

### HEALTH AND WEALTH BEAMS

Fear Health And Wealth Future?

### Eugene J van Wyk MCSP

Smashwords Edition

_Health and Wealth Beams:_ _Fear Health And Wealth Future?_

Copyright 2017 Eugene J van Wyk MCSP

All rights reserved

Cover Design Copyright © Laura Shinn Designs

http://laurashinn.yolasite.com

_Health and Wealth Beams_ is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author.

_Health and Wealth Beams_ is a work of non-fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Introduction: An Overview Of The Philosophy In This Manuscript

Chapter 2: You Ask, Why Did I Write This Manual

Chapter 3: Good Money Management Habits

Chapter 4: What Really Is Retirement? And The Fallacy Of Retirement!

Chapter 5: Three Important Success Qualities For Health And Wealth

Chapter 6: The Meaning Of Wealth

Chapter 7: Don't Mix Your Politics With Your Investments

Chapter 8: How To Dispose Of Your Estate

Chapter 9: If You Want Serious Money, You Have To Get Serious About Money

Chapter 10: Establish A Family's Investment Committee

Chapter 11: We All Deserve The Right To Come To The Light!

Chapter 12: What Are The Right Conversation Starter Words?

Chapter 13: Remember Your Survival Kit!

Chapter 14: Highlight Something Of Value To Particularly, The Young Folk?

Chapter 15: Impact-Making Crisis The Possibility Of War

Chapter 16: Collapse Of The Money System

Chapter 17: Teach Your Children About Money

Chapter 18: Against Whom Should I Protect The Family's Wealth?

Chapter 19: Money Is Rather Like Ourselves

Chapter 20: Only Trust The Expert Expert!

Chapter 21: The Importance Of Facts Versus Opinions

Chapter 22: The Danger Of Financial Blindness

Chapter 23: Selling Fear

Chapter 24: A Money Problem Free Retirement

Chapter 25: The Value Of Time

Chapter 26: Diversify Your Well-Spread International Investment Portfolio

Chapter 27: Why Not Plan On Living To At Least Your 80's?

Chapter 28: The Real Name Of the Game Of Capitalism

Chapter 29: A Warning In Time

Chapter 30: Invest In Yourself

Chapter 31: Today Is Part Of Your Life's Curriculum

Chapter 32: Eugene, Any Particular Lesson That A Patient Has Taught You?

Chapter 33: The Failed Entrepreneurs "Archives?"

Chapter 34: Capitalism In Action

Chapter 35: The Wealthy People's Working Money

Chapter 36: Eugene, Why Are You Putting These Concepts And Guide Lines Available In The Electronic Digital Format?

Chapter 37: Keeping Our Children In The Dark

Chapter 38: What Really Is Debt?

Chapter 39: Why Not Be The Mentors For Our Children While They Are Still Young?

Chapter 40: Sit At The Table Of Achievers

Chapter 41: For Whom Is This Book?

Chapter 42: Health Care And Financial Self-Imposed Ignorance Is Long-Lived!

Chapter 43: Financial Literacy

Chapter 44: The Passion Of A Quality Of Life Reformer

Chapter 45: The Concept Of Literacy

Chapter 46: You Are Very Unfortunate, If You Just Don't Know What You Don't Know

Chapter 47: Will You Really Rather Choose DIY Self-Inflicted Poverty?

Chapter 48: The Keen Givers And The Not So Keen Takers

Chapter 49: Drop A Note Of Gratitude

Chapter 50: The Paradox Of KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 51: Surely There Must Be A Way Of Destroying Fear!

Chapter 52: Ignore Little Weaknesses That Really Don't Hinder You!

Chapter 53: That Important But Often Dangerous Ladder!

Chapter 54: Longevity Is The Future

Chapter 55: Why Wander About In The Dark?

Chapter 56: Reach For The Sky And The Danger Of Ladders

Chapter 57: Remember, This Is A Fictional Mind-Opening Information Book

Chapter 58: Claim Your Place At The Enticing Trading Feast?

Chapter 59: The Making Of Money, Is An Intellectual Thing

Chapter 60: Have Successful Mentors

Chapter 61: Why Reinvent The Wheel?

Chapter 62: Emergency Or Rainy Day Fund Available

Chapter 63: The Crippling Disease Of Money Avoidance Disorders

Chapter 64: Delayed Gratification

Chapter 65: What Is This Very Important Energy And Frustration-Saving Miracle Called Compounding Interest?

Chapter 66: Risk Management

Chapter 67: The Prophet Is Not Someone With Special Visions

Chapter 68: What Happened!?

Chapter 69: I'm Concerned About The Wellbeing Of My Fellow Passengers On This Planet

Chapter 70: Our Very Important Mission: Is Always To Try And Understand

Chapter 71: Why Are Some People So Very Successful In Life?

Chapter 72: Pragmatism Survival Formula

Chapter 73: Understand Failure

Chapter 74: The Danger Of Blindly Following Advice!

Chapter 75: Get Rich-Quick Schemes

Chapter 76: Do Your Due Diligence – Even Pertaining To Your Health As Well!

Chapter 77: Watch That Imposing Ego!

Chapter 78: Rebel Against Money Ignorance

Chapter 79: What You Can Make Important People In Your Life, Believe That You Have Done Successfully!

Chapter 80: A Deep-Seated Secret Passion For Failure!

Chapter 81: The Art Of Successful Complaining!

Chapter 82: A Charge Of Health, Financial And Investment Self-Neglect!

Chapter 83: The Silent Wealth Killer!

Chapter 84: Self-Empowerment

Chapter 85: You Must Have At Least The Following Three Things In Place On Retirement

Chapter 86: What Are Some Bad Habits?

Chapter 87: Failing To Regularly Assess, Evaluate And Rebalance!

Chapter 88: An Absolute Devastating Nightmare Scenario, For Any Retiree

Chapter 89: What Level Of Financial Expertise Should Each Spouse Have?

Chapter 90: Sell Off Unwanted Or Less Frequently Used, Large And Costly Assets

Chapter 91: Investigate, Learn, Find And Eliminate

Chapter 92: Dithering And Procrastination

Chapter 93: Headhunting For People Who Are Capable Of Thinking At Different Levels

Chapter 94: Are Goal Setting Really Valuable?

Chapter 95: Parkinson's Third Law: Delay Is The Deadliest Form Of Denial

Chapter 96: Missing An Opportunity Is Frustrating, But, Losing Is Destructive

Chapter 97: What Are Your Particular Outstanding Skills And Advantages?

Chapter 98: Spread The Sometimes Concealed TRUTH!

Chapter 99: Dynamic ALLOCATION

Chapter 100: Adopted Helpfulness Syndrome In Retirement

Chapter 101: Family Wealth Retention

Chapter 102: Always Make Your Important And Valuable Time Count!

Chapter 103: You Ask Why Do The Rich Get Richer?

Chapter 104: When Does One Have Enough Capital?

Chapter 105: The True Cost Of Proper Time Management

Chapter 106: Just Be Observant

Chapter 107: Why Not Stack The Odds In Your Favour?

Chapter 108: There Must Be Something Enchanting To Slow-Creeping Failure And Worry

Chapter 109: Change Is Always On The Move

Chapter 110: So, What's Enterprise?

Chapter 111: Back TO THE BASICS!

Chapter 112: You Are Welcome To The Stimulating Health And Wealth Orientation Gallery

Chapter 113: When Dealing With A Financial Advisor

Chapter 114: The Self Survival Self-Serving Government

Chapter 115: Power Corrupts

Chapter 116: You Do Not Have To Accumulate Millions To Be Rich

Chapter 117: Where Are The Money-Destroying Holes In Your Rusty Financial Progress Bucket?

Chapter 118: Have You Ever Budgeted For The Possible Future Unexpected And Expected Expenses?

Chapter 119: Caregiver Stress And Aging

Chapter 120: Initially, Retirement Might Be Easy In The Beginning!

Chapter 121: How Much Do You Believe You Need To Retire In Comfort?

Chapter 122: The Illness Of Chronic Neglect

Chapter 123: The Possible Impact Of Investor POLITICS

Chapter 124: Creating, Investigating And Innovating!

Chapter 125: What Happens If You Don't Know Where You Are Going?

Chapter 126: What Do You Do To Live And Enjoy Your Dream?

Chapter 127: International Travel – And Points To Keep In Mind

Chapter 128: Have Doctors Really Disempowered Patients?

Chapter 129: What We Desperately Need Is An Enthusiasm Renaissance

Chapter 130: Acquired Helplessness Syndrome

Chapter 131: An Important Basic Lesson Of Retirement

Chapter 132: Litigation Financial Cardiac Arrest

Chapter 133: Here Comes the Cashless Society!

Chapter 134: Where Do I Get The Necessary Background Personal Aid To Get Me On My Health, Financial And Investment Course?

Chapter 135: Getting The Right Costly Advice From The Wrong People

Chapter 136: The Value Of Good Concentrated Listening

Chapter 137: The Economic Case For Tax Havens!

Chapter 138: How Do You Get Future Generations To Learn About Managing Their Health And Money?

Chapter 139: The Family's Wealth Strategist Has Manifold Duties

Chapter 140: The Question Of Fraud, Corruption And Crime Progressively Eroding The Value Of Your Family's Assets

Chapter 141: How Good A Job Are You Doing In Taking Care Of Yourself?

Chapter 142: The Impact Of Emotion – RATIONALITY

Chapter 143: Limiting The Potential For Financial Self-Sabotage

Chapter 144: Why Most FOLKS Are Failing And Also How Not To Be One Of Them

Chapter 145: There Must Be Something Enchanting To Slow-Creeping Failure

Chapter 146: The "Quick-Fix" Is At The Order Of The Day!

Chapter 147: Value Of Using Routines

Chapter 148: A Short Recipe For The SUCCESSFUL Economy

Chapter 149: Important Health And Financial Matters Require Periodic Review

Chapter 150: The Tyranny Of The Chronic Ignoramuses

Chapter 151: How To Get A Little Richer Every Day!

Chapter 152: Create Your Own Success Recipe

Chapter 153: Is It True That Opportunity Is Limited And Monopolised?

Chapter 154: Why Are So Many Folks Reluctant To Actively Get Involved In A Self-Betterment Program?

Chapter 155: The GENERATIONAL WEALTH PHENOMENON

Chapter 156: Making Lifelong Friends With Your Restraining Financial Fears

Chapter 157: Here Are Some Ways You Can Be In Charge Of Your Respective Professional Relationships

Chapter 158: The International Travelling Community Is On The Health-Seeking Move

Chapter 159: Cut Your Losses Early

Chapter 160: The Trailing Stop Strategy

Chapter 161: Creating Multiple Streams Of Safe Income

Chapter 162: Longevity The Prospect!

Chapter 163: Why Retirees Are Often Reluctant To Downsize

Chapter 164: The Advantage Of Starting Early With The Habit Of Thrift!

Chapter 165: What Are The Options? Will There Be Riots? Will There Be Revolution?

Chapter 166: How To See The Red Light Of Looming Possible Danger!

Chapter 167: Who Are The Various Predators Who Might Descend On Your Fortunes, Once You Have Passed Away!

Chapter 168: New Government Contribution Mandate

Chapter 169: Have Financial Buffers In Place

Chapter 170: The Potential Hidden Danger In Retiring Too Early

Chapter 171: The Volume Of Water Entering Your Savings Dam – And The Volume Of Water Flowing Out Of Your Savings Dam!

Chapter 172: Perils For Investors About The Daily Cascade Of Too Much Information

Chapter 173: Who Really Are You?

Chapter 174: The Day And Night Routine

Chapter 175: Succinct Biography, Eugene J. van Wyk MCSP (Chartered Physiotherapist, London, England)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 1:

Introduction: An Overview Of The Philosophy In This Manuscript

(The University Between Your Ears!)

Your head is pounding. Your neck is aching. Your frustration level is almost boiling! Yet, you persist! You have set yourself a goal – yet it seems to elude you all the time; when you out reach for the final contact, it jumps away! Damn, you say. Almost! You hear the stifling noise of grinding enthusiasms around you; the effort strain heat generating frustration! The gradually heating polluted air is laden with non-productive effort odours. The Prevalent Air of Depriving Cynicism! The smell of "I can't do it," the prominent stale smell of fear of the unknown; the "It's beyond my reach." In fact, a cosmopolitan mix of very prominent and aggressive restraining "fears" and emotions.

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Chapter 2:

You Ask, Why Did I Write This Manual

During my international professional career, I noticed the mounting concern about folks' health and financial retirement fears! More of my patients began to notice the growing impact of creeping inflation. They began to fear that their financial provisions for retirement were falling short! They also started asking the very important questions: "Am I actually on track to retire?" And "How to live longer (and why, maybe, financially I really shouldn't)". Should you really have to see your nest egg grow smaller, and watch what you worked so hard to earn disappear in your retirement? That creates unnecessary stress. It also creates health and money uncertainty. Unfortunately, this diminishing purchasing power, reality, is causing more people to work longer into their lives. Or, fortunately, with their often wide field of experience, they're picking up new jobs after retiring from their previous one. It really doesn't have to be that way.

Fortunately, there is a remedy! It's simple. It's effective. And I believe, it solves the biggest challenge every retiree, or future retiree, faces today! Not having enough income.

You can also get very old pretty young if you don't take care of your health and wealth and yourself.

Think about this: If you have $1 million in the market only providing 2 percent a year in income, that's $20 000. With possible inflation, nobody can really live comfortably off $20 000 a year.

The remedy: Start early with both Health and Wealth Self-Empowerment! Get to know the language about health, money and profits. Know what you own, and know why you own it. Peter Lynch.

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Chapter 3:

Good Money Management Habits

When you develop good money management habits, you feel you really are finally in control of your destiny and life. This is also very quality-of-life empowering. Instead of only focusing on saving, we should also be educating ourselves and become accustomed to the new language of money and money handling! That will also help us to become financially fluent and invest wisely.

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Chapter 4:

What Really Is Retirement? And The Fallacy Of Retirement!

Many folks have been raised with the rather mobility restricting concept, that we are really not supposed to do what we want to do before retirement. Of course, for the liberated, transitioning to retirement, comes with much more ease. Because they have learned not to be bound to the convention of the retirement age!

Look in the rear-view mirror of history, and you will learn that in 1881, Otto Von Bismarck, the chancellor of Germany, came up with the retirement idea. This retirement plan, was based on the hope, to defuse a threat from Marxists, who were gaining popularity throughout Europe. Initially, the plan was carried out in 1891, with the age then set at 70. Then it was lowered to 65 in 1916. At the time, not anticipating longevity, it was viewed that most potential pensioners, would no longer be a liability to the state; because they would be dead by 65.

Obviously, the political thinking was that it was very smart politics then! However, politico-economic and extended life expectancy, have made it a bad policy now! If you reach 65 today, you can expect to live around 20 or more years.

Today, the out-of-present-date formula for retirement, has changed into this: work for 40-50 years. Then, hang your very valuable experience-based jacket behind the office door!

(We'll call you if we want you!) Now, have a party. Get recognition for your service and dedication. Maybe, depending on the age of the directors, they will even give you an expensive gold watch! Now go home and get ready for an exciting 20 or so years of money laden worries! Well, that's if you have not been prudent in planning financially for your money-sucking health care retirement!

Also, keep in mind, that social isolation during retirement increases the chances of suffering from clinical depression by around 40 percent. Another risk is, having at least one diagnosed physical disability or illness, increases by 60 percent.

Fortunately, some people with future financial requirements insight, are planning creatively for other options later in life. It often involves scaling down on the size of the home. It may also involve locating to a retirement facility! The latter gives one the freedom of travel mobility, without really being with the house all the time, because the retirement facilities management will take care of your house!

Another stimulating and rejuvenating option, is acquiring new skills, or even changing careers around 55 or 60. With the present arbitrary retirement age of 65, one can still be working for 15-20 more years.

There is growing belief that the dream of retirement is actually overrated! In view of that, and the prospects of longevity, maybe you should retire the Idea of early Retirement! In view of the expected longevity, one also has to reset the health and wealth compass and do readjustment in your long-term thinking and outlook!

At present, retirement is highlighted as a carefree period of major change in your life. The truth right now, for many – and a growing number of folks, is that that beautiful pot of gold at the end of the working life, is an illusion! The reason? Too few folks have been preparing, or have been advised to prepare both health and wealth wise, for that important, often money-sucking, venture, called retirement!

Of course, retirement, as projected at present, has a major impact on all the various aspects of one's living. Your status, maybe now you are Mr. Nobody The Second! (Can you really handle being Mr. Nobody The Second?)

Then there is, for some folks, the importance of your social standing and Identity, Your Money – or lack of it, your daily habits and routine, your life's purpose your social networks. Never underestimate the very good effect of another decade of compound interest at that point in your life. If you change career, or acquire new skills when you retire, you may learn how liberating it is, to stop doing the old wrong kind of work. Because now you will start doing and enjoying, the right kind of work!

To rap all of these important retirement factors up, I again return to the following! Instead of only focusing on saving, we should also be educating ourselves and become accustomed to the new language of health care, money and money handling! The long-term, most welcome windfall, it will lead to financial freedom in retirement. If you step from one job to another, which may happen a number of times, keep in mind that retirement too, is a really demanding, well informed health and wealth management job. You will once more, this time, have to refocus and to re-invent yourself for retirement!

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Chapter 5:

Three Important Success Qualities For Health And Wealth

Three qualities are essential for a person to succeed both health and wealth wise. The first really important one, is good health, and the other two are the same.

Much of our professional team's collected money management experience, is readily available; and, I believe, should be passed along to possibly enhance the quality of many of the folks who some time, also would like to Retire. I took it on as a personal challenge, to help others in my peer group: back owners, retirees, seniors, and fellow savers just trying to successfully survive.

Fortunately, many years ago, we realised that focusing only on one self-driven professional source of income, assumed that all would always go well; so we took the route of both Health and Wealth Self-empowerment! My wife and myself, dedicated ourselves to study in this health and investment self-empowerment area. And now we have a lot of practice-based experience to share – and an independent financial track record, to back up its value.

My wife and I, are always on the look-out and listening-out for information that may enhance the quality of both our health and knowledge wealth information!

What really is true wealth? It is the number of days you can survive without worrying about money. It also means, not having someone in your household, physically working, and yet, still maintain your standard of living. Wealth is also measured in time, not only in dollars. The bottom line: it is not necessarily how much money you make that matters; but, more importantly, how much money you keep and how long that money works for you. And, depending on good stewardship and money-management, how many generations you keep it for.

The very important question is: What to Do If you are already Wealthy? Congratulations! Chances are that you have been diligent in applying both your skills and determination to reach your goals! In truth, the moral value of being wealthy is underrated. Perhaps, you and your dedicated team of advisors and experts have already covered all the possible financial options to your satisfaction. As time goes by, one's insights into the meaning of real wealth also changes! I do believe that innovative, creative, entrepreneurs and productive people – people who work hard to provide goods and services for others, definitely tend to be wealthier than unproductive people. They also really deserve to be.

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Chapter 6:

The Meaning Of Wealth

I have several thoughts on the real meaning of wealth. To start off with, wealth is not only measured to the amount of money a person has. What is poverty for one person, may well be wealth for another person! Therefore, the concept of wealth is very elastic and variable! You may, approaching retirement, find that inflation is degrading your wealth at an alarming rate; that is, unless you have taken the necessary care to let your investments outperform inflation by a really good margin!

First, don't be ashamed of wealth! Recognize the economic and social value of wealth. Also, that wealth brings responsibility with it. There really is no reason to feel guilty about having wealth, or even accumulating more wealth, of the door-opening possibilities it can bring, for your fellow citizens! And since most of us don't live in a malevolent universe, people, hardworking and the not so hardworking, generally get, no more or less, than what they deserve. Yes, give it the necessary status, since wealth is definitely one important indicator of social and moral excellence.

Sure, of course, some wealthy people got that way by entering politics, by corruption, by lying, cheating and stealing. But they really are the minority, the exceptions.

Of course, there's always the road to fast track fraud. This is the road of contribution in exchange for favourable contacts.

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Chapter 7:

Don't Mix Your Politics With Your Investments

As you may already know, it is much easier to become wealthy. The important caveat: to having virtues like diligence, dedication, enthusiasm, competence, the ability and liking to work hard and good judgment. The very important factor: That you are also known to be truthful and honest. Put it this way: Some folks really don't like rich people! However, keep in mind that rich people may lack some virtues, but they definitely have at least a few good ones that made them rich. Look at this another way. Poor people, will certainly lack some important virtues, and they definitely will also have some on-going spendthrift vices that keeps them poor. On the other hand, rich people can create jobs and opportunities, and conserve wealth.

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Chapter 8:

How To Dispose Of Your Estate

The vexing and very important question is: how to dispose of your estate? You have built up various forms of assets; skills; insights; connections; know-how and much more! Where should all of this go?

There really is no reason to automatically leave anything to your children unless they are money-management skilled and deserve it. Often it is quoted that "you must keep in mind, that the notion that someone should inherit, just because he or she shares your genes, is flawed and thoughtless." Once more, the value of looking back at history! (The example of Marcus Aurelius leaving the Roman Empire to his worthless son, Commodus, should be instructive.) Ideally, if you want to benefit humanity in general, wealth should be left to someone, with the necessary skills and experience, and who also is most capable of increasing it. However, of course, it's also questionable whether humanity at large, may actually deserve your efforts! If nothing else, at least make sure you disinherit the government. Also, keep in mind, that diluting and dividing wealth dissipates it and generally makes it less useful.

The larger the pool of capital, under control of the necessary highly skilled and experienced persons, the more ways it can be used to create opportunities, the more job creative power it has, and the more likely it will be conserved and used creatively. Another aspect is: the Roman system, in which one could adopt children of any age, but always after you could see what their character was. However, be very, very careful! This may be the recipe for protracted family feuds: you might want to do that if your own kids did not make the grade.

Seen during a conference: For ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE First FLOOR.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 9:

If You Want Serious Money, You Have To Get Serious About Money

The very important bottom Line if you want serious money, you have to get serious about money.

With a one-to-one job, you can only reach one person at a time.

With modern international electronic facilities, there are many ways of stretching out and being creative, including self-empowerment and creating money, other than going out to work and physically working for it. However, in order to embrace the fruits of wealth, it is really essential to understand your responsibility and relationship to it.

"An investment in knowledge," says a remark attributed to Benjamin Franklin, "pays the best interest."

To start off with, remember, that, in the long term, quality of life is more important than money. But, as most of us are aware, money is very important for supporting life. As I have already highlighted: You only have so many hours a day and you can only work so hard.

The question now is: why work hard for money? The well-informed folks have, early in their lives, learned to have money and people work hard for them. That freed them, to do the things that they regarded as important. However, they almost always kept the shoulder to the wheel that was driving their business ventures forwards!

I like to act as a mirror, reflecting our collected experience, to shine in many dark corners. And even change some things in some people. I want to kindle the fire of imagination, and try to make the best sense I can from issues related to our health and wealth! I dared to stretch and stimulate our imaginations, on the very important subjects of health and wealth. These are very frequently the subjects we knew little or nothing about.

You must simply sit with stimulating and successful people, at the table of success, be tuned into the correct receptive mindset, to accept success.

To reach up, and be successful, you've also got to reach down. There are always keen folks down there, who require your mentoring, help, and who are also dependant on your insights, experience and skills. At least you must know what's out there! This leads to the self-empowerment and independence factor, that's the major part of self sufficiency!

Remember, it's the very important one and only you! Therefore, Self-empower. Get involved. Get money and health wise. Get informed and push aside the confusing fogs; now get on with the rest of your stimulating life.

Remember, knowledge leads to inclusion, and inclusion leads to taking advantage of opportunities and work. Always learn! Apply the literacy skills. Keeping precious and valuable knowledge to yourself, really isn't knowledge!

It's very true, and really sad, that knowledge and experience, often, doesn't stay in the system!

When you go, so too, mostly, does your knowledge, expertise and experience. You should really be committed to get inside the positive and negative mindset!

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Chapter 10:

Establish A Family's Investment Committee

To make sure the knowledge and expertise stays in the family system, establish a family's investment committee. As you are aware: sharing experience and knowledge, is caring! We must be generous with our expertise, knowledge and experience! Pass it along! However, if you really don't like it, just write a better script!

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Chapter 11:

We All Deserve The Right To Come To The Light!

When I think, and a good idea strikes me, then I sit down and write. Fortunately, I am responsible to no one but myself, and I enjoy the prospect, that my writing, may open yet another quality-of-life door for someone else somewhere else! Focusing and riveting their keen attention, communicating ideas to them, even making them smile.

We all deserve the right to come to the light!

"I am a lover of knowledge," Socrates said.

Everyone knows that ultimately, we all write our own stories. Life goes on. We harvest the gained experience; decide to put it available, either in electronic or paper format! And then, more chapters always get written. Words ultimately affect and impact on life, as we know it. Words, correctly used, are also very powerful tools.

Remember Sir John Templeton's famous quote: "This time it's different," that are the four most expensive words in the investing language."

So often, what's presented to the potential investor, is rather like what's portrayed on the stage. The author, or the sales person, may have the details change, but the basic sales pitch and storylines remain the same.

There are always honest and guiding words, for each really interested person! We must just listen very attentively, to hear the guiding words!

Never underestimate the value of provocation for setting the stage for a contrarian and stimulating conversation!

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Chapter 12:

What Are The Right Conversation Starter Words?

Indeed, what are the right conversation starter words? I believe! They're still living in the dark! Lack of ambition! Desire! Enthusiasm! Dedication! Work!

In fact, the conversation starter words are endless!

If in conversation with conventional thinking folks, just drop a totally out of context word, sit back and watch and observe the reaction! You will soon notice that people don't like silence!

They often are so accustomed of thinking in their old favourite black and white preferred terms of prejudice, rather than thinking in the more stimulating broader shade of grey, where much of the day to day life really is lived.

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Chapter 13:

Remember Your Survival Kit!

Do not accept anything that is written here, or anywhere else, go and find out for yourselves.

This is so very important, I repeat, Whatever you do, remember your survival kit: Do not accept anything that is written here or anywhere else, go and find out for yourselves.

Enjoy the health and wealth fruits this book may reveal!

This is very important: seek professional counsel for any health and investment concepts or opportunities mentioned in this E-book and always do your own due diligence.

In reading this book, you will notice two themes coming up again and again, and that is health awareness and money management insight. If you have neither, think again. Because then you are certainly heading for mounting future problems!

I don't want to change the world, and I don't want to change you. I haven't got a long enough crowbar! However, I just want you to take care of your better future! To help you wake up. Of course, there are always the folks who don't want waking up?"

This long-time experience-based story, hopefully, will help our grandchildren and any other folks, who also would like to tap into the content of the Library Between Your Ears! I have collected a head full of stories. A heart full of enchanting, exciting and open-minded people. Many of these folks were also very keen to share their experience!

All these precious and exciting keepsakes, I bring with me. And, I have not a single regret.

Since I keep no written diaries, all my recollections herein recorded, are retrieved from the well-guarded recesses of my memory.

The focus of this book is not on the short-term. In fact, I wish to help empower the readers, in a way that will stand them to good long-term health and wealth quality of life!

Have you ever thought of finding out, what's your Financial IQ? Why not find out?

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Chapter 14:

Highlight Something Of Value To Particularly, The Young Folk?

Eugene: "Can you highlight something of value to particularly, the young folks? In fact, what really is money?"

The first very important thing to understand is what money is. The next very important thing to understand, that I will also cover, is what good health is!

What is money? It's a hand. It unlocks and opens doors! It unlocks and opens gates! It's a stable spine with a very, very good set of muscles. It does the heavy lifting for you, because it gives a much easier lift to so many very heavy things in life! Money is there to serve you. Money is a tool to let you get what you want. To create; innovate! Contrary to what we frequently believe, money is not conspicuous wealth. It's just a fixed, generally accepted standard of measuring the height of the asset mountain collected, that is available!

(An asset regularly puts money into my pocket; a liability rapidly takes money out of my pocket.)

Money measures all forms of wealth like a yardstick, or your car's odometer, measures distance!

You could have a pile of any of the fiat – paper – currency, money notes, but if there were nothing to buy, it would be worthless.

Although we mostly use electronic money, really money is heavy! It also has a way of disappearing, if you don't watch it very carefully!

However, there are fears about what might happen if fiat currency (paper money) falters! It has already led to a worldwide debt bubble of $300 trillion worth. And like all bubbles, sooner or later, it's going to blow up. When it does, there will be Hell to pay.

Basically, money is something that people use to exchange for something that another person has available and does not need! Various forms of money have been used over the evolution of mankind.

The best known precious metals are the coinage metals, gold and silver. However, as you surely are aware, two of the most, enduring and always reached for in times of crisis, is gold! The other, is silver!

You can look at Gold as an investment, Silver as an investment, Palladium as an investment or Platinum as an investment.

Gold is not a short-term investment, and, therefore, should not be bought to trade. Rather, there is the thinking that it should be bought to safely pack away for decades, and given to your children and grandchildren, to protect your family's wealth.

Of course, then raises the question whether your grandchildren are money-management and investment savvy?

Cash, combined with courage in a time of crisis, is priceless. Warren Buffett.

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Chapter 15:

Impact-Making Crisis The Possibility Of War

Another very impact-making crisis, is the possibility of a war! WELL, there have been wars in the past! What lessons are there to be learned? Of what practical value is that to us today?

Right now, the world is in yet another financial crisis! The far-sighted and well informed individuals, take action by moving a significant amount of their holdings into precious metals and other relatively secure assets. They learned from history, that the banks, are likely to confiscate their deposits and empty their safety deposit boxes. Not to forget the possibility that the astute, smart, resourceful and desperate robbers too, could have access to those safety deposit boxes! Another lesson that past wars have taught, is that many folks have stored the bulk of their tangible assets, in a storage facility that is not a financial institution. They also have a near-at-hand, and safe storage facility at home. In this, they may keep some form of acceptable value to use in the event of a crash!

Have they really prepared themselves? Well, not quite. In an emergency situation, the public at large, is always keeping an eye on their fellow citizens. They see how you live; how you spend your money; what you do! They even observed how and when you are making your purchases.

Another lesson learned from the past, is that if the crisis period to last a few weeks, there really is no problem.

Now kicks in the extended crisis factor! What happens next after a currency collapse? As I have already noted, in an emergency situation, the public at large, is always keeping an eye on their fellow citizens. They see how you live; how you spend your money; what you do! They even observed how, where, and when you are making your purchases.

Although one may have stored wealth, it still remains a security factor. It could very easily become a liability rather than a safety net.

One must take note of the fact that living in a country or neighbourhood that has lost its currency, is not really an enviable position to be in.

Consider the following scenario: One may own precious metals, but it will be risky to use them to survive. Chances are that you cannot keep it a secret that you own precious metals or any other valuables!

Imagine the risk of being waylaid by an angry and hungry crowd, when leaving the supermarket with your shopping!

Next, At Worst. Chances are that your house will be ransacked, by either jealous or angry neighbours. Or, much worse, by a government wealth inspection team, when they find that you have violated the Emergency Currency Act.

(No, be prepared and aware! Keep your eyes on events! Fortunately, it doesn't exist yet, but it most likely will.)

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Chapter 16:

Collapse Of the Money System

When there is an international or national threat to the survival of the economy, folks can fear the collapse of the money system.

Again, it comes down to a discussion of what money is. In its purest form, money is that very valuable freedom. Money allows us the freedom to make choices with our time.

It also gives us the luxury and freedom to conduct our affairs as we see fit and convenient, not on someone else's time demands! So please, don't make the mistake of confusing the accumulation of money with the accumulation of goods.

With that very important caveat, feel free to enjoy your venture into self-empowerment for a bright future!

The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. Mark Twain.

Although most people don't have a lot of financial insights, they still read enough and see enough, and have enough common sense to be scared. When that's the case, they begin to protect their capital and assets. They would rather have more cash stowed away, where they believe it's safe and easily accessible when required!

Look at recent banking activities! That's because assets or money left in banks can become suddenly inaccessible. There are any number of possible reasons why that could happen. It could be stated that there is a problem with the on-line banking system. Don't forget focusing on the perceived underlying criminal character of the citizens. For example, if there government declares a bank holiday, or if the government just takes it, alleging tax evasion or money laundering. It really does not matter where you live. It can happen to you, too.

It's a very good survival plan to keep enough for several months' living expenses, in case banks suddenly claim they don't have cash on hand. Even better, put it in gold and silver. Because, down the line, you really never know what anyone will accept what the banks will give you in exchange for the very necessary goods and services, you need.

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Chapter 17:

Teach Your Children About Money

An important survival tool for parents to use, is to start early in life to teach their children about money and its place in our daily life and activities! Unfortunately, many parents find it very difficult to talk to their children about money. However, the worst lesson that any parent could ever give a child about money, is not talking about it. Children learn the most from the daily example that they are set, and that is why it is so important to show that money is not something to be ashamed or scared of or even anxious about it! In fact, it is something that should be made to work for you and your fellows. This is why it is best to expose children to the valuable idea of saving sooner rather than later. From a young age, they should see where their saved money is going; what it is doing; and that they can have control over the growth of their invested money.

Start early! Regardless of a child's current age, there should be a sense of urgency that should drive them into savings action right now.

Here are some easy ways to get them thinking the right way about saving: Give meaningful presents that mean something Of course, all children like to unwrap a gift! Don't deprive them of that enchantment!

There's also another way of presenting a most valuable potential long-term quality-of-'life gift! However, this is worth looking at: putting some money in a unit trust or stock broking account, might not sound like the most exciting gift in the world, but, in the long-term, it can be very rewarding. For a start, it will kindle that important ownership spark of enthusiasm. It will also give them some sense of having their own savings and some money of their own to look after. The advantage is that they will begin to learn the new language of both health care and wealth care!

Guided by the parents, children soon get to know more about the places at which they spend their money; maybe even begin to invest in these companies! For instance, if they eat at a particular restaurant, why not show them that they can actually buy a part of that company? Or if you always do your shopping at a particular group of stores, let them buy the stocks.

Over time, this is also the best way to teach them about different savings formulas and products, asset classes, and things like interest and dividends, as they now also can see for themselves how they really work. Maybe, as their enthusiasm grows, they should even look at a low-cost online stock broking account, that could even allow them to make their own decisions about what stocks to invest in. Over time, chances are that their interest will grow in how these businesses really work, how they generate earnings, and what being a shareholder means. As time and experience goes by, this will eventually lead them to making more informed decisions about their investments.

Why not let them actively be involved in their own savings vehicle? You have probably set aside some investment capital for your children's future, particularly for education. Are they already aware of it? Do they really know that you are putting away money every month, where it is going, and what it is for?

This is where the family's "where does it go" round table should set the scene! Let the children partake in the discussion! Explaining to your children, that you are saving for their future, allows you to have a discussion, around why it really is so important to do this, and how it works.

The very important point here, is that they should not just take things for granted, but that it also should gets them thinking about the importance of long-term safety, health and financial planning.

Of course, as a concerned parent, you are already thinking of their future before they do. Once more, look at the value of early saving, and the long-term outstanding effect compounding has on your investment! Highlight the fact that the earlier your children start saving for retirement, the less they will need to save.

Why not hand out the future's supporting financial crutch? What type of crutch could that be?

One of the biggest impacts you can make on their future financial well-being is therefore to start for them. How can one successfully do that?

Plan to give your child one of the best keys for financial freedom. Give your child a lump sum gift on their 18th or 21st birthdays.

The parents must check which savings or investment options are available! This can be either in their own tax-free account, or placed in a retirement funding vehicle. You will be amazed to learn the impact of compound growth rate of 10 percent per year. As with all savings, the earlier you start planning for this, the better.

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Chapter 18:

Against Whom Should I Protect The Family's Wealth?

Against the corruption and incompetence of central bankers and governments. Fortunately, we still believe that there are honest folks in politics! Trustworthy and non-corruptible people, who are where they are, to uplift their fellow citizens!

Sign on the back of a Septic Tank Truck: "Caution: This Truck is full of Political Promises."

What is political corruption? A betrayal of a citizen's trust for very handsome personal gain.

Again, how can one secure your wealth against political and financial disasters? There are the precious and noble metals. Forget not the variety of Gemstones! There are also additional precious metals!

Other precious metals include the platinum group metals: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which platinum is the most widely traded.

People buy precious metals for various personal reasons. This includes as a hedge against anticipated market and political instability, as their role as investments and a safe store of long-term value.

If there is a wealth-destroying crash in the stock market, folks who have taken the necessary steps to protect their wealth, and invested in assets that would survive the crash, such as precious metals, will be able to continue to live well.

In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run it is a weighing machine. Ben Graham.

Of course, once more, it's very, very, very prudent to do the necessary investigation before venturing into the field of acquiring precious metals – particularly the safe storage of such physical materials. Check for a list of bullion dealers.

One of the problems that an acquaintance pointed out about buying particularly, diamonds, as a safe investment, is that you buy the diamonds in one country where they are value-rated on a particular scale. Only to find, that in the new country, you are told: "That value-rating scale really means nothing here!"

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Chapter 19:

Money Is Rather Like Ourselves

It never stays the same size. It either slowly gets bigger, or, more dangerously, rapidly gets much smaller.

It has many of the same body parts as ourselves!

Money has legs. It loves to walk. It loves to walk to where there is work to be done!

Money has ears – it listens to where voices are calling for it to help!

Money has a keen nose – it quickly smells a very bad odour.

Money has eyes! It sees beauty; ugliness; misery; dishonesty; treachery; opportunity; the often hidden part of character; the delight and gratitude of people!

At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."

Money has hands, it reaches out to help, to facilitate, to educate, to stimulate!

Money often also has experience-based grey hair! It's experienced, has acquired wisdom, insights, a true sense of value, a vision about who can and who cannot be trusted as its custodian!

30-40-50 Years ago, when the world was much smaller, people were more trusting, most folks really believed what the authorities and experts told them! Politicians, health care service providers, money-management and investment advisors, were really trusted, and well respected! Has this changed? You be the observant and informed judge!

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Chapter 20:

Only Trust The Expert Expert!

And who may that be? Guess; of course, it's yourself!

The very important caveat is provided you have already self-empowered yourself; consulted with the top experts; stood under the umbrella of keen, well respected mentors!

Again, you should ask: Who are the real experts' experts?

A good financial advisor takes you to where you want to be. But, much better, a great and honest financial advisor, takes you to where you really ought to be!

All of us start off as The No Nothing Investor. But then, as time goes by and we self-empower about money; and take meticulous note of the attitude and investment language of the investment advisors, we soon learn that ridiculous amount of money are spent on investment experts!

When one investigates their track record, you often learn that they are not necessarily better because they charge a lot! People who don't self-empower, about both their health and wealth, are often intimidated, and outclassed, by the slick sales people. Why not also self-empower yourself and join the crowd that says: Now I'm Wired for This Business!

However, always be aware of advising folks who are grounded in conformity! They may be the authors of a few convenient short-term lies, but false in the long-term sound advice they give you! The possible long-term impact on your retirement health and wealth future, could be devastating if not checked in time!

Like with politicians, their every truth is not necessarily quite true. Like with statistics too, their 10 may not be the real 10, their 20 is not the real 20.

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Chapter 21:

The Importance Of Facts Versus Opinions

Much emphasis is often placed on due diligence. Do you really know what due diligence means?

Due diligence simply means finding out what are opinions and what are facts.

When it comes to investing and money, most people are either lazy or searching for shortcuts. They do not do enough due diligence. And there are still others, comfortably postponing and procrastinating, who are so afraid of making mistakes, that all they do is due diligence, and then do nothing.

Too much due diligence, is also called "analysis paralysis." The point is, there is a great deal of financial misinformation and fog out there! You must know how to sift through the facts and opinions, then make your self-empowered and informed decision.

When it comes to handling money, and its care, you have got to know the difference between facts and opinions. You certainly cannot blindly accept financial advice. You must also know the meaning of the graphs of a company's performance. The language of numbers. You must really know the important numbers; you must also know the true facts. Numbers tell you the facts.

Your long-term financial survival, depends on facts, not some inexperienced expert or friend's wordy advice or opinions. The truth is, most people struggle financially, because they spend their money-managing lives, using opinions, rather than getting the facts, when making important financial decisions.

Questionable opinions such as: "Your house is an asset. The price of real estate always goes up. It takes money to make money. You should diversify your portfolio."

Not to forget that: "You have to be dishonest to be rich." Then comes: "investing is risky. Play it safe."

The reality of life, is most people's lives are determined by their prejudices and opinions, rather than the well informed facts. For a person's life to change, they first have to reassess their opinions and prevailing prejudices periodically. Once they have changed their opinions, they can start looking at the facts. Always remember that numbers tell you the facts. Once more, remember that the numbers can also be tampered with!

If you can read financial statements, you will be able to see the facts, not only of a company's financial success. Also, if you can read financial statements, you can tell immediately how a company or an individual is doing, rather than depending by your, or somebody else's opinions.

If you cannot verify something as a fact, then it is an opinion.

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Chapter 22:

The Danger Of Financial Blindness

Financial Blindness, is when people cannot read numbers; so they are dependent on someone else's opinion. Always remember that financial disasters and insanity is caused when opinions are used as facts. So, if you don't feel at ease with the advice you are getting, step out, get another more trusted advisor! Again, only an informed you, can bring real peace to yourself.

Knowing really is empowering. Make absolutely sure that you are not too conceited or too smart to be rich.

Let us, for the sake of courtesy, facilitating and lubricating this conversation with your "expert," take it for granted that they are correct! The important key to great wealth, is always remembering one never changing truth: And that is, that no one really cares about your wealth as much as you do.

Starting today, I want you to make a sharp turn about! You must simply realise That your government or the stock market, are not here to "take care of you." Both are mostly in the business of false promises. Mostly the government, is governing for your other people! In other words, governing for themselves!

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Chapter 23:

Selling Fear

Maybe you have already noticed, that both are in the very lucrative business of selling fear. This opens the well-greased door, so they can collect huge amounts of money from you and me. They really are well-experienced and are the best experts at what they do.

For the government, there is no problem on "turning on the tax generating machine. Just stop paying your property taxes and again you will find out who really owns your property. You will also soon learn, that in dealing with the government, mostly, all you have is years of hard work, unfair taxes and a lifetime of debt.

Where there is an unstable and corrupt government, there is always lots of money to be made. A very powerful and corrupt government concentrates corruption among its friends, and also incubates it. But when the government is really very corrupt, it's always also very difficult to get the state's giving right hand to amputate its receiving left. In such bad and very corrupt countries, the unfortunate citizens have no choice. For the long haul, they are stuck with their government, and they'll probably continue paying taxes to it, regardless of their political feelings toward it.

Corrupt and powerful government officials have power that can make or break people and their fortunes. For very corrupt and powerful people in politics, it creates incentives among those on the receiving end of state power to try to sway it to their advantage.

As Tacitus said in the second century A.D., "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws."

The interesting thing about laws, is that laws create corruption, and corruption engenders even more laws. The more laws, the more incentives to circumvent the law. What many folks find rather difficult to understand, is why corrupt politicians seem not to realise that circumventing the law, is corruption.

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Chapter 24:

A Money Problem Free Retirement

If you wish to have a money problem free retirement, I want you to change gear, to end this sort of hopeful thinking. Yes, it's really mostly true! The government really won't take care of you. You can also not be absolutely sure, that the government has the ability or means, to regularly pay you your expected social grants! You certainly can't count on Social Security, or the government to pay for your retirement.

Politically promised change sounds good; but in reality, mostly is empty. Democratically managed change is much better. So, take charge of your financial retirement prospects!

Money has a good pair of lungs! It has durability, the necessary oxygen to outrun many of its competitors, the ability to rejuvenate the folks in whose hands it often falls!

Money has a very, very, very good excretion system! It very soon parts from people, who cannot, or do not want to be able to handle, or take care of it!

Money has a well developed back! It is patient, keen to lend a back, always at hand to support the willing and informed body!

Money has a real sense of humour and a sense of common sense! It soon realises when it's in bad hands!

Money has a very good circulatory system! Good arteries, good veins; carrying the very important oxygen for survival, the nutrients of persistence, dedication, the elements of entrepreneurial seed capital and desire.

Money has a discriminating pair of kidneys! Well supported by the equally keen fluid dispensing system of the "waterworks" department! Despite often being overloaded by so many of the "bad" things that we enjoy eating and drinking, it still persistently is discriminating in our survival favour!

Money has a very protective skin! It keeps out what may threaten our well-being! Parts of its skin is thick; part very thin and receptive to gentle caressing and touching, yet very responsive to heat and cold!

However, the money skin too, does not like unnecessary irritation or scratching!

Money is not lazy! It's not selfish! It loves to work! It really loves to feel at home where there is work to be done! Once it gets to where it feels very, very welcome, it also loves to act as a lubricant to make things happen! To create jobs! To clamp down on social dissatisfaction! It loves creating, investigating and innovating!

It loves to make more people feel better, healthier, less disgruntled, more optimistic, more hopeful to get better education and health care, above all, to create and innovate for making the quality of life for all much better!

It also loves to join in with men and women who are always on the lookout for new, exciting, new door opening technologies. For example, look at revealing research science in action: The Large Hadron Collider from Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia.

However, with some negative people at hand, how often do you hear: "He is the focal point of discontentment." And the Disaster of Negative Thinking.

Money has a very sensitive nervous system, and a very perceptive and discriminating, well-informed brain! It quickly senses disability, gender and race discrimination! It also very quickly senses political "investment" talk; war mongering talk; oppressed population dissatisfaction; rising violence and crime; it senses the disastrous political earthquake and tsunami, about to engulf a country and its people!

You will also soon notice that this very bad political policy, plays havoc with your financial hygiene!

It really is up to you what you do with your money! Because money is like clay – you can shape it; make anything of it!

You may think that it really is time to do the necessary international relocation investigations!

Surely, that's a very valid reason to also take good care of our money! Similar to the good care we take of our precious bodies!

Of course, it's quite true, that we should be aware that money is a much more complicated, but still very simple concept, that should be treated with care and dedication! Regularly save some money; save a family; save a nation!

Remember this very important word: Saw. Saving Always works!)

When you start earning, start saving , by putting at least ten percent of your earnings to work in a long-term compounding way. We think long-term – at least for the next 15 years, or even longer!

The real impressive magic in compounding, happens when you pick stocks that pay larger dividends each year.

Get financially ahead! Start saving when you are young! Young people have, the long-term magic of compounding, on their side. They also have more years to self-empower, to learn about various investing strategies and markets. Fortunately, if they are keen learners and observers, they also have more time to recover if they make a poor investment decision.

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Chapter 25:

The Value Of Time

We should be constantly aware of the value of time. And harvest what we possibly can, as it ticks by at each and every moment of our lives. Create beautiful events and moments to remember down the line.

Fortunately, we can also capture and make those moments, that often seem so insignificant, as part of our future reflection of happy times and events. We always believe that we still have all the time we need.

Is it really true, that we still have lots of time, lots of chances lots of opportunities lots of years to show what we can do? It is true, because there is the prospect of extended longevity! Therefore, for most of us, we hope that there will be a tomorrow, a next week, a next month, and a next year. However, unless we develop a real sense of opportunity urgency, those brief windows of valuable time, will also be sadly wasted, as were the many weeks and months and years before them.

As far as time and opportunity is concerned, there really is not an endless supply! So, become proactive, get involved! After all, it's your dreams and goals of your future tomorrow! Why not begin right now, to take those very important first steps, to making them all come to life.

If you are really enthusiastic, have investigated as much about your dream, and its potential, and the thing you wish to do is right, and you believe in it, go ahead and do it! Put your dream into action. And wait with excitement to see what come of it!

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Chapter 26:

Diversify Your Well-Spread International Investment Portfolio

We are fortunate, in that we have lived and owned 9 homes and rented 2 units and one home, in a number of cities, and in two countries.

There are a number of lessons we have learned in the process! It's sometimes advisable to rather rent a home as opposed to immediately buying! This will depend on the prevailing economic cycle and personal needs and circumstances!

To diversify your investment risks, you should also buy – in politically stable countries – several investment properties to build your future wealth. Always make absolutely sure that the rights of the owner are well-defined and taken good care of, in whatever country you invest!

Of course, there always is a possible, health, job-loss and political or investment cycle liquidity risk. Therefore, it's a sound policy to have an investment exit plan in place. One of the important risk, is that you may be unable to sell a property should an emergency or the need to sell arise.

How to mitigate and manage this risk.

First, get the help and assistance of a competent property purchase advisor! It will be worth whatever money you spend on their advice and experience. Once you have narrowed down the area, visit it with your partner, on foot at various times of the day, weekend and seasons! Get the smells, noise, impact of the climate, the sun, flow of traffic, resident's input, quality of property maintenance and much more.

Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."

You should then invest in an area with ease of access, strong long-term demand and positive stable buyer sentiment. Now you will be on your way to that horizon of financial self-sufficiency, and being the actual happy driver of your fortunes vehicle!

The sooner you put the long-term value of time, to buy your first income-producing asset, the sooner you can diversify your portfolio and buy other forms of investments.

A good fail safe formula to look at, such as diversifying among at least 30 good quality international stocks, and paying a reasonable price for them. (If you implement the policy of being a fees policeman, the next approach would pay good and money-saving dividends.) However, there also is the value of time and frustration saving, by investing in a selection of good quality international ETF's. Here, the transaction costs could be much lower!

If you wish for financial security, during retirement, this approach mitigates the down-turn risk to your portfolio and dividend income. It also minimises the fear that so many old folks have, the risk that they would have to go back to work at an old age.

Rapidly running out of spending money in retirement, and losing your dignity, is one of the greatest fears, of those planning for (or are already in) retirement. There are a number of considerations to take into account about looking after both your health and wealth during and before retirement! Consider where, and with whom, you want to live. Next, take advantage of the knowledge you already have about the possible longevity. If you are still relatively young, keep both body and mind fit! This is a very good health and wealth foundation to prepare for the journey of retirement.

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Chapter 27:

Why Not Plan On Living To At Least Your 80's?

Chances are that if you make it to 65, in pretty good health and wealth shape, you're going to make it to your 80's. It's almost a certainty! The sting in the tail: you'll have escalating health and cost of living bills to pay all along the way! The bad news for women, who often are not prepared for taking care of their money, is that They still live longer than men, and that means planning for those additional years, as well!

Looking at investment history, stocks are the only relatively safe investment, that can give you the growth necessary to offset the effects of inflation during 20 to 30 years of unemployment. Therefore, with the projected longevity in mind, you have to hold at least 20 percent of your money in stocks.

One of the best ideas, is too early in life, learn to get (and keep) your spending habits under control. Too many retirees go overboard with their spending during the first few years of their retirement. Mostly, they don't even have extra passive and safe sources of income! Talk about a well-paved and slippery shortcut to the poor house!

I'm very sure, that you too, would much rather spend the energy and time, on your investments. Rather than paying someone excessive amounts annually to take care of your investments!

Just imagine a dividend, that grows 10 percent each year.

Of course, the very important question is: Which dividend-paying stocks are the right ones? Which high-quality, well managed international companies will still be around. Paying good dividends quarter after quarter? Identifying those companies should be your high priority.

The commercial world is shrinking each day. Competition is growing more intense each day! Therefore, one should also look at the possible Losers and Winners of Peak GLOBALISATION. Always be aware that during an era of peak globalization, big international business could be hardest hit. Look at the impact of this figure: S&P 500 companies earn 48 percent of their revenues from international markets. What will happen if they lose just a quarter of that? It will, more likely than not, destroy share prices.

On the other hand, look at well-run and well managed small companies, that do less business abroad. In the small-cap Russell 2000, only 22 percent of revenue is from international.

International protectionism won't hurt these companies nearly as much. In fact, an international trade war could boost their bottom lines. Remember that the U.S. Economy is still the largest in the world. With less foreign competition, smaller companies should be able to sell more goods at home. Although Small caps may still have room to run, it's always advisable to Go Back to the Basics. Do your own investigations! Even within the small stocks categories, some sectors will do better than others.

(It is very interesting to note that during the last time the United States put up major trade barriers, only four sectors remained profitable: food and beverages, chemicals, public utilities, and tobacco.) These industries produce things we really frequently need. Or, in the case of alcohol and tobacco, at are addictive.

Do your research, do your work, and you shall empower and reinforce yourself. Less Competition often means bad Capitalism.

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Chapter 28:

The Real Name Of the Game Of Capitalism

Is who is indebted to whom? The more people you are indebted to, the poorer you are. On the other hand, the more people you have indebted to you, the wealthier you are. That is the secret; that is the game. We are all indebted to someone else.

The real choking problems occur, when the debt gets stretched beyond your repaying ability! That's when it's out of balance.

If, for some reason, you are going to play the game, then you had best learn the game. Dig down; know the international rules; speak the same money language and really know with whom you are playing. The other survival part of the game of money, is to see others become indebted to you, and to be very careful to whom you become indebted.

If you have to take on debt personally, make sure it absolutely necessary and is small. If you take on large debt, also make sure someone else is paying for it. There is bad debt, good debt and essential debt!

The one advantage you have, is that if you can learn quickly from your own mistakes, you're ahead of the game. If you can learn quickly from others' mistakes, even better, because you now have won the game.

The inherent vice of capitalism, is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism, is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.

The diminishing number of companies and stocks, does not only have an impact on investor returns, but on the broader economy as a whole. As you are probably already aware, when big firms buy up smaller or weak firms, it means that there is much less competition in the market. Without healthy competition, oligopolies and monopolies form. As we feel it on our purchasing power, this is really a very negative situation for investors and consumers everywhere. Healthy and stimulating competition, is always one of the main pillars in capitalism. Without this vital competition, the price of goods and services soars, and the quality of goods and services tend to declines. However, keep in mind, that the value of investments might rise in this scenario. The possible sting in the tail: the cost of living would really skyrocket as well, negating the possible gains! The Important bottom Line: The concerns mentioned above are long-term possibilities. That is, if the number of publicly traded firms continues to decline. The very important caveat, if you want to partake in this market, is provided you have already self-empowered yourself! In the investment world, it's called "selling the basics." If protectionism becomes the rule, and the world economy shrinks, look for small-cap stocks in these "basic" industries to do well. Again, go back to basics.

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Chapter 29:

A Warning In Time

I don't want any of my family, friends, or readers', to ever say, "Why didn't you warn me? Sometimes people get distorted ideas about a thing they call health and money management! Often, it sets them off on a rather misleading course! You ask whether I should tell you about either health or money management? In fact, should I also tell you about my personal experience with life? Well, life is really exciting! Do you recall visiting a local children's playing park? There you would have enjoyed spinning on the big wheel! Of course, the interesting thing is that the nearer the centre you sit, the slower it seems to go! While, if you sit at the outer edge of the wheel, the faster it appears to go! Of course at the very centre, there's a point that appears to be completely at rest. All of us enjoy a ride on life's large wheel; some jump off; others stick on and enjoy the ride! We can learn so much by visiting and scooping up valuable information, by visiting a children's playing park!

Embrace the infantile. According to Emerson, children are the greatest non-conformists and have much to teach us. Want to learn much about life in action? Then watch, happy and uninhibited children in action. They really are not aware, nor do they actually care, about what you think about them. They just enjoy and have fun, from whatever emerges from within. For parents, and conservative grandparents, it's sometime rather difficult to try and change the present focus of a child.

Children will, despite great resistance, do whatever compels them. Whether you agree, or give them permission or not.

"Infancy," says Emerson, "conforms to nobody: all conforms to it."

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, along those very lines, has written: "A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires."

If you wish to stay on this wheel, strengthen your grip; empower yourself!

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Chapter 30:

Invest In Yourself

First, invest in yourself! Smart Money understands that the best way to mitigate risk, is to self-empower and learn what you are doing well, or wrong.

If you're not learning, while you're working and earning, you're really short-changing yourself out of the better portion of your compensation.

Always remember Keynes's observation: "I would rather be vaguely right than precisely wrong."

