I am in the health and wellness industry. The business model is Network Marketing. Uh oh!!! This is the part where everyone runs for the hills screaming ITS A SCAM, SCHEME, PYRAMID (or some other geometric shape) right? Well, maybe thats because what you know of the business may be just from what others tell you or perhaps your own experience is negative. I would like to address these 2 issues here. I hope I can shed some light on this topic. Perhaps you may see something you did NOT know.
Let me address the primary issue everyone has about this business...ITS A PYRAMID SCHEME! Ok, a TRUE pyramid scheme is NOT a true form of business or a sustainable form of business. This scheme purely revolves on enrolling people into the scheme with the lure of money, purely for the sake of enrollment. There is no product or service being bought or offered. Hence you are paying money in exchange for NOTHING. That is the true scheme and as the name refers to, it is in the shape of a pyramid. This type of activity is illegal in all 50 states and in most parts of the world.
Here is where a discerning mind should question and consider this fact: If Pyramid schemes are illegal, how is it that there are so many companies that use this pyramid model that we all run from? The answer is simple...a Pyramid Model is used in just about EVERY form of business out there. Its just that the illegal ones have cast a negative light on the term. In fact, if you are at your job, ask your HR person or supervisor for a listing of the corporate structure of the business. Once you get it it might look a certain way. I will avoid the "PYRAMID" term here. Lets use words people are more comfortable with. Your organizational chart will look 1 of 3 ways: 1) Hierarchial 2) Matrix or 3) Flat. Statistically speaking, Hierarchial structures are the predominant business structures used. Here is he definition of it in Wikipedia: "A hierarchical organization structured in a way such that every entity in the organization, except one, is subordinate to a single other entity. This is the dominant mode of organization among large organizations; most corporations, governments, and organized religions are hierarchical organizations. Hierarchies denote a singular/group of power at the top, a number of assistants underneath and hundreds of servants beneath them." In other words, there is a person or small group at the top with many below....Top to bottom structure....UH OH a PYRAMID!!! Now before you flip out...just relax and realize that just about any job you have ever had...you were in and still are in a pyramid structure...hierarchy...model...WHATEVER!!. There is good news though. Keep reading and find out what it is.
Network Marketing and the companies who use this model still use a Hierarchial form of business. You can say pyramid you know. There is good news about this form of business...at least for the company I am with. I will not speak for others. It is an INVERTED PYRAMID. Traditional business cannot survive without KEEPING people at the base of the pyramid. This model cannot succeed for you or others without bringing you to the top. Dont believe me? Fine. Go to Barnes and Nobles or any other venue. Pick up, or just go to the page if you chose, Why we Want you to be Rich by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki (hmmm...I think these 2 know a little bit about business and how to make some serious money dont you?) Look at chapter 27 page 307-308. This is Robert Koyosaki's response to the Pyramid Scheme question everyone LOVES to ask. Here is one GREAT point that I love about this. If a Network Marketing business is an inverted pyramid, it means then that you really have no superior or subordinates...everyone dictates their own pace...their own level of success...your own creativity. When was the last time you heard of a job offering that to you? There are so may other things to say about the business. I will save that for the next post.
Now that I have explained the model, I hope you have a clearer understanding , in principle, of Network marketing. I will be writing some more posts about this business so that you can gain more insight into a revolutionary form of business and a way to achieve a LIFESTYLE. I wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Let me address the primary issue everyone has about this business...ITS A PYRAMID SCHEME! Ok, a TRUE pyramid scheme is NOT a true form of business or a sustainable form of business. This scheme purely revolves on enrolling people into the scheme with the lure of money, purely for the sake of enrollment. There is no product or service being bought or offered. Hence you are paying money in exchange for NOTHING. That is the true scheme and as the name refers to, it is in the shape of a pyramid. This type of activity is illegal in all 50 states and in most parts of the world.
Here is where a discerning mind should question and consider this fact: If Pyramid schemes are illegal, how is it that there are so many companies that use this pyramid model that we all run from? The answer is simple...a Pyramid Model is used in just about EVERY form of business out there. Its just that the illegal ones have cast a negative light on the term. In fact, if you are at your job, ask your HR person or supervisor for a listing of the corporate structure of the business. Once you get it it might look a certain way. I will avoid the "PYRAMID" term here. Lets use words people are more comfortable with. Your organizational chart will look 1 of 3 ways: 1) Hierarchial 2) Matrix or 3) Flat. Statistically speaking, Hierarchial structures are the predominant business structures used. Here is he definition of it in Wikipedia: "A hierarchical organization structured in a way such that every entity in the organization, except one, is subordinate to a single other entity. This is the dominant mode of organization among large organizations; most corporations, governments, and organized religions are hierarchical organizations. Hierarchies denote a singular/group of power at the top, a number of assistants underneath and hundreds of servants beneath them." In other words, there is a person or small group at the top with many below....Top to bottom structure....UH OH a PYRAMID!!! Now before you flip out...just relax and realize that just about any job you have ever had...you were in and still are in a pyramid structure...hierarchy...model...WHATEVER!!. There is good news though. Keep reading and find out what it is.
Network Marketing and the companies who use this model still use a Hierarchial form of business. You can say pyramid you know. There is good news about this form of business...at least for the company I am with. I will not speak for others. It is an INVERTED PYRAMID. Traditional business cannot survive without KEEPING people at the base of the pyramid. This model cannot succeed for you or others without bringing you to the top. Dont believe me? Fine. Go to Barnes and Nobles or any other venue. Pick up, or just go to the page if you chose, Why we Want you to be Rich by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki (hmmm...I think these 2 know a little bit about business and how to make some serious money dont you?) Look at chapter 27 page 307-308. This is Robert Koyosaki's response to the Pyramid Scheme question everyone LOVES to ask. Here is one GREAT point that I love about this. If a Network Marketing business is an inverted pyramid, it means then that you really have no superior or subordinates...everyone dictates their own pace...their own level of success...your own creativity. When was the last time you heard of a job offering that to you? There are so may other things to say about the business. I will save that for the next post.
Now that I have explained the model, I hope you have a clearer understanding , in principle, of Network marketing. I will be writing some more posts about this business so that you can gain more insight into a revolutionary form of business and a way to achieve a LIFESTYLE. I wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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