Eugene, is it ever too late to start with a self-empowerment wake-up call? Certainly not! You cannot ignore: self-education is a continuous process. If you are interested in the share market, start with a paper trading account before moving on to a real trading account – and, of course, get mentors! For your long-term financial plan, start with the funnel effect – initially a broad plan, gradually refine and obtain a smaller, much more focused plan.

Never forget to get the necessary family disaster cover in place – the necessary insurance! Get the necessary life cover! Check the long-term effect of compounding: interest on interest on interest! Check the possible impact of estate duties. Remember, that On-going learning is essential. Because, knowledge, experience, expertise also has a shelf life! However, there is always the important volume of basic investment, health and money-management language and knowledge accumulate. Don't panic when the markets go down, because it's an opportunity – a discount sale.

You must answer some basic questions about your interest in the investment markets: Are you a long-term or trader investor; do you realise that on-going learning is essential. Once more, because, knowledge, experience, expertise also has a shelf life! Beware of cyclical shares; Understand the investment process. Rather invest in a few quality shares; Start early by investing and sticking to a few quality shares; Why not start at age 12; What is the primary short and long-term focus? Learning or investing; investigate the success of some outstanding investors and note the impact that small caps stocks had on their ultimate success; Do you wish to go for value or growth style? In volatile international investment market situations, it's always advisable to temper your expectations, to look at capital preservation rather than capital growth; Again the value of consulting with a well-experienced broker or investment advisor! However, always self-empower yourself about the language that you and your advisor will use, in terms of financial advice. Your advisers can only be as smart as you are. If you are not smart, they cannot tell you that much. If you are financially well educated, competent financial advisers can give you more sophisticated financial advice. They must by law, give you, or offer you only safe and secure financial strategies.

It was fortuitous circumstance, that I found myself associated with these distinguished investment experts and brokers, from whom, again, I was to learn so much!

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Chapter 31:

Today Is Part Of Your Life's Curriculum

Be enthusiastic. Learn as much as you can, and tomorrow will look after itself.

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Chapter 32:

Eugene, Any Particular Lesson That A Patient Has Taught You?

Yes. Fast-changing technology is the ever-changing force that's behind many folk's fear of the job evolution. As if fear alone is not sufficiently troublesome. Fear also has consequences. Certain forms of work may, and do, become obsolete. Recently, a very concerned patient reflected that, "the fear of being retrenched, or dismissed from your job, is now always there!"

Once more, the need for on-going education, to slot in with the changing job times, is quite evident. Always be on the lookout for the very infectious pessimists. The really worst part about chronic syncs is that they infect people around them with their deep fear, disguised as intelligence.

One way to become really wealthy, is having passive income, coming in, whether you sleep, or go to work or not. Now it is time to focus on growing your assets to the point, where the annual cash flow from all your assets, would be greater than your annual living expenses. When the passive income from all of your assets, is greater than your expenses – Then you are wealthy. Therefore, to reach for future financial independence, you have to know what determines net worth. Ultimately, it is not so much, how many dollars you can earn, rather it is how many dollars you can keep. And particularly, reinvest for the future in long-term compounding assets.

Eugene, why are folks so very reluctant to learn? There are many people who very, very firmly believe that they really don't have to work! This is a rather sad situation, considering that other folks have to provide for them – by way of their various ventures of productivity! Using what we find, with no attempt to work and to cultivate and allocate, is a sure-fire long-term prescription for death. Someone has to go out there; things had to be design; and things have to be produced. Production is only made possible through dedicated, enthusiastic and a keen entrepreneurial spirit, in private ownership.

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Chapter 33:

The Failed Entrepreneurs "Archives?"

Why Not Then, Visit The Failed Entrepreneurs Archives?

I believe that one can always learn much from failure! Why not then, visit the failed Entrepreneurs Archives? There you will soon learn that the perks of associating with successful Entrepreneurs are endless. It also stimulates and gives you purpose. The same is true of the food producing land itself. In farming, the survival future is always unknown. There could be a blight, terrible weather, mass theft, political value-destroying intervention! That's only a short list of the hazards our good survival friends on the farms have to contend with! In the absence of the always probing mind, entrepreneurial spirit, private property and commerce, humanity would never have advanced beyond bare subsistence. So many political trends of our time, once more, seem to have their somewhat distorted goal, of driving us back to that level. Thanks to all of you farmers, for making sure, despite all your possible problems, to make sure we have food on our tables!

To start off with, as I have just highlighted, the work ethic in action, is one of the very important factors to consider, in answering your question! Remember that learning is an on-going, demanding and time consuming process. It requires persistence, time, a liking to work, and dedication; a quality lacking in many of our fellows.

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Chapter 34:

Capitalism In Action

Capitalist institutions are so much part of our past. Just look back and you'll see that it's appearing everywhere in our songs, history, fiction, and our respective religious traditions. However, we tend to forget and to overlook them. We often forget that we are part of capitalism in action all round us. Somehow, often, it's very, very convenient that, politically, that we don't see capitalism in action. And yet, for hundreds of years, political fanatics have tried to get rid of these institutions. Remember that it is the entrepreneurial spirit, private property, trade, and capitalist production processes that enable quality-of-life improving things, and beautiful things to be born in this world. Let's celebrate because, they are truly the foundation of peace on earth and good will toward all men and women. We are all service providers and workers with responsibilities. But, from time to time, there are also unforeseen circumstances that intervene. Nevertheless, we hope that our fellows understand, and we can work it out between ourselves, in a mutually sensible and agreed upon way. The best thing you can do, for yourself and your family, is to start early and build common sense and capital and then use and invest it wisely. And that, is why an early understanding of the great power of compounding, the single greatest tool an investor can possess, remains, and is likely to remain, unexploited by the vast majority of investors. Remember – this is very urgent – and take note: You only get one shot at compounding your wealth over decades. Also, don't forget, that you are also constructing a passive income stream, that can add to your capital.

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Chapter 35:

The Wealthy People's Working Money

Many years ago, we noticed, and took note of, the fact, that, rather than getting another job, the wealthy people know, they have to send their saved money out to earn and to work for them. To put it simply: If you're not making money while you sleep, you'll never become rich.

Eugene, which books do you recommend as a basis for economic and financial self-empowerment? I am very fortunate. I have a very comprehensive audio, print and digital books and articles library at my disposal. However, a few titles to periodically revisit are: Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich. Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich said, "Anything the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve" and "When you're ready for a thing, it will make its appearance." "The Dean of Wall Street," Benjamin Graham. In fact, his book Security Analysis, written in 1934 with David Dodd, is practically revered as the bible by serious investors. Yet another eye opener on matters related to investments, is Wall Street Money Machine – New and incredible strategies for cash flow and Wealth Enhancement by Wade Cook. And another interesting title, that I recently read is Peter Male's – Acquired Tastes, a must to-be-read book for all the particularly young and enthusiastic entrepreneurs, who still wish to acquire the necessary "trimmings" of success, and then, how to possibly squander their newly gained fortunes! The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by Thomas J. F. Stanley and William D. Danko.

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Chapter 36:

Eugene, Why Are You Putting These Concepts And Guide Lines Available In The Electronic Digital Format?

I know that there is someone, somewhere, who also wants it. What's the point of going along life's beautiful, information and experience-rich highways, without collecting and holding out a bouquet of scented and beautiful flowers to our fellows? What's the use of collecting such valuable information and harvesting so many folk's time-acquired wisdom, if nobody knows that you've accomplished it? This book, is yet another pragmatic, experience-based tool, that will help you discover how to keep both your precious health and money management skills, in top condition; it will also focus on why the healthy keep healthy and why the rich keep getting richer and how you can join them. When it comes to taking any medication, again be informed! Always take the time, to read, to understand what medication or pills you intend taking! This is very important: what they are for, and what the possible side effects and risks are. Write them down and keep that list handy. And if you are not happy, or have concerns, consult your doctor before completely stopping any drug. (In fact, keep a file titled: Dangerous Medication for Me) on your computer. The world is shrinking at a very rapid pace. Particularly, the means of spreading information via the internet in a digital printed format. The internet has drastically changed our quality of life! It has changed the way we work, spend our leisure time and communicate with one another. Just imagine how many users there are today looking at the growing number of websites. Reflect on the mighty growth of the Internet The number of active Internet users worldwide has skyrocketed since the birth of the World Wide Web in 1990.

On the 20th December 1990, the world's first website and server went live at CERN. The first ever website was published by the Internet's creator, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, on 6 August 1991 and in 1993 CERN made the World Wide Web available on a royalty free basis to the public domain. Just imagine, by 1993, there were 14 million Internet users' worldwide and 130 websites. Access to the Internet – thanks to the advent of solar power – is almost universal in developed countries and although usage rates are much lower in the developing world, the trend is positive.

A very recent liberating development, is the use of internet enabled mobile devices, including phones and tablet computers.

Free E-book publishing is at hand; all over the world, folks can now download and store material on their electronic E-BOOK reading units and have it at hand where ever and whenever they require or need it. Don't forget the availability of on-line language translation facilities. There's no real reason for a person not to have access to so many of the on-line E-BOOKS!

The real objective of my writing, is to help readers achieve and maintain health and financial independence. This is a mind broadening and stimulating work of fiction. Of course, these are my own experiences. Locations, Names, Situations, characters, places, formulae and incidents, either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, to inculcate and stimulate a health and wealth self-empowering mind. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

I have also written this book, so that you can understand and use the outlined Principles. Its acceptance and diligent regular application, is up to you. The very important part of both health and money management self-empowerment, of course, starts at home!

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Chapter 37:

Keeping Our Children In The Dark

In fact most of us do not teach our children anything about money, how to generate, take care of it and to let it work for the benefit of our fellows. We are planting the seeds, regularly nourishing and watering, for our children to be on-going strugglers and to be financially illiterate. Should we take note of the example set to us, by the government of the day? The government of the day, will always find a way around the rules to borrow and spend. Should one really be surprised, that most folks live pay cheque to cheque, and accumulate more compounding debt than assets?

Just reflect on the message, often touted by the school system, politicians and the media. They are teaching our children, the destructive formula, that the wealthy are greedy, have too much money and that this wealth needs to be redistributed. What kind of a health and money management message do you think, that sends to our future generations?

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Chapter 38:

What Really Is Debt?

Unless you are extremely fortunate or lucky, to have a family that can finance your debt, you will have to resort to expensive commercial sources of debt. Of course, it probably also means that you will have to repay the family-funded debt! There is really bad debt and less bad debt. The less bad debt, is, for most of us, the debt to fund education, housing, starting a business or other money-generating venture. The really bad debt, are the debts we incur, to buy the not-so-necessary things, and the status objects! At the Electric Company, "We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, YOU will be delighted." I like practical examples that ring a personal experience bell with me – hopefully, it will also help some folks! Look at debt with the following perspective and practical experience: Take the example of an empty backpack. Gradually fill it with 3 sizes of small bricks – called debt for various items. Put a weight figure to each item and add all, to get to the total weight! Items such as housing, transport, health, food and drinks, recreation, education, socialising, and whatever else you wish to add. You too, will be very surprised about the total weight! Now assess the impact of that weight on the well-being and health of your body! Put all the debt bricks into the backpack – if all will indeed fit! Now, get a friend to help you put the backpack on your back – making sure you don't injure your back or strain any muscles! You will notice that you have to lean quite a bit forward, to get the added weight to be balanced on your back. In fact, the backpack should actually sit on your hips, and not hang from your shoulders! Now, go for a stroll – maybe a few hundred meters – even a full day! Humm! Do you see what unnecessary and bad debt can do to your poor body? If persisted with for the rest of your life, you'll be wearing out your body's joints, such as the hips, knees, angles and even your back! Let alone acquiring a stooping, debt-induced poor forward-leaning posture!

Do you really believe you should fall victim to this energy-sapping debt trap? Of course, not! So, go forth on your life's adventures, but keep unnecessary debt, the ultimate body-destroyer, at bay! As a financial and money-management guy, I take loans and debt very, very seriously. If you borrow, then you also owe. As a responsible and moral human being, you should pay your debts, both financial and personal. "Never loan money to your friends. It's a sure-fire way to lose your money and your friend." The legendary speculator, George Soros (maybe one of the greatest traders of all time, once said the key to winning in the markets is not about being right or wrong, but about making a lot when you are right, and losing just a little when you are wrong.

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Chapter 39:

Why Not Be The Mentors For Our Children

While They Are Still Young?

One of the most important things we can do as parents is to equip our children to manage their lives more effectively, by sharing with them the experience and valuable lessons we have learned along life's exciting way. Why not be the mentors for our children while they are still young? Set the example; and teach our children good daily success habits! The message is there – but a suitable messenger cannot always be found! Always remember, that if we don't empower ourselves about both our health and money management skills, we will soon learn that the rich will continue to get richer and the poor will continue to get poorer. I am also doing this for anyone, as well as my family, friends and any of the children or grand children, who may be interested to embrace these quality of life enhancing principles. Why not come along for the stimulating and horizon broadening ride? You may just meet with concepts, and go to places, where you have probably never been, and may never go. However, you will have to stay open to unexpected possibilities! Like with reading and travelling, the important point is, that by going somewhere else, or doing something out-of-the-ordinary, even unexpected, however trivial it might seem, you are proving your sense of adventure. You will also prove to yourself your independence. That you really aren't stuck in the same hole! Yes, quite true. Like with money, the delight is that the unexpected, then, begins to compound. Now look at the snowball effect! The more unexpected adventures you undertake, the more exciting doors and opportunities, you open up for yourself.

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Chapter 40:

Sit At The Table Of Achievers

Of course, for mind-broadening and success, you must be courteous, and be prepared to sit at the table of achievers, to share experience and dedication with the folks who have already achieved what you like to achieve. By being a keen listener, and being where you really should be, the more like a magnet you become, attract and to meeting outstanding people, and to experience unusual things! Always keep this good door-opening diplomatic advice in mind: perhaps I've not heard it the way you said it! The best remedy to welcome the unexpected, of course, is to make sure that you are always mobile, both in the content of your mind and the mobility of your body. When the unexpected happens, you learn to adjust, whether you like it or not! If you focus and treat this visit to the University Between Your Ears, with the necessary attention, it deserves, you could be surprised what the outcome will be – provided you regularly nourish and upgrade your focus on life.

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Chapter 41:

For Whom Is This Book?

This is not a book for super-intellectuals or learned folks who think they will never have a personal relationship with either lack of health and money or having too much money! This is a book for every person in the world, who really still has a desire for freedom, to also become financially independent! This is a book for you and me, who also must have experienced some degree of health and money shortfalls, during our encounter with life in action, and in all its demanding forms! Now I want you to sit back and take a deep breath and realise what you have at your command. You will soon find yourself living at a new address, where you are the director in control and where you call the shots. You will now find yourself in that desirable and unique freedom position. You can either read the University Cameo, absorb and process the mindset secrets that will push your future life choices to another level. Or you can ignore it. It's your democratic choice. However ignore this information at your long-term peril! This book contains some of the most valuable pragmatic experience-based health care and investing advice, you will ever read. Always treat your health and investments, like a very important life-saving business. Because that's exactly what it is!

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Chapter 42:

Health Care And Financial Self-Imposed Ignorance Is Long-Lived!

Don't forget that our Health Care and Financial self-imposed Ignorance, is Long-Lived! The trouble with people, who are ignorant, is that they don't even know they're ignorant. But ignorant people are only dangerous to themselves, because their mind is in health and money management turmoil. The health and wealth self-empowerment path must be made smooth by the guidance of the mentors, well-experienced first-hand pragmatic enthusiasts. It is said that most people invest 95 percent with their eyes and only 5 percent with their minds. Why not also train your brain to see opportunity as well as money?

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Chapter 43:

Financial Literacy

What is the first step in training your brain to see money? The answer is financial literacy. It begins with the language of health and wealth Self-empowerment. With the ability to understand the language, words and the number systems of capitalism. The second very important step, in training your brain to see money, is to learn to recognize what real risk is. Investing is not risky; rather, staying in the financial wilderness, and being uneducated is risky. This also is the very important responsibility, of the educational department's investment programme planners, who should be at the cutting edge of the present practical views on both health and wealth management! Investing is a very serious business. And if done correctly can, over time, be very rewarding and replace your daily personal exertion and labour income. Investing and saving, is like a puzzle! There are many component shapes and sizes, meeting the specific needs of a number of facets in your investment puzzle portfolio picture. For example: funds to locate for accommodation, education, food, healthcare, taxes, transport, investment for unanticipated expenses, retirement, recreation, and much more! Of course, with the passage of time, the shape and size of the puzzle also changes; requiring revisiting and redesigning for the changing circumstances! Investing is not for wimps and sissies. Investing requires stamina, financial fitness, and the ability to make quick, graceful investment moves without falling down. Successful entrepreneurs and investors, always hold themselves accountable for their own success. Do you already have a consistent remuneration and retirement policy for yourself in your business? Do you already envision yourself, in a possible future Retirement Facility? If so, keep in mind to visit that facility, to check on the smell, sound – barking dogs – good management, any on-premises health care facilities, safety and security! Do you really understand what part of your professional business plan, you must keep to yourself? Do you have a formula to safeguard your intellectual property protection?

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Chapter 44:

The Passion Of A Quality Of Life Reformer

I must confess, I have the passion of a quality of life reformer. An educationalist too. I have trawled my international experience and travels, for extraordinary conditions, stimulating people encounters, experience and interesting cases and places. I'm always curious, ready to ignite my ignorance candle and, therefore, in to something or another. It's only the temperature, depth and width that varies. I've got a bit of a tradition of seeking, to educate those who would care to take note. I want to develop commitment, rather than later compounded resentment. It's all part of my democratic ethos. Suddenly, with an open and curious mind, I fortunately found myself at the mercy of my stimulating imagination. Remember that your compounded experience, although shared on the broader level, is quite unique on the particular matter at hand. Of course, also remember, that you are very, very unique. Fortunately, the only one quite like you! And that you are certainly no ordinary person. Today, you have a very important job to do: start to do the necessary mining! Harvest the treasures you will find in this process! The mines given to you alone must simply be determined! Turn a deaf ear! Refuse to let anyone turn you away from your "spark," no matter how silly the Nay saying Nancies might believe it is.

"What I must do," says Emerson, "is all that concerns me, not what the people think."

To be really happy and satisfied, Accept with whom and where you are! There is no need to torment yourself, highlighting what you perceive to be negative attributes about yourself! I must also confess, I have the passion of a self-empowering experience and knowledge reformer. Fortunately I cannot choose my interested international pupils. They are the diligent folks, who select to assist their learning via the written word; using the wide international reach of the internet. I like to teach them, and pass on helpful and practical experience and health and money self-empowerment knowledge gained. This includes, what little I've learned, that might make life a little easier, fuller, more fun and more enjoyable. For me, there's been a very real satisfaction from engaging in a pursuit that has the potential to help so many.

The aphorism, "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he," Embraces the whole of a person's being. Yet, it is so inclusive, as to reach out to every facet and circumstance of a person's daily life. A person, is literally what they eat, experience, read, taste, smell and think. Their character and physical body, being the complete sum of all their past collected eating habits and experience thoughts. I prefer to choose my international pupils and teach them what little I've learned, that might make life easier, fuller, and more enjoyable for them. If not for myself. My job is immensely rewarding because I'm also directing and affecting enthusiastic and keen young minds. For the enthusiast, life's a series of delightful and exciting moments.

"We do not remember days ... we remember moments." Cessare Pavese.

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Chapter 45:

The Concept Of Literacy

As you already know, literacy really is more than using words for transmitting quality of life concepts between minds, and stringing together sentences. Literacy is also understanding the variety and diversity of negative and positive social and political forces that mould our lives, for better or worse. Literature also goes beyond the quality of life depriving ignorance struggle; it encompasses every aspect of the broadest social mind. No successful business is an island of ignorance – are you?

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Chapter 46:

You Are Very Unfortunate, If You Just Don't Know

What You Don't know

Reports that say, that something hasn't happened, are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known known; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know." Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defence, 2002.

Why not let the fear of the unknown, be overtaken by the excitement of the possible. My life has been full of optimism and excitement. Please to remember, I also lived by daily happy instalments.

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Chapter 47:

Will You Really Rather Choose DIY Self-Inflicted Poverty?

(Surely Not!)

Financial delinquencies, often are the result of money management ignorance. This is a case of ignorance-augmented poverty.

A short circuiting potential, of money ignorance is to go back to the educational source. There we will find a cornucopia of health, personal and financial ignorance. Will you really rather choose DIY self-inflicted poverty? Surely, not! So why not self-empower yourself about both your health and money management skills?

It's very interesting to recall when I had money-management conversation with the experts, 40 or more years ago, I struggle from time to time to understand the "secret" language of investing and managing your moneys) Even now, there is always the shield of guarding the "very complex" language of money-management and investing! However, I soon learned, that Not every prediction they mane, has been on the spot either. The lesson: I have never let that get in the way of profit potential. Neither should you!

Despite our flawed education, we might fall short in the future; but getting as far as we can, is the best we can do.

It's very important to teach children to think; not what to think. Similarly, teach your children to trust, but also to Verify, the advice from professional advisor. Whether it's the advice of a top expert; a diagnosis from a leading doctor, a mechanic's repair estimate, or a health warning.

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Chapter 48:

The Keen Givers And The Not So Keen Takers

In life there seems to be two types of people; the keen givers and the equally keen takers! (Well, sometimes, maybe, after all, not so keen takers!) The keen givers wish to uplift their fellows! They reach out, and go to a lot of trouble to prepare and give information to the takers! The takers, on the other hand, mostly don't realise the value of the information given them, therefore, don't even thank them for the valuable quality-of-life information!

Nevertheless, as the givers already experience, it's very true, that what you enthusiastically put out into the world, publicly and privately, is what you ultimately get back. Also, as most of the givers are aware, it's impossible to continuously float in a sea of negativity. Can you really, while floating there, expect the world to reach out and give you all you wish for? In the real world, that's Not how it works.

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Chapter 49:

Drop A Note Of Gratitude

I know it's asking much – but why not drop a note of gratitude and thanks, to the many folks who have given you pleasure and delight? Think of the artists, comedians, authors, composers, actors and actresses, singers, poets, sculptors, musical and orchestral conductors, playwrights and so many more! Thank goodness for the dedicated, empathetic, well qualified and still honest medical men and women, who take such good care of us! These are the folks, and their families, who are always available even at off-time times! With a little persistence on our part, we can easily contact those people who are still alive, who are also appreciating feedback from the folks to whom they project their various forms of art and healthcare! Gratitude really is Essential For a Rewarding And Free Life!

"As we express our gratitude, we must not forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy.

Fortunately, there are also, among the takers, folks who wish to uplift themselves to the next plateau! Time was, when children got a Piggy bank money "Savings box" from either their parents or grandparents! One wonders how many "criminals" were created by the temptation of the young Saver, to get to the cash in the unit? Development of your imagination, should be ingrained in your education. Your brain should be wired to imagine, to think. To look ahead and see what could the world look like in 2030, 2040? And that's how you should approach thinking about your future world! Always remember that, in many cases, you cannot possibly know all things outside your usual categories. Remember that, even when the experts all agree, they may well be prejudiced or mistaken. Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.

Recall the poet Rumi, once writing: "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."

We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success; we often discover what will do, by finding out what will not do; and probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery. Samuel Smiles.

You cannot guarantee success. You can only deserve it!

Failure always made me try harder the next time. Obstacles cannot crush me; every obstacle yields to stern resolve. Leonardo da Vinci.

The convenience of maintaining the status quo, is infinitely much easier than adopting a plan for good change – business as always! People have not lost faith in the system – yet!

Learning about investment self empowerment, without actively getting involved, is like Doing business without promotion! It's also like winking at a pretty girl in the dark! Nobody else knows you're doing it!

In a Laundromat: automatic WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT!

The negative money mind-set, is a type of thermostat, that is usually incorrectly set in our childhood, and gives each of us our future frequently distorted feelings and beliefs about money and wealth. The development problem for many folks is, their progress thermostat is not set for the Critical Growth of Wealth.

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Chapter 50:

The Paradox Of KNOWLEDGE

Of the things I learned early in life, is the often hidden paradox of knowledge: The more you learn, the more you realise you don't know. As you learn new information, you will also realise that you will uncover a whole lot of things you did not even know that you did not know. Fortunately, there will always be more to learn. So, how does your ignorance dawn on you; how do you know when you know enough to start investing? Don't forget the paradox of ignorance. The less you know, the less you will want to know! The more you learn, the more you realise you know. It's when you have the courage, conviction and determination to take action, knowing that you certainly will never know it all, but that you will continue to learn more along the way, by educating yourself, as you move up the experience of the investment ladder. For far too many people, the almost always present handbrake of fear, is the only thing that is holding them back from taking the plunge and buying their first investments. But once you have met and know fear, it will never hold you back again!

How do you recognise that important moment when a fear becomes a real tangible Possible life-altering factor? Is it always in the back of our minds? Just waiting to be released to do the inhibiting and ambition-destroying work?

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Chapter 51:

Surely There Must Be A Way Of Destroying Fear!

Self confidence ruining fear, is just excitement in need of a very serious and immediate attitude adjustment. Unnecessary fear about the future, results from compounding ignorance, and failing to take the necessary timely control of your destiny. This soon results in biting ignorance-augmented poverty.

Investing from a state of self-imposed ignorance, may work when you follow a herd-driven booming market, but it also can be the kiss of financial and security death when the markets turn! Have you ever heard a friend using the term catastrophizing? It's the negative human tendency to think the worst about everything and dwell on the worst possible outcome.

The important thing is, each negative investment link in the chain does not necessarily have to lead to the next. As history has already taught, there is no guarantee whatsoever that a few down market days will lead to the complete destruction of the financial world as we know it. Somewhere, there is always a path to profits. You just have to start with health and money management self-empowerment, to know where to look to find it and what tactics to use to stay on it.

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Chapter 52:

Ignore Little Weaknesses That Really Don't Hinder You!

One of the great penalties people encounter, is to believe they must first correct their weaknesses before they can capitalise on their hidden strengths. Instead, you should rather focus and work on a problem, only if it's acting as a handbrake on your quality of life, lessening your productivity or esteem. Conquering your suspected weaknesses, you allow your concealed strengths to overpower them, ultimately making them irrelevant. How a person masters his fate, is really more important than what his fate is.

Get your priorities in step. The important things in life, that matter most must not be left to things that matter much less. Always focus your energy and time on what matters most and what's more important. Also, what really matters most? That includes good health, family and friends, time for yourself and a balanced life.

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Chapter 53:

That Important But Often Dangerous Ladder!

Of course, the big secret in life, is to know where, and with whom, you want to stand on the ladder of life. That is, if you really believe on standing on any ladder! If you value the ladder approach, make sure that it's standing on very firm ground and against the right wall! A very important facet of your retirement and general healthcare, is to prevent falls! Take the necessary action – at first I wrote steps – to fall-Proof Your Home

To start off with, avoid homes with stairs or steps! Next, look at possible dark areas in your normal passage and other parts of your home!

On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."

Look at the quality and safety of your slippers and shoes! The very slippery soles of your shoes might be some of the most dangerous things in your home. Consider that falls are the number one cause of death, for folks over 65.

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Chapter 54:

Longevity Is The Future

The number of seniors is growing every year! Therefore, more and more seniors fall every year.

Take note of the disturbing figure in America! One-third of Americans over 65 fall every year. Another cause for home-related falls, is falling over the home's pet! I've had a lady with a fractured hip, who acquired the fracture by falling over her dog. Adopt a good pet-safety routine. Make sure you keep your pet's toys, water containers and food bowls away from areas where you regularly walk. Try a small bell on your pet's collar so you can hear it underfoot if you can't see it. Depending on the prevailing climate, it might even be a good idea to fix a little flashing light to the animal's collar! In fact, one evening, we were rather amused to notice a little dog with a coat and flashing light, while visiting Bad FUSSING Germany, during a very cold winter!

Other home-based sources of potential falls are: Standing on little stools, tables, beds, unstable step ladders. I vividly recall a young lady, carrying her little child to go downstairs in the dark! She did not want to turn on a light, to disturb the rest of the family! She slipped, held the little fellow tight and began sliding down stairs on her back! That set the stage for a very severe chronic back injury!

Don't forget to slip-proof your bath! Get a suitable bathmat to prevent slipping in the bath! If possible, also make sure to have at hand a suitable grab rail, to enhance stability in either the bath or shower unit! Yet another very practical point, is to sit on the edge of the bed for a little while, before going to the bathroom during the night. This gives the circulation time to stabilise, thus reducing the risk of falling!

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Chapter 55:

Why Wonder About In The Dark?

Add some night-lights. Keep in mind, as we get older, our vision tends to get worse in the dark. Adding low-power-use night-lights along stairs, steps, hallways and in bathrooms can help make walking at night, much fall-safer! Yet another safety and possible life-saving feature, particularly for elderly folks who live on their own, is to have a remote button attached to their wrist, so that they can call for help if necessary, such as during a fall! Often, after a fall, people cannot get up on their own requiring help and immediate assistance. Just imagine lying on a very cold floor, during the winter, from midnight till 8 the next morning! Certainly, not a enticing or quality-of-life enhancing prospect! Yet, a little while ago, such an event came to my attention, about an elderly lady!

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Chapter 56:

Reach For The Sky And The Danger Of Ladders

I have had so many folks who sustained severe injuries by falling off ladders! However, here too, walls have limited heights! Imagine, for a moment, that we all have our positions on the steps of the corporate ladders. If we fall off the first step, it really won't hurt a bit. However, the further we climb, the narrower the steps become, until finally one's has reached the top step. Now you notice that you are balancing on a very small and unstable point. In real life, I have had a patient who actually stood on the top stet, paint brush in one hand, a bucket of paint in the other hand, when the ladder, based on soft soil, started giving away! Although both his ego and back were badly traumatised, he survived! Of course, not to repeat the venture! Fortunately for him, his wife heard the cry for help, was at hand within a few seconds to help him on to his feet; having made sure that there was nothing too serious at fault! Well, it doesn't take a genius, to work out, that if even a small gust of wind comes, you could fall, and when you hit the "sharp-cornered concrete bottom" that is seriously going to hurt! Well, it's really the same when you overvalue yourself. If suddenly you find out, that you are really not the greatest thing on earth, or someone pushes you from that corporate ladder step, the resulting quick fall from grace, is enough to send you spiralling to the hard reality of the lower grounds, as well as into possible deep depression. In an office: Would THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEPLADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.

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Chapter 57:

Remember, This Is A Fictional Mind-Opening Information Book

Investments in your personal health and financial development, are the smartest and most rewarding investments you will ever make. Good investment, is based on knowledge, research, insight, experience and fact. How do you gain clarity and insight, in an unclear world? Use that very valuable well-equipped office between your ears – your brain! It only works to its best potential, when it is exposed to the right people and things. People and things that help, not hinder. Don't just rely on hearsay, get the facts. However, I hope you feel inspired, to join the elevated folks, who prefer to take their health and money management future into their own hands. Just look at the people you meet. Check the quality of their handgrip; it imparts so much of their personality. The hand is a very important part of your public billboard. The information laden hand is an extension of the human mind and personality. We throw off our restraining shackles, by engaging with the on-going and stimulating process of Self-education. By learning what's important, and what's not, what to focus on and what to ignore. Taking and advantage of self-education and trading the markets, is the greatest equal opportunity employer on the planet. Finding opportunity? Yes! Alternatively: instead of fear, become more health and wealth information conspicuous, and opportunity will much easier find you! As you already probably have observed and know, there are many people less educated, intelligent, less beautiful and more scatter brained than you, really making a killing in the markets.

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Chapter 58:

Claim Your Place At The Enticing Trading Feast?

Why not also be enthusiastic, dedicated and educate yourself and step up and claim your place at the enticing trading feast? Take advantage, enjoy and embrace the stimulating change and continuously learn. Never be put off, because a good learning opportunity costs time and money. We all pay self-empowerment learning fees, either to a mentor or to the market. In the latter case, our mistakes, which are usually very painful and expensive. Remember that anything important cannot be really learned in the classroom. It must be learned by taking action – making mistakes and then correcting them. That's when wisdom sets in.

Don't you agree, that it is much better, to lump all your self-empowering experience-gaining pain into a brief period, rather than have it spread out over a long, frustrating and exhausting time.

"The beauty remains; the pain passes!" Renoir.

Sometime, it's necessary to change direction! Get on to a new financial course! Always remember that a single, isolated, or rare financial or investment "mistake", does not qualify as a successful, chronic long-term money disorder! Persistent money and investment disorders, are often predictable, frequently manifesting themselves in rigid patterns of self-destructive financial behaviours. That can cause significant personal and family stress, anxiety, emotional distress, and impairment in major areas of one's life. If you are in business, cash flow, not money, relieves anxiety. The primary reason most people have money problems, is that Again, reflect on why so many folks have money management problems. Just look at their education, and we see that they were never schooled in the arts and science of Cash flow Management.

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Chapter 59:

The Making Of Money, Is An Intellectual Thing

Therefore, to spend your life working hard for money only to have it go out as fast as it comes in, is really not a sign of high money management intelligence. In order to get where you want to go, first, money-management self-empower yourself. Assess your present state of wealth. Because you need to know where you are. Then, set your self-empowered compass to get to your destination. If you, and your family, feel left in the dark, about money, the chances are you have more than a passing problem to acknowledge and work through.

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Chapter 60:

Have Successful Mentors

When you associate and surround yourself with the stimulating best, you too, will soon be at your best. All sensible and successful entrepreneurs and investors seek out and learn from the best of the best they can access.

To keep on with the same no success recipe: To keep on keeping on, will certainly not get you to your goals! More of the same, will only get you more of the same compounding and mounting frustrations. Folks who are set on both health and money-management self-empowerment, know the value of libraries and books. Never overlook the at-hand educational sources available from teachers, mentors and even consultants for direction and advice. However, I believe that sometimes one seeks advice in order not to take it. Remember that one of your best self-educational tools, is to learn from achievers; successful people, who have gone before you and done what you also want to do.

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Chapter 61:

Why Reinvent The Wheel?

You may just include a weak spot, overlooking a rather simple, but most valuable part of the construction of your "new wheel!" In practical terms, it's much better – if possible – to start where someone else had left off. Anything that can go wrong, generally does go wrong sooner or later. However, interestingly, I found the really fascinating exception! When I was a little boy, in the days when mechanical wind-up alarm clocks were rather large, seemingly intricate devices, I sometimes took the unit apart. On re-assembling it, there would suddenly be an extra part! However, despite the extra part, the clock worked fine!!! So it is not to be wondered, that experienced long-term investors prefer the safe, experience-based what really works to the complicated and unknown. Therefore, sufficient stress can hardly be laid on the many advantages of health, money management and investment simplicity. The human emotional factor and bias, cannot be safely neglected in future financial and health planning machinery. So true! If something can go wrong, it sooner or later will. So simple is always much better than complicated.

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Chapter 62:

Emergency Or Rainy Day Fund Available

Of course, even the best devised plans can go astray! Therefore in your personal finance program, it makes good survival sense, to have an emergency or Rainy day fund available. The bigger – the better – the emergency fund, the better the chance of accommodating any unforeseen and unpleasant future financial event. To most of us, it might seem unthinkable that by picking out the shares of a very large, a firmly-established or a highly profitable international company to invest in, that it really could never go bust! Don't believe it? Think again! Just look back at the top companies from 40, 30, or even 20 years ago, and see how many of them no longer exist.

There is a less risky remedy. Buying an instantly diversified product, such as an index fund. The advantage, Short of a global financial or any other catastrophe, on an almost unimaginable scale, every company on the index will not be worth zero. And, if per chance, one does go under, then it will not be a catastrophe or hurt too much. Because you hold a widely diversified international, well managed good spread of companies. You will also own every stock worth owning in the index. There also is the added advantage that, maybe, the next Microsoft will enter the index as it is rebalanced each quarter. So you really don't even have to worry about missing out on the next big big thing! However, of course, it's also very important to have and regularly review, a not to do list!

This list includes, time wasting and health deteriorating activities! Gaining experience is a very necessary but time consuming, and expensive teacher.

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Chapter 63:

The Crippling Disease Of Money Avoidance Disorders

The first, and very important symptom, is Denial. This is a classic defence mechanism, designed to reduce our anxiety and shame over our money troubles. Financial denial, is when we, or a member of the family, minimise our money problems, or try our best to avoid thinking about them altogether. Rather than face the on-coming financial tsunami reality. In other words: you have your head hidden and buried in the sand, while there's a compounding money problem building up ahead of you.

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Chapter 64:

Delayed Gratification

It really is worth taking note of The Stanford marshmallow experiment. It refers to a series of studies on delayed gratification in the late 1960ness and early 1970ness led by psychologist Walter Mischel, then a professor at Stanford University. Morcam Mitchel, did the very revealing Marshmallow Test, more than 30 years ago – focusing on THE Benefits Of delayed Gratification. Now, a new study, demonstrates that being able to delay gratification, is influenced as much by the domestic and social environment as by innate ability.

Are you really the exceptional investor? Did you, early in life, practice delay gratification? Regular experienced investors, who lock in their large gains, are always a step ahead of most. These are the folks who resist the always tempting urge to spend that extra money. They would rather watch it compound, and let it grow! And, suddenly, with the miracle of compounding, a rich retirement is theirs for the taking.

Experienced and successful old-money families, know they have to give up something today, to be able to have more tomorrow! They are accepting a short-term disadvantage, for a long-term safe, strategic advantage. To build up Great Successful Businesses, Great Happy and Contented Families, and Great Lasting Fortunes, takes patients, perseverance and time.

Here too, selecting the right marriage and business partner, is vitally important! You regularly have to be willing to invest your time and effort! And patiently wait for the rewards and payoff, sometime in the future. Old experienced money, knows how to delay and compound gratification!

Albert Einstein called it the greatest mathematical discovery of all time. It is the miracle of compounding interest. And with it, aided by time and patience, you can build your very own investment and property empire. It is worth repeating: As Albert Einstein noted, compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. Now look at the mounting value of time, when applied to letting your money grow! It only becomes an outstanding miracle at the end, not the beginning. That most valuable asset, time, is infinitely precious to you and me. There really is too little of it left, for it to be squandered and dissipated, along with your and my resources and strength, on negative and unpromising ventures and material.

Time, like water, quickly slips through between our fingers! Treasure it, save it, use it!

Time, well spent with optimistic folks, is the great opportunity equaliser of all mankind. In the end, rapidly slipping away, it will ultimately take away, the best and the worst of us, without social, financial status priority or regard for either.

Time also offers opportunity, but demands a regular sense of both health and wealth self-empowerment.

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Chapter 65:

What Is This Very Important Energy And Frustration-Saving

Miracle Called Compounding Interest?

The best practical way to explain how compounding interest works, is with using some numbers. Say you invest $10 000 at 6 percent. In one year, that $10 000 has grown to $10 600. That's pretty simple straightforward maths. But what happens if you reinvest your initial capital that entire $10 600 and the gain realised for a further year at 6 percent? After the second year, you will be up another $636, with your investment now worth $11 236. In other words, you have gained not only that $600 from the first year, but another $36 on top. Not bad! This is the time-related miracle power of compounding. Remember, every time you reinvest that little bit more, it continues to snowball. By the end of year three, your investment now is worth $11 910 because it netted an additional $674, which means your yield was $74 more than in your first year of investment. And the best news is you did not have to lift a finger or to strain your back, to make that happen! On-going compounding, even during your sleep, did all the work for you. More accurately, you were sensible to employ time and leverage, the fundamental backbones of compounding interest, to continuously and successfully do the job for you. Sooner rather than later, of course, given that time is the most essential element in this equation, the more you have of it, the more effective compounding will be when it comes to building future wealth. Regularly reinvesting dividends, and frequently adding to your positions over time, will continue to yield larger dividend income each year, which can go a long way when it comes time to retire. That's one successful formula, to create real family fortunes.

Look at another successful Fortune Building approach: Successful traders with huge trading fortunes, started doing the Correct small things. Once they got the little things right, they Compounded and Catapulted towards success. They also noticed that access to capital is a powerful creative force. Capital also is the foundation of wealth which, in turn, is the successful early embodiment of creative ideas. However, we must always be on guard, because conformity is stifling and threatening in the world of ideas.

Given the political freedom of successful entrepreneurs and investors, with their insight and dedication, it fortunately is constantly growing, and has been since the dawn of time. Of course, there are cycles in personal and international economic history! Sometime, growth slows. But, in the long run, it will not stop.

Take in to account that the world's population is increasing, that more people have access to capital and growing wealth, and then it is obvious that there is also a growing market for their products, services and skills. You will also have noticed that the markets have a long-term upward bias. The reason: there are more affluent folks, with their constantly increasing amounts of money, chasing fewer quality stocks over time.

Of course, the only question is how you can take advantage of how to handle the cycles and swings? That comes down to proper well-informed risk management.

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Chapter 66:

Risk Management

If you really want to get rich, you also need to learn how to take and manage risks. Now's the time to learn to be an investor. Successful or rich investors do not only diversify; they always investigate and focus their efforts. As we already know, people who take risks change the world. If you have poor money management skills, it's time get on with both health and wealth self-empowerment! Because, lacking that very important skill, all the money in the world will not save you. Always remember that, when too many things happen at once, the risk rises, that someone will leak information or even drop a clanger! Look at the profiles of uncertainty, success and failure, as well as risk-taking! At birth, we are not allocated with quality-of-life skills.

"Do that which is assigned you," Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his essay Self-Reliance, "and you cannot hope too much or dare too much."

Therefore, to enhance both our quality of health and wealth, we must step into the driver's seat of our fortunes – start with both health and wealth self-empowerment!

First, we must determine the degree of our risk apatite. Next, we must determine the tolerance of our risk indigestion. Then we must determine, whether we suffer from Risk avoidance constipation.

Innovation and technology progress increases total market size every time in every industry. Technology never goes backward! Well-exposed innovation has never failed to produce profits.

As we notice more frequently, technology disruption crosses every economic parameter!

Why Pessimists complain and Never Make Money! It really all comes down to understanding the subtle differences, between a threat to your money, and a potential golden opportunity you can capitalise on. Many pessimists don't see the opportunities ahead. They focus on their rear-view mirror! They base their forward-thinking argument on extrapolation. For them, it's logical, for example, to assume the markets would go to zero, if you looked at what happened in 2009. That's when the bottom fell out of the market, and millions of investors believed the end of the financial universe was upon us.

In fact, collectively, they were attending a low-key carnival of first-class lethargic pessimists! There they met so many folks, who are set on achieving genuine failure, but felt just too tired to put in the effort! They were also very impressed by the cascade of failure! Well, somewhere in there, there is a very good lesson! If you wish to drive forward, while keeping your eyes on the rear-view mirror, and are still keen to extrapolate anything, keep in mind, that technology is the one constant sector, capable of increasing market size everywhere it occurs. "Every moment in life, every opportunity is a choice to innovate and have an impact." Frances Colon.

Freedom of choice, speech and information, is too precious a freedom to be meddled with.

For the folks who tend to look ahead, across the many mountains and valleys of obstacles, this means a constantly expanding stream of creative and innovative ideas that are ultimately translated into earnings and, in turn, into higher stock prices over time.

Schopenhauer said, that talent hits a target no one else can hit, but genius hits a target no one else can see. That is precisely what sets successful entrepreneurs, investors, and founders apart.

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Chapter 67:

The Prophet Is Not Someone With Special Visions

Yes, remember that a prophet is not someone with special visions, just someone with insight to most of what others cannot imagine or don't see.

Why not dare to let your creative imagination run wild, about what you too, and are really capable of achieving?

The best investors and entrepreneurs, do it, and, of course, so can you. Join the people of the future! The folks who are undeterred and look across the many mountains and valleys of obstacles. The future belongs to those who don't outsource their creative common sense and can really change. They change with the demands, technologies, times and use personal disappointments and failures, as building blocks for the future.

Remember that top-grade pessimists want everybody to fail, whereas top-grade optimists want even pessimists to succeed.

Also remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, genius can only be discovered in spontaneity, instinct and intuition.

Again, for the really optimistic forward thinking folks, this is why disruptive technology, in particular, is so powerful and so capable of overcoming even the worst pessimism. I repeat: Technology never goes backward!

Do you still struggle from time to time, to separate how you feel about what you know about money and profits? Of course, not every prediction you make will be on the mark! However, never let that get in the way of profit potential. Continuing growth momentum can only be yours, if you take the Necessary Well-Motivated first step. Similarly, be wary of any form of "Guarantees." Who, or what, is backing that guarantee? What is the cost of a "guarantee?"

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Chapter 68:

What Happened!?

Always keep in mind that the following can actually happen. What happens if and when "The Very Safe" Investment Service Provider Company goes under?

What happens to you and your family, when the "Future Retirement Income Guarantee" ends Unsuccessfully? What happens to you and your family, if the government of the day's pension plan fails or is mismanaged? What happens if the government of the day is displaced?

Will you have to fear the shrinking of the quality of life that comes with possible poverty and aging? Will you also fear the penalty that comes with the lack of early health and money management self-empowerment? Not learning, not taking advantage of experience and knowledge.

When dealing with matters financial, being either stocks or real estate investments, you always simply need to understand the seller's or agent's incentives. And, of course the very, very, very important Expense of Acquiring, Holding and Disposing of the asset's costs.

But never forget, and always ask, what is the Total Transaction cost? As always, go back to basics. And, to always do your own in-depth due diligence.

The prevailing market uncertainties, should make you more focused and better investors, because you will need to conduct more in-depth due diligence, before you make important investment decisions. In International investment volatile times, such as these, you need to be very vigilant and on your toes! You need to constantly monitor and check your investment portfolio, examine and re-examine your selected strategies, to be sure that they will yield the desired outcome!

Rather than guessing, Make your investing decisions, based on what the very important fundamentals of a company say, and not only based on what the numbers say. If initially, you get the fundamentals right, the downturns on the ride will provide you with the perfect opportunity to increase your equity, and you can rest in knowing that the next big upward wave, is on its way.

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Chapter 69:

I'm Concerned About The Wellbeing Of

My Fellow Passengers On This Planet

More so, in particular, the young folks and their future.

Young folks, remember that in the end, it really is all about paying periodic attention to the fundamentals of possible investments, to make sure that you will accumulate every day, and retirement wealth, over the long-term.

Don't lose Money: The Most Important Law of Lasting Wealth!

Wealth never disappears! It may slip through your fingers! Then it simply flows elsewhere!

Experienced and alert investment readers, know getting attached to an investment, is a really quick way to lose money.

Pitfall number one. One of the most emotional, and probably regretful, investment decisions you could ever make, is loaning money to a friend or family member.

"Never ever loan money, or sign surety, to your family or friends. It's a good way to lose both your money; and your friend."

Remember The Very Powerful Law Of Monetary Incentives. There certainly is no such thing as a "Free Lunch," and always ask yourself: "What Is The Total Cost?"

When you asked me, to be your mentor, to teach you, to impart some of my time-acquired experience, knowledge and insight to you, I wanted to make sure that you were prepared to give something in exchange for my free lessons. If you are not keen or willing to give something in return, then that is the first valuable lesson for you to figure out, after I turned you down.

People who don't reach out and help, people who are selfish, learn to expect something for nothing, usually get nothing in real life.

It really is true that one can never get something for nothing! Maybe, that's how you like to enjoy your Blissful Transaction Ignorance.

During your Self-Empowerment venture and progress, you might be subjected to a sense of despondency – we must eradicate fraud, corruption, self-enrichment and much more!

Have you ever felt that we live in a cloud; a fog of fraud, corruption; lies; self-enrichment crime syndicates; phantom democracy; the communal thieves in top-speed action; the absolute farce, parading as reality, we're living in; who's going to rescue us? Going to prison in single file – no rest! But plenty of arrests!

The more we self-empower, and learn about our Health and Finance, the less scary and intimidating, the future seems.

The more you understand what's really going on, the better you are able to make long-term health and investment decisions.

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Chapter 70:

Our Very Important Mission: Is Always To Try And Understand

But why should we want to? Good question.

Dear Keen Observer, You're Really on the Right Self-Empowerment Track Today! First, because we want an edge, and to understand the important things other people don't want to learn and to understand. Why? Maybe, because it's the old motivating factor: it makes us feel better informed and knowledge superior. That is the goal of all really honest people: to feel better informed and superior to their less informed fellows. Fortunately, with a keen and motivating background, it's not hard to feel superior in today's E-World!

But, secondly, as you will notice, there's another important reason.

And that is: the more you understand what's really going on, or what's Not Going on, the better you are able to make long-term health and investment decisions.

Always remember that, intimidation, is no substitute for your freedom and choices in life!

All I asked of life was the freedom to associate, to think and say exactly what I pleased, when I pleased, and as I pleased.

We live in rather exciting times, filled with change, challenges, and opportunity.

Yet, life is short. Reach out and drink the enthusiasm wine of possibility. The spirits of possibility and opportunity, are always at work. Why not stay in touch? For people who can reach out for change, change is very difficult and demanding at first, extremely busy and messy in the middle but beautiful and rewarding at the end.

However, when it is not really necessary to change, it is also necessary not to change.

There are two things that are more difficult than making an after-dinner speech: climbing a wall which is leaning toward you and kissing a girl who is leaning away from you. Winston Churchill.

Making the best advantageous investment positioning, is rather like pursuing an amazing, enticing and illusive lover! Make the wrong move at the right time, or just make the right move at the wrong time, either way, you can lose. You don't always get what you want.

I learned that good judgment comes from experience and that experience grows out of mistakes. Omar Bradley.

Self-empowerment and learning, is not attained by random chance. It must be sought for with ardour and attended to with persistence, determination and diligence.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela.

It is a first-class mind broadening education to face what you really don't know. As always in a democracy, the choice is yours. You can say those things but it does not mean you can bring them about. In politics, when, during an election, both choices seem equally bad, it's called Lesser evilism!

Keep politics, emotion and investment in separate categories. Only make investments decisions, based on sound money-management concepts.

Ultimately, markets are really not totally rational. The reason: they are driven by the powerful human emotions of fear and greed.

As we know, humans are not always rational beings. Therefore, market pricing is sometimes inefficient too. The lesson? Temper your investment acquisitions to when the market is despondent and has undervalued assets.

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Chapter 71:

Why Are Some People So Very Successful In Life?

Look at it from this perspective!

Is you wish, I'll take you for a trip to the very exciting, mind-broadening and meticulously run city. Never heard of such a place! Oh, yes! It does actually exist. Hmmm! In fact, it's called city of Equity Investment Success Enthusiastic Associates This most desirable and gradually expanding city, offers so much to the folks who have access to even a moderate amount of financial equity! The prosperous and desirable city is perceived to be located somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea area, on an island. However, being an island, it too, is not that easy to get to. I can see that – at least, you must be able to swim? Evidently, to get there, much more than just swim! This Island-City-Country, issues its own passports. It's very strict, tolerating no past anti-social behaviour; crime; quality-of-life-depriving habits and ingrained laziness! Well, that's just a short list of access to this Country's access!

Do you really think I'll be able to get a temporary visitor's passport? I've known you for a long time! I really see no problem; with your unblemished record! It offers good infrastructure, safety and security, easy access to all cultural and sporting facilities. Education, health care and retirement facilities are excellent, affordable and always at the technological leading edge of the various sciences and skill-driven expertise. No wonder folks from all corners of the world, try their level best to gain a passport to this friendly, technologically progressive city You want to know the name of this attractive city?

It's called Eisea. But where does that name come from? In truth, the name is derived from Equity Investment Success Enthusiastic Associates

Now you can see why it's not that easy to get to this remarkable international place!

You enquired about some of the names of folks already living there? Well, for starters, there is Mary McMoney, from Edinburgh Scotland!

There are a growing number of folks from America. Many of whom are fortunate in that they either designed new products or concepts; entitling them to be able to acquire the necessary passport.

They also value Freedom of association, which they see as the very essence of freedom itself.

Another very interesting aspect of the life in this city, is the free association between folks who are not scared to share their information about the route they took to ultimately get to this particular city!

Thank you! I'll apply! Will you please sponsor me? Of course, I'll be delighted!

First, I must give you some background about the Successful entrepreneurs and investors, who got together to put this concept in place, execute it and open it up for a relatively small number of folks! What they wished to build was an unusual residential resort for people who wish to live a safe, secluded and well regulated life in a place that would suit their requirements, in terms of their various demands!

On investigation, they found that it then turned out that only the very rich could enjoy their residential locations, where ever they were located; not always with the best climate! The focus now became "not always with the best climate!"

A temporary visitor's passport was issued in no time at all!

Strolling along the main road, one met with friendly folks, eager to stop and have a chat!

You remember that I told you about Mary McMoney, from Edinburgh Scotland!

"Hi Mary," here's my friend Ewen!" "Hi Ewen! Welcome to our city!" "Thanks Mary; but I'm only a temporary visitor; have the very good fortune to be invited to this remarkable spot on earth!"

Mary, I told Ewen about the huge and varied routs one can take to gain access to this city! Maybe, if you don't mind, telling him which route you took!

Mary's face lit up; evidently enthusiastic to highlight her particular chosen route to Eisea.

"I had a rather frustrating job," she continued. However, the employed workforce was shrinking; I saw the end being what I did not have in mind. So, I simply decided to do the necessary adjustment to my focus on life!"

"And what was that?"

"I could either stay where I was or move into the light of Health and Money management Self-empowerment! I quit the darkness; took the road to Self-Empowerment!"

You see Ewen, she was totally dedicated, determined, pushed aside self-destroying fear, widened her view on life and got moving, also motivated by her ability to direct her energies and reap the gratifying results of hard work! Hi, someone waved at us.

"Hi mate! Good to see you."

Ewen, this is John Stokes from somewhere in Australia.

"You also enjoy the climate here Ewen?"

"Lovely, but it's my first day – only on visitor's pass!"

John's route to Eisea, was via his dedicated and successful focus on real estate development and investments, in Australia.

They strolled past the city's international communications complex! By now, the sun was setting, yet it remained very pleasant outdoors.

However, as we walked along, we were always in a pool of light. The street lights going on and off, automatically as we progressed. Ewen, this is the international library of knowledge; freely available to all the citizens; available in whatever format they prefer!

"May we have a look inside?" Ewen asked.

"Should we not register?" Ewen asked.

Done automatically by my in-pocket Citizen's Passport!

Here we have the research division; over there, the interest group meeting rooms. That where folks who are interested in a particular subject, can get together and discuss whatever they wish.

You can, of course, also join them via the net, from your home!

William Ducloudman, a tall, friendly fellow with a very firm handshake, introduced himself.

Hi Bill, keeping well?

"Yeah!"

Bill's from America. A top-grade communication's expert. That's his particular route that gave him access to this city!

However Ewen seemed to be somewhat perplexed. Friendly people; no no traffic; no ostentatious homes; all seems to be functioning very smoothly.

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Chapter 72:

Pragmatism Survival Formula

Successful financial planning, is also about planning for the worst.

To Self-empower yourself about both your health and finance, and to be prepared for any possible future contingency, is the greatest of survival virtues. As part of your important personal diplomatic and pragmatism survival formula, regularly practice inaction pragmatism.

Of course, the degree of long-term success depends upon the extent of planning for the anticipated ultimate victory.

With meticulous investigating and planning, before engaging in the survival battle, you have already won the war. However, on the other hand, with careless planning, before engaging in the battle, you may already have settled for disappointment; and have already lost the war. With no advance planning, Your defeat is certain.

Investors, who prepare, investigate and work to a clear cut investment plan and strategy, have the long-term odds in their favour. However, you will soon learn that the international investment market, is a more unforgiving, efficient, bigger and scarier opponent, than you have ever faced in your previous life.

Success isn't the result of spontaneous combustion. Rather, you must be diligent, enthusiastic, persistent and you must ignite the spark and set yourself on fire. The drivers of most success, is having that ability to bring out superior performance in their fellow human beings. All good and successful strategy, really, is about the best use of available and limited resources. It's about making choices; about changing; about enthusiasm; about having the necessary courage to take things beyond the rhetoric, and actually getting them done.

Of course, there are always unfortunate and unhappy folks who have to do something they do not want to do for the rest of their life. If you see no alternative, no option, no possibility of changing your mindset, by all means convince yourself that to stay happy, you simply have to continue to do it. You will be very unfortunate; you will join the unhappy and disgruntled masses – You'll also have lots of company.

I don't believe one can really be unhappy for very long, provided one does exactly what one wants to, with whom one wants to, and when and where one wants to. No one in his or her right mind, really sets out to be miserably well off. Talk to your family, friends and associates, and you will soon learn that it is quite to the contrary!

WHY not turn to books – either paper or electronic format? In books, you will soon learn that it is always to one's improved value system if you reflect on what some of the past thinkers, inventors, ventures' and similar-minded folks have left for us to contemplate. By doing this, you will soon have the beginning of a fertile, imaginative and multi-decade memory.

Oscar Wilde's interesting dictum: A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. Christopher Columbus.

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Chapter 73:

Understand Failure

If you are trying to manage failure, or are dealing with failure, you always have to understand what you are doing wrong.

Have you already done enough to incentivise yourself to on-going failure?

Although failure – caught from top quality pessimists – often is a contagious disease, failure is also a curable disease. Of course, you can be hell-bound on personal, financial and happiness self-sabotage.

Incompetence is failure. Failure, because of the right self-empowering things that you don't do, is permanent. That's only if you allow it. Incompetence, knows no barriers of time or place. Education, often touted as a cure for all ills, is apparently no cure for well-established, self-enriching incompetence. Galloping incompetence runs riot in the halls of politics and education.

All investors Hate failure. Is there any good reason why you should put up with it in yourself?

Some failure-bent folks memorialise their failures!

Whatever a pessimist tells you about failure, divide it by ten. Then add your well-informed optimistic imagination!

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. Henry Ford.

What's needed, is the Perspective to Turn Pessimism into Profits!

Change is constant, if rarely noticed. We are daily exposed to Continuity of change.

Frustrated? You certainly don't have to be. Now is your chance to address problems that you believe you can't affect, or policies that you can't change in your favour!

You have to reset your thinking, stop blaming others; upgrade your value system thermostat and everything round you will also change. We have to be original to think anyway, so why not think creative and big.

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Chapter 74:

The Danger Of Blindly Following Advice!

It's a very good idea, to always keep in mind, that the primary goal of this book, is to use the information, to empower yourself.

Remember, no one will look out for both your health and wealth, better than you will.

The contents of this book, is to provide you with some experience-based information, so you can take control of your health and wealth. The investment contents of this book, is information only and should not be regarded as investment advice!

To be successful in the market, you have to be flexible. Also keep in mind that this book cannot give personalised advice, simply because I don't know your personal situation.

I always encourage the readers, to look, investigate and read as much as they can before making a decision.

It's also very important to know thyself. Know your prejudices, goals, likes and dislikes, weaknesses and strengths.

Readers and investors, are always reminded, that before making any health knowledge or money investment, you should do your own proper due diligence on any name, concept directly or indirectly mentioned in this book. As always, investors should also consider seeking advice from a registered, qualified and respected health care provider, broker or financial adviser, before making any investment decisions.

Small wonder that many folks are very wary of the pitfalls of various "get-rich" schemes, with which many people have been burned so many times, now they just try to keep their powder dry.

Often, the uninformed client, is paying the equally uninformed investment advisor, a truckload of money to plunder in the equity market darkness.

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Chapter 75:

Get Rich-Quick Schemes

(Or, Rather, Get Poor Very Quick Schemes)

You too, have probably met people like that. They are always looking for that secret deal that will make them instantly fabulously rich. When you meet with them down the track, they still have not made any successful investment progress during the past year or even more!. They are often influenced by the latest get-rich-quick artist, with a great and often expensive to join story, about how you too, can join them and become stupendously wealthy. Their stories, backed by the show of affluence and a good deal of verbosity, can be very compelling, even hard to resist.

Of course, it's very important, to remember that, if you have assets under someone else's management, find out what their present investment risk-management strategy is right now. You need to be absolutely 100 percent convinced, they will not impede or deteriorate the value of your assets, while trying to improve their performance numbers. If you have the slightest hint of doubt, pull your money out right away.

Always remember, that the financial advisor or broker, always makes money by buying and selling assets. Therefore, they are always on the winning side of the equation.

Never ever be intimidated, by expensive cars, fashionable suits, and fancy dresses, titles, or plush offices. These attributes are in reality, sources of money outgoing; with their associated possible stress and reduced quality of life! They don't necessarily always equate to wise health, financial, investment and money management skills.

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Chapter 76:

Do Your Due Diligence –

Even Pertaining To Your Health As Well!

Does the following ring a cautionary (or should it read a "coronary") fear bell with you?

"Taking these medications, is not negotiable!" Says which pharmaceutical companies? The sting in the tail: "Do you have an annual medical check-up?" "No," came the reply from the slightly more than middle-aged physician, "I just have faith!" That set my mindset on another plane as far as the medication that was prescribed.

However, as I frequently advise, do your due diligence – even pertaining to your health as well!

Check about the possible adverse side effects of the medications prescribed! Maybe, there are better, less dangerous answers to your "diagnosed" health problem! Of course, looking like you might know what you're doing is essential and impressive! However, I still reserve the right to do the necessary background check about your credentials!

Reflect on financial and investment history, to learn that often, the exact opposite is true.

The optimistic, caring, experienced and knowledge-disseminating investment advisor, may even mention that The FAR-OFF, foreign hills are alive to the sound of money.

Looking like you might know what you're doing is essential, and many investment advisors can at least look that way. Never give any person the opportunity to intimidate you.

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Chapter 77:

Watch That Imposing Ego!

Remember, that a ego-overweight man can't ride your back unless it's bent! Walk tall; stay straight.

Remember this is important: a man flattened by an opponent can get up again. But a man flattened by conformity stays down for good.

The media takes advantage of often manipulating the ego's impact. It thrives on sensation, political and financial fear, mental and physical pain and anger, twisting it, to its sales advantage. However, when you lose, don't lose the precious lesson.

To compound the advantage of the learning problem, remember that Self-Education has durable permanence. If you set your Dreams, Objectives and goals, down in a written format, to periodically revisit, you will have a handy Gage to use as a progress barometer!

Unlike spoken words, which evaporate and fade over time, the Seed of written words hang around. You never no who might have planted, nurtured and watered those Seeds!

You also never know who might be inspired by them. Who might find them, or even comment on them, quote them, or even use them against you. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson, author.

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Chapter 78:

Rebel Against Money Ignorance

To rebel against both health and money ignorance, is the first very important duty of the person who wishes to get along in life. This is particularly true right now, when the long-term destiny of mankind, is on the knowledge and technology battlefield. Uncertainty and ignorance, is not a good friend to investors. For them, the markets are like a one-way slippery street to financial hell. Remaining investment ignorant, and lacking any sort of well-investigated and cohesive plan, they lurch from one investment to another, only to make more bad investments. Some folks are the victim of their own selected ignorance. Why? Because their risk assessment antennas had not yet been properly developed. Your gut feeling, your instinct, is all very well. If you are inexperienced, and do not have the necessary insight, to fine tune your instinct, when the financial tsunami appears on the horizon, and to react properly to that tsunami, you are likely to be doomed!

Bottom line, the most informed investor always wins. And your wallet size, is directly proportional to how much you know!

Winners never quit. Quitters never win. Napoleon Hill.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill.

No business is an island of ignorance – are you? If you don't investigate, read and learn, you will soon find out that you just don't know what you don't know. Financial delinquencies, often are the result of money management ignorance.

Eliminate the chronically negative people from your life, beginning with your alter ego, if necessary. Your well-inflated Super Ego, has no place in successful trading.

Ego, as reflected in the following, is a very hungry, energy consuming and fragile thing!

"I knew perfectly well that the very important doctor would be quite busy, or performing an emergency operation. Of course, it's standard procedure. No self-respecting doctor, lawyer or professional person, in the world, will admit, or will have his or her secretary, admit that he or she, is anything less than extremely busy."

A person, who designs and builds their own ego pedestal, had better use very heavy, durable and strong reinforcement cement.

Set aside the energy and time, and cultivate the discipline to clean out all the negative energy-draining people in your life.

You really rise, or fall, to the positive or negative level of your associations. You might even have a platonic notion, of what actual success should be.

Always be aware, of how the Elites Manipulate Your Ego to make you feel important; however also be aware that they are also ready to destroy you! It seems that, the bigger, stronger, well-developed and veneered our egos, the more readily accessible the public targets on our backs. You see, the ego is rather like our skins! It is the well-guarded bundles of treasured memories. Which we identify with the very important me and my past experience, prejudices and story. It is our in-brain digital ID card! It's our identification with all the important social traits that we really value.

For example: with citizenship, financial status, friendship, gender, health, nationality, religion, race, social standing and class, profession or job, political allegiance, possessions, superficial fashion and appearances, opinions, self-esteem, marital state.

The list really is limitless!

By embracing the diversity of human beings, and the international opportunities, you will find true happiness. Always be yourself, and become the best version of you. Remember that you are still original, not a counterfeit.

Remember that originality is simply a pair of fresh eyes. Thomas W. Higginson.

After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box. Old Italian Proverb.

Freedom is the friend of natural happiness! For your progress, acquire the discipline, to clean out all the negative, energy-draining people in your life. Also, don't forget: Save a plant – save a very big and heavy tree – don't continue to carry that energy-sapping quality of life depriving chip on your shoulders! It collects dust and insects; creating a view-obstructing cloud about it. Your family and friends, too, can trip over it and get injured!

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Chapter 79:

What You Can Make Important People In Your Life,

Believe That You Have Done Successfully!

What you successfully do in this world, is a matter of very little, or even no consequence. The important question is: what you can make important people in your life, believe that you have done successfully! Rather, be fuelled by persistence and determination. That's the road to success!

Success in Life is a product of deliberate choice, and not either chance or luck. No One is selected or really borne to be doomed to bad luck!

A large percentage of the rich – over 90 percent – believe you create your own luck.

However, be very careful not to attribute all success to skill, and all failure to bad luck!

The sure-fire road to lack of success, is to take a luxury seat in the "comfort zone" and to sit while stagnating and procrastinating!"

Remember, that there are many people who are reliant on your experience and skills. People who desperately need your support and success.

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Chapter 80:

A Deep-Seated Secret Passion For Failure!

Unfortunately, some folks have an irresistible secret passion for failure. They are top experts at destroying their own prospective future success and fortunes! Sooner or later, they will very successfully "Self-Destroy," and flush the Golden Opportunity down the drain!

They indulged their "Self-Destroy" passion for Successful failure, and, once more, reinforced their negative "Hold-me-back" behaviour patterns! Again, of course, the "Blame," for lack of success, is focused on someone else! Don't associate with the Negative Reverse Osmosis people! They drain your valuable energy; sap your resources and give you a blank non-negotiable slip in return! Some people, for various reasons, are out there carrying around all kinds of potentially and infectious, and harmful thoughts. When we associate and interact with these negative people, it's extremely easy to let them contaminate and determine our mood and, hence, our quality of misery and life. Refusing to let anyone steal your fire, means you don't become a keen and willing sponge for other people's negative energy. Fortunately, it also means you don't allow your inner spark, your enthusiasm, your zest and passion for the precious quality of life, to be snuffed out by someone who's taking their unhappiness out on you. If you let them steal your fire, they win. The choice is yours: do you give them the permission to ruin your life? To influence your attitude? They may have persistent and continuous negative issues, nagging and going on inside themselves. But you don't have to share, or even to take ownership of the property rights of their mess. They've probably are successful in ruining lots of people's lives with their behaviour, but it does not have to be yours! If you lie down with dogs; you'll be getting up with very hungry fleas. Never ever let anyone sabotage or steal your enthusiasm and fire! After all, we are fortunate to be unique autonomous beings, who hold the choice of unconditional power to dictate our own inner threatening disposition. If you don't do the necessary investigation, research and apply passion and dedication, you will very soon learn that success never meets your sense of deserving. All outstanding and great achievements, are derived from the undaunted passions of men and women, and how they interact and learn from each other. Fear, galloping greed, mob mentality, isolationism, and insanity are just a few of the very interesting human restricting, or motivating emotions. Remember that, if you cannot control your emotions, you also cannot control and manage your investments properly – or, should it read: prosperously?

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Chapter 81:

The Art Of Successful Complaining!

(How To Destroy Yourself: And Your Boss!)

Some folks are hell-bent on destroying their very promising and good future. In the process, they also often penalise and sabotage the long-term good fortunes of their families and their employers!

Of course, we know there are often valid reasons for legitimate complaining, but just let this very deadly and highly infectious disease of complaining loose, and it will very quickly destroy both your family, employer and yourself!

Move out of the driver's seat of your fortunes, and you will soon notice that complaining can very rapidly take over your life. Destroy your health, your good prospects and leave you without anything.

Have you ever been on a tourist coach tour where a particular person is always complaining? Of course, nobody wants to take along a spoil-sport, a winger, a chronic complainer. Nobody willingly really wants to promote a complainer, as part of their working team. Nobody wants to be a failure partner of one. Even much worse, nobody really wants to live with someone with a chronically long lip!. Can you really imagine what's it like to have a top-gear chronic complainer around? Just sit down and make a list of the possible penalties that complaining can give birth to! To start with, it will deprive you of more good future opportunities than you can possibly imagine. Next, think of the very good family and friends that complaining will push away from you! Now start complaining about your food, the water, the quality of the air, your home, family, friends, and all at work! The successful and good complain formula: Really have fun! Indulge in complaining long enough and you will get your splendid and promising future cancelled! This includes your future promotions, future opportunities. Well, are you really surprised that even God himself can only take so much complaining? If you join the international league of complainers, stay away, because Complaining is not for the winners in life. To be really a very successful complainer, you must also focus on what you can really do well to complain, not what you cannot. This is very important: you must only focus on the many complaining opportunities, certainly not the success difficulties. When you set your mind on this, and regularly and diligently do this, you will not only inspire yourself but you will be an example for others to follow.

However, the sting in the tail; and this is extremely important, always remember, there are many optimistic folks out there, who are really dependant on you being a success, rather than a complaining failure! Time, is the one thing you should Truly Fear Wasting!

It's a very sound policy, to have Reverence for Health and Financial Ignorance and it's possible impact on you and your family's future life! If you persist with your self-imposed compounding sentence of ignorance, you will certainly pay the sad long-term disabling price! You will find, that you are Less happy more often; and less successful more often!

The pragmatist in you, will teach you to be happy with what's happening.

The really long-term winning brand is pragmatism. Never mind what you say or think. However, always guard your speech and mind. What you do and how it works is what counts. If you are really interested, you can read all about pragmatism in the philosophy books.

However, have you ever heard someone, the rather pessimistic and much less pragmatic type, ask: WHERE AM I GOING? WHAT MUST I DO? WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME? These are very old, frequently revisited questions. Civilised societies have been working on them for more than two thousand years. These always haunting questions are not easy to answer. You will soon learn, that your Financial and Investment "Ignorance", is commuted to the same league as the other similarly Ignorant Deprived people!

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Chapter 82:

A Charge Of Health, Financial And Investment Self-Neglect!

Therefore, at the very critical moment, that you thought that all was safe, you will suddenly be seized by a overwhelming Fear and possible Depression, because you Selected to remain "Ignorant" while the good opportunity was knocking at your door! Now you will bring yourself to trial on a charge of Health, Financial and Investment Self-Neglect! And you will most likely feel, that there is precious little chance of ever getting free and financially independent! The important thing to remember, is nothing is ever 100 percent safe. The "very safe" assets on the "safe" ends of the spectrum can and do sometimes crash. That's why it's critical and very important, that you understand safety comes from the way you manage your assets, not necessarily the assets themselves. Financial independence does not come from how much money you It make. Rather, it comes from how much you accumulate and reinvest to compound. Until you save enough so that your money is doing all the work, you cannot be completely financially independent. In the long but sometime frustrating run, early, regular saving equates to wealth! The more we self-empower, and learn about our Health and Finance, the less scary and intimidating the future seems. Always be on your guard about Inflation, Investment and patient disinformation. Ultimately, money is supposed to be something which is of value and holds its value. However, always Treat and respect your money as if it can soon be taken away! For many people, the growing worry today, is that, with the ravages of inflation, we know that over time the money in our pocket becomes worth progressively less.

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Chapter 83:

The Silent Wealth Killer!

This is a painful case of buying power confiscation by inflation. One of the best "Investments" in Self-Improvement, is constant upgrading of your experience, expertise and knowledge. The valuable secondary advantage of this process, is the compounding of your experience and expertise. Because, if you want your income and business to keep growing, then you have to make sure your expertise and knowledge-base is growing as well!

You don't want "perfect" to be the enemy of the good!"

It's only when we take the "Driver's Seat", in our lives, and accept complete responsibility for our future, that we take the liberating giant step to self-sufficiency!

That's when you become the destination directing pilot of your life, and not a passenger.

"Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign." John Stuart Mill.

However, you do have control over the consequences of ignorance, Information-Self neglect and being wrong. Are you actively involved, in protecting yourself against the possible consequences of being wrong? Do you see the merits, of simply keeping your international holdings permanently updated and diversified! If not, the painful risks of investment ignorance, will soon come home to roost. There's often someone dispensing his or her ignorance-promoting philosophy from their fear and ignorance pulpit! Just sit long enough in their presence, and there you will meet with "Financial Stupidity," – financial ignorance on progress-impeding stilts! What is your long-term risk appetite. Your chronic risk indigestion. Your Risk Management constipation? What "medicine" are you taking to manage that chronic constipation risk management? Save and minimise frustration! Don't regularly compare yourself to others. Always be aware, that when you compare yourself to others, you let external factors control how you feel about yourself. Rather, look at your achievements. Now strive to become the very best you can be. Check your progress record: look at how far you have come, what you have achieved and how you have grown. Keep in mind that, as you gain experience, as you make progress, your opportunities will compound and increase, because you will have more cash, more contacts, more knowledge, and more acquired useful financial skills. You will soon learn, that you have selected the better path, that you are doing the right things, so keep at them. We format ourselves, and our future life, according to what we are prepared to take responsibility for; no more, no less! After all, Self-responsibility is the most important key to personal effectiveness, in every sphere of your life! Sadly, many still select to embrace the comforting psychology of "Helplessness and Victimhood." Often, they are keenly ready to explain all their "Successful" struggles, in terms of the actions of someone else or circumstances "Beyond My Reach!" They are permanently trapped in their Bad soul-destroying past, and cannot get liberated or free! I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. Stephen Covey Human beings all too quickly learn how to adapt to their limitations. This frequently observed phenomenon, "Learned Helplessness," is one of the main causes of depression, frustration, inaction and self-defeating habits and behaviour.

Personal responsibility is the most important factor in your trading success. Losers always point their finger at everyone, except the Important Person in the Mirror.

When you change your mindset and philosophy, and always accept responsibility for your actions, you set yourself up for a lifetime of progress and success! Once you have acknowledged your errors, and discover why you made them, you can take the necessary steps to correct them.

The beauty and quality of life enriching about discovery, consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. You either accept responsibility for your results and, through Self-Empowerment, learn how to win!

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Chapter 84:

Self-Empowerment

Self-empowerment includes starting early in life with educating yourself and becoming financially fluent and investing wisely. That could lead you and your family to the choices that financial freedom offers in retirement. Of course financial freedom, is not only dependent on money itself. It also depends on your concept, perspective and relationship to it! If you really want to be successful, remember that there is always the very important level of personal responsibility and fiscal discipline, that you are prepared and ready to exercise throughout life. I come back to that very powerful formula: spend less than you earn! And invest the rest! Always keeps a firm hand on the reins of your money spending inclinations. If you regularly follow this one golden rule above all else, you will quickly establish yourself on the path to financial freedom, and all the choices it offers! Aim to invest at least 10 per cent of your earnings, and the power of time and compounding, will take care of the rest. Every successful journey, begins with motivation, and persistence; the important first steps.

Before you can write, you must get to know the tools of the trade. You must first learn the alphabet. Before you can run, you must first learn to walk. It's no different with HEALTH, Finance and Investment Self-Empowerment!

To be successful, you must get familiar with the international and foreign language of Health, Investments and Money!

You must first understand how all of this works! Get it wrong, and it could prove devastating and very costly. Get it right, and you stand to achieve substantial financial independence, wealth, maybe even early retirement. Thanks to your good well-researched health and wealth preservation strategy. At first, money is a very difficult concept – rather like cycling. Once you begin to get familiar with the basics, it's easy. As with so much that, is really very important in life, successful retirement planning, is an exercise in which you win, by not losing. So many folks have been clinging to the rather short-sighted advice of sticking to investments that are very, very safe, at the detriment of losing out on what's happening on the international developing technological and the associated equity markets. This can bring about much latter years' regret and quality of life sadness. During retirement, the more you do not expose yourself to well-assessed, calculated international investment risk, the more you expose yourself to retirement poverty.

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Chapter 85:

You Must Have At Least The Following Three Things

In Place On Retirement

Very important: You must have at least the following three things in place on retirement: A paid for roof over your head; A secure but inflation-beating growing international-related stream of regular income; A good, comprehensive quality medical scheme – to take care of the possible growing future health expenses requirements. If you also wish to minimise health-related expenses, during the latter phase of your life, begin to take good care of your health in the early years. The long-term rewards are worth the life-style direction you take. Again, I repeat: If you, and your family, live a middle class lifestyle during your working years, do not acquire habits you cannot support during retirement, you will already be making sure, you can fund it during retirement.

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Chapter 86:

What Are Some Bad Habits?

This is a pretty basic question, but it really is worth answering! How do we define a bad habit? Of course, there are a variety of really bad habits! Habits that impact on both are health and wealth! When we first think of bad habits, the obvious bad health habits like overindulgence in smoking, overeating and alcoholism, come to mind. Not far behind, are the "asset eating" bad habits. From the previous group, this includes over eating, using too much alcohol and burning too much tobacco! Add to this, not regularly doing some form of exercises; sitting too long at your desk; not protecting your feet, nose and lungs, eyes and ears, when working with power-tools. One is often inclined to think that inhaling just a little dust, exposing the hearing system to too much noise, could not be damaging! Forget not the very painful impact of a heavy hammer falling on unprotected toes! The use of protective shoes will do the necessary job of preventing this pain, and, even, a possible fracture! Think again! It soon all adds up. Look at it like this: a bad habit is anything that detracts from achieving your health and wealth goals, without really providing anything worthwhile in return. Well, of course, not quite true! You actually get frustration, poor health and mounting stress in the unexpected returns! Most good habits things are defined in your goals already. Once you have located bad habits, how do you break them? Don't just do away with the bad habits; replace them! It's not always much easier to put the bad habits to bed and forget about them! They are inclined to make a periodic reappearance! Carve up, in fact, break a Bad Habit up as follows: Make friends with your Bad habit. Reach out and extend a keen hand to the "Bad Habit" In fact, get to know it! Once you have had insight into the bad character of the Bad Habit, shop around in your war chest of splendid and more rewarding habits! Sooner or later, you will find a friendly, gratifying replacement. Who or what are the people and circumstances that motivate you to do just that little extra on your way to success? Find your mentors; your motivator! Break away from negative, cannot do it, types of people! If you hang around with them, you too, will soon be absorbed by their keep-me-down attitude! If necessary, change your environment. Given a lifetime of frugal living and early saving, and compounding investing, you can generally reach your retirement goals by simply avoiding a handful of easily avoidable mistakes, that will cost you a lower standard of living, when compounded over the years.

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Chapter 87:

Failing To Regularly Assess, Evaluate And Rebalance!

As you regularly rebalance your portfolio toward income-oriented investments, be sure to diversify among both companies, various parts of the globe and industries.

International diversification, is the holy grail of successful portfolio management. Because it provides a good deal of safety under any economic and political scenario. If the expected inflation hits, some stocks will go up, while others will go down or not react at all.

You want to hold a variety of quality stocks that behave and react differently.

You want to avoid catastrophic losses, in any investment under any possible scenario! With investment self-empowerment, you will make much better financial decisions, because you don't let ignorance and the fear of loss control you! Look at the merits of the "See-saw" effect.

Often, income investors erroneously believe, they are diversified, because they owned a large number of stocks, located in just one geographical and political domain! .

Not true! This is like putting all your investments in just one basket – let it drop and you have a catastrophe on your hands! Rather focus on high probability, high reward diversified international trades! In times of economic distress, only the really strongest survive. In fact, companies those provide essential services. And, don't forget, large, well-run Multinational companies, with a Competitive edge. Think of our daily and nightly needs, such as accommodation, electricity, water, food, health care, transport, safety and security. I truly believe: that If you do not include these categories of investments in your portfolio, you're cheating your own future. Why not get the odds or probability for success, in your favour?

Freedom of choice, speech and information, is too precious a freedom to be meddled with.

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Chapter 88:

An Absolute Devastating Nightmare Scenario, For Any Retiree

It is to build a retirement investment plan, based on the assumption of, say, a withdrawal percentage, that is lower than the annual growth, and then have an unexpected, major bear market downturn, putting your entire standard of retirement living at risk. If you go through a prolonged bear market, doing regular quality-of-life retaining withdrawals, that can dig deeply into the seed-capital, that you need to nourish and last for the next 20-plus years. Finally, staying liquid, means managing your assets and money intelligently. If you, and your partner, use an updated annual budget, you should have a good idea of where your expenses and finances stand – or fail! You should also have a good overview, of how much your annual cost of health is. To see your budget progress during the past year, or lack of it, use a assessment stocktaking guide with your annual budget. It's also a good idea to do backward budgeting. This means, totalling all your annual expenses, and only then, to put aside money for any luxuries – by now, you will also be more disciplined to stick to the budget! When you sit down to do your family's annual budget, you must at least have the following categories attended to: (This is a basic list and you should add or amend the list to meet with your personal requirements.)

Medical; Insurance; Local authority fees; Energy, gas and electricity; Cleaning; Transport, vehicle and fuel; Internet connectivity; Food; Restaurants; Clothing; Computers and stationary including repairs and upgrading; Levy; if living in any form of community or retirement facilities; Bank charges; Home repairs and maintenance; Accountant; Lawyers; Entertainment; Subscriptions; Birthdays and gifts; Holidays.

You can now break this down to your anticipated monthly expenditures for the year ahead! You will now have available the guiding figure of the Total per month that you should try and stick to! I agree, it seems so very easy and simple to do! Not really! Lurking in the dim – but often not so far-off – background, are the unexpected and unforeseen health and survival expenses and other consequences.

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Chapter 89:

What Level Of Financial Expertise Should Each Spouse Have?

That's a very personal thing! If, however, one sets your mind to being investment and finance proficient, self-education can be attained with a degree of persistence and dedication. However, learning the basics, making trades, understanding things like portfolio diversification, position limits, stop losses, and different types of investment vehicles, is not that difficult. It just takes a bit of time and a good mentor. The losers in life, are victims of trying to learn from failure mentors. If in desperation, use a selection of "Sounding Boards." Use finance, investment and wealth creation managers. The really good ones, do more than invest your money. They communicate with you; educate you every step of the way. For every proposed investment they make with your money, you must be informed about the cost of acquiring, holding and disposing of the investment. You should fully understand what – and why – they are doing it, and agree with the decision. Don't omit other property and transport items of maintenance.

Thinking investing is too difficult? Sadly, many people have almost unlimited compounded reasons why they cannot acquire the skills of finance, investments and health self-empowerment. They believe they just cannot invest, or are too busy, to get going on their way to financial freedom and independence. So they take the path of least resistance – remaining on the well-adhesive-lubricated chair of their present jobs – and their old helpful stand by friend – the equally Well-lubricated procrastination – and do nothing. The really scary truth, is you should never procrastinate getting your finances and relevant documents in order. Don't dawdle! You already know what happens to things you set aside to "look at tomorrow." Fortunately, we all have control over our expenses and out-goings! You cannot recoup money already spent, but you can reduce what you spend daily, the next day, and the day after that. Those daily expense reductions, can help you eliminate debt, and from there, you can follow the path of Rich Retirement. Now, see how soon you progress, by making those debt saving payments to yourself. Now analyse how the cost of annual living breaks down. Check between those regular expenses that are fixed, and those that are discretionary. Now calculate how much annual financial liquidity, you and your family need, to maintain your standard of living?

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Chapter 90:

Sell Off Unwanted Or Less Frequently Used,

Large And Costly Assets

For example, such as the large and money-gobbling home? . Why not rather capture some of that home locked up equity, and add it to your growing, compounding and comfortable nest egg? Downsising to suitable smaller accommodation, not too big and not too small, help you reduce regular home maintenance costs and property taxes. There may even be the additional safety and security aspect to be considered. Do you believe that you really need a new luxury car every three years? Jettison all of your less frequently and unnecessary stuff, and you will be much closer to a comfortable less stressed retirement. Sit down and see how you can reduce your overhead. Must you really pay the cable company $100-plus per month for channels you hardly or never watch? Do you and your family, really need or use that costly swimming pool? As you already know, the upkeep of keeping a pool, can be very time consuming and expensive. Do your research and factor in those extra costs. Of course, having access to a swimming pool, can also be most beneficial in terms of added health values! What other fixed monthly must-have expenses, are wants disguised as absolute needs? Are you prepared to suffocate yourself and your family, financially, by spending on status and prestige to give yourself an emotional and status boost? Is a rich, money-worry free retirement, really worth giving up for status? Of course, as a thinking-ahead-person, this is not an appealing prospect! You can, begin to control your expenses fairly quickly. Once you do that, you can determine what kind and quality of lifestyle you can realistically expect and afford and build a plan to get there. You may also consider working for an additional few years. With you, and your wife or partner's experience and expertise, you may launch a successful second internet and home-based career, so that you can maintain your current financial lifestyle over the long haul. Internationally, with increasing longevity, a number of retirees are also looking after their parents financially. They may also be supporting children and grand children. It is very important for – particularly elder folks – not to be financially abused by their family or children. It is also vitally important for investors, to ensure that they have enough for their own needs before they start supporting others. Investors should also consider the difference between wealth and affluence. Wealth is the ability to live within one's means. Remember, it's never too late to attack your out-of-hand spending. Most people have a compulsive spending problem. However, with the latest electronic technology, it's already possible to have a device on your wrist which will warn you when you go over the spending limit, on your shopping venture! So, please look out! Talking of self-drive cars! Why not have a self-spending-regulator to help drive your "getting wealthier" discipline vehicle? Unless you are determined to reduce spending, saving is very difficult. To retire rich, you have to live below your means. It also means not acquiring both health and money depleting habits – that can come and bite you very hard during retirement! Quite simply, real long-term looking people increase their wealth by living within their means, and systematically saving and investing money – ideally in an internationally diversified and tax favoured manner. A show of affluence, flaunting your wealth, spending more than you have, is not true wealth. Nevertheless, an informed and financially educated investor, can still enjoy retirement! However this person is discriminating; overlooking the prevailing "investment dust" that is clouding the financial scene; and does not invest emotionally.

This money-management informed person, is successfully, cutting the confusing noise, out of the financial markets, to rather focus on high probability, high reward diversified international trades! (Do you really know what glossophobia means? The word derives from the Greek glossa, meaning tongue, and phobos, meaning fear or dread. Glossophobia, also known as speech anxiety, is a fear of public speaking.) Many folks suffer from it terribly.) Whenever chance presents itself, you keep asking questions, what finance and investment, is all about, even, if you know the answer. Because, you want to learn whether other people understand it. The alternative, is not to accept responsibility, for your poor results, and always be a loser! Never be afraid to ask questions. Always learn by acting AS If you are VERY curious. Some fortunate people are naturally curious and other folks, are really afraid to stand up in a meeting to ask questions. Is it really all that bad to appear to be ignorant? No matter which category you are in, you can always learn and benefit from behaving like a curious person. Whenever you are likely to interact with a person, or group of people, always have a preset of questions to ask. Make up, and write down a number of relevant questions – and possible follow-up questions. You have access to the internet. Don't forget to Cross-check Google for answers to your questions. As is generally known, stimulating the brain regularly, helps to keep it at the coalface of relevant events and sharp end of thinking! You will learn more, and the action of thinking up new questions, will help by widening your vision and broadening your experience. The very important difference between you and the Motivated, successful Persistent entrepreneurs, who started the business and service, or created the product, is simple; instead of DITHERING and procrastinating, they took Life-changing action. When contemplating a venture or action, which might be unpopular, do it quickly. Get it over with. Hesitation builds up stress; allows the issue to fester. The world is changing very rapidly. Look ahead. Your future goals and plans, should not be based on what exists at present, but rather on what is likely to exist in the future. It is therefore a laudable and the best reason, for us to look out for those innovative attributes, in upcoming entrepreneurs, and do our best to encourage and support them. The box of past education, contains your conventional and progress-restricting thinking, unless you find a very stimulating new way out. Rather look at Lateral and contrarian thinking: Imaginary Innovation. Careful and well researched contrarians, know that often doing the exact opposite of the crowd, is a sure-fire way to profit, you have to swim upstream. Join the contrarians, go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody else is doing it one way, there's a very good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction. Be prepared for a lot of conventional thinking folks, to enthusiastically wave you down and tell you, you are surely headed the wrong way. Rather, for long-term success – you should be playing in the arena of the better informed individual.

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Chapter 91:

Investigate, Learn, Find And Eliminate

Of course, for periods of time, the crowd can be right. And safety in associates and numbers, provides a welcome degree of comfort. One of my favourite investing philosophy tenets, is to always be on the lookout and search for proof of the contrary! Always look for facts and data, that the herd, mainstream, and average investors overlook. It's called "contrarian investing"... It's really simple, when you think about it. It means that bearishness creates bullishness (and vice versa). However, at trend extremes, the crowd is invariably wrong. The problem with crowds, is that eventually everyone who wants to buy will do so. And then, the only way is down, (and vice versa during crowd panics.) To distinguish yourself from the crowd, you must do what you committed to do. It will get you a great reputation in the investing world. Contrarianism takes real courage. Most of us know the old essential investment formula: "Buy low, sell high." However, as we know, following the herd, is so much easier! Being a contrarian, might as well be a secret formula. The way to really make it work, is to invest in an essential asset or commodity, that people really want and need. These are assets, that, for a variety of reasons, no one else is buying. This may include market cyclicality! When the vast majority, thinks something essential and necessary, is a bad investment, you want to be a buyer. So, is that really what it means to be a contrarian? Of course, if this were easy, everyone would do it. But it is very hard for most conventional thinking people, to dislodge them from the prevailing herd thinking! For most of these folks, to think independently enough to risk their hard-won cash in ways others think is mistaken or too dangerous, takes some courage! You have already guessed: fortune favours the bold. Think independently rather than go along with the crowd. It's really challenging and hard to be an independent thinker. Ben Graham expressed it this way: "Even the intelligent investor is likely to need considerable willpower to keep from following the crowd." Look at what famed investor Sir John Templeton said of his defence against crowd-following: "When asked about living and working in the Bahamas, during his management of the Templeton Group, Templeton replied, "I've found my results for investment clients were far better here than when I had my office in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. When you're in Manhattan, it's much more difficult to go opposite the crowd." In my opinion, one great asset of the rich is that they think differently from everyone else. If you do what everyone else does, you will be very excited and wind up like what everyone else has. So, change. Reset your outlook on life! In order to do what needs to be done, It is time you change, and adapt to the "to be changed," mindset! In other words, it's really about the excited, entrepreneur, the "new you." The really good news, is that changing your attitude, is on the house! It costs nothing! Of course, there always is some bad news! The bad news is, we inherit the "no success" view on life from our parents, family and the mind-setters in our living atmosphere! It's also a negative input to dwell on what we cannot do! Instead, rather consider what hidden talents and abilities you may have! The making and losing of money, is an emotional subject. To be successful as an investor or business owner, you have to be emotionally neutral to winning and losing. All I have done towards the achievement of a happy and rewarding life, has been to follow my enriched common sense. As you may have already noticed, common sense is volatile and very nebulous. Unfortunately, it is as uncommon, in fact, in investing, as it is in real life! If you are a keen reader and observer, you too, will be aware, that Throughout history, self-enriching and quality-of-life information and intellectual life, has been marked by the fact, that only a relatively small number of outstanding and chosen people, have done most of the really serious thinking, for everybody else. Another interesting thing I learned early in life, is that folks who focused on selected areas of their choosing, were also more happy. They cut out the time-consuming and frustrating really not so necessary items that cause less focused folks to waist both time and energy! Life's jerky is like a conveyor belt. Initially, we sep on to it, move along and then have to step off it! There are always sharp thorns and many obstacles to cross or sidestep. However, being an optimist, an inquisitive information miner, I have always been very fortunate and considered myself extremely well-to-do. Must you always be Totally Educated, technically well advanced, to make that important difference? Just remember that, amateurs built the Ark, and professionals built the Titanic!

There is a very important lesson there! It is always prudent and rewarding, to start learning, observing and gathering Practical information, and then to move forward a little bit before you're ready to start your venture! This is using your eyes, ears and all your senses, to collect valuable Experience Equity! Then, once you are already in business, you can Periodically twig your Plan as necessary, to ensure you reach your goal and objectives! Some of the investment ideas, that you have selected for their apparent merit, might survive because of their already proven outstanding and absolute merit. These sound concepts, will survive in any finance and investment formulas pool, regardless of the many other theories that surround them. Of course, as you already know, there are various formulas for various degrees of success, in a wide range of fields. Always remember, along the road to success, different people, and circumstances favour different tactics. You will best survive, only if you regularly mesh with already successful folks. However, if you procrastinate, if you fear losing money too much, you will never implement the investigation and research knowledge you have gained. For most people, the making and losing of money, is really a very emotional subject. You may invest time and money, in investment education; even thousands and thousands of dollars over an extended time – but you won't implement the "good" ideas, you learned into your business or venture! Instead, you will do only the few usual things, that you are comfortable and familiar with. As a result, you will progressively get frustrated, and you will make no satisfactory and rewarding progress, toward your wealth-building goals. Remember, both fear and greed will always drive you down the wrong path. Always remember, that More secrets of knowledge have been discovered by plain and neglected men than men of popular fame. And this is so with good reason. For the men of popular fame are busy with popular matters. Roger Bacon. English philosopher and scientist.

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Chapter 92:

Dithering And Procrastination

We will also waste tomorrow as we enjoyed wasting yesterday, and as we are wasting today. You, and your family's successful retirement and progress, depends on you reaching out to the next level of achievement! You are fortunate, your successful progress now is in your enthusiastic hands! Gone is the time for "I'll do it tomorrow," the old backstage fellow procrastination, apathy or complacency. The problem with procrastination and waiting until tomorrow, is that, when it finally arrives, it has already undergone a face-lift. Now it is called today; or Mr. Lost Opportunity. Although, while sitting out there, you were really aware that today really is yesterday's tomorrow.

The question is, how did you remain seated? How come that you overlook this opportunity? With dithering and procrastination, we will also waste tomorrow as we enjoyed wasting yesterday, and as we are wasting today.

Now is the right time for self-empowerment, motivated, persistent, vigorous and positive action. This also includes checking on your confident way of speaking and conveying your ideas in a well-modulated, clear and convincing manner! Of course, you are really determined to improve your future life. To speak for you and your family. The right time is now, and the responsibility is yours. No one, no government, will give it to you! You must reach out and take it for yourself! And, if you are heading the right direction, I'm sure that take it you will!

Reach up higher on the knowledge and expertise acquisition hierarchy!

If you want to be a successful property or stock investor, you need to be able to shut out all of the disrupting noise. The Sooner you Learn, How to Use the News and Tune Out the Noise, the better you will perform with your life in general, and your investments and money management in particular! Always remember that, your income, is directly related to your personal experience, expertise and knowledge-base growth!

If there's one important gift you should give yourself very soon, it's the resolution to start preparing for a potentially very, very serious future financial crisis. Start empowering yourself – do the necessary research of your own. It's your Very Important Personal And radical Responsibility! The greatest gift to yourself, is a dedicated portion of your time, energy and enthusiasm, to learn and empower yourself!

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Chapter 93:

Headhunting For People Who Are Capable Of

Thinking At Different Levels

Headhunting for business leaders and innovators, is occurring at a rapidly growing international rate. They are looking for people who are capable of thinking at different levels. Enthusiastic people who are self-directing and self-managing, who immediately respond to problems proactively, rather than merely waiting for someone else's second-hand unsuccessful recycled solutions. As you are already aware, most people tend to wait for occurrences, then react to them. However, some people with insight, choose instead to anticipate possible occurrences. And then plan for them, and if they have been correct, in their predictions, avoid calamity and even prosper.

These are also the keen leaders, men and women, with very special attitudes and visions that set them apart from average performers in their fields! They are the enthusiastic ones, who elect to think of themselves as self-employed throughout their careers, irrespective of who signed their paychecks.

These are dedicated and motivated people, who set realistic goals, make executable plans, establish guidelines and measures, and ultimately get results.

So, why not join them, get on the bandwagon of self-empowerment about your health, wealth and expand your skills? One of my messages to you today, is that everybody has the capacity for intense enthusiasm. You just have to find the right outlet for yourself. You really must find, and focus on, a passion that provides a service or product that others are prepared and willing to pay for. Look around, and you'll soon notice how many industries have fallen by the wayside. You will also soon notice how many ways of making a living, have become obsolete! Now check on the multitude of possibilities that are around the corner!

A few days ago, a fellow expressed his concern about the job-future for his son! The son is interested in becoming a motor mechanic! Although the future of the internal combustion engine is nearing its final stages, folks will always be requiring wheels. That, in turn, means a slight mindset readjustment. Instead on only focusing on the mechanical aspect of the future modes of transport, there now is a shift to also focus on the computer and highly sophisticated electronic part of the next generation transport vehicles; and the electronic maps that will guide them! A huge field of jobs is ahead – we'll only have to readjust our prejudices and open the doors of the next future! Always remember that the old future, was certainly not cast in stainless steel! When negative or unpleasant things happen in life, that we do not like, we can either choose to see them as a problem or as an opportunity or solution waiting to be harvested.

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Chapter 94:

Are Goal Setting Really Valuable?

I am sure that you've probably heard about goal setting a dozen times over. If you don't design and sculpture your Financial and Investment future; If you don't have a Financial and Investment compass, no goals or objectives to strive for, and if you don't know where you are going, you can easily get los, and have no worthwhile destiny to go.

Setting realistic goals, and regularly reviewing, tweaking and adjusting them, is one way to keep your focus on what's really important, and to help you take the necessary action, that will move you closer to toward where you want to go.

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat. Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The first very important thing, you must do, is to accept the fact that you are solely and completely responsible for your health and current financial situation. By taking early personal responsibility for your current health and financial condition, you also assume responsibility for you and your family's future. Nobody can change your future fortune but you. And, rest assured, nobody is keen to help, nobody else will. Your destiny is in your own hands, not your parents, not your family or friends, not even the government, but you personally. Further, the mistake of empowering the government, to take care of you, will have its long-term unanticipated bad effects. In every case, when a "take care of everyone" social nanny state, increases the weight of its tax demands on the already tired backs of the citizens, the economy begins to shrink and becomes less vibrant. Foreign investments shun the country and its leaders! This is to the detriment of all the politically kept-in-the-dark citizens, except those who are in the front of the queue and are fortunate in being connected directly to the government. With the right mind set, investigation and knowledge, many citizens believe that anything is possible, and they hope that rewards will come. Of course, you, as an informed and caring citizen, also want to know how does this impact on your very important future investment political journey. The end of a financial year, is an ideal time to review what you wish to achieve in the next 12 months. Remember, failure is your friend! Now is the time to learn from your mistakes in the last 12 months Here, the team approach is the best. Draw up a set of questions for your accountant; banker; investment and financial advisors; your mortgage broker; real estate consultant and solicitor. The very important Compounding end result matters, especially when it comes to building health, wealth and finances. Long-term wealth is created by starting early, and by building and securing, a substantial asset base. You do this by holding well-managed, international good investments for a reasonably long time, reinvesting the dividends and income you are receiving, and allowing your capital gains to compound and to build up.

If you wish to reduce frustration, First, limit the number of your goals. Having fewer choice and well selected goals, keeps you focused on what's most important for you! Next, keep a written list of your goals! The third step is to set realistic goals. Don't set overwhelming and way beyond your reach, goals!

Being under 30, with the advantage of time-compounding, is an amazing time to save for the future and Retirement!

Wanted: MOTIVATED AND KEEN MEN AND WOMEN OF ACTION.

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Chapter 95:

Parkinson's Third Law:

Delay Is The Deadliest Form Of Denial

There is also the important commodity of COURAGE. If you only have got $1, and a lot of courage and determination, you already have got a good future ahead of you.

This is the most valuable saving ability, to carry on with dignity and persistence, in spite of fear!

"All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you wish to chase Depriving Ignorance away from your territory, immediately begin with a process of Learning! You will soon learn, that the spring of educational, enlightenment, might be dawn with a rush of rejuvenating enthusiasm for life, and all it has so abundantly to offer! Successful learning, like breathing, is an on-going essential process. It certainly is not attained by luck or random chance. You must go after it with dedication, focus, diligence and persistence! Maybe, you have already noticed, that ignorance does not automatically convert itself into success and knowledge. It must keenly be exposed to that enchanting commodity, called learning, to catch the advantage of Success! Education, like a ship, needs to flow evenly, full steam ahead. With the right amount of guidance and steering, the ship may toss and turn for a while, but it will eventually right itself. However, always recall the fate of folks who rushed to one side of a boat! You can only get to the right harbour, if you first know in what direction to point the ship. However, always keep in mind that sometimes this ship is not necessarily for going to places, but for getting away from them. For some people, stopping at a port, is for the excitement of collecting even more experience and then leaving it. Remember the importance of the water-line: a hole above a ship's water line won't sink it, but one below it will. So, regularly make absolutely sure that your investment ship is in a top state of repair and maintenance! With very keen self-education, you will learn to find the right resources that free your mind from decades of lies, misinformation, and conditioning. If you are not yet there, start by reading books and articles related to both your health and finances. Increase your regular intake of the right information. Associate with the right people; having similar goals. Follow this process, and you will soon be able to see the important things clearly, the world as it really is. And ultimately, find independence and freedom. Continuous Education, is an on-going and very important aspect of Quality of life!

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

You notice that, that sums up the many difficulties of the Ignorance situation succinctly and well! You also recall how many folks were So uncourteous to their Health and Financial ignorance! However, as you already know, there it is much that is still obscure! Success is also about knowing whom to follow, and where to go. Success is an ongoing process, sometimes a very energy consuming venture, not a sprint. Acquire the valuable magnet of attracting success! Be honest, dedicated and Persistent, and focus on what you do best and success will surely follow. The very important challenge at hand, is not necessarily to learn or grasp the seemingly intricate and difficult investing and business concepts, but rather in the persistence and willpower to execute the plan.

To achieve success, you must adhere to ongoing compliance in terms of Health and Financial ON-GOING education. Put any "energy-sapping "weaknesses," on the backburner; that's where they belong, for periodic review! With the gradual development of success, they will become irrelevant. Isn't this rather enlightening: with on-going education and Self-Empowerment, you no longer will be disenfranchised. I have a passion, about getting this Vital and Life-saving Message and Concept across to the young folks; particularly, the young ladies! So often, young ladies, get married, and, because they know almost nothing about how Money and Investment works, when their partner passes away, they end up being the Victims of Unscrupulous, Money Grabbing Consultants! Life is too short, to spend it in Health and Financial Agony and Ignorance. Health-related ignorance, is a sure fast track to acquiring "Second-hand health problems," not forgetting depression!

Are you proactive? By regularly building on-going investment knowledge into your life? Also, if you regularly add quality of life enhancing skills, and save money equally regularly, you will certainly progress faster on your way to success; and to the doors of many new opportunities.

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Chapter 96:

Missing An Opportunity Is Frustrating,

But, Losing Is Destructive

Too Busy to Make Money? It's capital that counts, not income.

Old-money families, don't care as much about income, as they do about Preserving Their capital. Again, the value of Educational Self-Empowerment! Don't worry about how much you make. Rather, worry about what you can learn, and what you end up with. Tell your employer, you would rather have Shares Equity in the business, than a salary increase. This is so very important: People often overlook that investing discipline also includes continuously putting money to work on a regular Compounding basis. Always reinvest dividends. This is so very important! If you are going to spend time, actively investing a portion of your net worth, then it, is important to go in with the understanding, that sooner or later you can, and probably will lose some money. However, let this experience be your Friend; be part of your Experience-gaining Learning Curve! Backed by your background investigation and reading, you should be focused on areas where you think you have more than an edge to outperform. Always remember, different circumstances favour different tactics.

Right now, as all retirees experience on a daily shopping basis, the international rising consumer defaults, could strain the financial system, and lead to tighter credit, and ultimately may cause a recession.

Go to any potluck meeting, in a 55-plus community, and you will hear many progressively financially stressed folks complaining about how very expensive things are getting. And how their income is shrinking! Most people are still told to plan for 30 years of retirement. However, that's certainly not backed by present-day research findings! Folks are getting much older; relying on their diminishing investment returns, to finance the ever-growing cost of healthcare and living – if not just existing!

If you retire at age 65, make absolutely sure you have enough to make it to at least 95, probably much longer. Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." – Mark Twain. Are you, your family and any financially dependent people, really prepared? What's even more important, are you and your family prepared for any possible medical and health emergencies, should a financial or any other disaster occur? Yes! It's not just the baby boomers or those about to enter retirement! Just look at the millennials entering the market in big numbers.

Self-imposed limitations, thrive and live only in our minds. But if we unleash and use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. Jamie Paolinetti.

Implementing new, ideas and huge dreams, we have never done before, can be daunting and frightening. Remember, that often, to be great, is to be misunderstood. Yet, when we push to the rubber edges of our limits, our limits yield and expand. Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done right. Walt Disney.

If you have a really good idea, and the drive, persistence and enthusiasm to take action on your idea, I guarantee you can find the backing, and the necessary money to give it a go. The "next big thing" can come from anyone, anywhere. Revisit history, and we can see, that when people had out-of-the-box ideas, or have tried to create something new, they have either been the oppressor or brutally oppressed. Fortunately, what we have now, with the aid of the internet, is an opportunity to let our creative abilities shine and get the benefit of using technology to role our ideas out over the new world! However, sadly, not all peoples are that free! There are governments that still restrict and put limitations and constraints on their citizens!

In a battle between two ideas, the best one doesn't necessarily win. No, the idea that wins is the one with the most fearless heretic behind it. Seth Godin Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out. One of the best places to start to turn your life around, is by doing whatever appears on your mental I should do it list. The longer you wait to get started with your investing, the longer it will be before you get the money, success and freedom you want. It takes patience and time to grow real wealth. It also takes time and patience for the power of compounding to work its magic. Particularly so, with the added value of the last few years of compounding!

With investing, you need to understand that the timing will never be perfect or that you will never have all the information you want. After all, learning is an on-going active process.

You need to develop the confidence to make an investment decision, based on knowing enough, and realising that you will learn the rest along the way. Gaining confidence, also is a job. You cannot fake your way to confidence. You must go to the source of confidence. Which means that you must be active, and take action that can produce results, which really helps build confidence. The really uplifting and exciting part of this source, is that the more you achieve, the more you succeed, the more your confidence grows.

You have power over your mind. Not necessarily outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength. Marcus Aurelius

You cannot predict, where life will take you, but you can be informed and prepared for the journey and the destination. For those who don't want to take the trouble of self-education and preparing, it will be because you obstruct your possible progress, not because the world does not allow your success!

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Chapter 97:

What Are Your Particular Outstanding Skills And Advantages?

What support system do you have? What reliable contacts, expertise, and experience do you have that you can leverage?

Why not become an expert? Successful investors specialise. They find something, or an investment, they are really good at. Then they repeat the good formula. When you are afraid, don't call it by another name. There is a remedy: Immediately decide that failure, for you, is a learning curve, a strictly temporary and passing condition! If things don't go the way you planned, it's only a setback that, at most, delays your eventual success. In other words, Make Failure your Tutor and Friend! Accept the fact that you certainly will sometimes fail, but treat that failure as an unavoidable (yet vital) component in your route to success! If you fail, and you learn from it, then failure is a vital part of the learning process, of achieving your objectives. Remember that, failure is only transient, when you use it as an opportunity to try new ideas. From continuous experimenting and readjusting, the entrepreneur learns more from failure than from the ultimate success. Negative feedback, is vital and helpful information, that helps you correct your selected course, so that you can stay on target.

So, be grateful when someone reflects on a shortcoming in your process or business! They only want you to be successful!

However, be pragmatic, sceptical! If someone tells you they know exactly where a particular "bargain share" is heading, they should not be with you! Instead, they should already be on their luxury private yacht right now! Failure because of the right self-empowering things that you don't do, is permanent. That's only if you allow it. All investors HATE failure. Is there any good reason why you should put up with it in yourself? Incompetence, knows no barriers of time or place. "I am now the most miserable man living. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better." Abraham Lincoln.

The most difficult thing is the decision to Act, the rest is merely tenacity. Amelia Earhart

If I find 10 000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward. Thomas Edison

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle

The professional procrastinators call this procrastination by productivity. Putting off the important tasks that really need their immediate attention. Preferring, in favour of action, anything less demanding, that will not annoy, stress, or test them.

Don't just spend valuable time to prepare. Rather, be pro-active; begin. If you wait until the day starts, to plan your day, you will never accomplish what you set out to do.

It is not because things are difficult, that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare, that they are difficult. Seneca. I have always been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. Leonardo da Vinci

Too frequently, our enemy is the comfortable mattress of procrastination; not lack of preparation. Maybe, you are one of the possible three types of people: The Makers and shakers: the Sit on the fence observers and those who wonder what explosion has just happened under them, and what golden opportunity has passed them by! For procrastination, there is no penalty except opportunity lost.

One of the most basic flawed beliefs, we have about ourselves, is how we view and inhabit what we consider to be our genetic personality. A fixed mindset, that we allot to ourselves, leads us to believe that our character, creative genius and skills and mental abilities, are never changing! Of course, experience and on-going learning are always changing our various abilities and consequently, our achievements! On the other hand, a positive growth mindset, flourishes on challenges and new prospects. Failure is certainly not viewed or considered as a proof of being mentally deficient, or of lacking aptitude and ability. Rather, it is yet another Learning curve!

A life spent in making mistakes, is not only more honourable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. George Bernard Shaw.

Never wait until the attitude, experience, funding and time is just right, to take your first step toward achieving your goals. The time will never be just right. Make the decision and commitment to yourself now, and go for what matters most in your life. Where you end up one year from now, will likely be a pleasant surprise, and it is now up to you.

Our old, ever present friend, and enemy, is excuses, lethargy, resistance.

First ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? Then prepare to accept it. Then proceed to improve on the worst.

Dale Carnegie

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. You become what you admire and believe. However, our built-in tendency to always fear the worst, can make us flawed investors. Add to that, the daily increasing information avalanche that we are exposed to. Our innate fascination with international political crises, also is unfortunately making us worse informed long-term investors.

Many of us are more fearful, more jittery and more focused on the short term. Investors should always recognise, that shares climb a mountain of worry and the prevailing "bad news." Instead, rather try and turn down the bad news volume, focus on investing for the long term, and remember the success of the contrarian. The best time to invest, is when everyone is gloomy.

Many an optimist has become rich by buying out a pessimist. Robert G. Allen.

Remember, in terms of how much is necessary to be rich, that the bag is never full enough.

The paradox: the more you have, the more you collect and seem to need.

The first important rule of existence, is to survive. And, we are taught, the more material goods one has, the better the chances are.

Of course, it is well known that money alone won't make you happy. However, just try living without it! If you have some of it, it certainly can soften the impact of the chronic condition of unhappiness.

Finally, if you have the right long term investment strategy, never despair. Things normally turn out ok eventually. For the prepared, fortunes are invariably made out of tough times.

You cannot create experience; you must acquire and experience it; you must undergo it!

No empowerment, is so effective as self-empowerment. You cannot perform against declining economy; irrespective of your ability!

"Everyone lives by selling something," wrote Robert Louis Stevenson. Every person, is the sum total of their collected reactions to their daily experience. As your experiences increase, differ and multiply, you become a changed and different person, and consequently your views and perspectives change. Every reaction is an on-going learning process. Every significant learning experience alters your perspective.

Is it really necessary to adjust our lives to the demands of a goal we see from a different angle every day? Of course not! However, on-going tweaking of our goals and objectives should always be influenced by our impact-making experience.

A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new. Albert Einstein

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it. Chinese proverb.

Unbridled and uncontrolled fear, (the handbrake on your progress) produces two negative responses: development immobility and procrastination!

When fear is your ungrateful employer, you won't take the necessary positive actions, that you know you should.

When opportunities knock, you'll refuse them entry, for fear of the potential hidden "dangers and downsizes." If you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, do a thing, you are right. Henry Ford.

The water tank analogy: look at the opportunities from the inside; you won't see the light spots from the outside. If you believe and are convinced, that you are totally incapable, and let that destructive belief keep you from achievement and happiness, then ultimately you give truth to a corrosive self-imposed fallacy.

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Chapter 98:

Spread The Sometimes Concealed TRUTH!

Be proactive in life! However, to be proactive, sometimes it's best to do nothing. Similarly, on occasions, it is most demanding and frustrating to be able to do nothing!

How do you make anybody think anything? One way is to be proactive! To direct the information light in dark corners! To continue starting shouting the truth! The way things at ground level really are. Both the good or bad things really. And not ever to be deterred; to go on shouting loud, clear and often.

However, you may notice that some folks don't want to change. Their social and financial status is their holy grail. Invariably, they object to anything they note as possibly rocking the boat.

However, if you wish to get to the next level of insights, health and wealth, you must also change. Not so easy, I hear you say! The way we think, or, often, do not think, is our greatest barrier between staying where we are and moving along to where we wish to be! Outcomes, prospects and Results change when people change their way of doing and thinking.

Let's have a look at the very heavy anchor that's holding many of us back from taking the leap to something new and more exciting! So, why is change so very difficult for many of us? Because, well, we may be sitting on the very powerful magnetic or adhesive-binding chair, of a fixed job security! This simply does not allow us to get up and move along – pushing the present chair under the desk forever!

Change frees and liberates us, it makes us move out of our conventional comfort zones. It certainly also requires a goodly supply of common sense and guts, as well as courage to leave something familiar and venture out to try something new. Fortunately, the younger you are, the more powerful your ability to debunk the magnetic chair! However, the older you are, the contrary is often true! Because we are more experienced, also believing that we know much more and much better, it is holding us back.

Why are we so unreasonably scared of change? Look, and you'll see that change is all around us! It's on-going, part of our lives, and very natural?

What is change? What really is change?

In terms of both employment and a job, it means: "Can Help Anyone Negotiate Going Elsewhere." Or, to use the generally excepted and more popular code word Change!

In fact, the only certain unchanging constant in the world, the only thing you can absolutely count on, is regular and on-going change itself.

Why should that be?

Often, since birth, our subconscious mind is regularly programmed, by our parents and the educational system, to keep things the same. We are told that's really to take care of our wellbeing!

Most successful folks also display the trait of adaptability. They reach out and keenly embrace change. They are always looking for opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills; to expand and learn.

You read a lot, Investigate a lot. Nevertheless, keep in mind that your present state of knowledge, experience and information, is vastly being eroded by the progressive technological evolution!

Are you one of those folks, who is Tethered to your very financially rewarding job by technology and the new "ever available" work ethic? Are you spending time at home in the evening, responding to the very urgent voice and e-mail messages? If that's not enough, are you also putting in time on the weekends and very regularly checks in during your and your family's vacation?

If you answer yes to these question, I'd say that you are really unhappy, is an understatement.

Are you now convinced that long-term Unhappiness is All There Is?

The more you venture and do, the more you may learn by failing! The more you fail, the more you gain first-hand experience and learn.

The more you learn, the more you are exposed to new and stimulating ideas, the better you get!

Despondent because you Failed once more?

Get moving: Get up! Did you Make a mistake? Why not turn the "mistake" into a learning curve?

Mistakes are the portals of discovery. James Joyce.

Again, get moving!

Get up! Of course, you could have done things much better!

You CAN'T STAND STILL! Don't rest on your laurels. Because the terrible thing about capitalism, is that if you are not proactive, but are standing still, you are losing ground. In fact, you are moving backward!

Capitalism in action, ensures that there is always opportunity for anyone. Any person with the necessary enthusiasm, drive and the necessary energy to make a difference. You must be an innovative, and have the necessary drive of an entrepreneurial spirit. Capitalism, for anyone who is prepared to embrace it, is purely democratic and a great equaliser! There are no race, gender, educational restrictions. No one is prohibited from participating.

There seems to be a handbrake, some perpetuated perverse human trait, that likes to make common sense and easy things difficult.

Are you human? Did you do something you regret? Or, rather, should the question be: What the mainstream thinking regrets? If you deliberately keep the handbrake on your personal progress, you certainly will regret It 10 Years Later When nearing the summit of your chosen courier.

Again, you are in charge of your future! Get up! Get positive support! Get moving in the right direction!

Be honest; diligent; cast a probing eye; investigate; never take matters for what they appear!

Truth and integrity, are the supporting pillars we stand on each day. If you don't have integrity, nothing else really matters. However, what is obvious truth to one, may well be disaster for another. Keep in mind, that I do not see life through your eyes, nor you through mine.

All of us live by need, and not necessarily by truth. Some even by galloping greed!

We all have a similarity in our often self-imposed uniform misery. Misery loves other misery company. There are two mistakes one can make along the truth – not going all the way, and not starting. Buddha.

Learning from our perceived mistakes, makes us human, stronger and wiser. Always, seek out the contained lessons, and never give up!

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Arthur Conan Doyle)

After all, the whole point of an investment plan, for your retirement, is not to earn more money than average, but to earn enough money to meet you and your partner's own future needs. And the best way to alleviate future financial fears, is to initiate a well-researched plan of action. And not just any old action.

Investigated, directed, focused, determined action, capable of revealing hidden opportunities and profits in the markets overlooked by others. The data shows beyond any reasonable shadow of a doubt, that staying in the market for the long-term, is the far more gratifying and profitable course of action. Just look back, learn and enjoy the story history has to tell!

Many of the past investment great, whom we recall with admiration, and many splendid money-management artists of the present, whose names we recall with enthusiasm, made their initial impact in so many enlightening books and publications! Again, why not harvest their valuable experience? Read their works and gain the infinite and rewarding insights to be gained by reading!

The right way To build successful portfolios for retirement, is to focus on how much retirement wealth is required. And, very important, the compounding time factor, when it is needed. With a focus not on maximising expected wealth, but also on minimising the daily expenditure and expected shortfall of wealth, from what is needed in retirement.

To create portfolios for retirement, is to focus on how much wealth and quality of life is needed, and when it is needed.

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Chapter 99:

Dynamic ALLOCATION

The sting in the tail, with many of the future long-term target-date funds, is that it assumes incorrectly, that expected returns will be constant over time. That's something that really can only be taken for granted, by those of us, who expect the life-extended windfall of longevity. For the rest of us, exposed to the fluctuating international markets, we have to deal with volatility, on a day-to-day and quarter-to-quarter basis. But also, with the very real risk, that we just happen to be saving at a very inappropriate international political, and financially bad time.

Just think, of the Unfortunate Germans, whose hopes and retirement equity savings, would have been decimated and wiped out by World War I.

Always keep in mind that the fallacy in this logic is that for many people there is a lot of life left after retirement. Some people may live another 40 or more years after they retire. Often, with compound interest, the so-called eighth wonder of the world, working at its greatest, and investors had the largest amount of capital at their disposal; they switched to a more cautious investment.

All investors, particularly retirement investors, should always be aware and consider, that inflation is the lurking, dangerous enemy. If you are investing for the long-term, you have to have quality, diversified growth assets. You cannot have cautious assets or fixed deposits or money under your mattress if you are in it for the long haul.

There is growing alarm for those who retire at 60 or 65. Right now, there generally is a very long period ahead. It's not fun to realise, in the midst of your life, that you haven't acquired the necessary retirement security and wealth you want. But the good news, is your past doesn't have to be a sad prologue. Unless you allow it to.

Maybe, you feel that your present financial life, is like a train that has come to a halt. But you hear from all the advisors, your friends, even the TV media, that there are very good prospects in the market! So, why is your train stagnant? Of course, right now, you too, want your train to take off; want to be driving it at 100 miles an hour. But, with all the best intentions in the world; the laws of matter and mass, it can't go from zero to 100 miles an hour in no time flat. Inertia is against you. Don't be greedy. Be quite happy with relatively small but safe and regular increments.

Start off with 10 miles an hour now... and then 20... and then 30. This is how long-term compound wealth accumulates: gradually at first, but eventually at lightning speed.

Yet Another Way To Success! Anybody can ride a train to the success station. However, it takes a dedicated, skilled and experienced engineer, to make sure that the locomotive and his precious passengers arrive safely.

Similarly, for any company, in which you wish to invest successfully, it takes strong focused leadership. It also takes hands-on action from an experienced and informed holistic management team, to ensure the entire organisation successfully reaches the top of the mountain.

One of the biggest risks you can take, is to remain health and investment ignorant before and during retirement!

As far as health risks are concerned, always take the time to understand what pills or any other medication you are taking. What they are for, and what the possible risks are. If you use an electronic information storage system, create a file named: "My Medication And possible Dangerous For Me drugs." Write them down and keep that list handy. If you have any real concerns, go over them with your health care service provider, before completely stopping a drug.

The primary goal of this book, is to health and wealth empower yourself. Always remember, no one will look out for your health and wealth better than you will.

Yet another of the biggest risks you can take during retirement, is the risk of not taking a well-researched, and modest risk by not investing in the globally diversified stock market! Of course, it is true that one should be cautious. But not being modestly exposed to the rapidly developing international market, could be a sure-fire trap for falling in the poverty trap! In fact, those very, very safe investments, can in fact keep your portfolio at the same or even deteriorating levels! Not a welcome choice! Again, the long-term value of regularly looking at your portfolio and often rebalancing your types of investments and the international location of your investments!

I once more emphasise the Danger of Blindly Following Advice. There is an unseen international hand, that, despite consulting with "experts", politics or international money fears, also dictates the final survival formula for most of us! That's the common sense formula, that says, once one has self-empowered yourself about both health and wealth: when all else is considered, the bottom line is, that I must take care of myself, my future and my ultimate retirement requirements!

Always remember that it is very important to take stock of your changing personal circumstances before using any expert's advice.

Also, remember make more than you spend and invest the difference wisely. Develop simple daily money saving habits that result in wealth accumulation.

You and your family, must get to grips, and thoroughly understand, the difference between compulsive spending, saving, and investing. Once you start earning, with every pay check you get, cover your necessary and daily expenses first (bills, mortgage, transport, etc.). And then regularly put some money toward safe compound diversified investing. Only, after you have "paid yourself" should you add to your "spending" account.

Remember, that your net investible income, – the amount of cash you have, after spending and saving – is the outstanding and single most important factor in determining, how quickly you and your family, will become wealthy and financially independent.

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Chapter 100:

Adopted Helpfulness Syndrome In Retirement

For example, why would an inability to walk, affect your ability to answer a phone? Forget the disability. Grab the ability, kill it and ride it to death.

With the prospect of longevity, however, it's prudent to have disability and income insurance! As we march past time, and time slides by us, many industries and fields of work, will come and others will fall by the wayside! No good or bad financial situation is permanent, unless you self-empower it, and decide it is.

One of the most powerful quotes I've heard, is from Mark Twain – "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first".

What you really focus on, always gets better. All great achievement begins with a single act of brave commitment.

You should have a plan, including a catastrophe plan, an asset protection plan, a health plan, a property plan, a diversified finance and investment plan, and a tax plan. Of course, this is very important, also have a how to be happy plan!

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Chapter 101:

Family Wealth Retention

The very important financial acumen necessary, to retain and grow, acquired wealth, is the most overlooked pillar of family financial independence. The others, learning how to manage, invest, and make your money compound and grow, is just as essential. Otherwise, your wealth cannot fund your lifestyle and sustain your retirement financial independence.

Following the principle, and the power of regular compound growth, is the key to successfully building wealth. If you can add some leverage, by the use of other folks' expertise, time and other people's money, you can join the ranks of the super-wealthy.

Don't ever forget, that the single most valuable asset you have, as an investor, is the value of enthusiasm, time and compounding. Particularly, the very powerful impact of compounding towards the end of the compounding time frame! And do not forget the valuable contribution of a good team of advisors and specialists.

Life, however rapid or short, is made even shorter by the waste of the precious commodity of time.

If you are keen to take advantage of time, a day has hundred empty pockets.

Those pockets are filled with 86-400 seconds Each Day!

Yes, correct; That is how much Valuable time we are all allotted – 86-400 seconds Each day.

If an hour Is lost, it is gone forever! If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing a second, a minute, or even a day!

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Chapter 102:

Always Make Your Important And Valuable Time Count!

How often have you heard someone say: how time flies? Indeed it does, at ever-increasing speed! So use it wisely.

We like to think we are very smart and wise. But, as we are human, we all do rather dumb things at times. Look at a few quality-of-life impacting health-deteriorating habits. Is it really necessary to allowing email to rule your life? Of course not. Allocate a specific time and time duration, to have a look at your emails. For example: check your emails twice a day, rather than every time one comes in.

Now this is a very popular one. Particularly if any food or drinks are served. Wasting very valuable time in protracted and pointless meetings Take a lifestyle improving stand. Cut down on the time that's allotted for the meeting; and refuse to let it linger on. Also, note who are the folks, who have a habit of verbal procrastination to keep an eye on. Ask yourself whether this meeting is really necessary for you.

Letting the habit of excuses interfere with your regular daily exercise schedule. You should be putting aside enough time to develop and maintain a healthy fitness level It takes around 3 hours, or less than 2 per cent of your time each week.

Look at the quality of material you put into your body. In fact, you surely look meticulously at the right quality and type of fuel that you put into your motor vehicle. Why not pay similar attention to what you put into your, as yet, non replaceable body?

Those who think they have no time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find lots of time for future health-related expenses and misery time.

Thinking you are a machine. In fact, of course, your body is actually a very complex, electro-mechanical, chemical and very versatile machine. Do you service it regularly? How many times have you used it to go to work while it was rather sick? Did you give it the time to refuel and to properly recover and re-energise.

Is giving up really the answer? There is no one monitoring your progress on your way to success. You never know how close you really are to reaching your goal, and achieving discovering your own hidden success treasures. So keep on believing in yourself and keep going when it is really tough. And reap the rewards when it is the right time.

You should be equally careful about investing both your money and time!

For the enthusiast, life's a series of delightful and exciting moments.

"We do not remember days ... we remember moments." Cessare Pavese.

Anyone and everyone can become wealthy. Despite what some negative people believe, there really is no shortage of opportunity and money, only a shortage of the right type of out-of-the-box thinking. Most of us, were raised in relatively happy, poorer or middle-class households. And one of the restricting handbrake things, we inherited from our parents, was Poverty Thinking. You too, probably have heard and know what I mean.

"Money doesn't grow on trees!" "Rich people are greedy!" "Eat all your food! There are plenty people in the world who are starving!"

Really industrious wealthy people don't think like that. They believe there is an unlimited supply of money and everything in the real world. They also believe wealth is good and that the rich are good, work-producing, industrious, hard working people. Their view of life, and their dreams, vision and thoughts are different from the way the average person thinks.

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Chapter 103:

You Ask Why Do The Rich Get Richer?

The association with family experience, knowledge and the law of self-empowerment reinforcement.

Wealthy folks make sure they have access to the well-informed experts in various fields of their interests. Wealthy people also tend to better understand investment, finance and tax laws.

One of the reasons, that the wealthy have been able to successfully create wealth for the longer term, is the fact that they understand how to use the key to the power of compounding growth in their favour. They also are aware of the value of Delayed Gratification. Wealthy individuals also know how to retain family wealth and to avoid large tax bills. They diversify internationally, they acquire quality, income-producing and appreciating assets and then never sell them.

However wealthy people plan, take action, learn from their mistakes, consult experts and take charge of their own financial affairs.

Yet another Ultimate Secret of the Ultra Rich.

We often ponder how come some well-known families stay rich generation after generation? Then there are those who never have a nickel? There must be a well-researched formula and approach to their fortunes!

It seems to be a well-formulated combination of culture, education, and the ability to take the long-term view. These outstanding families also know how to use valuable time, to turn the passage of compounding time into an ally, instead of an enemy. They have also studied and worked out very specific strategies, that use time to boost long-term, higher return and safe investment returns. Of course, also with lower risk.

No point in making money if you don't let it grow faster than you are spending and keeping abreast of inflation! The real point about money, is to allow you personal freedom, not make you crazy with getting more. Therefore, these folks also have to prepare the family to not only protect money; but to make it really grow.

We come back to self-empowerment about both your health and wealth! This is why these rich families, expose themselves to stimulating and equally successful folks! They also regularly invest in education and training. In this way, they also make sure that family members add to their collective security and wealth, rather than subtracting from it.

On the social front, they try to guide their children to capable and suitable spouses. They know that a rotten apple in the family, will spoil the barrel. Of course, if the match goes astray – well, the costs can be astronomical!

For them, it is really essential to spend time and money on trusted lawyers and accountants. Thus making sure that the structures are in place to pass along wealth, and protect it.

It also is why they develop long-lasting partnerships with the professionals they trust and need to make sure their interests are protected and their plans executed.

The wealthy don't flaunt their wealth. Instead, they would rather spend their money on things that hold their value over time. They are mostly conservative investors – or, rather, safe and dependable asset acquires. This is why they also prefer not to trade in and out of ordinary investments. Instead, they find a few good long-term international positions and stick with them for decades.

This is so important. I repeat. Again, the value of getting in place, a trusted system for family fortune accession. And preparing for the future.

It is also why they educate and prepare their families, to guard against procrastination and stagnation. Part of the family's preparation, also is to prepared for the challenge of safely managing and enlarging the family's future wealth.

Take a look around and you will soon note that this is what separates the really serious money from the here-today-gone-tomorrow crowd.

Instead of trying to control the uncontrollable, these families are also focused on what they believe they can control. Without someone really responsible, trained and well-informed, and dedicating the necessary and regular time, to making these things happen, they often don't.

Look at family riches, to learn that often, most generational wealth transfers fail. Money that was diligently and hard earned, is often lost through the next generation's poor and money-spending-way-of-living. Don't forget the accompanying bad investment decisions and lack of self-empowerment and planning.

By now, you must be aware, that for successful families, we think this rather sounds like a fulltime job. However, the truth is that successful families are prepared to do all the things unsuccessful families really don't want to do. These things take that sometimes very, very dangerous thing called work.

If you're really determined to keep wealth in the family, use the long-term powerful impact of time, because, the sooner you start, the better.

Fortunately, with easy access to information, we can now learn and know better.

Reflecting on history, there are many, many great examples of those who broke out of the poverty cycle, by changing their associates and their way of thinking.

Lew Rockwell explains that, while competition in the marketplace improves quality, competition in politics does just the opposite: "The only improvements take place in the process of doing bad things: lying, cheating, manipulating, stealing, and killing.

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Chapter 104:

When Does One Have Enough Capital?

There is no one formula that fits all. Our wants and needs, fluctuate as do our progress along life's exciting journey.

You will be well on your way If you use the formula of dedicated thrift, intelligent and objective-set hard work, and periodically re-adjust and update your prejudices. And keep in mind the on-going process of asset accumulation, living below your means, and having enough financial acumen to make your money work so you do not have to work under such pressure. Most people never get there.

How to have more valuable educational time at your disposal.

Turn off the time-sucking media, including the TV, And be very selective in the choice of financial news that you watch. So turn off the TV fog, and start to read uplifting books. Don't take just one reporter's word for it, though. Check on their sources. If they reference a big company policy report, look it up. These rather hefty report, always have much more valuable information in them than an article will supply. Find the Numbers These big reports, have something financial journalists don't have time for: very valuable statistics.

The investment goal, is to find out how businesses are preparing for the future. If you read reliable reports, you can trust their numbers. Numbers are very plastic. You can colour, mould and shape them, and turn them on their heads to make them mean lots of different things to different people and occasions.

Do your research, and form a solid investment hypothesis. Find your opportunity and, very important, do your due diligence.

Have a guide line; a clear exit strategy, whether it's a stop loss, a specific price, a key technical level or a certain percentage gain you're looking for.

Don't second-guess your quality in depth research. Trying to second-guess a stock market, is like the strings of a puppet being manipulated by someone else. Remember, that their greed, is only outstripped by their splendid ingenuity, for regularly coming up with new, complex smoke-and-mirrors financial and investment schemes.

You should find an investment strategy that you are comfortable with. The key for investment success, is to stick to it. The more you adhere to your strategy, instead of jumping about, the more likely you'll be successful. If you are not successful, the results will be very obvious, and where you went wrong, will also be obvious.

Frequent change of tactics, deprives you of the clarity associated with a set investment strategy.

Protect Your Gains No matter what, protect your gains. The only investment life-saving catch phrase I really like, is "Let the winners ride." If you've got a good winner, keep it in play.

However, that doesn't mean you can't periodically lock in some of your good gains and stay invested.

A good strategy for this is a 10 percent trailing stop.

Here's how it works. If share prices drop 10 percent from a company's highest share price, you exit the position. But as a company's share price climbs, the 10 percent, the trailing stop climbs with it. So if you put Company X in your portfolio at $50 per share, and it climbs to $60, that's a 20 percent gain. You may be anticipating an even higher share price, but you want to protect some of the gain you have already realised. When you institute a 10 percent trailing stop on Company X on the high price of $60, your exit point is $54, effectively locking in a gain of 8 percent from your entry point.

Now, this is the powerful thing about trailing stops... If Company X continues to climb to $70 per share, your 10 percent trailing stop follows right along. Your new exit point would be a share price of $63 or a gain of 26 percent from your entry price.

This investment life-saving Technique allows you to lock in gains and stay invested in your winners.

No one can have any Idea, what the future international economic and investment climate will be, when you read this. Who knows where the see-saw will be? We could either be in a bull market, the throes of a financial crash and recession, or somewhere in between.

Of course, the very important critical question is; how much does your present and future, financial security, depends on things you can't predict or control?

What makes the wealthy and successful want to hold office? Is it, as Charles Derber describes in The Pursuit of Attention: Power and Ego in Everyday Life, that politicians since "Caesar and Napoleon have been driven by overweening egos and an insatiable hunger for public adulation?"

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Chapter 105:

The True Cost Of Proper Time Management

Can you imagine a time when that most valuable asset time, did not actually matter? Most of us, are dictated by time! In fact, our lives are ruled by time. The always present clock, watch or phone reminds us that the seconds are ticking by.

What do we actually plan to do with our time? The folks, who are in charge of their allotted time, are also well diversified with the use of their available time.

The very best, and the brightest have their time management well-oiled machine down to a refined science. If they use modern-day electronic communication, they regularly empty their inboxes. They have a daily list of tasks to be done, and check off all their tasks. They have time management under their complete control.

But what if it is not a solution for my problem! What if I suffer from the crippling chronic disease of the relentless time managing me? How frequently do you hear: There never seems to be enough time! Look at the gardening example. Have we done a very good job of weeding out the weeds, not-so-important time drains from the plants that should be in the garden, your time priorities? Responding to the daily multiple requests to do a "small favour," mounts up.

Saying no is the time saver! You will soon notice that you are spending a lot of valuable time on stuff that really does not matter! The see-saw of time: as time passes, the see-saw of time tilts further down – letting the sand on the see-saw slide even faster down-hill!

How well we all remember that as a kid, time seemed to drag.

The value of long-term time continues to be one of those asset classes we ignore when we talk about managing our finances, health and investments. How we manage our time, can have a huge impact on ultimately successfully reaching our financial and retirement goals.

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Chapter 106:

Just Be Observant

Look around and you will see One of the truly great investment secrets in daily action! It is the idea of owning companies that sell increasing habit-forming, or even addictive, products. I'm talking about things like soda, fast food, candy, cigarettes, and alcohol. Yes! The formula, is owning international companies, with habit-forming, or even addictive, products. It's a very powerful formula! If you are diligent, have the necessary insight and determination to take care of your financial future, you will devise a financial plan and strategy, and discipline, that will most likely set you on the road to your financial independence objective!

Financial independence gives you choices. You do not need to work a job you hate just to survive or to support your family. And for women in particular, it provides freedom from unhealthy relationships; they would rather not be in.

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Chapter 107:

Why Not Stack The Odds In Your Favour?

Given the nature of the markets, and the risks inherent in speculating for extraordinary gains, you really have to stack the long-term odds in your favour. If you can't, well, don't play.

There are several ways to do this. First, remember to health and investment empower yourself! Next, do the necessary due diligence investigation!

You will soon learn the merits of betting on People with proven long-term track records, buying when market corrections put good quality international companies on sale way below any objective valuation, and, where possible, participating in private placements.

The million-dollar question is: How can you get there?

Acquire wealth.

First, put yourself in the fortunate position of Financial and Investment Self-Empowerment. Put yourself in the position to be able to acquire wealth. Very few people ever achieve financial independence. Instead, they keep on worrying about money until the day they die.

The rich businessman calls his lawyer, and says he wants to make a change to his will. I want a condition imposed that my wife inherits the money I'm leaving her only if she gets married again within six months of my death. Why are you making such an unusual stipulation asks the attorney. Because I want to be sure at least one person will be truly sorry I died.

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Chapter 108:

There Must Be Something Enchanting

To Slow-Creeping Failure And Worry

Similarly, there must be something hidden about on-going chronic worrying. Of course, you too, agree that There must be more to chronic worrying!

So many people regularly resort to escapism, by indulging in worrying. In fact, I almost wrote wobbling!

To really successfully worry, is an art that requires focus and energy!

There are options about the fields of worry in which one can specialise! However, most people settle for the run-of-the-mill ordinary. You can pick them up in a crowd; they look miserable, dejected, look rather downcast And in need of some delights in their lives.

What are the alternative Types of worry? Worrying about not having anything to worry about!

To put my thesis about worrying to a practical test, I decided to allocate particular days to a specific worry. Then, at the end of a week, to evaluate the impact my worrying had in practical terms, on both my quality of health and life; as well as on the community at large!

Aspects of worrying that I decided to put to the test, include: Rising sea levels, a killer tsunami in progress, the possibility of a nuclear bomb being dropped somewhere; the chance of an asteroid hitting my particular plot on the earth, the likelihood of a specific disease being resolved and no longer causing a threat or affecting people; and so on!

Even worrying about the possibility of this book being published!

There are so many exciting things to sit down and worry in depth about!

How can one worry about not worrying each day?

I also worry about whether there is an international worry club or association? I worry whether I will die, or will I be the victim of the coming longevity punishment or enjoyment?

Will my retirement savings run out before I run either out or away!

Worry, worry, I can just imagine you sliding back on your seat, also beginning to actively and very intensely, worry about worrying! Well, please join me and assess at the end of a week whether worrying about worrying was worth it?

Why not join me in the following little experiment? When someone asks you how you are, reply that you are actually worrying about a specific problem or subject. (Of course, you must now also look very, very, very worried! Casting the odd tear, will really emphasise your degree and level of actual worry!)

If you don't want worrying to become boring, locate another worry subject to each day of the week.

Now note their response. Ask them to please join you in this worry campaign! Unfortunately, they will now worry whether the worry venture will be worrisome and costly?

The possible outcome of this little experiment, is likely to be that worrying is really not worth your energy, time, and worrying!

If you really want to make a lasting impression, just say, with a downcast voice, that you are worrying about some rather vague, personal secret, turn your back on them and let it take it's own course!

However, it's far better to proceed this particular aspect of worrying, with a systematic and gradual build-up to the day that you venture into true worrying! Well, that's if you really want to make an impression for a few fleeting seconds!

Fortunately, I have sympathy with people who regularly worry. As far as I know, we only get one trip through the enjoyable journey of life. And, to be successful, it's persistent, enthusiastic hard work no matter what.

However, sadly we must remember that there are people who are disinclined to effort. We might as well strive to be part of the successful minority that figures it out.

Regular correct, and focused hard work, is like compound saving and investing: the harder you work, the more experience-wisdom and knowledge you gain. Of course, long-term gratifying success, has less to do with hard work, but more to do with massive, enthusiastic focus on your few best opportunities.

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Chapter 109:

Change Is Always On The Move

Embrace it. Why resist change, when it may be the main source of your growth?

Why are we so very scared of change? Why do we find it so hard to change our way of thinking, when frequent change is part of our daily life and very natural? In fact, the only constant in the world, the only thing you can absolutely count on, is actual and certain regular change itself.

Sadly, referring to our history, often because our childhood subconscious mind, is programmed to keep things the same. This is to safeguard our childhood acquired, and wrongly and erroneously motivated ideas about "The evil Of Money And Wealth!" Recall the often quoted saying: "Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know!"

Yet most successful people, share one very important and critical life saving attitude: the trait of adaptability. They embrace change. They look for opportunities for self-empowerment, to expand and learn.

Innovation starts with an idea. Ideas are somewhat like babies. They are born small, immature and shapeless. They are promise rather than fulfillment. Peter F. Drucker

The great thing is that, whenever change occurs, it always opens up fantastic new opportunities. If you wish to move ahead, you will have to get off the glue-lined chair. You will have to move out of your present comfort zone. Welcome: this is challenging change. Initially it feels threatening, uncomfortable, but if things stay the same, you will find you are actually moving backwards.

With change, find and create new and better ways to make the situation work, rather than not work.

If you ultimately find a way to solve those threatening problems, you will be adding experience, knowledge and value, and making money. The more you invest in self-empowering, growing, widening and developing your mindset and vision, the more everything you touch transforms in an unsuspected breathtakingly positive way. Pursuing perfection really does matter, and is rewarding (in a world highly accepting of mediocrity.)

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Chapter 110:

So, What's Enterprise?

Enterprise really is two things. To start off with, the desire and motivation to think outside the conventional metal box! The next, is the vision and courage to look well ahead, over the mountains and valleys and to be able to have the courage to be creative.

How can you become financially independent? To become financially independent, you must turn part of your energy, enthusiasm, labour, skills and income into seed capital. Now don't stop! Then put your shoulder to the wheel. Continue rolling the independence-generating system further along. Turn capital into enterprise, role enterprise into profit; turn the mounting profit in to compounding investment; and turn the compounding investment in to that liberating financial freedom and independence.

Always be pro-active; don't choose to die before you die! It is not because things are difficult, that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare, that they are difficult. Seneca. I have always been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. Leonardo da Vinci

Too frequently, our enemy is the comfortable mattress of procrastination; not lack of preparation. Making excuses, donates free power over you, to the very things you are excusing. It's time to bury and to throw away your devastating and restricting excuses.

Should I really throw Away My Lethargy and Excuses? Of course, you should. Particularly, if that's the anchor that's Holding Back Your Self-Empowering for Health and Investing?

Are you really delighted at the prospect of not performing with all cylinders functioning well? Are you really prepared to be performing at less than your full set of skills and ability? Get moving! Be enthusiastic. Set yourself a future date by which you will have achieved something very special!

Start harvesting, your till now hidden skills and abilities! Then go out there, and let your creative imagination run wild with all you can possibly achieve! Once you have exposed your mind to the stimulating and mind-broadening gymnasium of creativity, it will never go back to its original way of thinking!

Remember the fast-moving train of opportunity! The train with all those stimulating, well-connected and enthusiastic folks on board. To get on board, you only get one shot at life. When the destiny-oriented train has left the station, when the game of life is finally over, there is no second chance to catch up, or to correct our errors.

The clock that regularly and relentlessly, is ticking away the moments of our lives, does not really care about winners and losers. It also does not care about who succeeds or who fails. It also does not care about excuses, fairness or equality.

The only essential issue, is how soon we get on board that train and played the game.

So when we set ourselves the task of Healthcare and Financial Self-Education, we may struggle with the language of Health, Finance and Investment, structure of a suitable Investment formula, and making ourselves clear to our Advisors. Our Health Care and Financial Ignorance, is Long-Lived! Fortunately, it is also self-documenting, and can live to haunt us forever. Our Ignorance can be painful and indelible. But when we Self-Educate, Information reigns!

However, there is delightful reward to be had from standing up and embracing the enchantments of self-education. Education, is a life-saving Candle in the Dark!

Remember, it is a sign of caution, reflecting, investigation, and wisdom, not cowardice, to seek a second or third opinion. As with many forecasting economist, statistically, one would have to be correct about something sooner or later!

Always do your own research! It's very important, to be well informed and to be on top of these sorts of startling predictions. Take them with a certain degree of self-protection cynicism.

Even if all the "Experts" agree, they may still have had a failed Common Sense Bypass!

Always be doubtful about the experts and seminar leaders, who are only one dimensional experienced. Rather pay attention to the people who have a breadth of experience in multiple financial and investment platforms or vehicles. Check their dress; their mode of transport; where do they live; be dubious about those who are too flashy.

Remember, that slick of concept financial con artists, thrive by talking you into trusting them and their expertise, and by persuading you away from investigating their background. So it's always a splendid idea to get some impartial "Advice on Advice."

Fortunately, one avenue that is readily at hand, is to do the necessary on-line investigation. Simply enter the name of the adviser and his or her firm, into an Internet search engine like Google, to see if any negative warning flags turn up. Take immediate note of red herrings, such as complain; fine; disciplinary action; lawsuit; or suspension.

If you have any further doubts about the credentials of the "Advisor," immediately contact the organisation that awards the credential, to verify his or her record to check that he or she has not been disciplined, for violations of rules or ethics.

Sometimes, if you do further investigation, on the internet, about your health condition, you can end up knowing more than the doctor – and point out something new to him.

Yes, it's very true, no individual can be at the cutting edge of knowledge in their specific fields. So, always empower yourself by resorting to the internet. It's equally true, that maybe only a small percentage of information on the net, is really true!

There is an overload of research papers on the internet – you must be very focused and look at what you want to look at. There is good research and not so good research.

The main thing in any science, is to ask the right questions; how do you know what's significant?

You must always be aware that law is an expensive pastime. Often, slander depends so much on what other people claim to remember or, more important, will admit to remembering.

Your way of thinking about money, wealth and prosperity, will determine the financial heights you will ultimately reach.

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. Winston Churchill.

The very important thing, is to work on your health and investment self-empowerment. Because your health and wealth will not grow unless you do. Your important self-identity, is what really determines your income, influence, impact and lifestyle.

The highest and most dangerous form of ignorance, is to reject something you know nothing about.

Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth, who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong. (Thomas Jefferson)

As John F. Kennedy said, in his address to the 1962 graduates of Yale University: "The great enemy of the truth, is very often not that He is deliberate. Contrived, and dishonest the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. We enjoy the comfort of opinion, without the discomfort of thought."

Of course, for you, what you're saying, might, be the only truth for you. Why not be smart and play like a top detective, and then build your own extrapolation. You will broaden and enhance your skills of deduction, and may even improve the concept beyond the speaker's original idea.

To kill an error, is as good a service as, and sometimes even better than, the establishing of a new truth or fact. (Charles Darwin)

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second, it is violently opposed, and third, it is accepted as self-evident. (Arthur Schopenhauer)

Truth is a hard and demanding master, and costly to serve, but it always simplifies all problems. But never expect the truth, from well meaning people, who care about saving your feelings. That certainly will not help you accomplish your long-term goals, it will just put you back.

So very important: It's not where you star; it's where you finish.

It is expected from the investment advisor or expert, to nurse the loss-making investors through their initial pain. However, as always, in the end, you must rely on your own informed judgement. It's the only way, to survive as a self-respecting and successful independent citizen.

Neither you, nor your advisors, can sensor people's choices.

Always continually evaluate your previously held prejudices and assumptions. You may find that you have attenuated your expectations. You get the same results with ignorance.

Just running away from the volatile markets, is not a good long-term strategy. A single bad investment spark, can start a fire, that burns your entire investment house down. Every year unforeseen, not so pleasant X Factors, come out of the blue, to test us. Life has so many safety speed bumps! However, don't be deterred and keep on being an informed optimist!

Be prepared, and look forward to the best of times, but also prepare yourself for the possible unexpected worst.

Protect yourself, your family and your portfolio, against unforeseen political crises, and such other crises as losing income due to ailing health, or something on a larger international scale. Insure yourself, as well as your assets, and maintain a first-aid financial buffer, that you can dip into, in the event of an emergency.

A chief event of life, is the day in which we have encountered a mind that startled us. Ralph Waldo Emerson, US.

Smart investors don't only buy one type of investment, located in just one Jurisdiction. They diversify as well as buying time to help them ride through the ups and downs of the investment cycles. However, there are stages in the investment cycle and times in your investment journey, when it is best to do nothing; to sit back and wait for the right opportunities because wealth is the transfer of money from the impatient to the patient.

After all, the certainty of future uncertainty, is always certain.

Bear the following in mind: Rather invest in international listed stocks, instead of in private, unlisted companies. Of course, where there is a well-established "Private Sector," well regulated companies, there is always a good chance of equally good growth; usually, much of the capital is returned to the growth of the company, without paying exorbitant fees to the management! Successful long-term investing, is not gambling, and should certainly not be treated as a hit-or-miss proposition. Investing in anything, including the stock market, is always assuming a reasonable amount of risk.

The stock market is not a proxy for savings, it for researched and intelligent investment. Investors, for example, should analyse the essential fundamentals of the company and industry, in which they wish to invest, not be bamboozled by the "investment Talk of the day, and the day-to-day shifts in stock price. Buying a particular fashionable stock purely because one likes a company's product or service, is a sure-fire way to lose money.

Savvy and informed investors, will protect their assets, by having financial buffers in place, to see themselves through the possible difficult times. Of course, you can always join the others who are at risk, for buying high. Or those who follow who investment fads, buying the very hot stocks of the day. Too frequently, these investments become fashionable for brief periods, leading many to invest at the height of a cycle or trend, just in good time to ride it downward.

There is no foolproof strategy for a successful investment. However, there are a few experience-based common sense key considerations when investing that may make the process more structured, feasible and ultimately very rewarding. As important as investing in the right stocks in the right category, in the right international jurisdiction; is not investing in the wrong stocks, in the wrong category, in the wrong international risky political jurisdiction.

Never invest without first investigating, and getting to know the language of money and investing; before establishing an investment strategy. Once you have an investment plan or strategy, it will guide your future successful decisions.

A diligent and well informed investor, takes into account such important factors as time horizon, risk tolerance and the amounts to be invested. This remains so very important: Investors should maintain a broadly diversified international portfolio incorporating different asset classes and investment styles. Failing to diversify internationally, leaves individuals vulnerable to political, market cycles and trend fluctuations in a particular security or sector.

Get to learn and to know your real tolerance for risk. Again, there is no such thing as totally risk-free investing. Informed individuals, planning for long-term investment achievements and goals, should be willing to assume more risk in exchange for the possibility of greater rewards, but they should not wait for a market drop to decide how they feel about risk.

It is very important to take a long-term view of investing, and not let external factors, such as fashions, politics, investment cycles and trends, causes you to make a sudden change in strategy.

By comparing the performance of your portfolio with relevant international benchmarks, you can develop realistic expectations.

Of course, there are times when exiting a position is the best decision you can make.) but When it comes to money management, freezing and fainting makes you a sitting duck for unscrupulous financial and investment advisors.

She shoves the investment records towards me, then wipes her hands disgustedly, as if she's rid of the chronic investment losses. She sat back, confident that the financial burden of curing her investment ignorance, has now finally been passed to a newly found money management and investment miracle worker. She said, rather distraught: "I'll become another pain-laden motor investment vehicle casualty; another statistic; another normally fit person who's fallen through the nightmares, pitfalls and cracks of the financial advisory profession. I spent the weekend organising my paperwork and plotting my attack. Right now, I'm long on strategy and short on optimism."

Any material in this book, should be considered as general guide-lines and information only, and not relied on as a formal investment recommendation. Don't forget the value of becoming acquainted with the "International Language Of Finance And Investment!" This is a very, very, very important aspect of your vocabulary that you will find extremely valuable! A dedicated professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it. No self-respecting person for any considerable time, can wear one face themselves and another to the multitude without finally getting quite confused as to which person is the real true person. The history of mankind is the history of quality-of-life altering ideas. Remember, if you are really concerned about your health and wealth, never blindly trust anyone. The attitudes of health professionals are influential in shaping services for disabled people and their life opportunities.

When you forgive, you reclaim your power to choose. It really doesn't matter whether someone deserves forgiveness; you deserve to be free. Forgiveness is a gift of high value. Yet, its cost is nothing. Just think of this: There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the many lingering and chronic ills of the body. There also is no comforter to compare with the spirit and compassion and goodwill, for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow. What a very bleak prospect to live continually in destructive thoughts of jealousy. Bad faith in your fellow people, ill-will, cynicism, suspicion and envy. Surely, this is hell!

For many folks it's almost impossible to see the good in all their fellows.

What really is the power of faith in yourself? The secret: though you think you may not be really good at everything, take time, season it with dedication and enthusiasm, to learn and develop what you need to learn. Suddenly, you will have located to a new you! Your new world too, will change very rapidly.

Now it's time to remember, to never run from what you really know you need to learn. Face and challenge your old-time friends, fears and doubts; and the exciting and promising new worlds will open to you. Persistent hatred, is the coward's revenge for being intimidated. Revenge has no more quenching effect on emotions, than salt water has on thirst.

An old adage says, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." You have got more problems, because you've forgotten the past.

I like being alone. That's why I chose to be a writer, but there's such a thing as carrying it to extremes! As so often happens at night, when an author gets the good central idea for a story, and starts to jot it down, all sorts of supplementary characters and ideas come along, also wishing and demanding to be given flesh, and to be jotted down too. I believe it was Osbert Sitwell, wrestling with an essay or a book he was preparing, who overheard the conversation of two domestics outside his study: "Is he busy?' 'No, only writing."

Come to think of it, the book is really a living thing! The book is also never finished! All the time, new delivery of further information bricks are delivered from the ideas and concepts manufacturing bricks yards! The delivery organisers, the fellows at "dispatch," don't even consider the delivery time or place! They are just busy, busy, busy! They just go ahead, manufacture and dispatch! Once the delivery is made, or is in progress of being made, the new concepts and ideas bricks simply persist for access to the manuscript by keeping on knocking at "reception" at your keyboard, pen or voice recording system! Well, which ever, you are, use it for your writing purpose!

When I read any book, I also like to learn. To be stimulated, entertained and informed. To widen the horizon! I like to interact with the ideas and concepts in the material! I wonder what the author might have done if this or that had happened, or been the case?

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Chapter 111:

Back TO THE BASICS!

What Is Good Writing? For starters, writing is some delightful form of therapy. It is also a form of liberation from being location-bound; time-bound; prejudice-bound. It frees up one's conscience; creativity; fears; inhibitions; imagination and self-imposed suppression.

It is expressing oneself in elegant language that speaks to one's purpose economically and beautifully. Those important bricks – words, are really vital and so is how we use them. One good motivating or negative word can change your life forever. With creativity, if you don't win, you're usually no worse off than if you hadn't played. If you can sell your work, more power to you. If you can produce good writing and sell your work, even better. But if you can produce good writing, sell your work, and change the world for the better, that would be best of all.

It is said that Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby, has said that a writer is many people trying to be one person. However, it is also quite possible, that a potential writer, is one person who has a self-issued license to be as many people as required for their art. The proviso: as long as nobody gets hurt.)

However, keep in mind that there are many very outstanding authors, who were simply refused publication by the conventional publishing houses! In the end, the ultimate "experts," about whether a book makes the grade, is the reading public!

"How do we educate the public?" My answer was "One person at time." Published in 1998 by: Worth Publishing.

I write to influence and motivate myself and other people. I want to cast a light in some dark corners; change people's consciousness. I raise the hidden particular to the universal. If I need encouragement or find fascination, there are likely others who can benefit from my writing. With writing, I can force awareness and reflection. I can make people laugh or cry. I can explore many valuable and aging truths. And I want the truths I have harvested, to stay in my readers' bodies and minds.

I just hope I can inspire those of you who may be asleep, to wake up! This book really can never truly be completed. My innate curiosity always stimulates, to enquire and learn what's going on in the world, that I'm part of! However, I hope it stimulates and gives you as much insight reading it, as I got writing it.

Of course, you too, have those driving forces of curiosity and enthusiasm. That's really part of us. It is in our on-board GPS system; in our character, it is in our nature, and that is also in our DNA.

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Chapter 112:

You Are Welcome To The Stimulating Health

And Wealth Orientation Gallery

This Gallery, is a perfect way to introduce this health and wealth project, to particularly the young public. Here I encourage, to develop 21st century health and wealth skills. This is based on curiosity, self-directed learning, respect of the health and wealth environment and learning through practice! I am very proud, that the international gallery is open to all who would like to improve their outlook on both Health and Wealth information. This includes women and men, young folks, workers, craftsmen, designers, engineers, folks of all professional ranks, and government officials at all levels!

As you are my fellow traveller on this remarkable planet, I would like to engage with you about the very important subject of taking care of both your health and wealth! If you are a keen reader of books, you simply cannot stay in the dark!

I also write to figure things out. Writing can focus and sculpture thoughts in a way, that thinking in a crowd, may not. Writing is a delightful creative form of meditation. When you write, it is you and your writing equipment; your selected time; no extraneous talk, noise or even restricted time. So, are you more honest when you write? Have you ever learned by writing? Of course, it's inevitable – if you revise, check on your manuscript, you must do it from yet another perspective; another time phase; another insight and mental status!

Have you ever written something that you didn't know until you wrote it? So, reach out; be generous, why not help other people increase their quality of life and figure things out while you're at it? I write, because I want to be known as a trusted source of practical and experience-based quality of life improvement. And, through digital publishing and writing, I can be heard internationally!

Also, and this is most enchanting, as long as I write, I will never be powerless. I also write to push away the curtain of ignorance about both health care and money management. In fact, to level the playing field. I love the basic material of constructing a writing building; the words; their various impacts; their subtle yet important ability to change prejudice and open new vistas! Not only the words, don't forget the value of blank spaces! Writing is something I really can do. It allows me not to be back-staged or ignored. Writing gives credence and legitimises me and what I think and say.

Do you really want to be someone else's sounding board for your creative writing! Why not rather write straight from the heart. Mediocre plots make lousy fiction, and they don't sell.

Returning to the question of real long-term survival. In economic terms, it really is about health and money management self-empowerment, reducing risk and minimising losses, trying to hang on to what you have already got. Money, in all its forms, is really just a means to an end, albeit a very important one. That end, of course, is the most valuable independence and freedom.

Contrary to what many folks believe, money isn't about having "more anchoring stuff." Money is the key to independence. It is the quiet, well lubricated but powerful machine that can liberate you from nagging want, from energy-sapping work that is drudgery, from restricting relationships that confine and restrict you.

Do you really believe and think, that you can reach your potential or live life to the fullest, if you spend your days and energy in concerns about money? Of course not! No free-thinking person, is truly free, who still is a slave to their creditors, circumstances – good and bad – job, or their very high cost of living overhead. Remember, wealth is colour blind, gender blind, education blind. It also is the great equaliser. If you have money and integrity, you have power; in the very best sense. Wealth is also freedom, security and peace of mind. It also allows you to help other less fortunate people.

It enables you to follow your ambitions and dreams, to spend your life with whom you want, where you want, doing what you want, the way you choose.

Money also gives you dignity. Of course, it also gives you responsibility and choices. That's why every democratic man and woman, with average intelligence, dedication and education, has the right and responsibility to take care and be the custodian for their fortunes to be able to help their fellows.

Book knowledge is very useful. However, you can never replace first-hand practical experience. You must practice, both your physical and financial emergency survival plans, on a regular basis. Knowing that you know what to do, and how to do it, breeds emergency survival confidence. I have written this book, so that you can understand and use the outlined Principles. Its acceptance and diligent regular application, is up to you. If you have an enquiring mind, you can soon build up a most valuable investment knowledge portfolio. This will encompass, your personal focused knowledge, experience, and expertise equity.

However, as always, health and investment self-empowerment, are your primary friend. You must become your, and your family's, most trusted investment advisor. No one is as determined and enthusiastic, as you are! No one can do it all for you. No one will be able to manage your security and wealth like you can.

Too many intimidated investors, make the monumental mistake of thinking, that investment and financial success, is a matter of choosing the right investment advisor to handle their wealth. Often, it costs them very dearly! Of course, you need good health care, financial and investment advisors. But you also need to have the experience and sophistication to filter and use the best of your available consultants and advisors. Sometimes, it's a very good idea, if one is left alone to experiment, unencumbered by expert distractions, interruptions and scrutiny from investment peers. You must simply approach the market with an informed trader's mindset. If and when, you understand and have learned the language of finance and investing, you will know how you'll be able to drastically improve your investment returns, while protecting your portfolio gains, from potential crippling losses.

In the international language of economics, focus is all about maximising gains, and avoiding potentially bad opportunities. Always remember the rule: that it's infinitely better to admit you were wrong and lose a little, than to insist the market is wrong and lose a lot. Money simply happens to be one valuable tool, one empowering method, one key with which you can determine where you wish to live, with whom you wish to associate, and to lead a freer life. Money has a rather loud and powerful voice, but no really distinguishable accent.

It's a corporate war out there, if you don't pay attention to that voice, if you don't perform, you don't eat. In other words, the well-informed prevention-minded actually work best, when they think about what might go wrong, and what they can do to prevent that from happening.

With self-empowerment, I'm inciting an international health and investment knowledge revolution. Again, the value of Self-empowerment! This means you have got to invest the time, energy and money to master the skill of managing your own net worth. Only by actually empowering yourself, will you ensure that you make the decisions that are really in your and your family's best interests. If you are not in the driver's seat of your health and financial future, if you don't design your own specific life plan, chances are you will fall into someone else's designed plan. Need you guess what they have planned for you? Really, if you are lucky, limited security, equally restricted stimulation; in fact, not much.

Do you wish to remain cocooned in your own dark ignorance world? If so, you will easily fall victim of the abundant Conspiracy theories that flourish in this vacuum of information.

It's not what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure, that just is not so. (Mark Twain)

Never trouble trouble till trouble really troubles you.

Making money is an intellectual thing, not a greedy thing. Money is my way of getting even with the world. Money is a weapon, unless I know how to make it on my own, I will be defenceless. When it comes to money, it's better to do nothing than to do something you don't understand. Why not set your long-term objectives and start by identifying your selected focus. Then embrace either the positive outlook, or the prevailing skepticism, that will reduce your stress down the track, and keep you performing at your best.

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Chapter 113:

When Dealing With A Financial Advisor

When dealing with a financial advisor, it is worth considering the following from his or her point of view: One expresses an opinion, but One doesn't guarantee ones advice. What one, as an investment advisor, does, or should, guarantee, is that you have applied your well-informed and unbiased mind properly. And that you have thought about the investor's important long-term objectives and issues. That you also have done the adequate in-depth investment research necessary. And that the advice is then given in plain English – having followed proper legal procedures. And, further, provided that you have taken all the precautions to ensure that your advice is relevant and sound. The fact that the advice is wrong in the end, may really not matter. Well, that too, may be questionable!

You must just ensure that you have provided a top grade professional service.

Remember that prevailing international financial and investment circumstances are dynamic and certainly not static. Make absolutely sure that all the latest agreements and decisions are legal, and have been properly met. The advisor must also obviously have done a thorough investigation of the investor's requirements and any other issues. The advisors must apply their mind to the particular issue, and not just give standard, off-the-cuff advice. If you, the very important investor, pays attention to these factors, it shows that you have exercised your informed judgement in a proper, prudent manner.

Of course, we sometimes experience moments absolutely free from worry. These rather brief respites are called panic. In politics, if the write people don't want power, the wrong people get it. Then they complain that almost all government policy is wrong. It's very interesting to note how some dedicated folks seem to focus on their chosen field of activity. Including the activity of non-participation and being very negative and depressing. It is often said, that dedicated scientists stay so long in the educational process, become so involved in their chosen, sometime narrow specialities, that, sadly, they come to the realities of everyday life much later than the rest of us. Indeed, some great scholars never come to grips with those daily and life-changing realities at all. It's even it said that they stay in some ways child-like. People add friendliness and a sense of community to our lives. I want a clear conscious. When did you acquire this unusual luxury? Almost all corrupt government policy is wrong. When you deal with an incompetent government, the more you deal with libertarians, or anyone else, who insists on putting themselves into a too well regulated and rigid box, the less enamoured you should be of the breed. They are an oxymoron in vigorous action (complete with a lot of similar morons) ego growing and nourishing individuals, who – to survive and flourish – want to group together. And when they do form a group, they soon learn that they can't work together, because they need to continuously nourish and lubricate their previously deprived and starving egos! As the stoics correctly point out, humans do their best when working together in concert!

The problem of Small businesses set in concrete by the restrictions of the government of the day, is that they cannot easily negotiate for employment; the money and good will often is there!

The barrier to entry, is just too high – always the problem of hiring and firing! Government can only create the friendly business environment; to compensate for the lack of a culture of entrepreneurs Industry and particularly, small business insiders, blame overly zealous regulations.

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Chapter 114:

The Self Survival Self-Serving Government

As long as the self survival self-serving government, puts itself in charge of solving the problem it perpetuates and creates, you should not expect things to get better anytime soon.

Odds are that the frequently self-enriching solutions, they come up with, will cause even bigger problems for the tax payers, down the road.

Unfortunately Most individuals will never understand that all services are best provided by the free market.

In my many years, I have come to a conclusion, that one useless man is a shame, and two or more is a government. John Adams

The most important thing is by way of opportunity self-empowerment. You can never over-educate! You can only opportunity under expose!

Through on-going and continuous exposure to reading, education and folks with enthusiasm, comes the opportunity for employment.

How are you, as an individual, going to create that employment?

Start educating and enthusing people. Assist them, and your government, in making it much easier in creating a small business. Without a Future plan, your goals are just ideas. Make them real by creating a strategy for achieving them.

Cultivate a mindset, that takes you towards your ambitions, goals and objectives, rather than buying into limiting and very restricting recycled, already out of date, concepts and ideas!

Establish – and periodically review – a well-researched investment horizon. Don't just see it as a once-off plan, that has a beginning and an end. Reset your thinking: make it an enriching way of life.

This is particularly important with escalating costs of living; more so for the relatively fixed income retiree! At least, they have the advantage of persistence, experience and a keen and friendly way of presenting their labour! Ask any owner, or manager of a retail store, whom he or she would rather hire: a young person with no job experience, or a senior? The senior wins out almost every time. Experienced employers consider them to be more diligent, harder workers, more time-loyal, and more likely to show up consistently.

With fewer and fewer unskilled jobs out there and a larger labour force to choose from, seniors have a real advantage. However, many of the seniors I know, who now must work, were never poor during their first careers. Despite the fact, that many enjoyed excellent salaries, they never budgeted and learned to live within their means. Now that don't care for money lifestyle has caught up with them.

Strugglers Lack Stability And they often also lack dedication, persistence and Concentration. This is very, very important: Early in life, Teach your children that Life was Never Meant to be a Struggle.

Indeed, very true, life was never meant to be a struggle. by helping your kids, to grasp this very important concept, you will put them on the path to help them help themselves.

"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn and this will mean all your life." Henry L. Doherty (1870-1939)

Sometimes, the truth requires time to mature! Valuable and life-enhancing truth has its own attracting magnetism. If you don't believe it, nobody is going to believe it for you.

The stage and players, on which the international financial, investment, tax and money matters are played, are constantly changing and are often subject to changes in government policy. However, it's very important to always keep in mind that the world changes fast and information can become out of date relatively quickly. So, always keep in mind the following two points.

First, Although this is a work of fiction, there are experience-based Health and Wealth points highlighted in it. Therefore, before undertaking any action described in this fictional material, please conduct your own due diligence and verify all facts. (By the way, As always, keep in mind that it is equally important that you always do your own due diligence before transacting any business with any firm, large or small, for any product or service.) Next, before undertaking any action, be sure to discuss your options with a qualified advisor.

Always remember the FBI maxim: never believe in coincidences, but never dismiss them.

Why not be proactive? Design your own lucky coincidence?

Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing, so pay the price to learn what you are not doing correctly. The obvious first step for most investors should be, to invest in their education and in themselves. Invest in their knowledge. Get a mentor. But be careful who you learn from. It is better and cheaper, to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than your own. If your mentors have not had some challenges and failures along the way, they probably haven't tried hard enough.

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Chapter 115:

Power Corrupts

The person who uses political power to force others to conform to his ideas seems inevitably to become corrupted by the power he holds. In due course he comes to believe that power and wisdom are the same thing and, since he has power, he must also have wisdom. At this important point he begins to lose his ability to distinguish between what is morally right and what is politically expedient.

Now it becomes very important to kiss the hand of the corrupt God. Fortunately, for the aspiring, corrupt official, government worker, a twinge of conscience lasts a moment or a lifetime.

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of government. But then I repeat myself. Mark Twain.

The parasitical, political class really doesn't need to do much more than create a toxic political environment and tell the politically uninformed voters a few damning stories about the "evil others." They know that the opposition side will always blame it on the governing side and vice versa. After that, they mostly just sit back, and enjoy the low-hanging fruits of corruption and fraud!

We often find it difficult to distinguish between various facets of our lives. Ability is what you're really capable of doing. Motivation, the top-class fuel in the tank, determines what you do. Attitude, your long-term view of life, actually determines how dedicated and well you do it.

The biggest threat to our political wellbeing is the absence of moral clarity and purpose from the top leaders. Fortunately, really bad and corrupt political leaders can juggle only so much before justice strikes.

Listen to this echo: words are powerful tools. How often do we hear leaders trying to impress us with their hidden visions for the future? Using extremely poor motivating and uplifting language?

If you really want to be a successful leader of people, then you need to be in command of your body language, as well as a master of words!

While one word may excite and motivate one type of person, that very same word would completely turn off another person.

If you want to be a really good leader, be a really attentive and good listener. Hear their anguish, their aspirations and their words; and feel their souls. Because, these people have dreams, vistas of their possible future. Their words reflect the very important cultural and core values and core differences of that particular individual!

There are hidden chapters in every life, which are seldom read in public, and certainly not aloud.

One successful formula: Starting early in your working life, is the process of accumulation, living below your means, and having enough financial acumen and insight, to make your money work so you don't have to keep on working. You must not only get started, but you must continue on and regularly follow through.

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Chapter 116:

You Do Not Have To Accumulate Millions To Be Rich

A rich life, is one where you have enough money to choose how, where, and with whom, you spend your time. Being Rich is Really Good. But enriching People is Even much better. The real art is recognising the Difference.

As Henry Ward Beecher famously said, "No man can tell whether he is rich or poor, by turning to his ledger. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has."

If you, and your family, live a middle class lifestyle during your working years, do not acquire habits you cannot support during retirement, you will already be making sure you can fund it during retirement.

Financial independence is like a three-legged stool standing on a level and stable base: accumulate, grow, retain. This is very important. All three legs need to be well designed, and sturdy for the stool to support you both in comfort and financial security throughout life and retirement. However, make sure that you do not get overweight!

Of course, there are many formulas for successful and healthy living. Some people get really rich by investing in international property – preferably in a well-run syndicated format. Controlling expenditure. Real financial freedom, is about also having passive income. This income, regardless of whether you work, should be greater than your outgoings. There are two achievable variables in that equation that can be adjusted and tweaked to achieve the goal. The first, is to increase the passive income figure (through investment). The second, is reducing the on-going outgoings (through thrift).

To be really financially free, you should start to build an asset base, that generates ongoing passive income. In fact, a self-perpetuating, well-running money machine. This can be a portfolio of internationally diversified shares or well-located income producing commercial or residential properties.

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Chapter 117:

Where Are The Money-Destroying Holes

In Your Rusty Financial Progress Bucket?

Where do you tend to spend big, and uncontrolled? Now that you have assessed the number, sizes and location, of the holes in your bucket, how can you plug them?

This is where the tweaking of the annual budget is of enormous value. You can see where you have overspent, where you can cut down and how to start improving your financial situation and outlook.

Take persistent action. What really is very important, is taking consistent action and simply don't deviate. Never, ever give up.

Why not start today? Is it a possible fear of failure? A fear of losing money? A greater fear of puncturing your ego, or losing your status?

When will you start to take action? Next month, next year, next decade? However brief our time, with opportunity, if we waste a second, minute, hour, day, month or year, that valuable time has slipped away and cannot be recaptured!

You really need to dare to be different to achieve wealth.

If you don't take immediate action, don't achieve your goals, who will you blame? Your parents, your partner, your family, your work situation, or general lack of educational background, the internationally famous accommodating ubiquitous Mr. Someone Else, or just ... well, lethargy?

As you too, are aware, Procrastination is the killer of all opportunity. So, take action today!

What allows you to choose whether to look outside, at those who are working from the comfort of a climate controlled home or office? Or even, to be outside sweating under the hot sun, or freezing in the extreme cold?

Again, the simple answer, is to have enough funding to enable you and your family to live the life-style of your choice, where and with whom you wish! As you and your family move through life, which side of the window do you want to be on?

For us, wealth protection comes from investment diversification. We advocate not keeping all your assets: in one currency in one country or in one investment. This rather simple concept, is the key to peace of mind. It is what allows one to sleep at night, knowing your portfolio is secure. If all your skills and assets, including any intellectual assets, are invested in one country, you are vulnerable to the whims and dictates of that government. An unexpected regime change, can quickly bring your portfolio to its knees. A policy change can do the same. So can a change in law.

Have you ever contemplated the possible disastrous impact on your future life of a government failure?

"An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger." Confucius.

What you tolerate from the government of the day, you're going to be stuck with. Pay attention to the laws of the country, and be relentless in pursuit of your own goals.

You will gradually learn that the governing party, has only one political objective and that is to remain in power. It will use every mechanism available to it. It will use legislation to control the flow of money, such as foreign exchange control. Your government may use the legal system for as long as it can at the expense of the taxpayer.

The State's potential criminality, is really nothing new and nothing to be wondered at.

Who really wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? The question is often asked: what's there in that for anyone, other than the politicians? For a non-democratic government, it just has to pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted! And now you are on your way to you create a nation of law-breakers. And then the rewards come when you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system. That's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much better set to take advantage of the game!

Always remember that it is much easier to seize wealth than to produce it. As long as the State makes the seizure of wealth by way of taxes, a matter of legalised privilege, so long will the political squabble for that privilege go on. It will also use the tax system to spy on taxpayers. If you think it will get better; think again! Because, it's bound to get much, much worse. When they come for you and your assets and possessions, the constitution will be of little comfort.

"The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation." Lenin.

AS you, too, are aware, every year, the government takes a substantial chunk of your hard-earned income. They need that money to pay for all the ridiculous programs they come up with. And then your sleek-of-speech politician will appear on TV, the wider media, and tell you that paying taxes is the right thing to do. They will even insist that it's the patriotic thing to do. He may even be a well-experienced successful political phrase juggler.

When the ruthless politicians have successfully driven their citizens into the corner of fear, you may even hear the following:

"Fellow countrymen; fellow country women, in dangerous times like these, let's remember there are very strong arguments in favour of exceptional action. Right now, we need such action! We've never have a better, or more urgent, time to press them."

Remember, they're all trying to scare you. Everybody, who's politically in the dark, thinks people would starve without the big, strong government to protect and feed them. It's not really true.

Give each person the right and the opportunity to work as hard and diligently as they can, and they should then also be entitled to a slice of the country's financial and fortune pie! We'd also be a more productive, dynamic, wealthy and happy society.

What would be the impact if a large portion of the government shut down permanently? Well, of course, nobody in government actually wants you to see that. You will even hear that our economy doesn't suffer from a lack of government intervention. Rather, it actually suffers from too much government intervention. There is a solution: It's much less government.

When someone tries to convince you, that the government, stealing a portion of your hard earned money, is the "right" thing to do, you know they're self-enriching, not telling the truth and crazy.

Their general insight and intelligence, is shown by the kind of ridiculous ideas they keenly advocate. They are, in the main, bitter enemies of the democracy in action, and the liberty of the uninformed and non-caring individual, and are responsible for some of the worst corruptions of morals and politics.

Those politicians, wishing to get elected and stay elected, must be prepared to break every moral rule they have ever known, if they think the end justifies it. Whatever degree of democracy is in place, makes it attractive and possible, for the sleek of word demagogue, to inflame the childish imagination of the hopeful uninformed masses. This is skillfully done, by virtue of his talent for disguising truth and facts, by glibly dispensing nonsense, couched in impressive sounding eloquent speeches. This may even be a veneer of democracy. Or, even, Political vampires, roaming the land, to exploit the ignorant and uninformed masses. He may even argue that democracy is all very well. But why give it to the people?

Nevertheless, there must be a lot of worthwhile politicking and consulting going on. Because, once the principle, that to close the expanding poverty gap, is conceded, and your vote gives politicians an inch, it's only a matter of time before they will forget you and take a self-enriching mile.

Do you really believe the department of truth of any government?

Always be aware that corruption frustrates and holds back the progress of all! Corruption holds back all aspects of ambitious and civilised countries. Wherever you are, it is time to route out the destructive cancer of corruption! Sooner or later, the public will get fed up and say: we will forcefully change that corruption ethic. We must bring to an end the revolving door of top officials self-enriching corruption.

However, if you remain politically uninformed, you may well believe that you are floating in total safety, comfort, luxury and lack of future security, on a rather small island of ignorance ice, in a warm sea.

What happens to discarded, corrupt and obsolete politicians?

Politicians decline in quality, partially because the more well-informed and experienced colleagues are retiring and are often replaced by those with a focus on self-enriching, and have a distorted moral and international understanding. But the leadership also rapidly deteriorates as, increasingly, the less informed citizenry, is eager to hear more empty promises, along with good-sounding theories that support them.

Inevitably, when a nation is lead into terminal decline, by a very bad leader, it is not just one aspect of its existence that deteriorates! The whole spectrum of good government follows the bad top-down leadership. Good Moral values, are replaced by a new galloping moral standard of corruption and theft.

Sound economic and educational principles, soon become the victims of a very bad and corrupt government!

Don't forget to look at the decline of productivity and the creation of work opportunities.

Soon, too, an independent media, and basic freedoms, all tend to decline with it.

After the anticipated crash, will there really be someone with guts, who will press the reset button, allowing the game to simply start on a new track? Well, reflecting on past political events, this is not the way history tends to work. A progressive nation has the advantage of having the necessary skills, and the building bricks for a prosperous future at hand. However, if the bad government of the day, does not provide its citizens with the promised goods, Those very citizens take to destroying and to burning down the libraries, educational facilities, health care units, and the house!

Development equity, trust and long-term faith in the government, must be re-established once more! In fact, the nation, and its infra-structure, must be completely rehabilitated and rebuilt!

What's required, is a Moral certitude, a sound economic and educational foundation, and a return to creativity and productivity, all of which require the presence of honest, top-down, innovative and creative leadership, with a sense of value, uplifting its citizens and a determination to weed out corruption in its system! Sadly, this often takes lots of capital and generations to accomplish. Like in any household, what you have lost or willingly destroyed, you cannot regain – well, not regain with a good deal of effort and determination. Most of which is lacking in the destroyers!

Most self-inflicted destructive nations never return to their former levels of wealth and prominence. The pessimist will ask whether the situation is really hopeless? Recall the local recreation park's lesson of the see-saw! The one side goes up while the other goes down!

Similarly, in any phase of history, some nations are in decline, but, fortunately, there are always others that are on the rise. When those frustrated citizens ignored by the government of the day, begin to douse the existing infrastructure with gasoline, it's an indicator that a change of government should seriously be considered.

All you can hope to do is to save yourself from the consequences of all this self-destructive stupidity.

Spread the Truth! "The Roots of Violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice, Politics without principles." Mahatma Gandhi.

Just look back at history! The final Allied bombing of Berlin, and Dresden and the fall of a once great nation, should always be a warning to all countries that power surrendered to a power-hungry dictatorship can only lead to far-reaching evil. And, sadly, ultimately to the destruction of the state.

Always remember that politics is the second oldest profession, only with much looser and more flexible morals.

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Chapter 118:

Have You Ever Budgeted For The Possible Future

Unexpected And Expected Expenses?

Expenses such as growing retirement expenses, possible health expenses, transport expenses, assuring that you always have a paid-for roof over your head, and general cost of living. Even expenses such as getting out of the way of a dangerously corrupt government?

The outstanding advantage of starting early in life, with a program of Health and Wealth self-empowerment, is that, it is an extremely comforting, reassuring and powerful feeling, knowing that, no matter what happens (or doesn't happen), you're always going to be prepared and to be able to thrive.

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Chapter 119:

Caregiver Stress And Aging

People are living longer, so, during retirement, sarcopenia – muscle weakness – is also emerging as a major health and possible expense concern. Keep in mind, that sarcopenia, may progress to the extent, that it may deprive an older person's dignity and ability to live independently. This links the patient to poor balance, difficulty with walking, falls, and possible fractures.

Sarcopenia, as a result of physical inactivity, often also has as a partner, osteoporosis, which is loss of bone. The combination of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, results in the frailty often seen in the retirement facilities for the elderly population.

What can help to minimise this condition? Step into the "driver's seat" of your health, and take advantage of the following!

Regular, weight-bearing and resistance exercise, remains the intervention of choice for sarcopenia!

Loss of Muscle Tissue.

As you too have noticed, as you age you get smaller and weaker. In fact, it is estimated that three pounds of your muscle disappear every decade. Your spinal column also shortens! If this goes on unchecked, you wind up with a not-so-desirable medical condition called sarcopenia.

At many Retirement facilities, provision is made for a "Frail-care" unit! Visit any old age nursing home, and you'll see sarcopenia in action all around you. The sad part is, that most of the residents aren't there because they're not really sick. Sadly, they're there because they're too weak, from muscle loss, to take care of themselves.

There also is the factor of social isolation loneliness: people can't speak to people for days. At the frail care unit, caring individuals do actually reach out.

There is another, very, very important side, that we must not forget, to the concept of taking care of the elderly! For those who suffer it, it's called "caregiver stress." Down the line, with projected longevity, more and more Baby Boomers are going to feel this stresses well. Of course, it will also hit the financially and health care unprepared Millenials, who always want to be in control! You'll rarely find few headlines talking about the hardships of care giving. Most caregivers are dedicated, unselfish and bear the very demanding burden alone.

What are some of the heirs of care giver's stress? Social isolation, body and mental fatigue, depression, muscle pain and cramps, joint pains, upset stomach, even sleep deprivation and associated problems.

It also can adversely impact on your immune system! For example, it makes those tiresome and debilitating common colds and the flu much harder to fight.

What's the possible impact, of those who already have care giver's stress, on those already weary and immobile, older folks? These are the people, who already have weaker immune systems, and are at much higher risk of serious future complications. These are also the folks, who are under care of a caregiver, who's also under severe stress.

(An important paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association proved this point. Researchers found the following disturbing fact: (That for those between the ages of 66 and 96, caregivers of spouses were twice as likely, to die within four years, as those who weren't caregivers.) Further, the researchers said, that dedicated spouses, who act as primary caregivers don't take enough time to rest, or to take care of themselves, when they fall ill. Much worse, caregivers are more likely to ignore their own mounting symptoms! They even skip their own doctor's appointments, lose sleep, and even forget to replenish their vital energy, and to eat essential and regular meals.

Of course, the use of "educated and well-train" robots is appearing on the health care horizons! Nevertheless, the care givers are still people with feelings, requirements and desires!

If you're preparing to become someone's caregiver, you must also realise that it's a really very demanding and exhausting job. There are other very important concerns than simply cost.

What are your present and anticipated body and health expectations? Have you a back and supporting strong muscles to be able to pick up a heavy fallen person? Make sure you have access to a panic button and a plan for rescue in place!

Talk with other family members, about further stress avoiding and helpful assistance. For example, who will take or drive your loved one to doctor's appointments, who will assist with bathing and feeding, and so on.

The value of a set routine! Once your loved one is rehabilitated to the optimal degree, and is ready to go home, you'll want to keep up a steady routine. This will help you feel less overwhelmed and stressed, and it also helps your parent or spouse to relax.

Don't forget the importance of keeping track of the patient's medications and your family's health history. Don't stay in isolation. Find someone with some practical experience, to share your burdens and grief. The act of communicating and sharing your stress with others, who are going through the same thing, is an invaluable learning experience. Reach out, because Support groups help you have contact with similarly situated folks.

Often, caregivers feel very responsible and dedicated. They will even keep to themselves or refuse to leave the house.

As part of your long-term survival kit, remember that Socialisation is vital to preserving your balanced mental health. The added advantage, of associating with others, in the same situation, allows for you to swap practical tips and coping skills too.

Where will I find information about support groups? Hospitals and community centres often have lists of local groups, and you can also find help through your state's department of aging. Of course, if you have access to the internet, it expedites your research!

Now take time away. Along with your favourite support groups, make sure you take body and soul maintenance time for yourself. Exercise, hobbies, and even just taking time to leave and be alone somewhere pleasant, will all help with the very demanding stress of care giving. Some folks find their favourite is walking or meditation.

You cannot always do all the important and body-demanding jobs on your own! Investigate the availability of help. Services, like nursing care and physical therapy, as well as social services. Of course, there are also other chores, that demand attention and energy! Important things, like doing shopping, preparing meals, doing laundry, doing cleaning, and driving to various appointments and errands, which all take time.

Fortunately, there is help! That's where well-organised in-home care comes in! Diverse, well-equipped companies offering these services, provide assistance with everything from housekeeping to driving to assisting with bathing and dressing. There are many companies, that offer a wide range of helpful services like these.

Save time and frustration, make a list of what you really most need help with, before you begin asking for pricing. Your medical aid might not cover all of your requirements, but this kind of help goes a long way for managing and helping your care giving stress.

Taking care, at home, of someone you love, is deeply personal, but please don't do it alone. Reach out, get help! Be pro-active in maintaining your health too!

Why should this quality-of-life depriving situation be?

Look at the changing social and work-place-related habits! Children do less physical-play outside; adults too, are frequently glued and attached to their computers without taking the necessary breaks to do weight-bearing and resistance exercises; much reduced exposure to a degree of sunshine; eating incorrectly; acquiring too much stress.

That's a short list of some of the causes of sarcopenia. Also keep in mind that women have the greatest risk of sarcopenia, because they have about a third less muscle mass than men, to start with.

Often the question is asked: "Why do women live longer than men?" Part of the answer is: sarcopenia. That's one reason why there are more women than men in nursing homes and frail-care facilities! I repeat this very important fact: Loss of muscle mass and strength, affects your dignity, your balance, gait and overall ability to perform the very important tasks of daily living.

Why does conservative mainstream medicine, regards sarcopenia as an irreversible, untreatable and inevitable part of the aging process? Maybe, often modern medicine is too focused on present-day pharmaceutical and technical advances, without now and then looking back at history to learn what it has to offer!

Part of the answer is, that our much more active, hunter-gatherer ancestors, enjoyed a totally different, quality-of-life way of living! That resulted in strong, lean bodies throughout their very active survival lives, without even resorting to exercises or "Experts" or even really thinking about it. Their physical survival needs, were perfectly matched to their relatively low-maintenance and inexpensive accommodation and work-place environment, activity level and diet.

Growing older doesn't have to mean the loss of your dignity and independence. That's why preserving and building muscle mass, should always be at the top of your health and survival priority list! Good and well-maintained muscle power means a better quality of life, vitality and independence.

Is the process reversible? Fortunately, to a varying degree and active enthusiasm, the answer is yes! Research shows that even people as old as 100 have been able to recover lost muscle mass. If you have less muscle, but more fat, you have less on-board survival ammunition, to fight so many future illnesses. That also makes you much more susceptible to other diseases of aging. Also, once more, the risk of incurring unnecessary health-related expenses, is diminished! Neglecting paying attention to your eating habits, regularly doing the necessary weight-bearing exercises, is a sure-way formula to an enhanced and possibly premature and very uncomfortable death!

Mostly, good folks, with high moral and ethical values, jump into the stream of politics with the intention of frequently swimming upstream. Only to realise that it's much easier and infinitely more rewarding, to go with the flow of the stream. However, many enthusiastic, motivated young folks, often with volatile moral standards, don't realise that they are also sitting close to the ethical precipice. "We shall not grow wiser before we learn that much that we have done was very foolish. A people always end by resembling its shadow." Rudyard Kipling.

Is it therefore surprising that, in a country with bad top-down government, many people feel that they are in a country, that is no longer here and not yet there.

International Geographic diversification, is the second leg of your wealth-protection stool. The Third Leg: Investment-Class Diversification. It's summarised in the common phrase: "Don't keep all your fragile eggs in one basket." A portfolio comprised solely of securities is subject to volatility and to market risk. So you should favour a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, etc. You should look for non-correlated assets. The see-saw effect: When one is up, the other may be down or even struggling. You build a mixed portfolio. And then you rebalance that portfolio on a regular basis.

Trading in and out of stocks or asset classes, too often, will inevitably erode your returns, because the on-going transaction costs will mount up. And, of course, your chances of only picking winners are very slim.

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this volatility. By investing in stable, well-managed International value stocks, that pay dividends, it is harder for an investor to be exposed to the potential up and downs in the market.

In the end, don't outsource your experience, expertise and common sense! Because, it really is all about paying attention to the fundamentals of self-empowerment, and the possible investments, to make sure that you will accumulate the necessary wealth, over the long-term. Always remember to be a regular and vigilant cost of investment policeman!

One of the dangers of being exposed to frequent multi-trades, is that you can penalise your ultimate retirement kitty. There are always the on-going, sometimes hidden, trading costs, and various other associated impressive-sounding costs, that are eating away quite hungrily and regularly at your retirement funds. However, there is still something to be said for regular rebalancing. Aim for a balance between managing the various components of your international portfolio. And the risk of your international companies portfolio, and always be avoiding unnecessary interference by know-it-all folks. In other words, you must decide what period must laps before each rebalancing date. Be it either quarterly, half-yearly or annually.

If you do not internationalise, you must accept the possible risk that sooner or later, your assets may be confiscated, taxed, regulated, and/or inflated away. If you feel aggrieved, who will you complain to? If the government of the day, takes a portion of your assets, legally, who will you sue? You certainly will have no legal recourse. You will also have nobody to feel sorry for you.

Once the asset control door is closed, your wealth is trapped inside your country. It cannot relocate, escape, or flee. Always remember, that capital controls allow politicians under severe pressure, to do anything to your wealth they deem necessary.

What to Expect ahead? Any announcement will probably not use the words capital control. It will be couched politically correct, and positively, for the greater good and words like patriotic duty. This will likely feature prominently on TV, in mainstream press and government press releases. If you try to secure your assets, by transferring assets outside your country, you could be branded as a traitor or an enemy of the state. Capital and asset controls will likely occur suddenly and with no advanced warning. Well, the only advanced warnings will certainly be in the arena of the well-informed politicians!

Capital and equity control, may also be retroactive. Look at political and financial crisis history. Plenty of laws, prior to political and financial crises, have been enacted retroactively. Any new – real or imagined – political, fiscal or monetary emergency, would provide convenient and easy justification, to resort to these tactics again.

When did Cyprus implement their bail-in scheme? On a Friday night after banks were closed. By the way, prior to the bail-in, citizens were told the Cypriot banks had government guarantees and were well-regulated. Those assurances were nothing but a cruel joke when lightning-fast confiscation was enacted. Who knows how long restrictions could last? Maybe, a very a long time.

Of course, if you have any financial, investment or securities exposure to a desperate government, the time to act is before they implement emergency measures. It usually starts with a surprise bank holiday or at the beginning of a long weekend. Once the banks are closed, the government is free to confiscate as much wealth as it can get away with. This can come in the form of a tax on deposits, like in Cyprus, devaluating the currency, or the nationalisation of pensions, among other measures.

After the wealth has been confiscated, capital controls are usually put in place before the banks are allowed to reopen. This is done to prevent the remaining wealth from fleeing the country.

Never forget the important formula and pattern: Surprise bank holiday, Wealth confiscation measures, and then Capital controls.

I sincerely hope, all of us have learned from the valuable lessons of the Cyprus debacle. With such a recent and stark example, of what a financially desperate government is capable of, nobody should have to relearn those lessons again if and when your country follows suit.

A short formula for capital control: It's a short list for a very complicated subject. The government declares a surprise bank holiday. It shuts all the banks.

Why Governments Impose Capital Controls! Think of the legitimate government as a very cunning thief, trying to steal your wallet as you (understandably) try to run away. With capital controls, the thief is trying, with legislation, to block all the exits, so you can't reach safe ground.

A financially bankrupt and corrupt government, only uses capital controls when it's really desperate. That's when it has lost credibility. It can no longer borrow internationally, diminish your buying power, inflate the currency, tax, or steal money in one of the "normal and legitimised" ways. In other cases, they're just a way to control the freedom of movement of people.

If you live in a country with severe asset and capital flow restrictions, you will very soon notice, that it's much more difficult to leave a country when you can't take your money with you. However, of course, if the government is also very corrupt, and you have the necessary financial or private transport means, you can get away with relocating many of your treasures elsewhere! Capital controls, also help a government trap the flow of money within its borders. This way, it has access to more money to confiscate.

As strange as it sounds, in a country, where the majority of the citizens are investment or money management illiterate, capital controls are often politically popular. For starters, they are a way for a government to convince people it's "doing something." The average politically naive person loves that.

Next, a fear-generating tactic. A government can usually convince kept-in-the-dark people, that moving money offshore or investing in foreign assets is only for rich tax evaders or the unpatriotic. If you are well-informed, and value your freedom and private property rights, you know that's obviously false.

How It Happens For the unprepared, it's like a hard blow in the financial solar plexus! To be effective, capital controls have to be a surprise. Weekends and holidays are the perfect time to catch people off guard.

Here are the four most common forms of capital controls:

1. "Official" Currency Exchange Rates.

2. Explicit Taxation A desperate government might impose explicit taxes to discourage you from buying foreign investments, foreign currencies, or gold.

3. Restrictions and Regulations. A desperate government might restrict how much foreign currency or gold you can own, import, or export.

4. Outright Prohibition. This is the most severe form of capital control.

Sometimes a government explicitly prohibits the ownership of foreign currencies, foreign bank accounts, foreign assets, or gold, or the moving of any form of wealth outside the country.

Whatever the catalyst, never be asleep; it's critical to prepare while there's still time.

What Could Happen if You're Too Late? Capital controls are almost always a warning prelude to something worse to come. It might be any of the following: an unexpected currency devaluation, a so-called "stability levy," or a bail-in.

Whatever the government and mainstream media call it, unexpected capital controls are a way to trap your money so it is easier to get their grasping hands on, or to steal it. As they have the controlling power to get at your moneys, anything they don't steal immediately, they safely box in for future thefts.

What You Can Do About it. The life-saving solution is really simple.

Diversify Internationally. Place some of your savings outside your home country by setting up a foreign bank account. In that way, no one can easily confiscate, freeze, or devalue your savings at the press of a computer button.

A secure foreign bank account will also help ensure that you have access to your money when you need it the most. Despite what you may hear, obtaining a foreign bank account is completely legal. It's really not about tax evasion or other illegal activities. It's simply being sensible and about legally diversifying your political risk by putting your liquid savings in sound, well-capitalised international institutions.

It's very important to act sooner rather than later – even if you don't plan to use the account immediately. Even without the threat of capital controls, it still makes sense to move some of your savings to a foreign bank where it can be kept safe.

As always, depending in which country you are residing, consult with your financial advisors about obtaining an international bank account.

People want security, safety and economy and they will pay any price to get it. Another flaw in the human character is that everyone wants to build and no one wants to do maintenance. When all is said and done, the only thing you'll have left is your character.

In a democracy, men do not seek authority so that they may impose a policy. They seek a policy so that they may achieve authority. When the authorities try to implement laws, regulations, and many other public-irritating policies, they will meet up with the public's prostitution of the public's willingness to pay. This may include oblique transgression.

Provide the electorate with context and they'll make their own judgments. If no context is provided, there soon are always conspiracy theories that flourish in this vacuum of information. When a citizen is no longer a true participant, when he no longer feels a sense of responsibility to his corrupt society, the content of democracy is already stolen and emptied. The very important job of a citizen is to keep his mouth open.

At the bottom of all the tributes paid to democracy, is the little man walking into the little booth with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper. Winston Churchill.

No amount of rhetoric or voluminous discussion can possibly diminish the overwhelming importance of that point.

What's a kangaroo court: that's when they jump over the normal limits of the law.

* Corruption derived from Latin rompere as in breakage.

The ability to confront issues, is really important to a successful career, maybe even a successful life. You can contribute to society from the lessons you learned in life. Nothing is more gratifying and liberating, satisfying, than to fight for a worthy cause.

Politically there are said to be three kinds of people: Those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who cringe back in pain and never know what hits them. The challenge to you is simple. Why not join with those who work to make things happen. Elect a legal non-corrupt government to prepare legislation on your behalf. If we want our rights, we have first to accept our responsibilities.

There is an old saying, touting the advantage of "being in the right place at the right time, with the right people." Being in the right place at the right time is not necessarily an accident. However, seizing the opportunity will suffice.

A saying attributed to Mark Twain (of Huckleberry Finn fame) is that a mine is a hole in the ground with a liar at their top.

Often, some people miss out on the opportunity to develop their own financial independence, because they listen to the wrong messages, instead of hearing the golden opportunity knocking!

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Discordant And Corrupt Political And Investment Music.

(What a splendid title for either a musical or music-comedy show!)

Warning. What I'm about to say, is rather important and yet true, it might even sound a little old-fashioned and naive. Of course, you may even be offended, though that's really not my intention. So I'm just going to highlight it and let you decide.

Fellow Enthusiastic Reader-Investor... It's still true: Your destiny is still 100 percent in your control! You are free to do anything, provided it's legal. There is never a better measure of what a person is, than what he does when he's absolutely free to choose. You can also be anything, or the success story you wish.

However, always be aware that unattended success is always temporary. Pro-activity people seek opportunities in the marketplace. And they also really satisfy customer needs.

Why a new car is suddenly worth so much less the moment it leaves the lot. . . A new car that was bought at a certain price, usually loses about 1 third or 1 quarter of its price, just on signing for it.

(A used car is about the best bargain on the planet. By the time a car is two years old, it has gone through 60 percent of its depreciation but only logged about a third of its lifetime miles. Buy a used car, drive it into the ground and make sure you get a good warrantee.)

At a RADIATOR SHOP: "Best place in town to take a leak."

Many years ago, I realised what might possibly happen to the providers of medical services on an international platform.

Well, with the possible exception of a few very highly specialised and or socially sought-after fields. Further, to make sure that my wife is in a position where she could continue, if necessary, to retain her financial independence, we decided to become "Money And Investment Wise." To this end, we joined an Investment club. This was Not a club where we invested money. This was a club that we attended on a monthly basis, to learn about the Stock Market, how it works, and to learn how to be part of the financial growth of the country – Not excluding taking advantage of Hedging – with offshore-associated good Management and Sound international Companies.

Well, as, it turns out, most of the Healthcare Service Providers are feeling the financial pinch. I'm glad we saw the red warning light in the earlier times!

The Four Year Factor! It certainly Will be Four Years Later; whether you are pro-active, or just simply sit quietly and let time pass you by! I try and inculcate, particularly among the young, the concept of the Power of the Eighth Miracle: Financial Compounding.

Mostly, we all love our profession; The satisfaction of enhancing the quality of someone's life and, of course, the therapy we get from associating with our grateful patients. I also am aware that many Healthcare Providers have either the time or inclination to personally take care of their hard-earned funds.

I append information about books, that surely will set you on your selected quest for financial self-empowerment.

Books on the subject of investing, to get going with, are: Rich Dad's Guide to Investing by Robert Kiyosaki. With Sharon Lechter – (Subtitle: What the Rich Invest in, but the poor and middle class do not.) THINK and Grow Rich is one of the most influential books of all time in pointing the way to personal achievement in financial independence and to riches of the spirit beyond measurement in money. There has never been another book like it. It was inspired by Andrew Carnegie who disclosed his formula of personal achievement to the author, Napoleon Hill, many years ago. Carnegie not only made himself a multi-millionaire, but he made millionaires of more than a score of men to whom he taught his secret. Another 500 wealthy men revealed the source of their riches to Napoleon Hill, who has spent a lifetime of research in bringing their message to people in all walks of life who are willing to give their thoughts, ideas, and organised plans in return for riches. Thousands of persons have applied the famous philosophy of this book for their own enrichment. Its secrets are as timeless and practical as when the first edition of Think and Grow Rich was published. In this, the latest edition, the philosophies and formulas which lead to success are made available to all who greatly desire to make money and to attain the rich spiritual satisfactions that achievement brings.

Think and Grow Rich is pre-eminently a "what-to-do and how-to-do-it" book. In it you will find the magic of self-direction, organised planning, auto-suggestion, master-mind association, an amazingly revealing system of self-analysis.

Make enquiries about the existence of any investment education clubs. However, stay away from clubs where you actually have to invest your money on a regular or one-off occasion.

The best part about investing, is that it doesn't really matter how much you make. It only really matters how much you save and re-invest. That's the part most people don't appreciate.

Just look at these statistics: if you can save 20 percent, you will be wealthy enough to retire after less than 40 years of work. If you save 30 percent, you can retire in less than 30 years. And at 50 percent, you can stop in less than 20 years.

These important numbers are both motivating, shocking, and clear.

No matter how skilled you think you are as an investor, increasing your regular savings rate is more powerful to your wealth, than either increasing your regular income, or increasing your investment returns. The very important formula is: You increase what you have to invest, while decreasing what you spend. In the process, you also learn how to live longer on less money. Look at it like this: think of savings as a gift from your present self to your future more mature retiring self. Or, think of compound savings as "paying in once, and getting paid out forever.

Here are a few simple tricks to get you started saving more. (As always, consult your investment broker or any other well qualified and experienced advisors, about any of your investment choices and options!)

Set up direct deposit for your pay checks. A recent study shows that those who have a portion of their earnings directly deposited into a savings account automatically save about $450 a month, much more than the average.

Boost your 401(k) – or similar – contribution. Depending on in which country you are residing and working, your employer may match contributions that you make to your 401(k) up to a certain level. If there's one very important financial decision that absolutely every single person needs to make, it's this; Always contribute to your 401(k) or similar program, to earn the maximum employer contribution. Omitting to take advantage of this free money facility, is the most senseless mistake in personal finance. And, if you want to see the effect of compounding, when you receive a raise, put the extra money into your 401(k) up to the maximum amount allowed.

Open an IRA. It's just as easy as opening any other brokerage account.

The security you seek in the new economy, is something you will have to provide yourself. You must help yourself develop career-long economic self-reliance. Insecurity diminishes when unfamiliar new practises are accepted as normal. Starting over, means taking stock of your family priorities and judging how your career goals and financial resources might realise them. Your business strategy should also fit your culture. Nothing is harder than casting aside yesterday's already recycled and not so successful ideas and concepts. This includes the thinking, strategies, and biases that propelled a business to its current success.

Just look at the still prevailing subconscious biases, in paying women less, for the same work. Fortunately, pressure is mounting to rectify this misplaced business ethic. This is, among other factors, based on the fact that women are mostly much better at budgeting; less inclined to go for the expensive, status symbols of their jobs. Loyalty, too, is yet another appreciated attribute in their favour!

Fortunately, for women, too, there are many and growing, work options out there! For example, full-time jobs, part-time jobs – even from home while taking care of the other very important aspect: securing and helping the growing young family. The field is also open to the women entrepreneurs. You can also start your own business, and be your own boss.

The problem is, investors tend to read and believe what they want to. This sometimes investment retarding phenomenon, is called confirmation bias. It explains how people sometimes tend to seek out information that confirms their favourite existing bias or prejudice. Driven only by confirmation bias, can cause investors to make poor investment decisions.

Companies and individuals, need to learn how to unlearn, to filter out yesterday's wisdom. If you wish to get rid of the old, non-performing formulas, it's a very excellent idea, to visit the passive, unsuccessful l ideas clearing house. Our various attitudes give us protection from anxiety and threats to our self-esteem both from ourselves and from others.

Of course, we may describe whatever is causing us tension and irritation, by various names. Nevertheless, it still remains clear that your loving and my loving, your anger and my anger, are sufficiently alike for us to be able to call them by the very same name.

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Chapter 120:

Initially, Retirement Might Be Easy In The Beginning!

However, entering retirement, and having zero assets, maybe with rapidly declining health, certainly would not be a happy and relaxing situation. Often, we wrongly suppose old people grow accustomed to loneliness, though no one expects to spend his or her last years in solitude, absent from family and loved ones.

Without an up-to-date road map; without knowing where you are heading, how can you possibly expect to reach a satisfactory financial independence destination? Adhering to a proven investment plan or system, will give you more frequent predictable results, and will help you make more consistent and less emotional decisions. Always follow a PROVEN system. Smart and well-informed investors follow a system to take the emotion out of their decisions, and ensure they don't speculate. This may be less exciting, even boring, but, in the long-term, it's rewarding and profitable.

The renowned and well-respected Mr. Warren Buffet said it succinctly: you only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

In other words, if you are not following a already proven system that works in all market conditions, you will be caught naked and rather chilly, when the market changes. If you really prefer to have consistent long-term profits and reduced risk, follow a proven system.

Why not look at it this way? Rather make your investing boring, so the rest of your health and investment life can be exciting.

Smart investors do it differently. They make long-term, money-management educated investment decisions based on research and buy a share below its intrinsic value, in well-managed international company in a politically stable country.

It's always too easy to get distracted by all the investment fog, advice and secret opportunities that keep cropping up. There are so many ways of going wrong, when the avalanche of information is confusing one! It's small wonder so many folks feel less inclined to stick to the correct road! And then, you are still more distracted, by the urgent voices of two investment expert men, arguing in a far-off corner. Now you realise that it is very difficult not to displease somebody, particularly, when that somebody is you!

Remember that ultimately, how much you save will be the difference between a lifetime of poverty, or one of money worry free wealth. And by investing that free money, you can compound your earnings quickly.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 121:

How Much Do You Believe You Need To Retire In Comfort?

If you embark on a health and money management program at an early age. Before you know it, you'll have wealth and riches to enjoy in your retirement days. Encourage your family and friends to start saving today.

If you have done that, down the track, if you want an account of your worth, count your friends that followed your investment and self-empowerment advice. . Many newly retired people also find themselves supporting aged parents because they have made insufficient provision for themselves.

Is this scenario likely, to be incorporated into a person's retirement planning? The longevity, and expenses, of many retired people, is increasing due to technical and medical advances. This means that your retirement provision needs to last for longer, increasing the amount that needs to be saved.

Increasing medical costs are an important component of any retired person's total costs. Research suggests that about half a person's lifetime medical costs are incurred after retirement With medical costs escalating at faster than consumer inflation because of increased utilisation of medical services, and due to the dollar related costs of many new medical technologies, they could soon, consume a growing large proportion of a pensioner's income.

The need to inflation protect a client's post-retirement income. This is a very critical element but is often ignored because of the cost. The risks to the pensioner of not doing so, are however huge.

Comprehensive, holistic retirement planning requires detailed financial planning. Individuals need to look at the type of lifestyle they want to live after retirement; for example, Do they want to travel, the cost of maintaining this lifestyle after retirement, and the likely change in this cost over their retired lifetime. They then need to put together a plan to fund these costs. They must be pro-active in determining which investment vehicle to use.

An individual should also consider the nature of their likely costs after retirement. For example, if an individual needs to meet medical costs themselves after retirement, they may want the flexible benefits of an endowment rather than the income benefit from the proceeds of a retirement annuity. This needs access to the full value of the funds, then this also needs to be weighed against any tax concessions, available on Retirement Annuity contributions. It may be that a combination of these two vehicles is appropriate, particularly given that many people need to save more for retirement than they are able to claim for tax purposes, as retirement annuity contributions.

Another important factor is that people should start to save for retirement as early as possible in order to minimise the monthly contribution required. In fact, to get the retirement you desire, you probably need to start saving as early as possible. One cannot overstate that retirement planning is of critical importance in any financial plan. Unfortunately most people only realise this once it is too late. If questioned, most investors would say that retiring comfortably, is a top priority. However, most do not make adequate provision to ensure that this dream becomes reality.

The long-term math is undeniable.

What separates some successful people from the herd? The answer is simple. Behind every successful person, are often very many unsuccessful years. Sight is often lost on the fact that, Successful folks, have been an entrepreneur for many years. And during that long learning curve period, may have lost millions of dollars, and made more learning mistakes than is recalled.

Fortunately, not all entrepreneurs are not that unfortunate. They may do not always strike it rich, with their first start-up. But with determination, belief in their venture, they do make the grade!

In almost all walks of life, a lot of people fail before they succeed. Don't Despair. Remember, life is a wheelbarrow: you must regularly keep on pushing it in the right direction.

As long as you diligently, steadfastly keep pushing forward as an entrepreneur, your odds of succeeding will go up over time.

Just speak to some of the enthusiastic and very successful folks, and you will soon learn that the things they found easy to do, the left behind folks found, rather easy not to do. They will also tell you that they found it easy to set the goals that could change their future life. The left behind folks, found it easy not to. They also found it easy to read the books by mentors, who could change their outlook on life. The unfortunate left behind procrastinating folks, found that easy not to. The successful, keen and mindset widening folks also found it easy to attend the classes and the seminars, and associate with other successful people.

Here's a rather insightful observation: Most left behind folks, said it probably really is not important, and would not matter.

To sum up the little success formula: what the successful folks found easy to do, the left behind folks found rather easy not to do. The key for success, is to harness our fears in a positive way. Fear can be the obstacle that hold us back or drive us forward. If you change your mindset, and learn to think like a wealthy person, you will already have a much better chance of also becoming wealthy. You already know that anyone can do it, but not everyone will.

Fear often comes from lack of understanding! We are all afraid, of what might or might not happen. Afraid of what we can or cannot change. Afraid of what we perceive to be the actual truth. Afraid of what we believe we will not be able to do. Even afraid of how other people might perceive us.

Check the history of successful and well-informed investors, and you will learn that they have learned to harness their fears. Rather than continuing to focus on the abundant negatives, they use fear to force them into positive action. They use the fear of being stuck in their present unrewarding job, for the rest of their lives, without the financial independence, that they are so badly craving, to motivate and activate them. This also motivates them to take on the commitment of establishing a well researched, diversified investment portfolio. This may be varied, including property.

Just like a river, fear can be bridged. The river of fear, is only as ferocious, as deep and as wide as your imagination allows it to be. And once you've crossed that river of fear, and experienced the success on the other side, you usually look back and wonder why you were ever afraid. The only fortunate people, who actually realise this, are those that have crossed the river and stand on the other side.

Do you believe quite seriously, that you, too, can cross that river and join hands with the successful folks? Money, personal freedom and success live on the other side of the river of fear. The river of fear is deep; and the river is very wide. But, hopefully, non-fattening milk and honey, are plentiful on the other side.

Another penalty of fear, is Waiting until you know enough. The fear of not knowing enough, prevents many investors from getting started. However, the irony here, is that the more you learn, the more you learn that you don't know!

Once you start learning some basic financial, investment and money management concepts, you suddenly realise there are a whole lot more things about investing that you don't understand. That's the paradox of knowledge. Never be put off by: "The more you learn, the more you learn you don't know." In fact, this very fact often is a stimulating and challenging concept for further development, knowledge acquisition and growth!

The trap, is that many would-be investors, think that the way to escape this paradox is to learn even more, so they read more books, go to more very expensive seminars. As they learn more, they become knowledge overflow intimidated. They find yet another whole heap more things they don't yet understand or know.

The important practical way out, is to recognise, that while you do not know it all, and you never will, right now you do know enough to get started with your self-empowerment and investing education. You will certainly learn more along the way, as you apply your experience and knowledge in the real world. And, believe it or not, surviving any learning curve mistakes and challenges along the way.

You are fortunate: You are in charge.

You are still the master of your destiny. Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved. You can influence, direct and control your own growth environment. You can make your life what you want it to be. Napoleon Hill.

Don't put your savings plan on auto-pilot, you might just fall asleep – waking up when it's too late to avoid the fatal crash. You always have to take part in the management of your financial future. Never rely only on the expert expert financial expert! Always oversee the management of your health and investments.

The way out is to recognise that while you do not know it all, and you never will, you do know enough to get started with your investing and you will learn more along the way as you apply your knowledge in the real world, surviving any mistakes and challenges along the way.

I have not failed. I've just found 10 000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison.

Of course, there's always a very convenient procrastination scapegoat. Those left behind I will do it tomorrow, folks, are all still blaming the economy, the government, their spouse, friends and advisors – if they have any, and a growing number of excuses. Including company and political policies. Yet, they continue to neglect to do the basic, easy things.

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Chapter 122:

The Illness Of Chronic Neglect

In fact, the primary reason most people are not doing as well as they could and should, can be summed up in the following few words: Health and Money management self empowerment neglect. It is certainly not the lack of money. We are lead to believe that the banks are full of money. It is also not the lack of opportunity.

America, and much of the democratic free World, continues to offer the liberated, free thinkers and entrepreneurs safe havens for their ideas and their skills. This has been the most unappreciated and abundant development opportunities in the last six thousand years of recorded history.

It is also not the lack of books; libraries are full of books, including E-BOOKS, and, fortunately, they are free! Electronic books are becoming a mainstream item for many publishers.

Depending on where you live, the governments of the day tell us that it is not the schools. They assure us that the classrooms are full of good teachers. The infrastructure is in place.

We are told we have plenty of ministers, leaders, counsellors and advisors. Well, it's up to you to either believe or push aside government's claims!

In these easy accesses to information times, everything we would ever need to become rich and powerful and sophisticated is within our reach. Nobody can reverse and go back, to start a new beginning. However, anyone who is determined, can start today and make a better new ending.

Do any of the following restricting or motivating phrases apply to you? Seriously rich; aggressively rich; timidly poor; comfortably middle class; thinking disadvantaged; motivationally impeded; entrepreneurially hamstrung; acutely, actively and passively negative?

Do you experience fluctuating elastic financial pain; creeping poverty; progressive inhibiting thought spasms?

Whichever way is your favourite way to make a decision, once it is made, stick to it.

I repeat this very important information: the major reason that so few take advantage of all that we have is simply, chronic procrastination and neglect. So it is much, much easier to hesitate, to continue to procrastinate, to wait for the "right" moment! To believe we need to think a little longer, or do even more research, or explore a few more beckoning alternatives.

The loud-sounding bell of, I really don't know anything about money management or what to do. How often have you heard those words over the years. Coming from smart, successful professional people with good education, who have done little or even no financial planning. The sad part is, that they just did not know what to do, so they let that most valuable asset, compounding time, slip by; so they did nothing.

It is always interesting to note how uncertainty, has a way of paralyzing even the smartest, well educated people. We too frequently believe that, if we still do not have all the information to act on, we are better off waiting until we do know. Of course, the problem with this unfounded logic, is that we will never know everything. Life will continue – politics and international events will keep on impacting on our lives and the decisions we have to make.

The unexpected will occur. To stay ahead, we always need to adapt. Adapting, is a most valuable skill, when dealing with life, goals and money.

Why not set aside a little formula to take care of our money management and investments?

We usually plan for a holiday. Why not similarly, set up a "investment and money management budget" for the year ahead? For instance, start with a list of things you and your family would like to do and achieve. Then, allocate achievement windows of time to check things off the list

We simply don't know for sure what will come next, However, the freedom that comes from admitting that we really don't know is huge.

For information that helps all of us, thoughtful and meaningful communication is the key. Who knows what doors it may unlock.

Undiagnosed and treated neglect, is like a chronic infection. Left untreated and unchecked, it will spread throughout our entire system of disciplines. And left untreated, what could be the long-term outcome It could eventually lead to a global destruction, and a complete breakdown of a potentially and prosperous and happy human life.

As our self confidence and our informed mind diminishes, so does the level of our chosen activity.

My suggestion is, that when given the choice of easy to and easy not to, that you do not neglect to do the simple, basic, things, but rather focus on potentially life-changing activities and disciplines.

The bottom line: to avoid making the biggest investing and trading blunders: Statistically, You will never only make good decisions. Just accept your decision, rectify what you can, and Follow through. Then deal with any problems that arise immediately. Never let problems feel at home and sit around and compound, they will never disappear. Confront the problem immediately, and move on.

Live Right Now. Procrastinate, at your devastating ease, Much later.

A person who procrastinates in their choosing, will inevitably have their choice made for them by circumstance. This may not always be the very best choice or circumstance either! If you now count yourself among the chronic, procrastinating disenchanted, then you have no choice other than to accept "the bad" things, as they are, or to very seriously seek something else. Rather than looking for new goals, look for a new way of life. Decide right how, with whom, and where you want to live, and then see what you can do to make a living WITHIN that way of life. It is not necessary to accept the choices handed down to you by life as you know it. You always have alternative choices; options! There is infinitely more to life than that!

Fortunately, some of us live in a society in which choice is sovereign. But often we do not enable ourselves to exercise that choice correctly

Never assume anything when it comes to the markets. Question everything. Think independently!

This is so important: It's your health, money, quality of life. It is also your very important responsibility, to regularly keep in touch with your advisors.

If you focus too much on the rear view mirror, it can cause you to miss the obstacle ahead – causing an accident

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Chapter 123:

The Possible Impact Of Investor POLITICS

There is no doubt that, in everyday life, money and politics are very intertwined these days. Investor Politics serves the very important purpose of filtering through the conventional media money fog and noise. It focuses on serving up, in a easy-to-understand ways, some of the most important direction-giving policy issues of the day, and explain how they could impact your long-term personal finances and your retirement. Fortunately too, Investor Politics, is an open democratic forum for everyone's opinions on their big impact-making political issues. These are the issues that affect all investors as well as the much broader economy.

Of course, you will find a wide and diverse array of commentary and experience-based opinions, some you agree with; and some you disagree with. I invite you to turn the page, release the captured "comfort of conventional opinion" and really investigate, research and consider this. Right now, there are popular, conventional wisdom myths, that are sabotaging your restful sleep, your financial and investment peace of mind. However, there's always another way. In a well-functioning democracy, we have power over our economic, political and social situations. We can change our lives and our communities. We can choose our goals and work toward achieving them.

All of these forces are intricately tied to the power of the written words. Elza Sporn.

Again, democracy in action, aims to represent all points of view.

Can anyone really afford not to be a true participant in democracy in action? When one no longer feels a sense of social responsibility to their society, the content of democracy is dangerously emptied. What would you do if some act of God or of government, a catastrophic lawsuit, or a really serious misjudgement took you back investment-wise to square one?

Libel: Halsburry's Laws Of England: "A defamatory statement, is a statement which tends to lower a person in the estimation of right-thinking members of society generally, or causes him to be shunned or avoided, or to expose him to hatred, contempt or ridicule or to convey an imputation on him disparaging or injurious to him in his office, profession, calling, trade or business."

The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more than all the wars in history. The closest we will ever come to an orderly universe, is a good and often used library.

Africans with their oral tradition are fond of saying that "when an old person dies, a library burns down! Sadly, when the public at large becomes disillusioned with the tardiness of the government of the day, many resort to become anarchist's in progress! They take to burning both libraries, schools and even universities!

As we already know, that frustrating the emotions of expectation, desire and anticipation, is a political keg full of very volatile political explosive materials!

Challenging: One way to accelerate the flow of new ideas is to put yourself in difficult situations where you're likely to fail. Failure can be a wellspring of creativity if properly managed and staged. However, most important, if we fail, hoping for success, we begin trying out other, more risky, but not well researched, ventures. Many ideas compete vigorously, greatly enhancing the creative process If this is so clearly a successful recipe for failure, why do so many investors do it? The main culprit is high performance chasing. Too many enthusiastic people and investment newcomers, invest in the asset class or asset type that did well in the recent past, assuming that it will also continue to do as well in the future.

The classic, buy-high-sell-low, investor, is someone who has a well-researched long-term investment strategy, but unfortunately, does not have the necessary tenacity, persistence, patience and the courage to stick with it. In desperation, they throw their well-researched and good investment strategy out the window, in response to short-term fluctuations and movements in the market. They then invest tactically instead of strategically. Others are at risk for buying high, then there are those who follow current investment fads, buying the very popular hot stocks of the day. Typically, these investments become fashionable – or should it rather read flashionable – for brief periods, leading many to invest at the height of a cycle or trend, just in good and costly time to ride it downward. Don't sell low. The flip side of buying high can equally be just as costly. Unfortunately, many investors are reluctant to sell a stock until they recoup their losses, because their sensitive ego refuses to acknowledge mistakes. By contrast, experienced and smart long-term investors, have a protection plan in place. They are willing to cut their losses when it is time to sell.

The successful road to investment achievement, in short, is not, as is often portrayed as mystical: it's an extension of your field of experience, determination, and what you have learned and do already know. Do we really want to place ourselves in frustration situations? Emphatically, yes!

Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. Winston Churchill.

The sooner you realise that not everybody will share your enthusiasm and passion for the acquisition of Self-Empowering knowledge, the easier you will live. You have the choice to insulate yourself against the enthusiasm and dream stealers out there. The beauty is, that advice is temporary; knowledge is forever.

The traditional gatekeepers of professional, health and investment information and knowledge, are becoming less relevant. The keen information-seeking public, is easily by-passing them.

Knowledge is not valuable knowledge unless it is shared. Are we really smart enough to understand the theory of everything? At present certainly not. Knowing what to do, helps to get you on your way. But knowing how or why to do it, means everything.

When our ambitions are bound, we mostly are happy; if unbounded, it often leads to greed, fear, chronic and mounting compounded disgruntledness! The key to overall happiness, therefore, is, to continue to make and accumulate happiness events. You will then be able to successfully marinate with some choice data, the synthesis of happiness.

And then, per chance, you might come upon the surprising elusive science of happiness! Happiness with yourself; your partner; your work and your social circle.

The happiness of those who want to be popular depends on others; the happiness of those who seek pleasure fluctuates with moods outside their control; but the happiness of the wise grows out of their own free acts. Marcus Aurelius.

But while wealth cannot buy happiness, it often can, at least, rent it, for the short time. Does money really buy happiness? It depends on in which country and in which culture one lives! Research reveals, that people in Asia and Africa are the most optimistic about the future. (Just note the geniality and friendliness of folks at most African countries, airports and cities!)

On the other hand, looking at evolving history: Middle Easterners are the least optimistic! Personal economic growth, helped improve education, feelings of safety, security and well-being. The enterprising rich are happier, because they are able to create more happiness events, for themselves and their associates, during their lives than everyone else.

Happiness is also work and activity-driven. It is not a destination. It is the deliberate accumulation and culmination of frequent happiness events. There really is nothing wrong with being wealthy! Provided you channel your wealth in such a manner that it will create work and thus more wealth. The wealthy are able to engage in more happiness activities because of the wealth they accumulate and protect, in life.

Some chronic self-indulgent pessimists, are simply genetically tuned for unhappiness or even greater unhappiness. They have an unfortunate must-do unhappiness baseline, that they were born with.

To the pessimists, it is only the too frequently visited graveyard of false hopes and dreams! If you don't pay too much attention to what the chronic pessimists say and forecast, you will soon learn that the thicker your skin, the greater your happiness, and the fuller your wallet.

Always listen to the nay Sayers; they are often sensible people with non-realistic points of view! Fortunately, irrespective of your perceived genetic makeup, you can increase your level of happiness. You can do this by engaging in certain stimulating and uplifting activities that will make you and your associates, happy, and that will also change your negative circumstances in life. A very important component of this facility, is the regular exposure to a source of humour! This can be either by way of reading humour books; listening to humour sketches or enjoying humour-related programs on the TV or internet!

I have very fond memories of associating with friendly, helpful and folks with a sense of good humour – the Irish. We also had a most enchanting, enlightening and splendid time visiting Ireland!

The Catholic Hairdryer. In parochial school, students are taught that lying is a sin. However, instructors also advised that using a bit of imagination was OK to express the Truth differently without lying. Below is a perfect example of those teachings:

Getting a Hairdryer Through Customs: An attractive young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her," Father, may I ask a favour?" "Of course child. What may I do for you?" "Well, I bought my mother an expensive hair dryer for her birthday. It is unopened but well over the Customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Hide it under your robes perhaps?" "I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you, I will not lie." "With your honest face, Father, no one will question you." When they got to Customs, she let the priest go first. The official asked," Father, do you have anything to declare?" "From the top of my head down to my waist I have nothing to declare." The official thought this answer strange, so he asked," And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?" "I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused." Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father."

Remember, often your lack of happiness, is something created by yourself, and only you have to fix it. This is part of the true secret, to why the rich are happier than everyone else. They can afford to engage in happiness activities more frequently than most.

I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. Will Rogers.

Many of those collected happiness activities, also altered their financial circumstances in life.

What are some happiness activities that improve quality of life, Financial and non-Financial circumstances? This list of activities can be as long as your imagination and zest for life. However, a few basic items that fit this list, include: Building relationships with other successful folks. Being more productive at work. Engaging in the daily habit of educational, humour and self-improvement, quality of life reading. Pursuing some long-term – seemingly out of reach – goal, big dream or major purpose in life Practising and implementing the art of gratitude. Practising and refining the, sometimes almost lost, art of optimism. You can quite successfully breed pessimism; you can never stifle enthusiasm and optimism!

Right now, think of the so far-off retirement. Why not start saving and compounding, that magic lubricant, money! Engaging in some creative pursuit like building, music, manufacturing, painting, woodwork, writing, inventing etc. Do the mental exercise practising the on-going art of Overcoming fear. Do daily exercises.

You have accumulated a great deal of expertise, first-hand knowledge and insight: Start Mentoring others and Helping others. This you can do to reach the wider world; by using the worldwide internet.

The Internet, is a convenient way to connect new ideas with receptive people all across the world. It's a remarkable way, of breaking down the restricting barriers of thought editors of the paper-driven communication, and creating an international dialogue. Not only does the Internet bring together new and promising ideas, but it can also help spread them.

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Chapter 124:

Creating, Investigating And Innovating!

Online, there's unlimited, and easily accessible shelf space, and equally unlimited markets waiting for your brilliant new idea. Why not do work that you love in which you can also make money?

Success is also a prolonged marathon, not a sprint. You have skills, experience, insights that can help make the world a better place. Why not pass them along, Every day, and also give the world at least one more reason to whisper thank you to you?

As always in life, we have a big problem, to partner between science, research-based and pragmatic coal-face experience. Our fear of fear and failure, is almost classical in its economy of utterance. Fear keeps many of us from getting what we want, especially in matters of money. Be honest with yourself and count the number of times fear has prevented you from taking action, and in the process, cost you a lost financial opportunity. If It is true for me and it's true for you. You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind. Dale Carnegie.

For success, self-belief is so incredibly vital and important. Because if you don't believe, you can successfully achieve a goal, then you won't even start to do the work needed to achieve that objective.

No secret! Our biggest enemy, is our own self-doubt. Help yourself beat self-doubt: sit down and write your own short history of beating self-doubt! To you delight, you will notice that with each small success, your confidence grew.

What was underlying that confidence? It was confidence in the process of persistence and really working very hard and emulating successful other folks!

If you frequently hear that little fellow in the background of your mind, saying, "You're a fake. You can't do this." Well, beat the heck out of him and just get on with your set ambitions! We really can achieve outstanding and extraordinary things in our lives. But, frequently, we sabotage our potential greatness, because of our perceived fear.

Sadly, some folks are hell bound on self sabotage.

First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end. Aristotle.

Persist, because gradually, you will learn what you need to know.

Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. Oscar Wilde.

If you are the victim of the fear disease or are the slave of the fear disease – you have a most devastating and quality of life depriving condition. Fear is a natural and necessary emotion, but it doesn't need to dictate and rule your investment philosophy.

We're in serious danger of becoming, comfortably ignorant in health, financial and investment matters!

But here's what compounded fear does. You are familiar with the fight or flight response. There are, in fact, really five "f's" in response to fear. They are fidget, fight, flight, freeze and faint.

When you apply these emotional responses to investing, you will learn that none of them are good options. Fidgeting is the equivalent of being unsure and moving around the market without a clear vision or perspective. You may be overwhelmed by experts, who give you confusing and conflicting advice. Fighting means, you are not assessing the markets with a clear, well-informed head and you're letting your emotions and prejudices rule your decisions. Maybe it's time to reconcile your prejudices with reality. An investor's equity market viewpoint, is often formed by social and political events as well as your economic background, your limitations, and your class and educational prejudices. But great entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors, have always been above restricting and personal issues. They have crossed barriers of gender, geography, nationality, prejudice, politics, and time. Self-empowering literature, is going beyond social and class struggle; it encompasses every aspect of the broadest socioeconomic mind.

How to keep going with constant failure in all our daily ventures. Why not start outsourcing fear and failure? You'll be rather surprised to learn how many folks are out there, keenly waiting for you to outsource and pass on your fears to them! In fact, if they, per chance, also belong to a well-established league of fear and failure, you'll soon see what the effect of compounding your particular fear or failure will reach!

Creativity, in short, is not mystical: it's an extension of what you already know. Sometimes, you find yourself in the wrong things, in the thick of thin things. However, no involvement, no commitment!

You may also be suffering from prolonged debilitating health and money management ignorance fatigue.

By remaining ignorant, one selects The Ostrich effect. It is reported that, when an ostrich is scared, the bird supposedly buries its head in the sand to stay ignorant of the approaching threat. However, consider the broad exposure from all unseen sides. The silly logic is presumably: I cannot see it, therefore, it certainly does not exist. This is not peculiar to ostriches, considering that humans frequently do it, too. For convenience, people often deliberately look away from their money problems. Thus giving the problems time to also compound, deteriorate their health and energy and grow much bigger.

On the other hand, successful health-aware investors, self-empower them by reading as much as they can, talk to others who have a different perspective, and surround themselves with positive supportive people. These are folks who help them form an objective view of what is really going on.

To become a good investor and trader, you need to become an information sponge. You need to absorb a ton of the necessary information and to be able to make sense out of it. Assess and know your enemy of financial, investment and money ignorance. Know yourself, your information shortcomings, and in future battles, you will never be on your own.

Also, pay attention to your enemies; for they are always the first to discover your mistakes. The more you read, enquire and the more knowledge and experience, you can muster about the market, the more likely you will be to succeed. Investing favours the well-informed, well motivated and strong of mind.

Remember, that profitable long-term investment does not rely on luck. It demands dedication, enthusiasm, persistence, and willingness to learn to get to the highest levels of health, money handling skill and investment discipline.

The fortunate rewarding value, is that it lucratively rewards the people who develop these quality of life enhancing skills. Specific financial and investment skills, are more valuable than just general specialist skills. You also need To minimise desperation, about a bleak financial future, by grabbing the still unknown Investment Bull Equity, by the horns, with the aid of on-going health and Investment self-empowerment. You will be pleasantly surprised by how soon you will learn how to trade and to hone your health care, finance and investment skills.

However, if you are not prepared to put energy and dedication into your health and money management skills, you are destined to stay where you are. Also, a most valuable benefit, is the fact that you will not easily fall prey to the growing and persuasive "easy moneymaking schemes."

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Chapter 125:

What Happens If You Don't Know Where You Are Going?

Setting goals is critical. If you get into your car and you don't know where you are heading, can you ever expect to get anywhere that's important? It's absolutely true that if you don't know where you are going, you don't have a place to go. The ultimate end result matters, especially when it comes to your health, finances and investments.

Here's the other important thing about setting goals. If you don't log them into your computer, or put them down on paper, they are just possible fleeting ideas in your head. Approach your goal at the top of the mountain, via the smaller set of inclines, rather than trying to get there by climbing the sheer rock face.

You might even feel that depressing ignorance shadow cast over you!

It is tempting to say, that the choice of natural ignorance selection, favours cartels of similarly finance and investment group ignorance cartels. It is remarkable, what one can conjure up and imagine and see, from under the security blanket of ignorance. It is so very easy, to become the victim of a quantum self-imposed financial ignorance. The problem, is that in terms of wealth creation, it is not what we know, that is the restraining handbrake on our progress. Rather, it is what we often falsely perceive is not true, that is holding us back.

A long time ago, I figured out, that the handbrake standing between me and success was indeed, Mr. Me! We can all be our own successful secret worst enemies. Once you have taken advantage of liberating your mind, you will find that your mind has expanded, and it will never go back to its original way of operating and thinking. So, why not set yourself a new goal, and then work like heck to achieve it. Remember, you only get one shot at life. As Hamlet very sensibly remarked: There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

Another warning cloud on the horizon: Choice-supportive bias. You like and prefer the things you know and own, (even if they have flaws and shortcomings) over the things you do not own. Of course, you made what seemed to be rational choices when you bought them. In fact, you rationalise your common sense and past choices, to protect your investment insights and dignity. This is a potentially dangerous bias, you should be aware of, in the future, when reviewing the performance of your investment portfolios.

With on-going self-education, we are not wanting to recreate the information wheel: it's aiming to better let it work in our favour. To balance it, for a comfortable and smoother run. One of the outstanding traits of successful business people and entrepreneurs, is that they never stop learning. If you want to be successful in any field, you will need to become a voracious reader and learner. Whatever you do, don't get in the way, and become the obstacle of your own success and learning. Just imagine what the price of the self inflicted ignorance ordeal must be like, for less finance and investment skilled people, with less equipped education and experience?

We are fortunate to have 1 440 minutes each day, yet some of us manage to achieve so much more than others during that time. You too, must have wondered what makes one person more productive than another? Obviously they have priorities, do things differently, and also have a different time value scale. Meanwhile that most precious commodity – time – days, weeks, months, and even years pass us by. And so do our zest for life and our dreams.

It's never too late to build and live your own dreams. If you don't, you will very soon learn that someone else will hire you to build their fortune and their dreams! Without darkness, a quiet time, there are no dreams, no prospects of the sun making its appearance! Don't let your imagined, or real fears, hold you back. Avoiding the perceived danger, is no safer, in the long run, than outright exposure. It is true, that the fearful are caught as often as the bold.

Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Even if you are apprehensive about flying, Don't just sit on the runway and hope some enterprising pilot will come along and start the motors. I can assure you that it simply won't happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude and a much wider view of life's visions and affairs. . Believe me, you'll find it stimulating, and you'll love it up here.

Dear enthusiastic reader: There's a dream keeps returning, like rain to the sea. There's a fire ever burning in the souls of the free. There's a lifetime of learning that it's all been in jest. And at the end of your journey, it's like you never left. Dave Mason.

Be proud of your achievements and your goals and never give up on your dreams! By all means, listen to the "can't be done" people and learn from them. Then, quickly ignore those nasty naysayers who try and drag you down! However, always remember that you learn far more from negative leadership than from positive leadership, because you learn how not to do it. And, therefore, you learn how to do it.

It is never too late to be what you might have been. George Eliot.

Change in our fortune, will not come, if we wait for some other person, or some other better time. Strange as it might seem, we are, in fact, the potential "can make happen," ones we have been waiting for. One must attain a revised value and spiritual focus, to learn that as we view things, one is viewed by things. Rather than always taking exception to the message, it may be more rewarding to focus on the quality and trustworthiness of the messenger! However, focus on the Message Not necessarily the Messenger. Sadly, often folks shut out valuable learning, due to the person delivering the material. Always try and separate the material from the person or the provider. If you already know the person delivering the information, pretend you do not know the person, their prejudices, or their beliefs so you can hear the information objectively. Of course, it could be the right message for the wrong audience. The reality is, people come to believe what they want and need to believe, when they need to believe it, and from their beliefs and convictions, flow their actions.

What others think of you, is really none of your business. What matters most in life, is your firm belief in yourself. Of course, you have a list of people whose opinions about you, do actually count. However, people will always talk about you, and if they don't, then you are probably not worth much to them. By all means listen to sensible and informed folks. Use your information filter to ignore whatever anyone has to say about you and hold firm to what your practical experience has taught you. Also pay attention to what you know and what you believe.

For the internationally mobile, adventurous unglued folks, life is either "a daring adventure, or nothing." Whatever you have been dreaming of, imagining, and planning, get started immediately! If you want to start a business, take the first step. To change careers, take the first step. If you want to expand, venture into a totally new avenue of work, or enter a new market or offer new products or services, take the first step. Put your growing fears aside and get started.

If you are still afraid of failing, you will never take the necessary risks required to achieve your goal and objectives. For example, you will postpone or even not make that important contact call, because you are yet again afraid that you will once more be rebuffed. Or you certainly will not consider quitting your frustrating dead-end job, and start your own business venture, because, you are afraid that you might end up without an income!

What should an investor do? Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing, so be prepared to pay the price to learn what you are doing incorrectly. Of course, the first step for most investors should be to invest in themselves. The obvious first step for most investors should be, to invest in their education and in themselves. Invest in their knowledge. Self-empowerment by investing in their expertise and knowledge. Get an enthusiastic and recognised mentor. But be careful who you learn from.

In all investment cycles, there is an abundance of new investment gurus, who are willing to take your money to teach you there new found profitable secret. Always remember that it is better and cheaper, to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than your own. Be well-informed and enthusiastic about investing and don't forget to enjoy the exciting journey!

Again, if necessary, get the recognised and practically experienced expert. Find a pragmatic teacher who has achieved what you want to achieve, who has invested through a number of cycles and has kept their wealth. As always it is much better to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than your own time and money destroying mistakes.

Sit back and ask yourself, how much you are committed to creating the much better world, you wish to live in?

"To the big world, you may just be one person, but to one particular person, you may be the world."

The very fear-fertile mind can make heaven out of hell, and hell out of heaven.

Never let your expectations, including any fears of failing or succeeding, stop you. Identify your objectives; what you expect from yourself and from your Self-Education, and whether those expectations are realistic.

Again, do your on-going research!

All sunshine makes a desert. This is rather important: if you neglect prevention, what's going to happen – big problems? Learn to say NO. Some people never do a proper thing without giving an impossible reason.

Writing: It is passion that informs and entertains us. The very important thing in determining the artistic quality of a good book, is not the right or wrong opinions it propagates. Rather, it's the fact that the writer actually has opinions. And that opinion can serve us very well by broadening our horizons! When a book is written without a degree of pragmatic humour, and passion, you lose interest. Often, a novelist has the luxury of time at hand. Therefore, a novelist can afford to spend more time on research, observation and detail in setting a scene. Reading a particular novel, can often compel the reader to ever greater heights in his ventures.

Rules of grammar are valuable tools. These rules are there to be worked with, not to hinder. It is an instinct we cultivate over the years, not just from structured study at school or college. It is an instinct born from curiosity. Simply getting out of the conventional metal box and letting our mind roam and observe!

Of course, it's a rather demanding art, not only to confine our reading to works we are sure we will enjoy. However, read the work. All novels are meant to be read, as a mind-inspiring idea, an exploration of other minds, and a celebration of the beautiful architecture of language. The writer has really taken pains over the words you are listening to or are looking at. He or she wants you to pull aside the curtain. To be better informed and honest!

Fortunately, reading has always been life revealed and unwrapped to me. It always pulls away the curtain of ignorance. It's a very pleasant way of understanding the rapidly changing world, and understanding myself much better.

It is books that are a key to the world, if you can't do anything else, read all that you can. Right now, of course, there is the added convenience of having books in EB-OOK formats. Although many folks still like reading paper books, the electronic format gives ease of access and a large storage facility right in your pocket or bag.

The world will be a much better place if we only learn something from another person by reading.

A college education should equip one to entertain three things: A friend, an idea and oneself.

The world is full of diverse and ever-changing ideas. You can make your world so much larger by simply acknowledging everyone else's.

When you write with enthusiasm, with your own voice, you write truth, and truth will find a market. Kind words produce their own beautiful image in man's soul.

It is for certain that an idea which remains in my head is both lonely and useless. Who will read it? That is a task or decision we need to make and an audience we should seek to hold. At the same time, not all writing need be perfect. I am more concerned about sending a message sometimes than I am in being perfect.

As the hoe is sharpened by filing it, so the writer sharpens his skills by using them. Reading is a very vital part of a writer's apprenticeship. It is a part that, no doubt, continues throughout life, however successful a novelist may become. I believe that reading the work of those who have gone before is the single most important ingredient you can have to put towards your own work.

Lets never lose sight of the wonders and the extraordinary richness of the English language. It is one of the most descriptive, colourful and versatile in the world. Let us not stifle it.

Establish a theme but don't bring any human characters into play until many pages later. (James A. Michener.)

There is not a lot of point in discussing beautiful literature in an ugly voice. Words are the pen of the heart, but music is the pen of the soul. The manner of your speaking is fully as important as the matter of your thinking. It's worth repeating: As Hamlet very sensibly remarked: There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

It's rather interesting and entertaining, when one meets someone, who wants to impress by his use of language, lest he should fail to do so, by what he is saying.

Writing is a craft. It is about knowing exactly what you have to say and being sharp about it. It is about production, not idle talk, and certainly not excuses.

Having grown up on a farm, the following resonates very well with me: the wine maker is here to let the land express itself.

One of the ways to write a story is simply to think of a word and write the story around it. Another way is to take an event and do likewise.

Don't live and eat in a hurry. With everybody being thrust or pulled by very important and equally urgent matters, the very important value of sitting down with the family, to a home-prepared meal round the dining table, is gradually slipping away from our quality-of-life ethos! A very sad state of affairs! With no electronic device at hand, this is a lovely time to review and take note of the family's present affairs as well as the family history!

If you know how to organise things, you will also know how to enjoy them. Many want to devour in a day what could hardly be digested in a lifetime. Show moderation, so that things known won't be badly known. Be quick to admit, slow to enjoy.

Never complain. At least, never complain without providing advice on how to improve the issue at hand. Complaints will always discredit you. Rather than compassion, they provoke insolence and encourage others to behave like those we complain about.

It is always better to praise others, so as to win still more favours off them.

Don't talk about yourself. You must either praise yourself, which is vanity, or criticise yourself, which is meekness. You also show a lack of good judgement and become a bore and nuisance to others.

We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideal others, by their acts. Drop the eroding falseness of pretence. Remember that the span of eternity is not for sham.

It is reported that in the eternal life there is no greed. Evidently, in many cases, politicians have already laid claim to full-throttle galloping greed.

Drop and discard worry. Worry is quality of life spiritual nearsightedness, which has no rectifying spectacles. It's also a fumbling in the dark, way of looking at little things, and of magnifying their very negative value.

Never despair. In politics, however bad things may seem, more honest and less corruptible heroes ultimately come along when you need them.

Let go of possible stomach ulcer generating discontent. We should rather try and make a much better quality and heroic life out of whatever is set before us. Let go of the unstable pedestal of self-seeking. Often, one hears of neither `mine` nor `thine` all things are for all.

I realise I've always driven too fast through life. However, I've also always tried to harvest and make the very best of the opportunities and the information-gaining sites along the way. I have also tried to avoid carrying too much prejudice, impatience, fear and unnecessary apprehension. What a fortunate delight to have a mind open to wonder, than one closed to belief.

A genius is a rather farsighted person. It's also a person with creative ability. Who also is seeing farther into the field of new ideas, and is probing deeper than other people. Is mostly a contrarian; has a different set of ethical values, and has dedication and energy enough to give effect to this extra vision.

If you accept the challenge, You're in the company of the greatest authors, educators, entrepreneurs, poets, composers, scientists and inventors of all time. Please persist, because, more likely than not, you're on the verge of a new concept or idea.

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Chapter 126:

What Do You Do To Live And Enjoy Your Dream?

Unfortunately, there are lots of people walking around, who are frustrated and paralysed by lack of ambition and dreams.

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other unimportant idea alone. This is the way to success. Swami Vivekananda.

You never become anything by only wishing and praying.

New, out of the box ideas never have it easy in the beginning. Too many people feel threatened. They have too much invested in their ego and on keeping things the same. That means not rocking the boat on smooth seas. Not disrupting the deeply entrenched natural order or things. Maintaining the well-lubricated status quo. But that's certainly no way to make the world a better place. One where all of us can live a better life than the one we lived.

These new, revolutionary ideas, however, often face an uphill struggle. Many are met with ridicule. Especially when they threaten the prevailing power structure, and the officials and government that maintain it.

It's impossible to construct and organise new thoughts and ideas, with a heavy overload of prejudice and orthodox thinking. Often, the more you fill your brain with new concepts, facts, figures, and experience, the less room you seem to have for new ideas and new thoughts. Plus, you will have to scuttle a whole lot of preconceived prejudices, ideas and beliefs, that will still colour your thinking. But as the expertise-widening need for learning never ends, your desire to keep on learning, should outweigh your desire to follow the natural course of postponement or procrastinating.

The more experience, skills and knowledge you have, and the more diverse that is, the greater your potential for ultimate success. You can enhance your success, by surrounding yourself with diverse mentors and their stimuli. Don't forget the easy access to the expert mentors in a book. And, even more important, by reading, listening and observing very diversely.

They are an energetic genius born without the prejudice or superstitions of their contemporaries. They are also concerned for the future of the race instead for the freedom of their own prejudice and instincts.

World-changing discovery consists of seeing and assessing, what everybody has seen, and thinking what nobody else has thought. You may never know if something you did, brought a change for someone else.

Everything worthwhile, first takes shape in the form of a dream and an idea. However, only a really good idea by itself is worth nothing. An idea, must have the necessary fuel. Action, dedication, work, and power applied to it, before it can accomplish anything. Life yields easily to diligence, persistence hard work, intelligence and effort, and I'm sure you have plenty of both.

Work keeps at bay three great evils: Boredom, vice and need.

The successful men and women, who had a very good idea, put all their dedication, enthusiasm, hard work strength and every dollar they could muster to putting it into operation.

Always practice the core values you expound.

One good theory is worth ten good fights. The courage of faith, even though it be a false faith, will always outstay the courage of wrath. It is a great responsibility to depart from the usual practice.

A great lie is silenced forever; and a great wrong is set right before all men. The sentence on you is broken, annihilated, annulled, null, non, without value or effect.

The truth is, these political necessities sometimes turn out to be political mistakes. We sincerely regret our little mistakes; but political necessities, though occasionally erroneous, are still imperative.

Growth does not just happen. It has to be planned, nurtured, measured and rewarded.

The Unchartered Landscape Of "One Country, Two Systems."

We should reject concepts of the good and concentrate on the right. Governments exist to provide entitlement and empowerment, through which people can themselves best decide and effectively act. Means do matter; democracy, after all, is desirable. But what might it consist in? Minimation, a regular competition for power, the rules of which are agreed in advance of the outcome, of which is at least formally decided by those over whom the power is to be exercised.

In the politics of democracy, it is numbers. When a routine is finally set, authorities no longer see it for what it is, a deception; but accept it for what it isn't: an authorised routine.

The prisoner enjoys the advantage over his keeper of continuity. In politics, cleverness is the shadow whereas intelligence is the substance.

In any other society, the young and ambitious politician, would have been a great promoter. You already knew how he was able to set the impressing warp so as to weave a complex pattern which appealed to the imagination of the susceptible people. The young fellow with political ambitions, also spends a lot of money on a lot of politicians. He cultivates long-term relationships so he can call in favours. He felt secure. High protected political position exempted him from the truth.

Survival is a matter of the correct activity, making the system work for you rather than attempting merely to survive it. You can't undermine a system from within when you're excluded from it in the first place. No system wants to be undermined or abused and therefore it is constantly on guard to exclude those who would destroy it.

The key is to prepare, so that life can work in its mysterious ways. If you want your ship to come in, you must build a dock.

The problem with most measures, however, is they inevitably reach a minimally acceptable level, requiring not that one be good, but that one not be bad.

Never fear the light behind shadows. It simply mean there's ignorance light shining somewhere nearby.

At some point, when the light of insight dawned on me, I just figured out that the only way you win, is by attrition. That everybody else ran out of energy, enthusiasm, fuel, dedication, persistence and gives up, and you're the only one left. In these investment situations, knowledge and insight, always is power.

Always make sure that you spend time doing comparative research, and also make sure that whichever consultant or advisors, you are consulting, can show you the real important numbers. There is nothing like total financial and investment calamity to clear the mind. With the uninformed, their pursuit of huge profits, sometimes clouds their judgement. The ultimate problem, is the pervasive lack of money management skills on the part of the public at large.

Slaying the always nearby dragon of procrastination and delay, is no sport for the short-winded. Many investors are waiting for everything to be absolutely perfect before they get going.

"Is it true that they procrastinate and just wait too long before investing?" "Yes. They wait too long for the right time in the investment cycle, the right property, the right economic environment or the right interest rates. Which, sadly, means they never get going."

The longer you procrastinate, The longer you wait to get started with your investing, the longer it will be before you get the money, success and financial independence and freedom you want.

It takes time to grow real wealth. It takes time for the power of compounding to work its long-term magic. You need to understand that the business or investment timing, will never be perfect, or that you will never have all the information you want and regard as essential. You need to develop the confidence to make an investment decision, based on knowing enough and realising, that you will learn much more along the way. Going on this trip, is rather like going on a road trip. You will have to get the ultimate destination determined; fuel the vehicle; make sure it is safe and sound for the trip; have a plan of action in mind, should anything go wrong with the vehicle; make sure you have enough "food and water" to sustain you during the trip.

Time working for you, is profit. The loss of precious time, is the enemy of profit. Time is our most precious treasure because it is very LIMITED. Days, too, are precious and expensive. When you spend a day recklessly, you have borrowed from the future. Now you have one less day to spend. So make sure you do the best and that you spend each one wisely. With time, we can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.

When we give someone our very precious time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time, is a very important part of our life. Tomorrow is another day; do all in your power to make it a much better one.

We often cherish our friends, not for their ability to amuse us, but rather for ours to amuse them. It's the things in common that makes relationships enjoyable, but it's the little differences that make them interesting.

What you see, hear, taste and smell, depends a good deal on where you are standing; with whom you are standing; it also depends on how much you have travelled and what sort of person you are.

We spent much time in Australia – doing a fare amount of travelling. My friend was driving through the Australian outback, when he spotted some roadwork ahead, with a green G sign next to it. As he got closer, a workman appeared from a nearby tent and, for no apparent reason, turned the sign to Stop. "Why did you do that?" asked my friend after he had pulled over. "Come on, mate," the workman said. "You're the first person to pass by here in two weeks. Won't you stop for half an hour and have a cup of tea?" Contributed by Helen Cowley.

We also experienced these remarkable folk's practical approach to life and its doings! [I'm a very keen note keeper – mostly because I'm also collecting information that could be used later in life, to recall some interesting and stimulating venture.)

The merits of travelling and reading: don't be afraid your life will end; rather be afraid that it will end before it was exposed, to so many of the stimulating concepts and ideas of life. Each reluctant step you take, reveals a stimulating new horizon. "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." Henry Miller.

However, now and then sitting still to absorb the treasures, is essential to the journey. This gives time to reflect and think about where you've been, where you're going, with whom you're keen to travel, why and how. There are so many folks who fear travelling, they are just looking at the world without being involved in it. Fortunately a keen and experienced traveller, already has, in their mind, a map of the anticipated journey ahead, what it may offer and how to best harvest what's available!

Of course, not all of us can take that trip! The best we can do, is to use books and maps, creating that wonderful journey. However, maps do not contain those unexpected, out-of-the-way and pleasant surprises, or small delights, that make the experience of travel in a foreign land memorable. Travel, is, after all, a personal, learning and stimulating exposure, to what the locals take for granted! All those around the next corner gems, that add up to unforgettable travel memories, that can be recalled and harvested down the track! As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind, every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder. John Glenn.

There is much to be said to do as much travelling as both your health and wealth allows! As Gerald Moore once said: "The taste for rushing hither and thither without pause, the racing against the clock, the seeing of new sights will one day lose its relish." From his book M I TOO LOUD? MEMOIRS OF An ACCOMPANIST.

We recently visited Etosha Wild life Park in Namibia. There we noticed that whenever there's a large number of wild life heading for a drinking hole, there's almost always a fight amongst some bulls, for either leadership, power, sexual favours and status. This was demonstrated several time when we saw very large herds of a huge variety of dear! The various types of herds were very cosmopolitan – enjoying the clear water at the same watering hole!

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Chapter 127:

International Travel – And Points To Keep In Mind

It's so very easy to take it for granted that we are well covered for all the adverse things that might overtake us when travelling abroad. This is where omitting to take and very thoroughly read the Travel Insurance Travel documents! It includes making sure you have the necessary Health cover; to also include repatriating your body to your own country if need be!

Medical expenses can be extremely high, so consult with your broker and travel agent, to make absolutely sure you have the very necessary Health Care Insurance in place.

There's also always the possibility of some form of litigation! Here too, make sure that you have the necessary and appropriate cover in place.

Yet another facet to be on the lookout for, is Disability Health Cover. Past experience has taught that sometimes a person goes on the long-awaited, rather expensive holiday, falls victim to a very Disabling physical trauma – again, the costs may be very financially disabling too!

There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it. Bertrand Russell.

What is good for the eye and the ear must be good for the soul.

Some people marry positions. Others marry status, money and security. Yet others, marry the prospect of a variety of partners in a long-term adventure. With travel, always remember that borders are porous.

Paradise is freely open to all kind hearts. The remarkable virtue of all achievement, is victory over oneself. Those who know and have experienced this, can never know defeat.

It's so very important to always follow through on your victories. Some people are hard driven by the initial enthusiasm. However, they soon run out of enthusiasm. They do everything to begin and nothing to end.

We are all enthusiastic pilgrims on the same journey. However, some pilgrims, have much better detailed road maps. The endearing ability of a person to atone, has always been the most remarkable of human features. The most important quality-of-life enhancing trip for a man to take in his life, is meeting people halfway. Keep in mind, that fear and hope, are in fact alike underneath. When men can be made to hope, then they can also be made to win.

Those who labour in the field are not necessarily equal to those who labour in the mind. However, keep in mind that the most powerful weapons we have, are our mind, books, pen and computer.

"Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil and you're a thousand miles from the corn field." Dwight D. Eisenhower.

High station in life, is earned by the very diverse gallantry, with which many appalling and devastating experiences, are survived with hope and grace. The attempt to try and silence a man, is the greatest honour you can bestow on him. It really means that you recognise his superiority to yours. Never let a dispute or a problem to be solved, become more important than a person to be loved.

Well, even more exasperating than the guy who thinks he knows it all, is ... the one who really does. Happiness is really different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing. Money and success don't change people; they merely amplify what is already there. Love is what is left in a relationship after all selfishness has been removed. Where there is great love and compassion, there are always unsuspected miracles. Push aside your favourite prejudice, and treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he should be. Enrich yourself and mine the hidden gems in his personality, and begin to treat him as he could be, and he will become what he really should be.

History, although sometimes made up of the few acts of the great, is more often shaped by the many courageous and silent acts of the small. A day that you do not live and enjoy today, you are never going to live again.

Remember that a well-adjusted person is never a perfectionist. Believe in yourself, believe in the right of you. Go out and do it.

If you lose your sense of humour, sooner or later this world is going to depress you. I know too, from personal experience, that whatever else you may not get, if you keep your sense of humour, nothing will ever be able to destroy you. Believe in miracles but don't depend on them.

Very important: spoil your spouse, not your children. Never make fun of people who speak broken English. It means they also know another language.

Always, remember, it is not your job to get people to like you; it's your job to like people. Whatever you want to do, don't employ the old stand-by friend, procrastinate; do it now. There are only so many very limited precious tomorrows! The highest reward for a man's toil, is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it. The world is extremely interesting to a joyful soul. Humour is a form of self-detachment – a way of looking at one's fortunes and existence, one's misfortune or one's discomfort. If you really love, if you really know how to laugh, the result is the same: you forget yourself. The delight of gift giving, is a celebration of the bond that unites giver and receiver. That very personal bond is gratefulness.

Now and then, it's a very good idea to give some flowers. Flowers leave part of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them. Laughter, the free medicine, is man's most distinctive emotional expression. Man also shares the capacity for love and hate, anger and fear, loyalty and grief with other living creatures. But humour, the saving grace, which has an intellectual as well as an emotional element, belongs to man.

Complexity, and the very regular cascade of information, is what kills us. We must remember that we are only a cog in a machine made of women and men. However, a very, very, very important mobile cog! Courage to act, is no more than cussed stubbornness. It means being enthusiastic and getting up each day and doing what you have to. It also means being optimistic and going on when negative circumstances get you down, pushing ahead when others are determined to hold you back.

Don't flaunt your experience, energy; your wealth resources; your inner knowledge. Sometimes, within many forms of ambition energy, there really is no morality. There is positive people and energy, that will help you, and there is also negative people and energy, that will hold you back. Fortunately, through a positive mindset, action and creativity, you can attract to yourself as many positive energy forms, and as many keen and ambitious similarly-minded folks, as you desire.

Why are you really focusing here? It's because you are keen to to have access to the map that will guide you away from the crisis, obstacle, or pending catastrophe.

For happiness and success, always align with the humorist and positive optimist within yourself. Whether we share the same philosophy or not, we all share the human experience of being vulnerable to failure, to death and disappointment. It's really unwarranted to assume that successful optimists are optimists, simply because they don't know what it feels like to have a very heavy lead weight on their shoulders. I've never seen a pessimistic belief, that was capable of surviving a few provocative and well-thought-out questions. So I think quality-of-life-destroying pessimism is the self-inflicted fairy tale.

How far you go in life, depends on your daily attitude towards your fellow citizens. You have to display compassion, tolerance and sympathy, to the aged, the disadvantaged, the frail, the disabled, the young, the weak and the less fortunate. Because, someday, with advancing longevity, you may have been all of these.

It is a very cruel political and social mistake, to judge a man outside his historical time. The political passion of one man, soon becomes diluted in the anger of thousands of disillusioned citizens. Passion, not pedigree, will win in the end.

Compassion should never be criminalized. I will not hook my trailer to a noisy political or social truck on the opportunistic highway – irrespective of where it's going. Who really knows what's on the truck?

When dealing with people, remember that honey will always collect more bees than vinegar. Always enjoy and live with the good times, and observe and learn from the bad. Life is a journey of different directions, and sometimes we travel alone. Life also is a journey leading us somewhere, we must get there as safe and as best we can.

In the technologically progressive and fast ever-changing world, we must now be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Life is so precious and short! One of the saddest things that can happen to you, is enslaving yourself to your employer's dream, or giving up your own dream out of sheer fear.

The science of saving your health, frustrations and giving you a much better Quality of Life!

Appreciate your good health, your family and friends, what you have achieved, and enjoy the stimulating journey of life. Because a positive sense of humour, and an attitude of gratitude, is a simple way to make yourself and those around you feel happy.

Life is short, go out and live it. Love is rare, when it comes, grab it. Anger is really very bad for your health, dump it. Face it, that fear is opportunity-depriving, and also very awful. Your collection of memories are sweet, cherish them.

Now what are you going to do with the rest of your life?

Remember: that it will be four years later; whether you did something constructive or simply elected to continue dithering and procrastinating! Do it or not. There is no try. Yoga.

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away father safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover. Mark Twain.

Now and then, enjoy and watch the outside world as if it were an entertaining television program. The value of cooperation, is the thorough conviction, that nobody can safely get there, unless everybody gets there. The moment you spare people's feelings, you're no longer are worthy of their friendship.

The important impact of sight on food: you look at food first – your eyes take the first bite.

In political life, many people are down-stream from their colleagues. They are reaping the gains and are getting all their good past credits.

Remember that there are no restricting speed bumps or limits on the long road to excellence. However, note that persistence is the twin sister of excellence . One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time.

Never give in – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – except to convictions of honour and good sense. Churchill.

There is always one important moment in childhood, when the door opens and lets the bright and sunny future in. Never give up.

I once read: "If the end of the world were imminent, I still would plant a tree today." Life goes on, and perhaps your child will bring the world a step further. I cannot see or detect, the beauty and glory of the future tree in your life.

Always bear in mind, that brains and learning, like muscle and physical skill, are valuable articles of progress and commerce. They are bought and sold. You can hire them by the year or by the hour. So, it's very important to always update your skills and keep on the leading edge of technological developments.

Very important: The only thing in the world not for sale, is character. The way to show that your religion is true, is not to yell and scream about it. The way to show that your religion is really true, is to live it.

Mystery is a resource like coal, copper, silver and gold, and its preservation is a fine thing. While it is important to win, it's imperative to compete.

Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth. Justice runs true. Often, true to the amount of money one has. Truth at an angle, often is perceived to be businessmanship. This is a rather interesting attitude towards particular circumstances. The older you are, the more difficult it is to scuttle your favourite prejudices. Nothing is as frustrating, as arguing with someone who really knows what he is talking about.

One problem with gazing too frequently into the past, is that we may turn around, to find the future opportunities have run out on us. Never believe that because the past is not yet complete, the future will be very difficult to contemplate. Difficulties vanish when faced boldly. What is right, is often forgotten by what is convenient.

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it. Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures. We are often, really hard-wiring ourselves for too much pleasure. Everything in life, seems to be about satisfying this time-consuming and often expensive superficial desire for pleasure. Of course, most of us realise that life can only be understood backwards; however, it requires energy; because, it must be lived forwards.

No day, in which you gained experience and learn something, is a complete loss. The enchantment of childhood, is measured out by sounds, touch, smells, tastes, and sights, before the dark hour of mature reason and prejudice, takes over.

Action is always the antidote to despair. Humour really is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. Mark Twain.

There is a wholesomeness about the person who has come to terms with his limitations, who has been brave enough to let go of his unrealistic dreams and not feel like a failure for doing so. There is also a wholesomeness about the man or woman, who has learned that he or she, is strong enough to go through a tragedy and survive, who can lose someone and still feel like a complete person. You have been through the worst and come through intact.

Perhaps my greatest wisdom, is the knowledge that I do not have too much knowledge. Sensible people had time to pause in their occupations; to undertake the passing art of neighbourliness. Montana. The sensible, and energy-saving man, who removes a mountain, begins by carrying small stones.

What is art? But a way of feeling, hearing, tasting, thinking smelling and seeing? Art is also the signature, of civilisation of a nation.

There is the wisdom and insight gained by travel. Then there also is the insight and wisdom gained by staying at home. It might have been the tendency, in travel – one goes not so much to see, but to tell when you return home. For the stay at home folks, going, could only confuse you further!

You don't have to go anywhere; you must believe you've got the whole world at your fingertips. The world of fashion; of art; and the world of thought and communication right in your own back yard.

Never stagnate; you must move to the other side of the fence to see what's going on there. You may come across some interesting or restricting concepts. Such as Censorship. Censorship actually endorses the power of the word. Often, oppressive governments fear words.

Our job is not to keep our heads down; it's to get out there and say what you think is right and do what you think is right. That's the best guarantee of your security in the end. Never dilute or ruin an apology, with an excuse. The only true guide to a man, is his conscience. The only shield to his memory, is the honesty, rectitude and sincerity of his daily actions. Honesty, the rare gift, is a very expensive gift. Therefore, do not expect it from cheap people.

As an entrepreneur, you are going to have to look to other entrepreneurs and people for feedback and practical advice. As you are aware, not all advice is equal. Some well experienced and enthusiastic people, give better advice than others. But, the best advice, you are ever going to get, is the truth. The unpleasant truth, may hurt, but it will save you frustration, time and money.

A long-winded committee is a group that spends hours to bring forth minutes. Intuition: the debt you have within yourself. In the long run, dedicated men hit only what they aim at. Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth. It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. Edmund Hillary.

Delayed gratification. Why not employ the youth while they know everything. You may learn that they have a valuable mixture of this and that, that struggled for ascendency. Of course, it should go without saying that you can mean well and do ill. Look at some of the hi-flyers in both the private sector as well as in political life. In many cases, their corporate, secluded bastion shield their inadequate personalities. They are often also shielded from the stable pattern of variation. Hazards are newsworthy; progress isn't.

The tramline syndrome: As life progresses, it becomes steeper and narrower. If you are in a predicament hole, stop digging. I am rather patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it. Speak not against anyone whose burden you have not weighed yourself. I sometimes give myself admirable advice, but I am sometimes also incapable of taking it.

A while ago I met a rather prominent public publicity person. He soon confirmed my conviction, that, that I suspected that anyone whose propaganda was as good as his, had of necessity, to believe it.

Of course, I am not contented ... I am very anxious to do better. Any time you feel lazy, and stop striving to get better, you're bound to get worse.

Be careful about the names you give to so many things. You may soon learn, that these names you give to things, are things that you think actually happen.

We must use valuable seconds and time as a tool, not as an excuse or a couch. Time is the reef upon which all our frail unchartered ships are wrecked. Now that I'm retired, the time is the same. I just focus and think longer before I do. And when I do, I sometimes take longer. Always be wise in the use of time. The question of life is not, how much time have we? The question is, what shall we do with it. Time, not properly used, can hand one malice to another one.

Presenting your differences without apology. Let us not indulge in the culture of protracted and mounting nostalgia.

Trouble is sometimes called the salt of life. A little frustration is sometimes also required to sharpen the spirit. It teaches fortitude, endurance. This patient said: i may be old – but why must I suffer? I am an old man and have had many troubles ... many of which have never happened.

I take the privilege of visiting new vistas. There are always plenty of troubles ahead, so don't turn and look back on any behind you. That particular problem may just have been random bad luck. Don't meet trouble halfway. Let it exhaust itself, let it travel the full distance. Something painful usually happens to it before it arrives.

Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything. Check on history and you will notice that almost everything has happened before. The lesson: if you know what comes before, then you know what happens now.

Your brain, has two important functions; it is a place for original thought. It also is a handy and portable reference library, use it to tell you where to look and then you will have for yourself, all brains that have ever been.

Banish titles, though not responsibility. Responsibility should always exceed authority.

All post-heroic companies have a common trait: a clear stated, oft-repeated set of core values that guide everyone's decisions. Fairness: A decision to maintaining it. Commitment: If you make one, you keep it. Everyone makes his or her own. Freedom: The company allows individuals the freedom to grow beyond what they're doing, and they are expected to use it.

Not all the water in the seven seas can sink a ship unless it gets inside. The very important water line: A hole above a ship's water line won't sink it, but one below it will.

Organisations must be more humane, more productive and more responsive to society's demands. So often you meet someone whose opinions are in harmony with his well-groomed preferred prejudices. Corporate and political leadership, is staking your ground ahead of where opinion is, and convincing people, and not simply following the popular vote-catching opinion of the moment.

Always keep in mind that feelings of inadequacy can negate positive progress. Travel past competence and prejudice, to reach excellence. It's very easy for many people to start feeling excluded because of artificial barriers. If you have a choice, describe your ideal productive workplace. What you should be trying to do around here, is syndicate well-informed, common sense leadership throughout the organisation.

In a command and control organisation, people protect knowledge, because it's their claim to status and distinction. However, for the good of all concerned, you should share as much information as you possibly can, throughout the organisation or company. Business, and general literacy, is a big issue in developing well-informed visionary leadership. You cannot ask people to exercise broader judgement, if their world is bounded and restricted by very narrow and shrinking vision. Competent and visionary leaders, can do a lot. By being accessible, by listening, by being responsive to those who elected them, and to those on their inner circle and team. By setting an example of breaking through the perceived hierarchical paralysis, creativity will flourish.

Meaningful, on-the-go communication will have a positive impact on the services you provide your fellow citizens. By living by these values, and looking to the examples set by our senior-level executives and politicians, the society can continue to set a standard of excellence that will reward all of us. When companies and governments, derive their power and competitive advantage, from creating intellectual and false and corrupt political "will-do-good" capital, "whips and chains are no longer an alternative. Business and political leaders, must learn to listen and to change the nature of power and how it's employed. If they don't, in time, the force of democracy and technology will. There is no evidence anywhere, that forcing something down people's throats, is an effective political management tool.

Well-informed and visionary leadership, involves getting things started and facilitating change. Leadership is defined by what you do, not who you are. Leaders are those whom others follow.

The dangerous insolence of office. Meetings are indispensable when you really don't want to do anything. However, if you wish to take advantage of achieving nothing in the long run, but have a passion for the "good life" of office and top hotels and restaurants, then the sky for meetings is the limit! A man may govern the submissive mandarins, and yet live in comparative idleness. To do such negative governing work well, a man should have a good presence, a flow of words which should really mean nothing, an excellent temper, and a love of self-enriching expensive hospitality. The culminating point of successful corrupt administration, is to know well how much power, great or small, we ought to use in all circumstances. Bad and very corrupt officials are elected by good kept-in-the-dark citizens who do not vote. There is never a better measure of what a person is, than what he does when he's absolutely free to choose. Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government's purposes are to neglect. Men born to freedom, are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty, lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding. As you will notice on your personal budget, the more the state expands, the more liberty diminishes. Beware of local councils when too full; large number makes long disputes. A committee is a cul-de-sac, down which good ideas are lured and then quietly strangled. Yet another view about a committee: A committee is really a group of the unwilling, picked from the unfit, to do the really unnecessary.

By non-usage, all political privileges are lost. The government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away. Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time. No organisation can depend on genius; the supply is always scarce and unreliable. It is the test of an organisation to make ordinary human beings perform better than they seem capable of, to bring out whatever strength there is in its members, and to use each man's strength to help all the others perform. The purpose of an organisation is to enable common men to do uncommon things. Victory tends to go to the resilient. Hang in there and in the end – win. Money is like manure – to improve growth, it must be spread around. Money has a soft surface and it rubs off on those who handle it with care.

Being of sound mind, I spent all my money whilst being alive.

The successful person is also meticulous in small personal debts. He also always valued work. But not any kind of work. Ask yourself: Is the work vital, strengthening my own character, or inspiring others, or helping the world?

Escalus once said to Euripides: "You can't beat inevitability."

One never likes to see a well educated man, stifling his natural gifts. However, for the enthusiastic, not so lazy people, there is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortunes. Nothing in this world ever works out one hundred percent satisfactorily for all parties.

I think I see where the trouble lies: I made the mistake of brooding in advance too much, with the result that you pottered about and accomplished nothing. Swiftness in decision are what is needed. Don't hesitate.

A man is badly in need of advice when he has many advisers. I don't eat into the capital, I only work off the increment. Robert Louis Stevenson.

Marriage resembles a pair of very sharp shares, so joined that they cannot be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always successfully severely punishing anyone who comes between them.

If I've got to be miserable, I might as well be miserable here where I'm happy. However, if I have the power to choose, I can always choose NOT to be miserable. The rare ability to shape your own life is essential to being happy.

One filled with joy preaches without preaching. Often our inaccurate perception of life, really cannot be reproducible, by someone else. They may also overly represent the concerns of the clinician, rather than those of the patient. Fortunately, mostly, I am able to choose my own response to whatever happens to me!

There are always people who are rather envious of success. Those individuals have a hard time being happy for the successes of others. Particularly if THOSE OTHERS are right around them. Sadly, secretly they even harbour hopes that successful and happy people can experience misfortunes.

A pro-active person exercises free will; the freedom to choose the response that best applies to your values. In that way, you gain control of your circumstance, rather than being controlled by them. Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought. The last ultimate freedom could not be taken from me. They could hurt my body but they could not hurt me who lives in this body. The fertile, fear driven imagination is always the best torturer. I'll do everything for my personal freedom.

Energy and imagination, sprinkled with a liberal amount of persistence, determination, humour, being able to say no, are the springboards to wealth. However, always try and be honest: when necessary, don't forget to say, "I don't know," "I was wrong" or "It didn't work."

Everything you can imagine is real. Pablo Picasso.

Liberty is a condition of the environment; freedom is a condition of the person. Liberty means that we have many options to choose among the environment. The valuable freedom means we have the internal power to exercise those options. That is what it means to be pro-active. That is what it really means to be in charge of your life, to emotionally except this. But this is a very hard doctrine, particularly if you have had years and years of social and political explanation, as to why you are unhappy and miserable in the name of somebody else, or something else. You have to swallow a bitter liberating pill, but once you swallow it, it is completely liberating, exciting, at a level you have never tasted before.

Have you ever noticed that some restless people have a wound-up spring in their soul?

I once started collecting bells, because bells are music's laughter. Laughter is also the sunshine of the soul. The difference between a happy person and a broken soul, is the Attitude towards the problem, real or imagined. Time, location, parents, associates and education, makes us what we are.

Keep your focus on where you want to be when you are finished. That makes us what we are.

Chronic pain often is the sounding-board for frustration, stress and tension. The difference between those who are successful in life and business, and those who are not, is not whether or not you suffer from stress, but what's your mindset and how you deal with it when you do. We are so intimidated to feel inferior or not capable of doing something, we really wish to do. Most of us mistakenly believe that we need to be really hard on ourselves to always perform at our best. However, it turns out that it's not quite true. In fact, it is 100 percent wrong. So remember, that to now and then err, is human, and give yourself a well-deserved break.

Everyone, real or fictional, deserves the open destiny of life. Rather see your work in terms of long-term progress.

On occasions, a change might be good – to get out of the atmosphere of too much hard work and live in the world like other people. If you are going to have a change, make the best of it. Take time out to enjoy the fresh air and to smell the roses. We often get so busy sawing, generating sawdust, that is not producing results, that we forget to sharpen our saw – that is to maintain or increase our capacity to continue to produce results in the future. Some sensible people use their improving quality of life, sharpen the saw role, for organising weekly investment activities, such as daily exercise or personal reading. Listen to your body; know your nature; know your hardworking body; do everything in moderation. Always listen very carefully, and find the hidden Kernel of Truth.

REMEMBER that no new concept or theory, comes out of thin air. Somewhere in the elaborate-sounding concept, there may be some aspect, that is based upon experience, insight, science and fact. Even if initially, you disagree with the idea, you should at least try and identify the little bit of truth from whence it came.

Don't wait for somebody to validate you; to affirm you. Rather, you should say: I am not contented ... I am anxious to do much better.

We all enthusiastically approach the goals we pursue with one of two mindsets. It's either the Get-Better mindset, or the Be-Good mindset.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 128:

Have Doctors Really Disempowered Patients?

I vividly recall someone with a very large and good income-generating series of illnesses. This person could recount every "condition's" details most meticulously. No computer could have stored pain pedigrees in its memory bank more accurately. Always remember that thousands are x-rayed for aches and pains that are in the emotions and can never be seen on the x-rays. Some pain-informed, people complain to the doctor so well, that it is not difficult to convince the average dr., especially in financially hard times, that an operation is urgently needed. You would be amazed, if you knew how many essential organs you can lose that way, too. Have doctors really Disempowered patients? Not really. Because each patient's pain, is an outstanding and mysterious masterpiece.

I don't have to mention to you that no surgery is without risk, but the biggest risk of surgery is undergoing it. The sting in the tail: not curing a darn thing! There is no place in modern medicine, to allow that authoritarian dismissal of the possible side effects of so many medications, including the frequently resorted to anti-depressants. From a practical point of view, persuading patients to attend for review, particularly if they are working, maybe live some distance away or are no longer inconvenienced by pain and disability, may prove to be difficult and requires excessive expenses and much Organisation. Sometimes Lady Luck delivers the invention but not the fortune that should go with it. The tragedy, is that so many patients suffer unnecessarily on account of the prejudice, or self-imposed ignorance of some healthcare service providers about non-invasive and much safer, alternative solutions to the problem. Educate yourself first. It is dangerous, to hire someone, if you are educationally challenged in your knowledge of financial masters. Note that I emphasise and say: Financial Masters! If you do decide to hire someone, you'll be much better prepared by educating yourself, and you'll be more focused with your health, financial and investment questions, and better able to assess the person's confidence. When we deal with our Advisors or Experts, we are expected to be clear, correct, and exact.

So, for many, for a variety of reasons, Health and Investment Self-Education, is difficult, even painful! Expecting that you will invest successfully the first few times, is usually unrealistic. Even the most successful and experienced investors, have numerous "My Friends The Failures," encounters!

So, persist with Self-education! Every little bit of new information adds to your ability to do better down the track.

How To Successfully Save For retirement. Limit Your Cash-burn Rate.

Are you looking to contact a famous person? Remember, that a wider concentric circle of fame-seeking people, are also trying to be in contact with that person. So your chance of getting a response, is extremely limited. Don't choose fame; fame will find you if you're good. Whatever the problem of the day may be, How insignificant this will appear a twelve-months hence. Samuel Johnson.

We are here and it is now; enjoy what's at hand. Further than that, all human dreams and knowledge is moonshine. Always hold fast to the present hour. Every state of duration, every second, is like infinite value.

The loss of enthusiasm and time, is the enemy of profit. The school of hard-knock experience, is profitable only to those who learn its painful lessons. Too many academic and talented young people, have drifted into handling social, money and political disputes and lubricating and directing deals, instead of advancing skills, knowledge or manufacturing products of everyday value. Keep your ear open. That great sucking social sound, is skill and human recourses being misallocated. Every observer, brings a unique experience-based perspective to their particular science, and I am no exception.

Although I have a high regard for intellectuals, I think they can sometimes also misguide you and take you off the practical course of common sense. Common sense is often Also suffocated by the political correct academic point of view! It takes a lot of intellect and confidence, to accept that what really makes sense!

Rebellious young democratic people, can find it rather difficult to debunk the in-built instinct, that somebody older, taller, bigger, wiser, enshrined with status and authority, can dictate their future life. They don't like someone else's formula for being told what you are going to do, with whom you will associate, and to what extent, your labour, skills and knowledge will be compensated for, where you will live and travel.

Early in conventional life, you are trained and indoctrinated in compliance and submission. Now, to make decisions and to learn to act on your own, is a very protracted and painful process. You simply have to tell yourself you cannot wait any longer.

Good, friendly and courteous manners, will always open unexpected doors that the best education cannot. The most important outcome of worthwhile education, is to guide and help students become independent free and creative thinkers. It is also very important to teach them to be able to dislodge themselves periodically from formal education.

The great advantage of being a writer is that you can spy on people. You're there, listening to every word, but part of you is observing. Everything is useful to a keen and observant writer, you see every scrap, even the longest and most boring of luncheon parties. Graham Green.

Always be very careful, not to be offered to prostitute your education and training for something far less than the best. Most of us have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Sometimes, jobs are just not big enough for people. Of course, the challenge is to make your own present job big enough, to give you what your spirit really requires. You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.

We are mistakenly led to believe, that work is more or less a social punishment. A part-time job gives you the social contact that retirement denies you. In the west, age was once a time of shutting people out.

I was so fortunate to meet a young fellow from whom I learned that he is keen, enthusiastic and dedicated and can envision the results of his labour. You must make must-have sacrifices in these early years to reap rewards later.

Is it really true that life is too short, to despise people who simply can't help what they've done. In times of great turmoil, it's important to be with good and dependable friends.

Misery flows down hill to the keenly waiting pessimists. Misery also just loves misery company. The architecture of misery has an unmistakable look and feel about it.

Always go to the source, to the face of the rock, to the beginning. The more you know, the more you can control your destiny.

Autocrats Anonymous – it works. The presumption of the autocrat, knows no bounds. They firmly believe that their government that's completely out of touch with reality, is capable of fixing problems it itself has created as a result of it being out of touch with reality. If only, they regularly say, all the entrepreneurs, innovators and enterprising people would stop wasting so much money and pay their "fair tax share."

It would be a very good eye opening idea if many of the government agents ventured into the private sector to discover how the system really works. They will very soon see, why the absence of government meddling is the only sane choice.

Anticipate the problems likely to occur, in any situation, and review the answers to them, long before disaster strikes. Don't even bother to look us up in the directory. The submissive team deputises for the hierarchy. Autocracy is the brake stifling progress. It also is stifling the development of entrepreneurship.

The demise of the autocrat: brotherhood-induced inflated ego encapsulated by mutually protective autocratic authority, fearfully feels the onslaught of the approaching democracy. The stable sands of security on which it stands, erodes. Its democratically-degradable legs crumble. The gravitational pull of justice haunts the memory. "My god! How can I ever sleep with such a past?"

I am determined, and all the autocrats in the world shall never oblige me to act contrary to my inclinations and support of democracy. The narrower the pipe of specialisation, the less i see. The less I see, the more prejudices I develop. The more prejudices I have, the less I can accommodate my fellow's point of view.

Always heed the law of unintended consequences; the idea that where ever society takes action to change something, there will always be unanticipated or unintended effects.

Again, you must always be aware that law is an expensive pastime. Often, slander depends so much on what other people claim to remember or, more important, will admit to remembering. There is only one really basic human right, the right to do as you please, unless it causes others harm. With it, also comes the only basic human duty: the duty to face and be prepared to take the consequences.

When there is a problem, I also know there is an answer there. I must persist; because i also know, there is some hidden good there. I am certain I can do it. Every answer, is concealed somewhere in the universe. We have to reassess the old questions, and to start looking for new answers. Confidence never comes from having all the answers. Rather, it comes from having an open mind; and being open to all the possible questions.

Sin: Self-inflicted nonsense. Fear: False evidence appearing real. Fear of the seed long since planted in the bowls of the autocrat, germinate. Now the seed bears fruit. Fruit at the cost of composure, confidence, dignity.

Yet isn't it said: "Autocrats make no friends of autocrats." Let us, by our good words, by our helpful actions, secure economy of discomfort for our fellow human beings.

The wise do sooner what the fools do later. Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. A man had to be a little bit of a fool to be a great autocrat.

The faster things change, the more the stabilising anchors begin to drag for some people – floating them aimlessly in a sea of uncertainty and mounting fear and apprehension. These people do not accept the new truth: that the only constant in today's world is exponentially increasing change. There had never been an orgy of autocratic disembowelment ... the heritage of past injustices redressed.

A regular trickle of money always tickled the corrupt politician's palm. These day, the wages of sin, often depend on what kind of deal you make with the money-hungry bureaucrats. More and more, exclusive and expensive restaurants were becoming promotional centres of economics. Venues for exchange of social fears and apprehension For company directors and bureaucrats who's palms were amenable to the gentle trickling of hard currency. This regular ritual, proved mutually uplifting – uplifting in the most agreeable manner – enhancing financial status, opportunities and quality of life.

Many exclusive and expensive restaurants, rivalled for elegance. Their opulence impressed the bureaucrats enormously. Their well-oiled corrupt machinery, responded well to the exquisite fineries of the food and wines. These live-in-luxury folks, are sometimes called "beneficiaries" of the State.) As government has grown over the years, so has their rapidly expanding appetite. They want more. More power. More of everything. They want to regulate your entire life. In fact, they want to regulate everything. They also want to tax everything.

Of course, they want to make it harder on everyone else so they can more easily finance their own programs and projects.

Truth is eternal, knowledge is changeable. It is disastrous to confuse them. A lie has speed, but truth has endurance. Watch out for the forty or more shades of truth. To some citizens, truth matters. One single truth is more powerful than all the weapons in the world. A half-truth is still a whole lie.

A transparent, non-corrupt democracy also needs leadership – leadership that speaks to citizens in term of their day to day reality; not popularity. In politics, there is nothing more difficult to carry out successfully, nor more doubtful and dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new political order. For the enthusiastic reformer has many enemies. And only a very few lukewarm defenders. Erratic and impulsive judgement, is not only bad but very dangerous.

If you do anything well, people's gratitude is lighter than air. However, by contrast, if you have done anything wrong, the people's wrath is heavy as lead. This is rather like humanism with the sap dried out of it.

Nothing does more hurt in a democratic state, than that cunning men and corrupt politicians pass for wise. In poorly managed, highly corrupt governments, one soon notices mass distraction rather than mass destruction. For all its many failures, transparent democracy in action, is always better for individuals and minorities than dictatorship. For all its defects, capitalism is better than socialism for the poor. It is more likely to improve their quality of life. To raise them out of poverty, liberate them from crippling disease, and allow them to exercise their own choice in life, innovative and talents.

Capitalism thrives on the reduction of political friction. One truth I have learned about the market is that the stocks (or funds) you choose are often less important than what you do after you choose them. The late economist Benjamin Graham, perhaps the greatest investment mind of all time, wrote, "The investor's chief problem – and even his worst enemy – is likely to be himself." Mainly, you need the confidence to hang on to your stocks when the going gets tough, even to buy more. The moral is that, while market is very volatile in the short term, it is remarkably consistent over periods of ten years or more. Indeed, over the last 70-odd years and S& P 500 has produced an average return of more than 11 percent a year, including both price increases and dividends.

Imagine the following. If you started with $10 000 before the 1929 crash and then bought another $1 000 worth of stocks every year. By 1955, after the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of the Communist threat in Europe, the Korean War, terrible labour strife and the most intensive single year of inflation in the past 75 years (1946), your account would have grown to $309 543. That's not bad for a total dedicated enthusiasm investment of $36 000.

Compared with other choices, stocks still remain sound investments – if you hold them for the long term (at least five years, and better yet, ten years or even more.).

In the economic realm, only better technology doesn't necessarily always win. It has to be backed by good Managing, for security of long-term tenure. It also has to be adapting to changing technologies and public tastes and requirements!

Thanks to the democratisation of finance, investing no longer requires special insights or expertise. If the broker or investment advisor, provides you with the necessary context, you can make your own well-informed judgments. A good deal, is always required to change a well-ingrained mental attitude, which has been at home and endured for a number of years.

The history of liberty in action, is a history of the limitations of government power. When you cultivate the nature of what you are, then you are free.

A cold review of history, shows that tyranny is the more frequent condition of the human race. Free societies have been few in number and not often long-lived. Without regular proper nourishment, our free democratic society, may pass across the darkness of citizen ignorance, like a splendid, fleeting little comet, burn into ashes and rapidly vanish. In a democratic society, the answer is, really concerned people interacting freely provided they don't hurt their fellow citizens, take or steal their stuff. As we already know, humans, including politicians, are not perfect creatures. With regular government intervention, the problems created when people are not allowed to interact freely, are mostly far worse.

Personal freedom is, very simply, the absence of government force and coercion. Top-down political force and coercion, in all its forms, always creates conflict. Therefore, the less government intervention, force and conflict in a society, the more peace its citizens are likely to enjoy.

In a truly free democratic society, no person, irrespective of his or her status, may use force. However, of course, as long as the individual has not initiated criminal force first.

Of course, there's almost nothing anyone can do to fully eliminate the use of force in any society.

However, it's always possible for dedicated, farsighted rational folks, to create a society which encourages cooperation to solve political and social problems. A free society that discourages the use of any form of force. Top-down short-sighted government intervention, into the interactions of entrepreneurs and individuals, always creates hierarchies, rigid self-serving monopolies and cartels. In the end, this only serves to make the already "well-connected" rich while impoverishing those at the bottom. And even much worse, it creates the need for even more intervention in the future to keep the personal enriching boat steady and afloat.

Constant government intervention, isn't just immoral, it's a long-term recipe for catastrophe. Everyone wishes they'd known everything sooner.

Liberty in democratic action, needs virtue and truth. The free democratic society is a moral society, or it is not free at all. With a free elected citizenry, the people at most risk, are the digestible autocrats. Living within an unstable political situation, I found myself at the mercy of my bad political imagination. It may seem aimless, but it's deliberately aimless. Democracy in action, cannot be stopped, but it can, with imagination, be soundly directed.

Fear of the impending change of the political structure, had hundreds of people, experiencing mounting fear. Their whole lives, social aspirations, financial and status objectives, were built on the corrupt and rewarding structures of autocracy. When the autocratic system fell victim of democracy in action, the old far-off fears raced to the front. Daily mounting fear of redress poisoned their lives. They wished to shed their social title, their status – real or assumed. But the past, the bad political past, has an indelible memory.

One could now and then, hear a receding crumbling, rasping yellow political voice. Less, the political identity is the all-important thing.

Your prejudice and perceptions, that are going to go out to your world, whether you actively project or not, depends on your political and financial identity. Your well-informed mind, is the most powerful force. Your perceptive mind, listens to what your optimistic voice is saying. There is only one really good way, to see the revealing light: as soon as possible. Otherwise, you acquire unnecessary labour; you do out of necessity what you might have done with pleasure. The experienced wise, size up immediately, what has to be done, sooner or later, and do it with pleasure, enhancing their reputation.

Nobody has inherited respect – it has to be earned.

This is the true joy in life, the best used for a purpose recognised by yourself, as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. And also, the only real tragedy in life, is the best used by personally-minded men for purposes, which you recognise to be base.

Some of the world's most outstanding and greatest feats, were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.

The unfortunate part, is that those who are money-management and politically ignorant, will never know that they are being abused. It is almost impossible to learn anything important about anyone, until we get him or her to debate and to disagree with us. It is only in contradiction that real character is disclosed. That is why aloof autocratic employers, usually remain so ignorant about the true nature of their workforce and subordinates.

Crisis: Problem equals opportunity. Lost Character cannot be summoned at the moment of need and crisis, if it has been abused and squandered by years of compromise virtues of the truth. The only real testing ground for the politically expedient and heroic, is the mundane. There is only one preparation for the one profound life-changing decision which can change a life or history. This is those multitude of insignificant decisions we have to make each day. Good habit, is the daily battleground of character.

Often the best about not saying anything, is that it can't be repeated. The deepest feeling always shows itself in silence. In politics, one often hears about a well under rehearsed conspiracy of silence. Some people prefer to talk because they think sound is more manageable than silence. It takes mastery to control silence. Before the explosion, the political fuse was doused, but still smoking. Once again the silence was mistaken for compliance; and the fuse burned on.

With the abuse of unnecessary medicine, the danger of trying to prolong your life, can easily be ruining what happens to be left of it. So walk with care before grabbing the instant cure medication!!!

If history is any guide, many folk's in desperation will overrule this advice to go slow. With the advent of relatively easy access to all sorts of information, people are infinitely more informed about their health. Of course, there are still many people who fear that the doctor has pecuniary interest in nourishing our diseases. They also fear that they will be submitted to an almost endless variety of medications and interventionist procedures.

There is another brick in the wall of your health and wealth education.

"Has this psychiatric nerve got anything to do with my back problem?"

Well-informed individuals are more conservative about their own treatment than doctors. "Don't worry, my dear, I am quite used to sceptics. They generally turn out to be the most vulnerable and receptive in the long run."

The port of last resort. Basically, you need two things from your doctor: Skill and concern.

I well recall a young doctor telling me about his medical lecturer at university. "He gave me an ulcer and a profession. In many ways, he was a contrarian. He also relished findings and observations that did not fit expected patterns or standard dogmas. He was so refreshingly sceptical about the way medical students and others, were taught and brainwashed by unsubstantiated clinical twaddle."

Those that have charm don't really need brains. Of course, not true! Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated. Robert S. McNamara, former U.S. Secretary of Defence.

Few things move as quietly as the future. Our knowledge about our ignorance, makes us wiser people. Authority without wisdom, is like a heavy axe, without an edge, fitter to bruise than to polish.

The greatest risk for an HMO – Health Maintenance Organisation patient, is passivity.

At the heart of all right causes, is a cause that cannot lose.

Pro-activity people seek opportunities in the marketplace. And really satisfy customer needs.

Jewish curse: "I wish you a big staff."

The political progress; the passion of one man becomes diluted in the anger of thousands. Passion, not pedigree, will win in the end.

If you transgress the boundaries of God, you are punished.

There are those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. If I were to focus on what other people are doing, it would detract from what I am doing. Talent and persistence, is the greatest passport in the world, it can get you anywhere.

Is every family really to possess one of these unequal equals? To the degree that you give other people what they need, they will give what you need.

This is very important: the greatest gift you can give your children, are the roots of self-responsibility, the freeing wings of independence, and an always inquisitive mind.

True creativity, is allowing yourself to make mistakes. The art is knowing which ones are the best to keep. What controls our life, is what we focus on.

If you can share any problem with your friend and wife, you're rich. If you can face your aging parents and believe you have given back to them, even a hint of what they gave you, you're rich. If you can take an afternoon off from the mounting pressure of work, to go boating and fishing, with your pal, you're really rich. If you can honestly say you have nothing to hide, you are really, really rich. However, remember, the ever-present sceptics will question you!

I have frequently heard devastated persons tell me, that the final financial destroying straw, was the divorce!

While the going is good, always plan for possible future bad fortune while your fortune is good. In the summer it is wise to provide for winter, and it is easier to do so.

Favours are less expensive, and friendship abounds. Keep a following of good and reliable friends and grateful people; someday you will value what now seems unimportant.

Take the profit off the table! Quit while you're ahead. All the best gamblers do.

If there is one secret to survival, note that I'm saying survival, not success, in business, it is a combination of persistence and tenacity. I repeat: there are really no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation; hard work, learning from failure. If you have some minimal talent, some focus regularity and aren't certifiably insane, you can survive in any field of your choice, if you simply are determined to hold on. To survive in the possession of any form of wealth, one should not flaunt or display it. If you don't shake the opportunity fruit bearing trees, nothing will fall out of them. So, when times are hard, let's go and shake the best trees. Of course, the scenario around the world, always looks difficult. We wonder whether those in power, are actually listening? You cannot perform against a declining economy; irrespective of your ability.

Never leave a place where you're having a good time to go somewhere else where you only think you'll have a better time. Rich Leblond.

For the chronic worriers, the economy is anaemic. Looking at the bad leader, one cannot but wonder whether he had undergone a complete value and ideological rehearsal?

We don't know who we are until we see what we can do. You don't get on in life by being Mr. Nice-buy. Never give up; always begin again.

Don't let the obstacle of the rock in the way, become immovable. I have seen people bounce off the rock, after they walk face-on into the rock. Others saw a better path. They walked very carefully around the rock, on their way to success.

Rather than be ashamed and bury your failures under the carpet, talk about them to your friends. Because you want to acknowledge that things will change and become rosy. Change means abandoning the predictable and known ways of doing things, which we have learned to adjust to. It means meeting new stimulating people; learning new skills, new relationships and routines with which we are unfamiliar and unconfident.

If you've retired, and if you're a 55-year old highly skilled worker, you cannot diversify away your skills – rather, get new ones. In our day to day life, there are a lot of conventional pressures forcing us to conform to a mundane and really unexciting existence. Remember, you often have a choice! Hang in there, or get liberated! Move on!

The advantage of moving into a new field of making a living, is that you are not exposed to the old conventional polluted thinking and clutter! I know that re-location and change can be somewhat demanding! However, I don't think change is really stressful. I think that real persistent long-term failure is much more stressful.

Failure is no disaster; provided you have the right tools and do it the right way, you learn from it. Failure is not the end of the world; it's no disaster. However, so important, provided you do it the right way – you learn from it. And that's learning more by not succeeding. Adversity introduces us to ourselves.

As they say in the engineering world: "One half of the world lives on the other half's bugger-ups!"

Unleash your imagination. Let your free and creative imagination take to flights of fancy. The more freedom and expression, you put into it, the more you liberate yourself creation.

However, sometimes methodology is more important than contents. For the creative folks, imagination is more important than knowledge.

There's a persistent dream that doesn't fade, an impossible repeating dream, that just might come true. All it requires is a lot of dedication and hard work.

Those persistent dream, are the dreams we'd be fools to give up on. If you have no dream, you can't have a nightmare.

A dream come true, is but a desire and a wheelbarrow persistently worked at. Success is approached by a wheelbarrow, to get it, you must push each day. OR put another way: sometimes success is approached by a square wheeled wheelbarrow, to get it, you must push even harder each day. Lots of people walking around who are paralysed by lack of ideas and dreams.

Freedom, after all, is simply being able to live with the consequences of your decisions. Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.

Never Forget To Regularly Practice Top Quality Pessimism.

How would you and your family survive with being retrenched. Or a 30-50 cutback in your business? Remember that you can successfully breed pessimism; but you can never stifle enthusiasm and optimism. Enthusiasm is the father of excellence. The worst thing in your life may contain seeds of the best. Go out and plant these seeds, nourish and nurture them and harvest the successful rewards!

When you can see crisis as an opportunity, your life becomes not necessarily easier, but more satisfying. Check the door three times, and please don't forget the window of opportunity. The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting in above-average effort.

The lack of comparative health care information, suppresses competition and keeps people from making knowledgeable decisions about their care. Often, the internal information collection and gaining fan was not running.

Always be wary of the advisors or the man of genius, who makes no mistakes. Errors often are the fortunate portals of discovery.

A lot of people conveniently mistake a short memory for a clear conscience. I well remember learning quite a bit from a lady who had experienced some misfortunes in life. She spontaneously resumed the mining of her very painful memory – and she had a lot of material to mine.

No man has a good enough memory to be a good and successful liar. Lincoln.

Keep ambition in check. There is the great danger of substituting intellectual ambition for ordinary human affections; Let us keep it in bounds. You are keen and prepared to service your ambitions with intelligent and innovative work. Everyone wants to succeed. He who gains a victory over other men, is strong, but he who gains a victory over himself, is all-powerful.

We sometimes may pass violets, looking for roses. We may pass contentment, looking for victory.

You can't be really happy with money unless you help people along the way. Because if you're successful, in what you do, you can become a pain in the neck to a lot of people. Particularly if you are doing it in a voluntary manner. The trick is, not to be Mr. Good to everybody. Rather do and help those you can, and not allow yourself to worry about those that you can't.

There are those who work all day, those who dream all day, and those who spend an hour dreaming before setting to work to fulfil those dreams. They are the people who will go into the last category, because there's virtually no competition.

There is an acquired art to successful wandering. That's if I have a set destination, a plan, an objective. I've lost the ability to find that point of good fortune, serendipity.

A while ago, I had the good fortune to meet with a young fellow with outstanding moral standards and values! He was one of those clever young business and political men, who never allow principle to interfere with success. At some stage, he also was the victim of self-deception about his importance, an obstacle to real success. It is the business of little minds to shrink; about he whose heart is firm, and conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. Thomas Paine.

The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed. Lloyd Jones.

If you don't know where you are going, sooner or later, any road will get you there. However, don't be shocked or surprised, if this is not where you really like to be! Rather, get up and go – in the right direction. I couldn't wait for the arrival of early success! So I went ahead without it. Fortunately, I had on board determination, pluck, set goals, the acquired ability of being a contrarian!

The only way to make a difference in the world, is to put ten times as much effort into everything, that anyone else thinks is possible or reasonable. It doesn't leave much time for hobbies or sport. But it gets things done. Persistent enthusiasm, is the fuel for success. Enthusiasm, is like having two very capable and motivated right hands. Nothing really is work unless you'd rather be doing something else. Watch out for these problem fellows! Because problems often are good opportunities in work clothes. Henry J. Kaiser.

If you really can't fail, you won't start. Rather work in tandem with people, as opposed to working against them.

You can force a slave to work, but you can't force him not to spoil what he makes. Many of the bad things men do, they do because they are afraid.

The clock of progress and history, good or bad, is not to be set back; it moves forward, seeking new horizons. There are so many folks, who are always complaining about a multitude and ever-changing collection of matters! Why does someone perpetually create for themselves, the condition for their own dissatisfaction? The persistent corrupt political situation in the country has a long-term corrosive effect on humanity.

Successful diplomacy it the art of letting someone have your way. Instead of pushing the other side toward an agreement, draw them in the direction you want them to move. If you could handle a company and make it work, why not the government.

The capital-gains tax is not a tax on rich people. It is a tax on poor people who want to get rich. We have got to spend some time building a ladder out of poverty upon which people can climb. Giving people some boots and some straps with which exercise their self-help is the greatest goal. Too many politicians are worried that somewhere someone is going to get rich. They are not worried about how many people are getting poorer. They are not even worried, that the government had wasted and tax the capital, the source of seed capital, for the next generation of entrepreneurship.

If you don't stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything. Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love. Be all you can. The truth is, that it is possible. That's where real success comes from – working hard at something with all your heart and soul. Never be frightened by those you assume have more talent than you do, because in the end, persistence, determination and energy will prevail.

You must learn to discover the perceived boundary, between the real and the fear-driven imagined world. Let your good actions speak for themselves, and eventually they'll be speaking for you. There are always those who are afraid to take a well researched risk, because even then, they fear they may be wrong! Someone who won't take a risk, is in a sad shape, a mental condition to be avoided at all cost. A good deal is always required to change a mental attitude which has endured for a number of years. What are you really risking if you listen to another? Of course, you might be changed. Mostly, you can afford that risk. HOWEVER, you may be so attached to your previously held ideas, that changeless core about you. That is your favourite well-imbedded changeless value formula.

That's also why so many folks are reluctant and are defending themselves against expertise-gaining listening. Why? They are too vulnerable, and they fear the fear of fear. They also fear that they can easily expose their ignorance, and can be wiped out. What if the speaker didn't like me; where would I go for shelter? What would I do then? Of course, throw away your fear; extend a listening ear to the speaker; be keen to learn from him or her!

If you wish to succeed, you will have to take the money matters ignorance bull by the horns. And, as you are aware, that's a very difficult thing to do, because, in many ways, the ignorance, seems to be rational. If only you could do away with your pernicious habit of hanging on to financial and investment ignorance. To most of us, there is nothing more disenchanting, than to be shown the hidden springs of information and mechanism of any finance, health and investment learning. Without health and money management knowledge, one is at the mercy of the economic winds. But make no mistake: health, financial and investment Knowledge, is the successful stay out of the debt trouble card. Financial and investment ignorance may be short-term bliss, but it certainly is not the way to live a truly free long-term life.

Borrowing, and getting into debt, creates the illusion, that we can afford a better lifestyle than we actually can. And sooner or later, the chickens will come home to roost with a vengeance! It's never nice for the individuals and their Relationships when that happens.

Michael Karni said – "The very best way to predict the future, is to create it."

You must close the eyes and waken in yourself that other vision, the birthright of all, but which few turn to use. Plotonius.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 129:

What We Desperately Need Is An Enthusiasm Renaissance

All of us have the latent capacity for intense enthusiasm. You just have to persist to find the right outlet for yourself. Having said that you can just find something you are very enthusiastic about, and the money will roll in, certainly does not work! You really must find a passion that provides a service or product, that others are keen, prepared and willing to pay for.

If you are the artist, world-expanding author, visionary, the entrepreneur, remember that the world is constantly saying thank you to you. Thank you for being alive, for creating so many valuable and quality of life enhancing new things, new energies, new experiences.

Is it not really amazing to note how few things move as quietly as the future? Fortunately, if we are prepared to learn, our knowledge about our ignorance makes us wiser people. Authority without wisdom, is like a heavy as without an edge, fitter to bruise than to polish. The greatest risk for an HMO – Health maintenance Organisation – patient is passivity. At the heart of all right causes, is a cause that cannot lose.

Acquire the habit of always having questions at hand, whenever you are going to attend a meeting; have a person-to-person encounter. Even if you know the answers, you will at least show some interest in what the other person has to say. And even better, you will help the many folks in the audience, who are also afraid of asking questions, gain valuable information.

Ringing in my ears, are the words of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who wrote: "The ultimate test of a moral society, is the kind of (No Fear) world that it leaves to its children." (My insert in brackets.) Victories attained by right thought and can be maintained only by watchfulness. Many give way when success is assured, and rapidly fall back into failure. Dream lofty visionary dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. You have not converted a man because you have silenced him. In recognising the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute. Always remember that intimidation is no substitute for creative thought.

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The tender grace of a day that is dead will never come back to me. Tennyson.

All things are created twice. The physical creation follows the mental creation. It's always a very good idea to create pleasant memories for the future, to be retrieved. We can preserve sights, smells and sounds in our memories. To be selected and enjoyed when the company and mood strikes us. The good memories are also all of stooping and staying a while. Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. To have a really pleasant life, you should spread those small daily pleasant memories across time, as evenly as possible. Time is slippery. We choose the colours by the company they keep.

What is synaesthesia? It is to associate sound with colour.

Do not frequently prefer to have your mind always entertained, rather than using it. How can you expect to feel, or hear, or imagine your own success when your mind is cluttered with a disco beat and dancing lights, or gun shots, or the news of today.

Wealth came from the human imagination. Paul Romer.

The importance of successful failure, at least you've tried!

You can't assume, or take it for granted, that kindness is a genetic or an inherited trait. It really is experience-based learned behaviour.

Those who steadfastly cling to the past, are in danger of losing their way, while the pioneers and the entrepreneurs, who forge ahead, are most likely to claim the future. Fortunately, times of great change and necessity, always bring out the necessary entrepreneurs, the job creators and the risk-takers. And they also leave winners and losers.

Good or bad circumstance does not always necessarily make the man; but it reveals him to himself.

Look at statistics about divorce. Then you notice, that men do not always necessarily attract that which they so desperately want, but rather, that which they too, are. Most men are also frequently anxious, to hang out the attraction shingle. They do that to improve their future status and circumstances. However, once they have found a suitable partner, got married, they are often then also married to the old enemy procrastination. One can understand that a person can select the wrong marriage partner! However, to get divorced, and a while later marry the same person, is totally beyond logical understanding! They also are unwilling to actively improve themselves; they therefore remain unhappy, job-static and situation bound. For them, their family and associates, suffering is always the effect of someone else's fault. It's always so handy to have doctor Blame at hand!

A man or woman, cannot always directly choose their good or bad circumstances. However, they can almost always choose their thoughts, and so indirectly, influence and shape their present and future circumstances.

Galloping political incompetence knows no bounds; barriers of time or place.

As already highlighted, Education, often touted as a cure for all ills, is apparently no cure for bad or poor management and incompetence. With the standards of education sliding downhill, it is reported that incompetence runs riot in the halls of education. Even if the financial and opportunity past was not kind to you, turn it to account, to understanding. Assume any career moves you make, won't go smoothly. They certainly won't. But don't look back. Andy Grove, chairman, Intel Corp.

He that always gives way to others, will end in having no principles of his own. Success? Don't you already know it is all about being able to extend love to people? Not in a big, capital-letter and publicly acclaimed sense. But rather in the everyday little by little, task by task, friendly gesture by gesture, supporting word by word.

If you wish to find success, look for success in dealing with other people depends on a sympathetic grasp of the other person's viewpoint. Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Patience also is an investment virtue.

Warren Buffet said it when he explained that: Wealth is the transfer on money from the impatient to the patient.

Anxiety and stress, are so desirable. In fact, many people feel out of touch if they too, do not suffer from either anxiety or the fashionable stress! However, if you happen to fall within this category, decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth, and refuse to give it any more. "He that sent me is with me. The Father hath not let me alone."

Let all things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. B. Franklin.

We often value perceptions more than facts. Get the facts. Let's not even attempt to solve our problem without first collecting all the facts in an impartial manner. How much have cost us the evils that never happened?

I never think of the future. It comes soon enough. Albert Einstein.

The Most Valuable Asset lost: time – Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever. Horace Mann.

Seek happiness each day. If you are not happy today, you will never be happy. Strive to be patient, unselfish, purposeful, strong, very eager and work with enthusiasm. If you do these things with a grateful heart, you will be happy – at least as it is given man to be on earth. To deliberately pollute the quality of life of a fellow human being, to misappropriate a minute of a fellow human being's time, to deliberately cause unhappiness of any fellow human being, is wicked, to allow such thing to ever occur.

Tomorrow, do thy worst, for I have lived today." Worry is blunting rust upon the blade. Worry also lives a long way from rational thought.

Don't sit on the fence. Don't procrastinate. Look facts in the face, bitter though they may be: make a decision, and after you have once made the decision, devote all your time to carrying it out. Don't spend any time worrying about whether or not it is right. Make it right.

The happy and tender grace of a day that is dead, will, never, ever come back to me.

The quality of your daily life is your temple and your religion. Take your energy-consuming worries, for a really well deserved walk, they may just join the birds and fly away. In some people's lives, after the change of government, the always present fear contested with growing agony. Agony growing from the erosion of arrogance.

Why should you fear tomorrow? Rather join those who have seen yesterday, and really love today.

There is nothing of which we are apt to be so lavish as of time, and about which we ought to be more solicitous; since without it we can do nothing in this world. William Penn.

Pass, therefore, not this precious day, in vain, for it will never come again.

If we are ever to enjoy life, now is the time – not tomorrow nor next year; nor in some future life after we have died. The very best preparation, for a much better life next year is a full, complete, harmonious, joyous life this year. Our beliefs in a rich future life are of little importance unless we coin them into a rich present life. Today should always be our most wonderful day. Thoma "S Dreier.

So often we rob tomorrow's memories by today's economies. John Mason Brown.

When one has much to put into them, a day has hundred pockets. Since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour. B. Franklin.

This time, like all times, is a very good time, if we only know what to do with it. DON'T be reckless with happiness! Don't put off being happy until some future date. Happiness is a thing to be regularly practised, like a violin. Happiness, my choice, your freedom of choice.

Happiness is also a very good stimulator of the spirit and a rejuvenating cosmetic. It's also about how you dress, feel and look. Today well and joyously lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Like in politics, what you give, you get.

He who enjoys doing, and enjoys what he has done, is happy. He who doesn't accept the challenging conditions of life, sells his soul. Charles Baudelaire.

A man is not hurt so much by what happens, as by his opinion of what he thinks happens.

In the name of sanity and gratitude, always reach out and lend a hand.

Do the very best with conditions as you find them. Do not wait until next year for better conditions. The great opportunity is where you are. Most short-term focused investors worry and think only about potential losses when the far more expensive part of the equation is the opportunities they miss. Let not your mind run on what you lack, as much as on what you have. Of the things you have, select the best; and then reflect how eagerly they would have been sought if you did not have them. Marcus Aurelius.

The breakers-away, the contrarians, are the creators. At every occasion in life, ask yourself how you can profit by it? Embrace humour; think positive! Because our life is what our thoughts make it. It is not always a question of how much a man knows, but of the use he makes of what he knows; not a question of what he has acquired, and how he has been trained, but of what he is and what he can do. A wise and dedicated person will make more opportunities than they finds. Francis Bacon.

For success: pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends upon man. However, always keep in mind, that God, too, may just also be extremely busy when you pray! So, don't slip up, get your shoulder to the wheel and get moving!

A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external economic and political things. Then learn how to co-operate with the inevitable. Take all the swift advantages of the hour. Life, however short, is made shorter by waste of time.

If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavours to live the life which they has imagined, chances are they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the solid foundations under them. They can conquer who believe they can.

Ingenuity often comes from the desperate desire to break out of poverty.

We often encounter foolproof systems that do not take into account the ingenuity of fools. Learn from your past experience and observations: Know where you can be a fool and where you can't! Of course, you can't always help being foolish! Sometimes economic and social foolishness, is dangerous, and sometimes it is benign. A fool holds a tight rein on his tongue, which only liquor loosens.

The most important thing in life is not to capitalise on your gains. Any fool can do that. The really important thing is to profit from your losses. That requires intelligence; and it makes the difference between a man of sense and a fool. William Bolitho.

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them. Washington Irving.

Sometimes it's very necessary to supplement the technology of reason with a learned technology of experience-based pragmatic foolishness. Sometime successful individuals and organisations, also need ways of thinking way out of the conventional metal case. Doing things for which they have only their gut feeling or experience to thank! In an emergency, they need to act before they think. However, again, with experience and a action lan, they are usually well prepared!

The ultimate, and very important, measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune. So far, man is the only animal who can store survival and other knowledge outside his body. This has made him stand out above the creatures around him.

Experience, if really learned from, is the only real teacher. Empowering and enlightening consumers, is the best way to prosper and save. You really can't save your way to prosperity. You must have a long-term prosperity plan in action: mostly living as a contrarian; seeking opportunities where others only see the dangers and darkness! Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it. W. Hazlitt.

Adversity brings the opportunity to test our mettle and discover for ourselves the stuff of which we are made. What's really important, is, for motivated people to take their destiny into their own hands. If one person brings together other thoughtful, committed people, it's incredible what can take place.

The person who gets anything worth having, is the person who goes after their chosen object, as a ferocious bulldog goes after a cat with every fibre in him! How true that enthusiasm is the father of excellence. I know more derelict academics, than derelict enthusiastic entrepreneurs. Don't confuse me with the facts and your prejudice. My mind is already made up.

It is your very important duty to know what is not going on around you. Don't dress for the work that you've got. Rather, dress for the work that you want.

Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. Cyril Northcote Parkinson.

Don't become the un-intended victim of your own ignorance. The mastery in speech can only be reached by mastery in one's subject. Lloyd George.

Nothing renders a man's likeness so true as his speech. Ben Johnson.

For the Egyptian civil service some thousands of years ago: "Be courteous and tactful as well as honest and diligent. All your doings are publicly known, and must therefore be beyond complaint or criticism. Be absolutely impartial. Always give reason for refusing a plea; complainants like a kindly rearing even more than a successful plea.

Uninformed criticism is a dangerous field. One needs to get into a person's head, his prejudices and background, to understand where he is coming from. If one can't, then rather keep quiet. Preserve dignity but avoid inspiring fear. If a man happens to find himself and his dreams, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity, all the days of his remaining life.

Be an artist in words, that you may be strong, for the tong is a sword. WHAT you say and write is you. The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Mark Twain.

Sometimes the clearest political signposts, point in the wrong direction!

Necessity is the mother of taking calculated and well-researched chances.

Remember, when dealing with experts, their qualification does not preclude looking at their personality access. There really is nothing wrong with telling them, that i wish to take a look around your qualifications at your philosophy of life and human values.

Your biggest retirement nightmare: nursing home bills that melt a retiree's wealth like a blowtorch. A part-time job gives you the social contact that retirement denies you. The best contacts are when one knows the obstacles and has information at hand to make avoiding them easier.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. The dead take to the grave, clutched in their hands, only what they have given away.

Medical experts really agree. Even on comparatively simple matters. Those of us who have occasion to study the medical press are constantly surprised at the divergence of opinions displayed by experienced doctors on subjects which the layman thinks were settled years ago

Faith, you can do very little with it, but you can do nothing without it. Samuel Buttler.

Faith is really not knowledge of what the perplexing mystery of the universe is, but the belief and conviction that there actually is a mystery, and that it is really much greater than us. Enthusiasm is the real fuel for success. Luck is also a very good word if you put a p before it. However, you must always maximise the chances for good luck.

Always recall that no man ever became great or good except through many and great mistakes. To believe is to be strong. Doubt crams energy. Belief is power. Every important, great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of someone's enthusiasm. Without victory, there is no survival. Have a great aim, aptitude and perseverance to attain it. Strong beliefs win strong men and women, and then make them stronger. All we need to make us really happy, is something to be enthusiastic about. If you really like to be a power among men, cultivate enthusiasm. People will like you better for it; you will make headway wherever you are. People will believe in you just as they believe in electricity when they get into touch with a dynamo.

No one can give faith, unless he has faith; the persuader persuades. What is the hard knock school? That's where you develop success from the hard-knock school of failure. Learning from discouragement and failure, which are two of the surest stepping-stones to success. No other element can do so much for a man if he is willing to study them and make capital out of them. Look backward. Can't you see where your failures have helped you?

Genius is intensity. The only testing ground for the heroic is the mundane. The only preparation for the that one profound decision which can change a life, or even a nation, is those hundreds of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private.

Habit is the daily on-going battleground of character. Of course, those standards are more practical if less exacting.

Many of our professions have been hit hardest by the deficiency of persuasive communication, reinforced by the need for rapid results. Many also undervalue our position as equals in the health-care service team. Internationally, the outcry is growing: "No more drugs! Is that operation really necessary?" Our mono should be: "Quality Health And Function Through Physical Means First!"

Patients often feel they are kept in the dark about their conditions; mostly, on account of the health care professional's lack of time or the use of real information concealing high-sounding technical verbal display of what they actually think they are conveying to the patient.

Therefore, what we do not clearly understand, we do not possess. How does the urgency of my condition inter-phase with your cash-flow needs?

Medicine remains, despite all the talk of scientific medicine, essentially an empirical process in which one does what works best. He who laughs frightens away illness.

You can't put in what God's left out. Well, things seem to have changed; increasingly, human body parts are either being replaced or even being manufactured with the aid of modern reproduction techniques and technologies!

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Chapter 130:

Acquired Helplessness Syndrome

In some families, this syndrome is a very, very handy ticket to have around the neck of some folks – keeps them away from the daily chores of doing so many things! I'm only a part-time saint, I do miracles once a week. It is to exchange a certain ill for a doubtful good. And let me tell you, the attentive ear and empathy, is often of as much service to the patient, as the physician. The relationship between you and your patient, should be one of collaboration. The end result is that your patient's quality of life will be enhanced and your work-satisfaction improved. Our profession cannot embrace sallow change. Often we hear that I would love to help you. But you put too many constraints on my expertise and skills. These constraints are based on your genetic prejudice and orthodox narrow vision. How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct. Your mind listens to what your voice is saying.

The lack of comparative information suppresses competition and keeps people from making knowledgeable decisions about their care. You cannot ask people to exercise broader judgement if their information world is severely restricted by very narrow sources of freely available information.

I don't think change is really stressful, I think long-term failure is more stressful. In the cycles of world events, particularly financial and investment cycles, we often encounter the fear of the fear of failure. It also has a very keen tendency to compound at a rapid rate, causing many otherwise sensible folks, to do the very write wrong thing in their investment cycle.

I'm also convinced that many great things in life happen because they deny the crippling fear of failure. So listen to the inner voice, your experience-based gut feeling, that counsels courage, that affirms your life and your ability, and you will tap the power that makes a winner. Tune into your intuition. Tune out the distractions. Run-of-the-mill logic and reason may not be the best way to solve life's problems. You could be much better off developing your intuition.

Thinking too much can lead to dithering or bad decision-making. When it comes to danger, trust your intuition – it always has your best interest at heart. HOWEVER, there's really nothing wrong with trusting your gut.

The more experience you accumulate in whatever sector you focus on, the more acute your intuitive "radar" becomes: listen to it. For some, the logic of worldly success, rests on a fallacy. This is the strange, but perpetuated, error that our successful progress depends on the thoughts and opinions of other men. This is certainly a very weird formula for life. Of course, it is a very handy idea, particularly for authors, where their remarkable characters are living in somebody else's fertile creative imagination. Well, for the fictional characters, this is the only birthplace in which one could become real.

There is little room left for wisdom when one is full of judgement. Only ideas have large and lasting consequences – and, fortunately, books are still the primary carriers of ideas. If you get your customers to pour out their complaints and treatment expectations at a greater rate than you pour out the treatment, in the end you will both be better rewarded. Knowledge is an affordable and necessary tree, retreat and shelter for us. And if we do not plant and nourish it while young, it will give us no fruit and shade when we grow old.

Remember, whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are perfect. So, please, don't let them down!

There is always some work that will never be done if you don't do it. There is someone important who would miss you if you are gone. There is an important place that you alone can fill.

Nothing is so totally embarrassing, causing your face to glow red, as watching someone do something that you said couldn't be done.

Fortunately, for the humour-acting folks, remember that most people are prepared to pay more to be amused than to be educated.

Love increases the power of prayer. Only love can light the spark of the healing fire.

In this time of high-speed achievement, consumption, acquiring and disposing, it is rather interesting to also note that we are congesting ourselves with speed.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Broad, when wholesome, charitable views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth. Mark Twain.

The idea that wherever society takes action to change something, there will be unanticipated or unintended effects.

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Chapter 131:

An Important Basic Lesson Of Retirement

Limit Daily Unnecessary Consumption. If you're spending money, you've also got to be making even more money. Thrift is a virtue of inestimable value to all retirees.

On-going training ensures employability, but also makes it easier for older workers to keep up with rapid advancements in their particular fields. As far as the older folks are concerned, it may also be that there are reasons why business has an age above which they would not recruit older people. However, the advantage of employing older people, is that older workers have experience, expertise, a wider association base, knowledge, and can act as mentors to younger workers. They also will be able to connect to the various age groups of the customer base. Employers also value older workers, because they are loyal, on time and dependable, as well as for their skills and commitment to their field of expertise.

He has dedicated his whole life to work, and perhaps fears that stopping will mean death.

The port of another last resort.

The trick is to do and help those you can, and not allow yourself to worry about those that you can't.

No successful nation can be built on passivity. It takes dedicated, active, imaginative people. Those who write, who send query letters, who receive rejections and who try again, are those with the spirit of our forefathers.

Of course, there are those who create, but send it into their "dead" file or a "wait" pile or a "someday" file. Non-participation may one day wake one up on the floor of disillusionment – wondering how one got there.

Fortunately, the more one is in the international electronic print, the more one will make contacts.

I don't know when it dawned on me that a piece of creative writing was more than just words. It was a very pleasing performance. The creative writer used the words as a musical platform for new ideas. . The internationally experienced conductor on the knowledge-podium. Piano and chorus in the foreground, violins behind.

One of the drawbacks of excessive modesty. If you continue to keep a very low profile, not exposing your achievements, skills and abilities, how can people know what you are doing. Even worse, how can they know what you are doing well or wrong.

The echo of an authoritarian government: Don't argue: do as you are told, has to be said not only to children and soldiers, but practically to everybody. Fortunately, most people have outsourced their common sense. When investors, turn over their responsibility for their good and secure financial future, to professional managers, they run the risk that, in time, their ambitions, tastes and prejudices will supplant their own. Always remember, that outsourcing your common sense, is really dangerous! There is, of course, a growing tendency to outsource your memory to in-the-cloud and external devices!

However, outsourcing the responsibility of your parenthood, could be disastrous! The mother of a family, is the kingpin of security, comfort, laying down value systems that will help the young children cope with their future, a future, that also, will be even more demanding!

Fortunately, with the evolution of new technologies and new forms of work, more home-based work opportunities are at hand. This gives the very, very important mother more flexibility, while still keeping a firm hand on her professional and important income-generating features in the real life! Here, the most important factor, is the sensible allocation of quality family-spent time!

Mostly, as we frequently observe, people do not want to argue: they are only too glad to be saved the trouble of thinking for themselves. Don't let someone else, accept responsibility on your behalf. Every good or bad action you take, is your personal responsibility.

The only test of management, and it is a tough one, is success. But success comes more easily to those who are keen observers, listeners, readers and who study the world around them, and are continually updating their craft, than to those who try to repeat a formula that worked once in the past. The world is littered with former stuck-in-the-mud heroes, who were so intoxicated with a success, which they failed to adapt to new circumstances, new technologies and new demands.

Change means being mobile in your vision of life and technology in progress. Abandoning the predictable and known long-time ways of doing things which we have become accustomed to. It also means learning new technologies and skills, new relationships and new routines with which we are still unfamiliar and unconfident. It is impossible to change individuals and organisations, which do not accept the dangers of their present way of doing things.

It also is certainly true that the greatest risk of all, is making no change, because sooner rather than later, new skills, and techniques will leap-frog past you and your organisation, making you obsolete! It is inevitable that, sooner rather than later, others will overtake you – but this is a truism that is not always easy to accept. It is also very difficult indeed, particularly in politics, to change against the grain and culture of the belief of your people.

In politics, as is the case in business, time spent keeping your people abreast of the changing world is never wasted. In a democratic society, if things start going wrong, the folks at ground floor level, need to know, not only what is going on, but even more, what you intend to do about it. Their, and their children's future is at stake; they want to know how you, and they, are going to be safe and to profit from these new events?

You simply cannot suddenly dictate to the media what they may report about – or, even, act as a Censorship agency! Depending on the prevailing degree of mounted disgruntledness, this may not be a quick job. As you too, are no doubt, already aware, in politics, cosy people do not accept present or future discomfort, lack of security and safety, without struggle. Civil society soon becomes disillusioned with the lack of improvement in the quality of their lives. They soon feel that they should frequently be highlighting continuous examples of the inadequacies of the present system. If no progress is made, some members of society take to vandalising by burning and destroying valuable infrastructure!

Failing that, how do you make politicians think anything? First, get them to come and have a first-hand view of what's going on in your area! Then the next way is to start shouting the truth! Telling the way things really are at ground-level, not holding back – and to go on shouting loud and clear and often. At that stage, the authorities of the day, may put a gag on the media – forbidding them to report on the "on-the-ground" action the disillusioned citizens are taking!

Of course, there is always the hope, that it is always possible to persistently nag the corrupt authorities into a state of mind, where they will ultimately grudgingly change. However, once more, the value of revealing the long-term truth, is out of sight of some self-serving politicians! It is totally counterproductive to start a political change program unless there is a widespread inner acceptance of the unsatisfactory nature of very corrupt and self-enriching business as usual. Corrupt, self-taking-care of, political organisations do not change until the people in those organisations have. And people, in the easy-money seats, do not change their ideas and values quickly.

However, the next step, is to create, among the politically illiterate, a vision of the politically much better world. Of course, this new political order, has to be alluring to tempt the masses away from today's mounting frustrations and uncertainties. This new vision would have to be created by the trusted leader with an unblemished, non-corrupt, publicly accepted moral and core value system.

As democratic citizens and part of the electorate, we must always remember the long-term purpose of the vision. Always remember that the difference between a comfortable groove and a grave, is the depth! For too many folks, the break on change, unquestionably, is fear of fear.

However, not only is there fear of the unknown. There is also often the fear of letting go of our present social habitat. The old time friends; support system; work or business associates.

Our normal first reaction, to a new challenge, is conviction that it is beyond us. Fortunately, the world has shrunk a good deal. Both our physical self and our intellectual equity, are easily transferable. Speedily, with enormous agility, heading to the vista of a new country, where these assets will be appreciated and doing business made much easier!

One wonders to what extent there is truth in the following: it is more often the over-confident who fail, rather than those who doubt their ability to succeed. Look around and check the status of many politicians, in a corrupt and self-serving system! ! Predictably, when it comes to change, they object to anything they see as rocking the boat. You will also notice the irony, that it is very seldom that they are fired for their own inadequacy. Rather, they will soon be relocated to another equally well paid position – with a rather similar social status!

I hear you saying, what this country needs, are more unemployed politicians. Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)

People who believe themselves inadequate, become so., frighteningly quickly. Note the compounding effect of persistent long-term perceived failure. This occurs when failure is piled upon perceived failure.

"Come on Harry, far too important an issue for us to waste time while you are playing your political games," will pre-empt endless plotting and time wasted. Top-heavy bureaucracy. Bureaucracy seldom withers away, without powerful leverage and a lot of help. Most people react to the expectations which others have of them. Most people also have a natural rate of working, which they will maintain in any event. Most people also have a natural rate of deterioration. Similarly, most people have a natural rate of attrition.

Given a fair chance, people create work for other people, and excess people create extra work.

Original thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it. I repeat this rather important fact: clear thinking, is really hard work. A great many people go through life without doing it to any noticeable extent.

And as George Orwell, whom I then quoted, has pointed out, sloppy and ready-made phrases "will construct your sentences for you and even think your thoughts for you to a certain extent."

Nothing is negligible that is a symptom of loose thinking. Never argue or debate with individuals or institutions who's preselected prejudices are genetically "right."

If you're going to create, again be original and create a lot.

For the follow the herd folks, it is a great responsibility to depart from the usual practice. The intelligent investor, is likely to need considerable will power to keep from following the crowd. A great lie is silenced forever; and a great wrong is set right before all men.

For some never happy people, the elusive happiness is always someplace where you're not. When will human beings learn it – that if happiness is ever to be found, it must be found in one single place, inside yourself. You can learn to be happy. No one is born happy or unhappy, anymore than he or she is born criminal, miserable, refined, polite or educated.

Any child can be so brought up, that even the darkest dungeon will not be able to shut the sunshine out of his or her life. Fortunately, there's an irrepressible enthusiasm born into every human being. Unfortunately, most of us lose it or get it beat out of us by the time we're adults. However, fortunately for ourselves and society, some of us have it forever.

Never ever give your children any extra love, attention or toys when they are sick. Save your love, your attention, your toys for them, when they're well, because if you don't, then you are going to teach to make the most vicious, and the most common adjustment, known in our world today – adjustment through sickness. Parents teach their children to be sick. This is not a lot of common sense kind of folksy wisdom.

Part of the trouble with relatives, is that people don't think about consequences of consequences. When it comes to health, It's much easier to write a script for medication than it is to write a script for lifestyle modification. Health means working within the framework of what you already have. This includes your age, any disability and illness.

Human quality of life expectancy is another one of those exponential trends. Thanks to the advance of technology and health care expertise, every year, during the 18th and 19th centuries, we have added a few valuable days to human life expectancy. Today, retirees should keep this in mind, we are adding about 120 days every year to human expectancy.

Investing money, essentially, is a trade off between spending it all NOW and postponing it to a later retirement stage. And the only incentive for an investor to do so, is the belief that their reward will vastly outweigh the pain of delay. Essentially this is what investing is all about.

How easy it is for us to learn that if we tell the truth about our fears, we will be ridiculed and ignored. But if we turn them into physical aches and pains, we not only escape the ridicule but we get sympathy in addition. No one wants to be called "cowardly," weak," "Oh, you're just a coward; come on, don't be a sissy." I never met a really well-adjusted person who consistently complained of his health. Frustrated, disappointed failures in life turn their disillusionment and fear physical symptoms that will not only excuse their failures, but will get them a little sympathy and attention. Did you ever notice two folks, who begin to speak of their operations? Concentrating on your body is a bad thing anyway. The body and its organs, are not meant to be concentrated on. As a matter of fact, the more you think about any particular function of the body, the more likely it is to give you trouble .

Would you like to try a little experiment on this tonight? When you go to bed this evening, concentrate on the right or wrong way that you are breathing. You will soon see that it is simply impossible to continue to breathe. You don't know whether you should breathe in or out. Concentrate on which foot to move next while you're dancing, and you'll soon be dancing with your hands. Lee Shubert is right. The moment people stop criticism you're dead! So long as you do things in this world, so long as you are striving to express yourself and to be better than you are, you will stir up jealousies, envy, and the brickbats of those who resent what you are doing because they do not agree with you, or because your success stimulates their own feeling of inferiority.

The successful "doers" in this world are the ones who learned to let criticism run off their backs. Have faith in yourself. Remember that the only ones, who are not talked about, are those who either do nothing, or occupy a little plot of ground in the cemetery Well, next time you hear these criticisms just think to yourself, "Hmm, I must be a success!

Winston Churchill had the following quotation hanging or in his study at Cartwell: If I were trying to read, much less answer all the attacks made on me, this shop might well be closed for any other business. Do the best I know how, the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing it to the end. The quotation is by Abraham Lincoln, and was given to Winston Churchill, as a seventieth birthday gift by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

If you have faith in what you are doing, don't let hecklers weaken or worry you. Perfectionism is a very demanding, frustrating and dangerous trait.

The often hidden medical value of humour! Can this really be true? There is no medicine ever made that can match laughter for therapeutic value. Laughter is a real medicine. It has relaxation and optimistic vitamins in it. It revives like oxygen, and it soon focuses on the brighter side of life! It also restores failing morale. It attracts, rather than pushing away, other people!

Yes, remember, as already stated, this is also very true of humour and laughter. To live well, you need a good sense of humour.

How I admire a one-eyed woman who walked up to a movie box office and said to the cashier, "With only one eye, I should think you'd let me in for half price." The cashier shook her head: "I'm sorry, but you'll have to pay double. It will take you twice as long to see the picture." but the measure of a man is how he responds to life when it deals him a nasty blow.

Have you already developed the kind of survival personality, that can hit life's bumps, and still bounce back, ready for the next one? If you have already learned to be happy, in spite of what life handed you, then you have indeed learned how to be a happy, wise and useful adult. This is really one lesson we should all learn early enough in life so that we can enjoy living more fully. We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill.

Sad but true, isn't it, that the trouble with life is that when you get old enough to know what to do, you often believe that you are too old to do it.

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Chapter 132:

Litigation Financial Cardiac Arrest

It's not what you do, it's what you own, that attracts litigation. For the pros in the lawsuit business, any person who is conspicuously wealthier than average, qualifies as a picking target. It used to be illegal, but now lawyers actively search for rich people to sue.

And when they go hunting, they look for the asset unprotected. They are extremely creative, when conjuring up ever-changing medical, work or motor vehicle-related injury symptoms. The larger the possible litigation rewards, the more innovative and original they are.

Name the vice, and he'll organise a group and try to legalise it. Name the complaint and he'll try to add monetary value to it; thus enriching himself.

How do you get protection, from the lawsuit that sooner or later, is likely to show up? And, how do you transform your assets, family, and yourself into an unattractive litigation target?

The old remedy: always keep a low profile; don't flaunt your wealth! Similarly, don't flaunt your experience and wisdom. Even if you do not lose, the cost of defending yourself can be a crippling financial disaster!

Again, the best advice, is to consult with your Investment, Financial and legal Team! They should be versed and well experienced in taking care of this protective aspect of your assets and your personal safety!

However, one of the most reliable ways, to protect your family's assets from aggressive lawsuits, is with an International Trust. At the same time, you lose your asset attractiveness as a target.

Local and international lawsuit protection, is just the start of a long list of advantages that an International Trust can deliver for you and your family. Your International Trust, has that protective power, because its subject to the laws of the country of your choice, not to the laws where you live.

Always be aware that government laws and rules can and do change, and often they change without warning. Sometimes, very quickly, overnight!

No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. Mark Twain (1866) Talk is cheap, except when government does it.

Just put yourself in a position, where you can vividly imagine what's required to survive, if a hurricane, flood, firestorm, or similar natural disasters, strike your home and entire neighbourhood? As you are the practical person, jot down at least the minimum cash requirements for buying survival items.

Your list should include at least the following: food, lighting, medical, security, shelter and water requirements for survival; and make a point of getting and storing the Priority items within easy reach! One cannot over emphasise the possible life saving idea of being vigilant, and looking ahead. And, in the off chance that some terrible natural, political or any other terrible event, can strike in the near future, it is a life-saving idea, to have a emergency and preparedness plan! Don't forget, that in a political emergency, the government of the day has it within its powers to turn off communication systems.

The plan should also include a portable communication unit, emergency food and water purification and storage, barter and value exchange supplies, emergency lighting, – torch and candles, matches, cooking and emergency medicines, masks, maps, a battery-operated portable radio – capable of receiving international radio transmission services such as the many transmissions, including The BBC and The Voice Of America – with extra batteries, and precious metals.

Of course, the amateur radio leagues always have a very important part to play during any catastrophe that breaks down the power supply grid! Always be aware of this excellent life-saving service!

Not to forget, to take your passport, identification documents and other valuable documentation as well!

And a strategic relocation plan, in case you are forced to evacuate your current residence.

To periodically think the unthinkable, really is a rather very good plan; it might just put you in an "automatic" frame of reaction, in case that very catastrophe actually does occur! Some people may think, that you are a pessimist; even an alarmist!

The "impending crisis" hardly ever gives advanced warnings! However, When a crisis hits, you need to be on "automatic mode," prepared and ready. However, if you remain on "auto static mode," you will be caught with your pants down! Rather debilitating!

You need to plan in advance. To make sure, your family won't go hungry or get herded into an emergency shelter or facility!

The fact is, if you don't take the necessary preventive action, or if you stockpile the wrong foods, medication, communication, heating and lighting units, you could be setting your family up to starve. It sounds scary, but the truth is, that far too many people, with good intentions, are making critical mistakes, with the choice and selection of the stockpiles, of their emergency food and survival aids or kits.

During the recent decades, there have been a number of devastating Natural, political international crises, with equally disastrous implications! The huge scale, on which these catastrophes occurred, is frightening, totally destructive and most personally debilitating!

If you erroneously believe, that: "We'll be all right," an unpleasant shock is waiting for you and your family.

Even more so, if you are reliant on the Government Of The Day, for your successful survival!

Consider the practical value, of periodically running through the "What If" scenario! It could be a valuable family life saving practice! Remember, an emergency is only an emergency for the unprepared. For the ready, a crisis is an opportunity.

If you are unprepared, the devastating crisis hits, the family asks: "Where is my brother or sister? Where are we going to stay? What are we going to eat?" What will your answer be his

You have a most precious, and outstanding asset: your individuality; and your ability to think and to plan ahead. Don't neglect it! Don't outsource it! Don't part with it.

Conventional education and society, may try very hard to squeeze it out of you. Never let that spark, called you, be lost; remember, it's your only real claim to fame and importance.

If you part with it, you'll become like a rubber ball that's lost its elasticity, sadly for you and your family, the Important life-saving Bounce will be gone!

If you decide, that you have allowed other experts, men and women, to act as your very own conscience, you have parted with a very valuable and self-survival tool. In fact, you have penalised and outsourced "you!"

Charles de Gaulle once observed that the cemeteries are littered with the bodies of "indispensable" men.

Always be very aware, and very cautious about a politician in action: it may be A first-class thought mechanic, always tinkering and trying to adjust your thinking and value systems!

You may soon learn, that you no longer have a basis, on which you can organise your precious and valuable self-respect. The price: limitless future, on-going protracted capacity, for money-making toil, to pay for someone else's expertise and experience. Always investigate, and think for yourself. Avoid nerds and herds!

Those who successfully survive, make a clean break from self-restricting ignorance. ... Sadly, self-imposed ignorance is something you cannot easily come back from. Why? Because it makes the past, where you should have learn, cease to exist. Regrettably, you will now frequently experience sad times for only the sake of sadness.

I believe the larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. In order to discover new lands, one must sometimes be willing to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. No mystery is permanently closed to an enthusiastic and open mind. The sooner in life, you learn how to co-operate with the inevitable, the better your progress in life is lubricated! Why should one person's favourite ignorance determine another's progress? Certainly a very valid question! If prevailing ignorance, is the local norm, how can you expect the community to make any meaningful progress?

It also is your very important survival and safety duty, to know what is Not going on around you! Unless we prioritised something, we prioritised nothing.

Things are forever changing; including one of the oldest concepts; currency. On the face of it, currency seems like a rather simple idea. It is difficult to overstate the importance of currency in modern life. It's only money, something I give you for something you have that I want. It lubricates the daily actions of exchange. For example, We get paid for the services we supply; we get paid by our employers, and then we use that same money to pay the various bills, buy our food, and purchase other goods and services. If we are prudent, looking ahead for future access to a growing pool of funds, we might put some in a compounding savings account, or invest it in stocks or real estate. In fact, the development of currency has always been at the back of shaping and directing human civilisation. Currency has also stopped wars, and it has started even many more. Business, cities, nation's private enterprise, as we know them today, would not exist without it.

The next very important family and personal survival information, merits repeating! Please take note!

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Chapter 133:

Here Comes The Cashless Society!

Maybe sooner rather than later, governments will rise to the occasion and soon will be making conventional cash illegal. Instead of keeping money under the proverbial mattress, people will be forced to put their money in banks or the market. So, cash is probably the last currency hide-away of personal autonomy.

At present, cash has a few handy advantages. For starters, it can be spent at your convenience, with no one watching. It can also be hidden from the long-fingered government to avoid taxes. It can often be used to engage in questionable legal transactions. It has concealed power that the government cannot control; and that is really why it has to go.

Cash is not necessarily the most exciting asset you can hold, but, aside from some well-selected forms of real estate, various precious metals, including gold and silver, there's not much that's more vital or versatile especially during volatile economic and political times! If you have cash, you can buy those low-priced, distressed assets, which have to be sold by overleveraged owners, when they're desperate, and are forced to sell. In this way, with ready cash in hand, when things go wrong, you're fortunate to be a "liquidity provider." You can reach out and pick the low-hanging – yet to ripen – juicy fruits!

Don't forget that cash also tends to hold its own against assets that are inflated by high levels of debt, like some forms of real estate and stocks. It tends to depreciate against gold, but it will do much better than overpriced financial assets like stocks when the real crisis hits! And of course, if things really get so bad, that you can use cash to buy life's essential items for survival, like food, water, shelter and medication!. Right now, The U.S. Dollar Is the Nourishment and Oxygen of the Global Economy

The "almighty dollar," is the basis that determines the international value of every single financial instrument in the world. Think of stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, art, collectibles, you name it. So, when the value of the dollar changes significantly, against other international currencies, it causes the value of these assets to change as well.

However, there is a way you can track the relative strength of the dollar. It's a good idea to get to Know the U.S. Dollar Index The Dollar Index (DXY) is an index that measures the value of the dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies. The composition of the index is Euro (57.8 percent(, yen (13.6 percent(, British pound (11.9 percent(, Canadian dollar (9.1 percent(, Swedish kroner (4.2 percent(, and Swiss franc (3.6 percent).

There is a formula, that suggests, to keep your portfolio is 10 percent to 20 percent cash. Always be aware that there may be a Manipulation and Massive Cover-Up in the Markets, including the gold and precious metals markets! Of course, "very honest governments" will not tell us the real reasons. The fear is that it might open the public's eyes, and even provoke an adverse political reaction. As usual, we will be told that it is for our own "good," whatever that might mean! It will be sold to us as a really very good safety and security benefit.

However, in the hands of a very slick-of-word politician, it will be sold to us as expedient simplicity itself, freeing us from the risk of crime! Now, the debate may well be whether to Abolish Crime or, rather, to monopolise it! It may even be, that the prevailing political system, gave rise To the assumption of a Professional Criminal Class, that hijacked and took over the government!

Be assured, however, that really determined criminals, ever innovative, will also find a way around this problem. We hang the petty thieves, and appoint the great ones to public office. Aesop.

You may ask, what's the real purpose of a cashless society? Of course, as usual, it will be the government's desire to have all-encompassing power. It will also mean total personal control: Absolute Total Control. The real victims, will be the money-management ignorant and uninformed public.

Just imagine the present tax payers, the future retirees, who will be forced to put all their hard-worked-for wealth in a government controlled centralised system. This savings system, to be backed up, by the supposed good faith and credit, of their respective governments.

These people, the future retirees, and the easy to access low hanging future savings fruits, will gradually be eaten away by the bugs of inflation and negative rates. Just imagine the sad getting-poorer end result? It will be the loss of all our money management autonomy. Imagine such tyranny! The eye in the sky, will also be very observant. We are potentially already tracked about our location. It's only time before we will also be tracked on our social habits and purchases.

Conventional money management liberty, will fly out the authoritarian window. In fact, it will be non-existent. We have already experienced the "crash" of a stock exchange software system! Perhaps one should also look at the possible consequences of the possible malicious press of a computer button. One of the scariest consequences of all is, that an individual can be "terminated" or "evaporated" by a overzealous bureaucrat, pressing a button, and erasing his or her identity. Remember, that if you have no identity, you really, in the eyes of the government, don't exist!!! Do you really believe that it could not actually happen? Think again. Do not kid yourself, sooner or later, it will happen.

However, do not forget the very important practical advantage of having some Cash easily at hand. This is so very important – it is worth emphasising it once more: What happens in a devastating crisis? Are you really prepared? In the off chance that some terrible natural, political or any other terrible event, can strike in the near future, it is a life-saving idea, to have an emergency survival and preparedness plan! Just reflect on recent earth quakes, flooding storms, devastating fires, hurricanes, political upheavals and many more. The "impending crisis" hardly ever gives advanced warnings! When a crisis hits, you need to be prepared and ready. You need to plan in advance. To make sure, your family won't go hungry or get herded into an emergency shelter or facility! Also, you might find yourself well SOCIALLY and financially disorientated, if you do not keep up with what's happening. Early in life, it's very important, to Focus on learning and understanding, what you don't know. Because if you don't, later you will learn what you did not learn from Negative People and the missed opportunities! You should be in the know, about things that you don't know, in the way that you ought to be!

Either way, knowing what Wrong things not to do is as important as knowing what Right things to do. Get familiar with what's happening at the political level, both in your own country as well as internationally. Whether we like it or not, whether we trust it or not, politics are an important part of the investing equation. And it's clearer than ever, that the power-lust governments will extend their very keen tentacles to your possession. The economy will continue to feel more and more of the government's pressures. Often, leading to market failures, leading to even more intervention by the government.

Time and history, will tell if this wealth-destroying cycle (more government, market failure, more government, market failure...) can be stopped. There is a growing International "System", to try and get at your Assets! Various international Criminal Scams are perpetrated on the unsuspecting and poorly protected individual! This leads to worries About Investment Scams? No doubt, you are familiar and aware of the many and famous – if not financially Ruinous – ponzi schemes in history, defrauding Trusting and Unsuspecting investors, out of tens of billions of dollars. The answer, you should be looking for, is on the question: How can one protect yourself and your investments against Internet, communication and Financial Investment fraud?

Part of the answer, is, of course, is also to implement An International internet, health, communications And Financial scam protection, Self-Empowerment Program! The other part of the answer is, to try and find a reputable, trustworthy and low-cost investment consultant or facility! A single bad investment spark, can start a fire, that burns your entire investment house down. Every year unforeseen, not so pleasant X Factors, come out of the blue to test us. Be prepared, and look forward to the best of times, but prepare yourself for the possible unexpected worst. Protect yourself, your family and your portfolio, against unforeseen crises, such as losing income due to ailing health, or something on a larger international scale. Insure yourself, as well as your assets, and maintain a first-aid financial buffer, that you can dip into, in the event of an emergency. Of course, always be on your guard about Collective delusions. They are typified by the keen, spontaneous, rapid spread of false or exaggerated beliefs within a easily gullible population at large, temporarily affecting a particular prevailing trend, region, culture or country.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 134:

Where Do I Get The Necessary Background Personal Aid

To Get Me On My Health, Financial And Investment Course?

You seek expert advice from a competent, experienced, and registered team. A health care team to manage your health, an accountant to aid with your financial structures and to do your taxes, a lawyer to manage your legal affairs and problems, a plumber to fix your water and plumbing, an architect and a contractor to build your house, a trainer to help you exercise, a dentist to fix your teeth, and a pilot to fly, when you travel. You would hardly consider taking the advice and services of "untrained" folks to attend to your needs. Then, with no financial and investment education, mentoring and experience, you throw caution to the wind.

On a Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."

In life, ignorance on all fronts that affect our lives, come with a disastrous and sometimes devastating financial and health consequences.

This you will probably soon learn, if You go about investing willy nilly, all by yourself.

It is also very advisable to use the services of at least two different investment brokerage companies! That way, you can quickly also use their expertise and experience, as a sounding board for your proposed course of investment action!

The advantage of Internationalising: whenever a bankrupt government deems it necessary, citizen's deposit guarantees can be disregarded on whim. We saw this in the early days of the financial crisis in Cyprus. The entire process unfolded in small stages so that government-believing investors and citizens barely noticed before it was too late. The Cypriot government initially sought (but was ultimately rebuffed) to dip its hands into bank accounts under the guaranteed amount. Similarly, Spain has imposed a blanket taxation on all bank deposits. Such investor depriving action would keep funds locked inside countries where said corrupt and self-enriching politicians can plunder them as they see fit.

Look at the history of Cyprus and when the country implemented their bail-in scheme – On a Friday night after banks were closed. By the way, it's interesting to note that prior to the bail-in, citizens were told the Cypriot banks had government guarantees and were well regulated. Those political-type assurances were nothing but a very cruel joke when lightning-fast confiscation, was enacted.

Actually, remove the word "probably", Plenty of laws in response to prior financial crises have been enacted retroactively. Any new fiscal or monetary politically engineered mismanagement emergency, would provide easy justification to do so again.

Now the new, very big, headache is: who will you complain to?

If the government of the day, takes a portion of your assets, legally, who will you sue? Of course, you will have no recourse. And do not expect any of your fellow countrymen, who regards you as relatively well off, to feel very sorry for you.

At this stage of the save me process, the prudent, long-sighted inside-harvesting politicians, have already located their often ill-gotten assets to a much safer and stable jurisdiction. Once the financial control door is closed, your assets and wealth, is trapped inside your deteriorating country. It cannot move, escape, or flee.

Capital controls, allow politicians in a corner, to do anything they choose, or deem necessary, to your wealth. They even use your "Patriotic", as a useful tool to lock up your assets and to channel their assets in good time when they see the impending wealth destroying tsunami warning, on the far-off horizon! Bankrupt government promises are often dangerously misplaced.

Our greatest risk, is not only a bad investment, rather, it's our bad political exposure. When it comes to electing a new government, sensible persons, all those who have had some political experience, do not even take the trouble of reading such political propaganda and self-imposing manifestos.

Astute political players, see the advancing tsunami investment risk, and take the necessary steps to transfer their assets to safer jurisdictions! That money stayed offshore and will never come back to your country! Why? Because your country may still have foreign exchange controls, and these astute political players will not run the risk of declaring the full extent of their worldwide assets. These assets are held in a variety of concealment formulas and names, all over the world in the shape of trusts, companies and other offshore vehicles, to hide the true identity of ownership.

You can be sure, that Astute political players, and top farsighted business people, have the bulk of their assets outside of the country. It is, therefore, self-evident, that putting all of one's fragile investment eggs in any single basket, no matter how safe and sound that basket may seem, is risky in the present financial climate. The underlying problem, is a country's self-engineered social and other obligations debt. And now countries, with higher debt levels, are seeking to justify a tax on the wealth of private citizens. The economist Milton Friedman didn't go far enough when he said, "Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it." Oftentimes, the better the intentions, the more harmful centralised power becomes.

Is the country you live in well managed? Is corruption, fraud, deteriorating quality of education and health care, possible manipulation of the media and the legal system, part of the dangerous cloud on the horizon? Are the prominent leaders getting their hands well into the fiscus, the appropriate income tax collection system? In fact, are they milking your country's assets for their own benefits? Does the country you live in have a lot of debt? Is it growing? Is it unsustainable?

If debt levels are dangerously high, the IMF says your politicians could repay it by taking some of your wealth.

The IMF has made it clear, that invoking a levy on your assets, would have to be done before you have time to make other arrangements.

Be warned! There will be no advance notice. It will be fast, cold, and cruel.

Obtaining a bank account outside of your home country is a key component of any international diversification strategy.

It protects you from capital controls, lightning fast government seizures, bail-ins, other forms of confiscation, and any number of other dirty tricks a bankrupt government might try. Can one forget, that it was Lenin who said the best way to destroy a country, is to debauch its currency! Why not be prepared for possible government stupidity. Or would you rather be surprised by it?

If you really are interested to have a look at the "virtues" of both corruption and fraud, I invite you to become an observant tourist! Join a good tour guide on a tour of Fraud and Corruption City, to gain some insight into what you're maybe missing, but surely, are paying for! You will meet numerous folks with a slight-of-hand – but seemingly, very prosperous – turn of character! Take a stroll down Politica Avenue – noted for its coffee shops; expensive restaurants; bars. The tree-lined sidewalks with their many ripe and low-hanging corruption fruits. The self-enrichment fountains; the gurgling stab-in-the-back springs. The friendly bar tenders at the Taking Over Your Assets counters.

Meet with enthusiastic folks meandering with their eyes on a gap for self enhancing. Stroll past the counter selling fraudulent, high income qualifications – including a selection of pseudo intellectual and impressive titles, such as Professor, Dr. and other door-opening fraudulent certificates. You will find a list of their books published – check their validity, how long you can use them before you're detected and exposed as a carrier of fraud. Stop of at the offices of the International Online University of Fraud, Corruption, The Artistry Of Evasive Word Skills. At a nominal cost, you could register as a fulltime student – and be very, very, very richly rewarded! Take a drink at the bar of fear-inducing stress; check at the discounts of the day maybe for what's on offer for all manner of "eligible" fortune-making ventures. Drop in at the political and financial Propaganda Lane – check what's available, at what price and what you can actually do with what you can buy! Check on the quality of "Good Connections" available, and who are the mentors, fraudulent "good" folks. Always be vigilant and careful about the many folks, also doing the rounds as "Experts" ready to pick your brain and pocket! It's always a splendid, revealing and humours venture, to step into the "Politicians for Sale" hall of fame and infamy. Where you can pick up the smell of fear, delight, arrogance, condescension, superiority, political self-assurance, and the smell of rotting egos!

Note the many portraits and histories, of famous and less famous characters, of the past, displayed on the walls.

Why not be a contrarian? Step into the cool forest of corruption and fraud trees. Listen to their gentle inviting whispering; feel the enticing breeze and coolness of their shades. Look at the variety of branches of each tree in the forest. Maybe, you could even reach out and pick one of the juicy and ripe low-hanging corruption or fraud fruits, to have a taste.

Venture down "My Desired Car" lane, and look at what the top-leaders felt they are entitled to. Who actually pays is also discretely displayed. Are they really concerned about the taxpaying public and their little financial and social headaches? Not really!

Say hi to Jack of "I'm Alright Jack" fame; Pick up a few splendid "how to have" ideas while they are on the house! Sit down with one of the sales agent to have your photograph taken with a certificate of credit worthiness displayed above your head; remember: smile, smile, smile! That's how many pollies felt when they got to the top and front of the feeding trough.

Oh, be extremely careful Not to Trip and Fall over the hosepipe, that nourishes and waters the beautiful trees in the renowned Forest Of Fraud And Corruption! There won't be any eager political or business leader's hands to help you get on to your feet!

Of course, you might think that you are crossing the finish line!

Not so! In the course of being involved with galloping corruption and fraud in action, you are never near the end of your career.

Please hear my experience on this. For the folks involved in corruption and fraud, they'll tell you, that this is really not about money. They also sound very convincing when they tell you it's also not about success or fame or any of that. Of course, they will also tell you that none of those things really ever made me any happier. Then they will smile, and reveal that what has changed my happiness, however, is my ability to achieve my corruption and fraud goals. They will then continue with mounting confidence: When I am accomplishing my political goals, what I really never thought were possible, my confidence and ego grows. And, as you know, when confidence increases, so does my self-imposed happiness.

Of course, sure, achieving your goals really can make you happier. However, not all folk's goals are set on the same platform. You have to be selective. You must set and achieve the right kind of political goals. If it includes a focus on fraud and corruption – so be it!

Of course, you will also feel frustrated, because for years, you may have had dreams that never came true. However, once you lingered in the shade of the fraud and corruption tree, well-nurtured by your top-grade fraudulent political leader, you soon learned how to be smarter with fraud and corruption goal setting. And do you know where I learned that? As I have already pointed out: from my top, adroit "very honest" political leaders!

Never test the depth of the financial and political river with both feet! This is very important. Certainly never put all your political and investment eggs in the same basket! You may never recover from it. Spread out your risks in life.

There is no way to succeed without taking risks, but its wiser and safer to take well-investigated and calculated risks.

High net income folks also are more prone to being swindled out of money from cold callers. Cold callers, usually brokers who in fact know very little about the stock market, target high income earning families and persuade them into purchasing investments with them. Sadly, very busy business folks, professionals, such as health care professionals, doctors and lawyers are especially susceptible. A negative experience and vulnerability to cold callers, can subject individuals to lose faith and trust in the stock market and eventually become a non-investor! None of these options will help protect your portfolio.

Ignore the delightful naysayers! Some inexperienced people, who are pessimists and non-investors, might try and drag you down, but simply don't give them the satisfaction of blocking your way. Of course, for the informed optimists, it's much better to have a go and try something, than do nothing at all. I would much rather have the satisfaction and know that I at least had a go. But what if I fail? Alternatively, what if you take off and fly?

In life, we often focus on what might go wrong, rather than actually thinking about what could go right. Any form of investing, is certainly not easy! But doing nothing, also is not easy; it certainly will not yield any worthwhile results. Making no decision, is also a bad decision To do nothing. As you probably already know, by practical experience, doing nothing, or procrastinating, always quickly brings you to nowhere. However, remember the virtue of investment inactivity. Which, at the appropriate time calls for inaction. You should think of it as the do nothing plan to improve your health and wealth! Always remember the virtues of remaining patient, having a long-term view, and staying the course in up and down-markets.

However, there always is a suitable time to sit on the sideline and wait for the correct or better time to be actively involved in the stock market. Part of the follow the herd formula, involves: getting in and out of the market at the wrong time. Investors without a well-researched plan, follow the herd, panic and sell at market bottoms. They then try and make up their losses, and buy near the tops. Worse, again, they listen to their ill-informed friends, follow the wrong advisors; they move to hot sectors of the moment, or investments, but fail to catch the big moves.

Stop trying to predict the market, rather start investing. Stick to a simple, diversified, buy-and-hold strategy.

If you don't start saving early, you will find when you get to the 60's, you will be unsure about how much "Later" is left to build and protect your retirement portfolio. The best way to avoid making decisions out of fear, is to have a strong, well-researched and well-defined investment philosophy, which includes the very important protection and exit strategies. When you have your own well-investigated investment plan and philosophy, you rely on your own experience, personality and financial insights and knowledge. Now you can make investment decisions you're comfortable with.

You can confer with the advisors without the fear of being intimidated. Yes! Now you can interact with the Advisors, from a point of strength and confidence.

Unfortunately, most investors don't have a plan or a proven investment strategy to adhere to. In fact, they spend much more time, planning where they are going to spend their expensive holiday, than they do planning their important financial and retirement future. Here's another way of having a trip-free, hassle-free and enjoyable holiday!

Rather than getting another job, the sensible wealthy people know they need to send their money out to work for them. This is so very important; I repeat: To put it simply if you are not making money while you sleep, you will never become rich. Well, don't you agree, that certainly is yet another approach to the holiday venture!

A well researched system for making money, is something that takes the emotion out of your investment decisions and makes the results more reproducible.

Adhere to an already proven strategy. Most investors don't have a plan or a proven strategy to adhere to. If you don't have an investment strategy, to keep you focused, how can you hope to develop financial independence? Adhering to a proven investment system will give you more predictable results, and will help you make more consistent and less emotional decisions.

If you believe that you are the smartest person in your health care and investment team, you could very soon be in trouble. Successful investors, know that they are excluded from the table of achievers, if they cannot communicate meaningfully with those already at the table! Therefore, successful investors, also very soon realise that they have to acquire another international language! That's the language of money-management and investing! Successful investors also surround themselves with a good team. This may consist of a property accountant, a proficient finance broker, a lawyer and a property strategist. However, you must become your own most trusted investment advisor. No one can do it all for you.

Too many investors make the monumental mistake of thinking that success is a matter of choosing the right investment advisor to handle their wealth. Often, it costs them dearly! No one will be able to manage your wealth like you can.

You may already be familiar with the expression, trust no one – but trust us. You know how it is with that elusive thing called trust. You just simply can't trust it.

Of course, you always need good advisors. One of the most difficult, yet important decisions, you can make as an individual investor, is choosing a good, trustworthy and experienced, registered financial and investment advisor. First, you must determine if you would really benefit from an advisor and then find the one best suited to help you accomplish your financial and investing goals. Your investigation should also highlight any present or warning red flags. Always ask revealing questions.

Why not Start Here? If you are so smart, Why Are You Still Selling This product Or Telling Me? Remember, there is a certain type of financial and investment advisor, that's preying on people's ignorance. They try and take advantage of our collective psychological biases, lack of basic knowledge about statistics, and common misunderstandings about how the stock market really works. Investing performance should never be based or measured by this formula of: by ifs, and, or buts. It always is about, when you buy and when you sell.

"Oh just follow my advice, and the stock market will make you rich." Again, take note of the mantra: If you are so smart, Why Are You Still Selling This product Or Telling Me? Plenty of folks will say you can make money by investing in the stock market. Of course, it's true. However, making money is one thing. Making a lot of risky money, quickly and easily, is completely different. You also need to have the experience and sophistication, to filter and be able to use the best of your advisors. This means you have to spend time to invest in self-education. This also means you have got to invest the time, energy and money to master the skill of managing your own net worth.

Watch, and take note of on-going labour problems, before investing in a specific company or sector. Also check the company and sector's continuous growth and yields. Your first investment impulse, is not necessarily the best.

If you use the services of any investment advisors, remember, they are an important part of your team. Therefore, communicate everything about your financial and investment objectives, to your selected money management partners. The more they know, the better they'll understand. The more they understand your long-term objectives, the more they'll care. Once they care and know where you are heading, there's no stopping them.

When you see a problem, don't let it fester! Don't let it develop offsprings! Attack it! Don't procrastinate; when you see the evidence, immediately become pro-active! Do something about it!

The well known economist J.K. Galbraith once observed, that there are two types of economists "those who don't know and those who know they don't know". Good advisors and experts, will help clarify and illuminate, point you in the right direction. This is what they should be used for.

Recognise the aim is to make money, not always to be right. Many investors miss this. If you have a system, a great team of advisors, your finances organised and the right knowledge, you are set for good financial progress! Once you create a proven system for making money, there is no limit to the money you can make.

Life is so precious and short! One of the saddest things that can happen to you, is enslaving yourself to your employer's dream, or giving up your own dream out of sheer fear.

The Science Of Saving Your Health, Frustrations And Giving You A Much Better Quality Of Life!

Appreciate your good health, your family and friends, what you have achieved, and enjoy the stimulating journey of life. Because a positive sense of humour, and an attitude of gratitude, is a simple way to make yourself and those around you feel happy.

Remember that life is short, live it. Love is a treasure and rather rare, grab it. Anger is really bad, dump it. Fear is awful, conquer and face it. Memories are sweet, create more for future review!

Now what are you going to do with the rest of your life?

Remember: that it will be four years later; whether you did something constructive or simply elected to continue dithering and procrastinating!

Never before has there been such a tsunami of retirees that approached their retirement years at one time. And never before have we faced greater future safety challenges.

Always be a Fee Policeman! Keep in mind, that in finance advice, you generally get more the less you pay. So start paying less. If you're paying more than 1 percent in fees, stop immediately. Because, if you investigate, you will find that there are far better options for your hard-earned savings.

Take your successful financial and health retirement into your own hands. Remember, there always is a lot about your retirement that you can't control. For example: you cannot control prevailing politics. You also can't control the market. Similarly, you can't control the economy.

But you can always control how much you pay to invest. Always keep your fees low and your profits high.

Avoid rapidly melting away at your investments. Remember that too frequent trading cuts into compounded investment returns. The investment advisor, who persists in you frequently trading, is slowly but surely leaching away their cut of your investment, by taking their fees. If you learn to self-empower about health, money and investments, you will soon learn how to cut out the unnecessary middleman that comes between you and the growth of quality of health and your money. Once you have reached escape velocity, you can stop work and retire. This is so very important: always be a Fee Policeman!

An interesting study by the University of California, examined the stock portfolios of 64615 individual investors at a large discount brokerage firm between 1991 and 1996. They found that if investors did not have to pay transaction costs, they would have beaten the major stock-market indices. But, after transaction costs were included, investors ended up earning 10 percent less than the market. Clearly, the possible investment compounding solution is a long-term buy-and-hold strategy, rather than an active trading approach.

The four most expensive words in the English language are: this time it's different! Sir John Templeton.

Old and established money, knows that investment costs have to be kept down, too. Stick with simple, low-cost, long-term investments. Avoid financial planners and advisors, who make excessive amounts of money, by putting your money in to ever-changing Investments!

Again, you must always be a Fee Policeman!

Avoid exorbitant, ongoing fees.

Unnecessary cost really matters! Know every fee that you are paying, and exactly why you are paying it!

When folks hunt for the best Investment to make, many times they forget one important metric: the expense ratio. That is the devaluing long-term Compounding effect of expenses, on the value of your portfolio! However, of course, the flip side of the coin, is that the person advising you about your investments, is reaping the benefit of the High Fees that you are paying; Compounding those Small Fees and getting Safely, And Systematically Richer at your Expense! The cost, is that they will systematically and continuously siphon off a percentage of your investment, to compensate for their management time and expertise. The more Frequently you trade, the more your Advisor earns in commission.

But if you have managed to accumulate some wealth, including substantial wealth, you will surely have noticed that all this mounting "Cost Friction" in the remuneration system, is one of the Investor's biggest wealth destroyers.

All investments have hidden costs attached to them, whether you can immediately see them or not. A concealed fee of 13 percent a year, might not sound like much, but you have to let it compound and to add this up over the life of your investment.

Vanguard Group founder John Bogle puts it another way. If you pay 2.5 percent in fees, about 80 percent of the returns generated, end up in the hands of the manager, instead of yours, over a typical investors life time.

People who take marginal interest in the performance of their investments, often pay too much in fees and commissions. Investors are often unable to mention the fees they pay to their investment service providers. They should make sure they are fully informed, and all performance data should be adjusted for expenses paid. Often, investors pay too much in fees and commissions. However, if you don't feel quite up to doing your own investment management, you have access to the necessary Registered Financial And Investment Consultant! Always remember that the competent person providing the expertise, insight and Quality service, is entitled to a reasonable degree of compensation. They also have very high expenses, to be able to provide the necessary good advice and Expertise in their particular professional fields. These professional expert Advisors and Consultants, too, must regularly attend expensive Accreditation Seminars and Courses, to keep up to date!

These experts, brokers and advisors, should have their finger on the pulse of the daily activities of both the local and international equity markets. Be able to give advice based on their reading of the market for the day, and, maybe, even venture an opinion, about the future, based on their present reading. Sadly, most people are not prepared to pay for something which they cannot show to their friends. This includes, good health and financial advice. We all must be prepared and willing to pay a learning and experience fee, as we move up the ladder of health and investment success. You should be prepared to pay mentors and advisors.

Alternatively, taking losses, by paying the market, is a very expensive and painful way to learn! The prudent thing to do, is to ignore the conventional wisdom and look at the facts, to form your opinions.

Choosing the right custodian for your life savings, can make a huge difference. It deserves some very serious investigation and thought.

Always keep in mind, that, contrary to the popularly held and promoted view, that investing is a very, very, very, difficult art, science or even a prohibitively secret technique, that: Somebody has mystified it and turned it in to dollars!!

"I hope all will go well during my retirement," is not an investment strategy. In fact, it is the well-nurtured seed for a growing retirement financial shortfall! Be prepared to pay for experience-based expert financial guidance and advice. Don't rely solely on laboratory tested economic theories! To avoid joining the cluster of entrepreneurial errors and failures, Do your "On-foot" observant research about what's going on in your area with reference to long-standing successful business ventures.

Rather, if you are not feeling up to the task of taking care of your finances and investments, enlist the help and advice of a qualified, registered and trusted advisor or advisors!

Note that, continuing to keep assets in the hands of failed advisors, with a track record of high investment costs, is a sure and painful way to prolong your loss-making investment cycle! If you are a habitual and frequent trader, you will lose money largely because there are charges involved with entering and exiting investments. This applies to the various asset classes, from shares to property.

Always be a Signature Policeman! Always watch what you sign. You may have given your broker, or adviser, a free hand and unchecked permission to trade on your behalf. And your designated broker, may be buying and selling frequently and over-enthusiastically, which will most likely erode your long-term returns and boost their income.

Always be fully aware that a broker is PAID to move stock and generate commissions. Of course, this is a built-in conflict of interest. This means they don't really care about what's best for you. The more frequently they recommend stocks for you to buy and sell, the more commission they get. Always remember, that A broker is paid, a commission, whether you actually make money from their recommendations or not. You could lose substantial amounts of money on their recommendation while they, in turn, make thousands.

Sad story: your broker has likely made a unilateral investment decision, that's costing you a subtlety compounding fortune. If you have not taken the matter of your investments seriously; did not do the necessary Financial and Investment Self-Empowerment, you will notice that he's taken it upon himself to decide exactly which investments you can have access to, or more importantly, which investments to restrict from you.

It's very important, that you must always be part of your personal thought police. Desperation about a bleak future, if you don't learn how to trade, it should motivate you to hone your investment skills. Remember, you don't have to be a top investment expert, or wise to be a successful broker. You simply have to be a first class persuasive talker. Brokers are, and should be, professional persuaders. If they can persuade you to regularly buy and sell, it makes their job that much easier.

You are employing the broker. You should therefore, never, ever allow a broker to be in charge of the conversation. You're the boss. They should listen to you.

Check the record of many investment experts. You will learn that some bought losers and sold winners, and incurred transaction costs to do so. I don't think it's ethical or fair! I don't think you are getting the best service! And when you see the long-term mounting compounded loss of income, I think you'll agree.

You cannot let the investment cost ignorance, just stand by and let you suffer financially, when you don't have to.

There are sometimes cost penalties associated with exiting certain investment products. However, don't simply always just buy and hold!

There is much to be said for keeping an eye on, and being in the driver's seat of the costs of your investments! During your voyage of investing, there will be situations when it is best to take a profit or cut your losses and run.

If you think it's expensive hiring a well-qualified and experienced professional, try hiring an inexperienced loss-making amateur!

The sound motivation, for building wealth for a prosperous future, too, has a Personal cost. And that, is in the form of delayed, or postponed, gratification; sacrificing "the must have" desired luxuries today, for a better, more gratifying tomorrow, while avoiding unnecessary risk of investment loss of capital.

Some important driving force factors of the delayed gratification: insecurity, exceptionality, instability.

When consulting with any of the numerous health, money-management and all consultants, you always remain free to ask questions about their background. Remember that, their qualification does not preclude personality access. You may well say: I wish to take a look around your qualifications at your philosophy of life and human values.

In the long run, your investment cost really matters! (Note the Enormous Power Of cost-compounding on your investment costs.)

The cost, is that they will systematically and continuously siphon off a percentage of your investment, to compensate for their management time and expertise.

However, remember that, whenever you see a successful business, someone once probably had a sleepless night but still made a very courageous decision. I repeat: rather, if you are not feeling up to the task of taking care of your finances and investments, enlist the help and advice of a qualified, registered and trusted advisor or advisors! Note that, continuing to keep assets in the hands of non-performing failed advisors, with a track record of high investment costs, is a sure and painful way to prolong your loss-making investment cycle!

If you are a habitual and frequent trader, you will lose money largely because there are charges involved with entering and exiting investments. This applies to the various asset classes, from shares to property. Use the services of your broker, to smooth your investment progress. For example, to execute trades or to help you solve technical problems or to answer specific, technical questions. You cannot let the investment cost ignorance, just stand by and let you suffer financially, when you don't have to.

Insecurity breeds greatness. You won't ever find a super achiever anywhere who wasn't or isn't motivated at least partially by a sense of insecurity. The sound motivation, for building wealth for a prosperous future, too, has a Personal cost. And that, is in the form of delayed, or postponed, gratification; sacrificing "the must have" desired luxuries today, for a better, more gratifying tomorrow, while avoiding unnecessary risk of investment loss of capital.

Are you the exceptional investor? Did you, early in life, practice delay gratification. Regular investors, who lock in their large gains, are always a step ahead of most. Stop making short-term decisions that will make you happy now, but mess up your future wealth.

Old experienced money, knows how to delay and compound gratification! Albert Einstein called it the greatest mathematical discovery of all time. It is the miracle of compounding interest. And with it, aided by time and patience, you can build your very own investment and property empire.

It is worth repeating: As Albert Einstein noted, compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. But it only becomes an outstanding miracle at the end, not the beginning.

When dealing with matters financial, being either stocks or real estate investments, you always simply need to understand the seller's or agent's incentives. And, of course the very, very, very important Expense of Acquiring, Holding and Disposing of the asset's costs. But never forget, and always ask, what is the Total Transaction cost? As always, go back to basics. And, to always do your own in-depth due diligence.

The prevailing market uncertainties, should make you more focused and better investors, because you will need to conduct more in-depth due diligence, before you make important investment decisions. Of course, remember, that you are unique. The only one quite like you! And that you are no ordinary person.

Freedom of choice, is the friend of natural happiness! Uncertainty and ignorance, is not a good friend to investors.

Life's a series of good or bad moments. Unfortunately, for the chronic pessimist, it seems to be only a series of very bad moments! However, for the enthusiast, life's a series of delightful and exciting moments. So many of the important times in life begin by seeming incidental.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." Cessare Pavese.

You, your family and associates, must continuously and constantly build dikes of positive courage to hold back the international rising flood of real or imagined fear! Remember the lesson of the pyramids. Each small brick seems insignificant; however, together, they amount to a wonder of the world.

You have always subscribed to a number of leading investment newsletters and other publications! Fortunately, almost always with gratifying financial rewards! You cannot forget reading about a brand new technology that changed much of your activities and value systems. Will you never forget reading: here's how to become one of the first successful Darkness Bulb Millionaires" Of the 21st century! There followed an extensive report about the development and evolution of the old-fashioned incandescent light bulb. As you are already aware, more than ten years ago, governments around the world began phasing it out. In fact, they prohibited the use of any technology that could enlighten the public at large. And for "Good Political, Safety, Security, And Energy-saving reason." The report continued: In South America, Brazil and Venezuela were first, in 2005. This resulted in public riots and protest; political suppression and general dissatisfaction. They were joined by Australia, Britain, New Zealand, France, Germany, The Netherlands, The Scandinavian Countries, even Switzerland, South Africa and the E.U., in 2020 with similar public upheaval and disquiet!

You vividly recall, that in this draconian intrusion, in the public's Freedom To Choice, there was a remarkable Investment opportunity by way of the newly developed Darkness Bulb's potential! Your Investment News Letter heading read: "This ban has already opened the doors for a superior in-darkness bulb, and for a remarkable security and investment opportunity!" You read more, with amazement about The Incandescent Light Bulb: A Fading Technology! Yes! In a growing number of countries, there is even legislation forbidding the use of the light bulbs. "Well, how amazing!"

"Look here," you point out to your wife! "In its estimated life span of two or three months, one 100-watt incandescent bulb, will cost about $10 to operate; and contribute an estimated 134 pounds of Unwanted Global Heating CO2 emissions through the electricity it consumes!" "Few people are aware of the fact that about 90 percent of the energy it consumes is lost as heat, rather than light!"

Next, followed the predicted dates for the ultimate demise of the incandescent bulb! The message, from many really concerned International Governments, was: don't worry about your nation gradually subsiding into darkness! It's for your own Security And Safety! Naturally, overly ambitious politicians, will try to sell the idea to the public as something "for their own good" or as "protection from market forces and instability." This is how similar programs were frequently successfully sold to skeptical citizens in the past.

Skeptics say there is no chance of converting this square into a full circle. However, any smooth-of-tongue politician will quickly persuade you, that, with an elastic square, anything is possible!

If he succumbs to ideologies, he turns into a mouthpiece. He must hang on to his political identity for dear life. In the end he must rely on his own judgement. It's the only way to survive as a politician.

In reality, governments take these draconic actions, not to "reduce the risk" to your retirement savings, or whatever is the preferred form of propaganda they happen to come up with, but rather to obtain financing, from your savings, for their survival! The obvious, and easily reached for "Retirement Tree," with its low-hanging fruits, is at hand! Check history, and it's no surprise that many folks have grave reservations about government managed retirement funds.

What about the impact of rolling longevity having on the ever changing age of retirement? Many folks now resort to either continue working or, when already retired, to go back to work. This, mostly, being driven by the ever-decreasing purchasing power of the funds at hand! Will it also mean that some folks will never retire or have access to their retirement funds? However, we are assured, that's only a small percentage of the total retirement industry! Pension fund mismanagement: It's the retiree's low hanging retirement fruits and money; subject to fraud, theft, no or very poor oversight. Always remember that the Government that gives, is also the same Government that can reach out and pick, at ease, the lush low hanging retirement fruits!

The disillusioned potential victims: the growing, sensible, relatively unprotected seniors and Retirement Savers. No matter the method of choice, however, the disheartening financial end result, is always the same – systematically siphoning off of purchasing power from your retirement savings. The governments of the day, have a large and growing selection of approaches "to Harvest The Retiree's Tree!"

There is always the political risk premium! Again, do your Due Diligence, get to the front of the Information line; consult with your Advisors, and be prepared for when, the Government of the day, decides "to pick The fruits And To Prune The Retiree Equity Tree!" Take note; remember that equity and personal internationalisation, is your ultimate insurance, against the measures of a desperate government.

Will you and your family, really be prepared, if and when, the Government Of The Day, decides it's time and opportune to "to pick The fruits and to Prune The Retiree Equity Tree?" if you want your family to survive in a hostile environment, it's much better to be ahead, of, when the government makes a grab for your retirement savings! It's always prudent and much better, to be prepared, and to be a year or two early, rather than sadly, a minute too late.

Internationalise Your Very Important Quality Of Life Retirement Savings!

If and when there's some sort of Government decree to convert or otherwise confiscate the assets in your local Personal Retirement Account, your internationalised assets will ensure that your savings won't vanish at the stroke of a pen. Reflecting on the past history of some countries, it strikes one that such Decrees often came at the End of a Week, or at the onset of a Long Weekend! Meaning, the citizens had limited access to their assets! If debt levels are dangerously high, the IMF says your politicians could repay it by taking some of your wealth.

Once more, take note of the fact that the IMF has made it clear, that invoking a levy on your assets, would have to be done before you have time to make other arrangements. Please also take note of the very important fact, that There will be no advance notice. It will be fast, cold, painful and very cruel.

What a disaster? What a frustrating "Purchasing And Cash Flow" restriction! Of course, always stay within the laws. There are rules and restrictions that you'll need to be aware of. However, in consultation with your Financial Advisor, Investment Expert and Lawyer, there should not be hurdles that cannot be overcome. They will have access to the necessary information and formalities, to keep your retirement savings shielded and safe, from a government desperate for cash.

In 1971, the US government, under Richard Nixon, took the US off the gold standard. This meant that, from that point on, the dollar was backed by nothing. For the government of the day, the vital thing is to regulate the electorate without it being aware of that control. Now sit back and watch the devastating impact of the political information poverty on their expressions!

After placing a tempting, juicy steak in front of a hungry and salivating LION, it's only a matter of time before he makes a desperate grab for it.

Maybe, right now, your Financially Stressed Government, is the "Hungry And Salivating LION!" Similarly, for the opportunistic Government, your retirement savings, is the enticing juicy steak.

Spreading you and your family's Investment and Political risk, beyond a single jurisdiction, is the single most important thing you can do! In short, internationalisation is prudent, because it frees you from absolute dependence on the political whims and regulations of any one particular country. Early in life, taking this critical and very important step, to owning something tangible outside of your home country, will go a long way in diversifying the political risk to your savings.

If you live in a country, with a history of instability, rampant fraud, corruption, politicians who focus on self-enriching, and the scant adherence to the well-crafted constitution, always be aware of the political risk of investing for retirement in real estate! You will have pre-empted possible very restricting capital controls, even confiscation, nationalisation, or any other dirty tricks, your desperate home government may have up its very long and flexible sleeve. At a time when desperate, over indebted governments, are making increasingly desperate grabs for their undiversified citizens' money, keeping all your assets invested in just one country, and denominated in just one currency, is not a very good safety idea. In fact, you might soon be the victim of: "All Your Assets And Savings, Now Belong To Us!" If you wish to stay naive, I repeat: The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Discordant And Corrupt Political And Investment Music.

Brains, enthusiasm, dedication, the desire for freedom – like hearts, go where they are appreciated. However, the sting in the tail for procrastinating and postponing: Often, in the countries, to which you may wish to locate, and where the economies are faring better, you will find that they are also closing their doors to economic and political refugees. However, once in the new country, free of unnecessary government, restricting regulatory distraction and impediments, you can focus your full energy and dedication on your objectives. While, in your old country, individually, the progressively growing number of growth-impeding Laws, may each seem small, but added together, they pose a real threat to your future financial safety and prosperity.

It's not unlike putting your hand in a bucket of water. Gradually heating it. You, the Undiversified Citizen, hardly notices the gradually mounting danger!

As national budgets are shrinking, and social funding deficits are rising, desperate grabs for the assets and money of taxpayers, savers and depositors, will only rapidly accelerate. Numerous alarming recent international examples, show that capital controls, tax hikes, debt monetization, the nationalisation of savings and other pension vehicles, and many other asset and Confidence destructive options, can and will forcefully be used by cash-strapped governments. What they're really seeking, is legitimisation. Not necessarily from you, but from the prevailing political process itself.

You see, having an empowering political majority, is great if you want to get a policy implemented. The most common way people give up their legitimate power, is by being persuaded to think they don't have any. Giving up your legitimate power, is part of a progressive, unimpeded social disease. Without the masses noticing it, it gets worse and worse, and for the informed, it becomes more and more obvious.

And at the fatal, and crushing end, the denial is unacceptable and unbelievable. Then it strikes with devastating impact, how the most basic democratic and moral ideas of right and wrong, have gradually and systematically been diluted and eroded. Again, it highlights how out of control the corrupt, wasteful and fraudulent government has become. You notice that this has gradually forced the majority of the citizens into socio-political intolerance. As many people's formerly stated beliefs, prejudices, and actions, can no longer be reconciled. The really darkening aspect of this sad but anticipated poor leadership outcome, is that the relatively illiterate and democracy deprived citizenry, start taking to destructive action on existing educational, security, health, transport and many more presently available infrastructure assets!

Sadly, normally intelligent and observant people, literally lose their minds in order to pretend that everything is still normal. However, a few, still normally-thinking people ask: "how do they get away with doing these things?" Soon, and gradually, you realise its part of the deliberate, general debasement of the previously held ethical, moral and value systems around us. This is only a small sampling, which includes the quality of our education, environment, economics, food, health care and medical services and treatments, investments and money, Information sources and, the power-giving to friends politics.

Obviously, the common denominator, in it all, is a totally out of control corrupt government. These are supposed to be the very honest, dedicated and moral people who are also supposed to be taking care of our interests and the well being of the country and its peoples. Sadly, too often, these very elected politicians, are the governing people, who, it frequently seems, can do whatever they please with absolutely no meaningful oversight, – by themselves – by the so called people's representatives!

For the ordinary citizen, to survive successfully and happily, has become an intensely important and personal affair. With being personally aware of the most important attribute – Health and Money-management Self-empowerment.

Well, at least, we have the valuable help of the Internet. At least, so far!

You recall, and read with alarm: "It's been many years since the crash of 2008, and the American dream still lies in tatters. The economy is sputtering. People are struggling to find work. Cities are going bankrupt. Violent crime is on the increase."

There are also opportunistic reformers, who pretend to Abolish Crime, or, rather, to monopolise It! The country's asset destruction is rampant. International terrorism is hanging like a threatening sword over the general population's heads; curbing international business and travel! All this, while our political "leaders" squabble over things that don't really matter.

The growing outcry, is we get no political, educational and job creating support! While the fat cats enjoy their newly acquired riches, we're left to fight it out alone.

When you are dealing with a corrupt and Cash-strapped desperate government, it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive.

It's like the saying, from an old Quentin Tarantino movie, "It's better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it."

When the new Controversial Security And Keep The Public In the Dark, act was passed, the Authorities were hell-bent on imposing the use of the newly developed Darkness Bulb! However, they soon realised that this technology has far reaching future economic and particularly, enormous political, problems of its own.

The politicians must have indulged in fantasy, on how much Political Darkness and Security Shelter, the new Darkness bulb would really give them.

Fortunately for us, contrary to what some self-enriching politicians generally believe, innovative problem-solving and work creation, is what the free market does the best! Typically, successful capitalistic economies, facilitate and accommodate, the failure of faulty ventures, so that successful ventures can develop and emerge in their place. However, often, unwise government nurtures intervention, spearheading creative small business destruction. When allowing incompetent financial institutions to successfully fail, Governments initiated mega-billion-dollar bailouts of a selected privileged few, considered "just too big to fail."

Despite intervention, many entrepreneurs, and capitalistic ventures, manage to succeed anyway. But the government's galloping intervention misadventures, always seem to "succeed" even faster.

What is the bounty for the tolerant citizens, by this self-enriching government intervention and counter-productive intrusion, into the private sector? The only certain guaranteed result, is rising personal and national indebtedness.

Well, what's next? "Look at this," you urgently point out to your wife! "Researchers at the University of Texas have made a shocking breakthrough. It involves a new substance that can make objects completely invisible to the naked eye. And the military and security implications are HUGE. Imagine invisible soldiers... invisible tanks... even invisible aircraft.

Nature scientific journal reports this breakthrough is "a new building block from which to engineer the world." "Can you imagine," your wife responds, "what possibilities combining these two technologies, holds?" Of course, there is the next, fast-growing approach to warfare; the use of remote controlled very, very miniature devices and equipment!

Luckily, while in the Lower Zone, both of them had Free access to the University Without Walls, THE University of Personal Experience And Self-Empowerment! The University With An Abundance of Books for Free And Life-changing information!

Welcome To the International University Of EXPERIENCE; The University Of Practical Learning And experience, THE University Of Hands-On First Class Experience; the EVERGROWING university Of Possibilities!

You remark to your wife that this, certainly is a most imposing Quality Of Life Enriching Learning Establishment!

"I notice," she replies, "that there are so many Departments; classes,; expert facilities and much more!"

"The beauty," you reply, "is that there is no need for a self-drive vehicle parking lot; no time wasted to get to the lecture rooms; hardly any costs involved; and always very keen persons to link up with!"

"Hi," someone tugs at your right arm. "My goodness," there's one of the inventors of the daytime Blackness Light Bulb. "Fancy meeting you here – right in the Brightness of the entrance hall!" He smiles quite contented. "It was a very imposing problem, to persuade any Venture Capitalist or Entrepreneur breeding undertakers, that this product had a future!"

Where exactly can you locate that Outstanding University?

Sometimes, it is a hidden part of the "Office in Your Mind. It is usually located "Underground," well away from Common Sense, and exactly 180 degrees opposite the "Ignorance" section of your "Office Space!"

So, now that you have Free access to the coordinates and the GPS of your "Office Space," take advantage of frequently modernising, updating and renovating the "Office" and its contents! Also make absolutely sure that you have the right Information navigation tools. For instance, a compass will give you direction. Make sure that you know how to read and use it. Ask experienced folks to check the correct course with you. Have clear informed thinking.

Don't let the prevailing winds of disinformation and fear, muddle up your thinking. Otherwise your ambition ship might sink. The mind does not really always know what your ambition deserves or wants! Develop your investing edge to become a better investor!

Of course, by now, you are aware that by reading books, you have access to the much wider and more stimulating world. To further learning, to the collective expertise and wisdom of many authors. Don't forget to inculcate in your children, the desire to read for life, all their life. In fact, and set the example, by reading, adding voices to the characters, to your very young children on a regular basis! You will be amazed what the long-term outcome will be of the seeds planted in the fertile minds of the little folks!

Nothing ever invented, provides such good easy-at-hand company. Such entertaining friends, such enriching and mind-broadening sustenance, such lasting infinite and gratifying reward for time spent, as a really good book.

Be proactive; read more; and let one good book lead to another. Let one exciting and revealing author lead to another. They nearly always do.

Please set aside some time, and take up a great author and read everything he or she has written. They will always very keenly open new doors and horizons. They will take you to places and event, you've never been.

Always keep a written list of books and authors to read! Even more important, keep a list of books and authors read, including taking some notes, I find this to be a very handy little resource for periodic revisiting! One of the greatest of all avenues to learning, to wisdom, adventure, pleasure, insight, to understanding human nature, understanding ourselves and our world and our place in it, is in reading a variety of authors and their books. Read books that changed history: For example: Tom Paine's Common Sense, the autobiography of Frederick Douglas, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. Read books about inventors, entrepreneurs, artist, writers, musicians, off-the-beat track thinkers, achievers – who succeeded despite the initial bumps in their roads. Read those books you know you're supposed to have read as a young person, and imagine as dreary.

But what is a classic? A classic may be defined as a book that stays in paper or electronic print. And a book also stays long in either print or electronic format, only because it is exceptional. Why deprive yourself from such riches? Why exclude the mind broadening, exciting, very exceptional from your experience? Reach out and move the knowledge and enchantment borders, to give yourself and your friends access to the vistas of the much wider world. And when you read a book you really love, a book you feel has already enlarged the experience of being alive, a book that "lights the fire," then please also spread the word.

To carry a book with you wherever you go is old advice and good advice. John Adams urged his son John Quincy to carry a volume of poetry. "You will never be alone," he said, "with a poet in your pocket."

Again, it's so easy to consult the internet to learn more about any subject – including much more about famous and mind-broadening authors. For example: According to Wikipedia: "Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson (13 November 1850 – 3 December 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His most famous works are Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. A literary celebrity during his lifetime, Stevenson now ranks among the 26 most translated authors in the world. His works have been admired by many other writers, including Jorge Luis Borges, Bertolt Brecht, Marcel Proust, Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry James, Cesare Pavese, Ernest Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling, Jack London, Vladimir Nabokov, J. M. Barrie, and G. K. Chesterton, who said of him that he "seemed to pick the right word up on the point of his pen, like a man playing spillikins.

There you have yet another few good author's name to start reading! Don't forget the four favourite modern philosophers Mikhail Bakunin, Peter Kropotkin, Edward Gibbon, and H. L. Mencken.

Why not give your children education and power via books, before you give them too much junk food and money?

The trick of successful parenting, is to find stimulating and imagination-developing ways to make a child want to learn, rather than forcing the child to learn.

(Of course, someone reading this manual, may very well ask: "Is there really such a thing as successful Parenting?)

Successful parenting is hard and requires totally dedicated work. It calls on, sometimes tired, mothers and fathers, to really put themselves on the back burner. They then put their kids first. Sometime, we buy them sweets or a toy, rather than spend more precious time with them. We lose our temper rather than practice patience. We don't read to them, talk to them, tell them stories! A fellow recently told me, that he is so sorry, that he did not spend much more time enticing his late son, to give him a hand, with, for example, repairing something in the home or garden.

Sadly most folk's formal education, is so designed to teach them how to make a living, it never got around to teaching them how to live!

One of the devastating quotes I ever heard, came from a disillusioned young law student, who could not find a job, who said: "I just offered to prostitute my education, training, experience, expertise and on-going personal development, for something far less than the best, and it landed me on the sidewalk in a matter of minutes. I've worked on this synopsis for a while now, fine-tuning it every time some lawyer would read it, and turned me down."

It's not the energy and hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours.

They found access to the conventional book library, and the on-line EB-OOK library, a very important Self-Empowering and expense-saving habit to acquire. For them, it certainly was a temple of learning! So make a habit to frequently visit your personal university on your shelves, or local library. Have fun. Have no fear. Remember that you can't be overbooked, only under-read.

A person who won't read, has no advantage over one who can't read. Mark Twain.

Books and libraries, are the carriers of civilisation, allowing us to build a broader and more informed context around our thinking. Fortunately, they also keep us in contact of the past's superior and informed wise minds.

As an ancient proverb tells us, a book is a garden, carried in the pocket.

In fact, it is a Library Without Walls.

Even more so, with the advent of high speed internet connectivity, the TREE AND SPACE SAVING MOBILE library, has become the LIBRARY WITHOUT PAPER BOOKS! Without libraries and the caring and diligent librarians, what have we? We have no learning reference for the past, and no experience-based guidance for the future. Once you have access to Libraries, you have in your hand freedom's most valuable toolboxes. They are filled with the valuable experience-based blue-prints. They also contain some directions and intellectual equipment, that you can use to develop and create your broader vision of life.

Reading, feeling, tasting, watching, smelling, listening, are all very crucial to your education. However, for success, you must also start Doing.

Of course, a good and keen librarian will direct the enthusiastic novice to the necessary books to expand their interests! A librarian should be a very keen mediator between books and enthusiastic people. The diligent librarians and authors are passing the light Of History, Information and knowledge. Again, without record storing libraries, what have we? We have no meaningful past and no meaningful future.

More than two thousand years ago, Socrates said, "Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writing, so that you shall come easily by what others have laboured hard for."

As the Benedictine monk Richard de Bury wrote 700 years ago, "A library of wisdom, is more precious than all wealth, and all things desirable cannot be compared to it." Hidden in books, is the experience, imagination and wisdom the author has gained during their world-wide ventures.

Fortunately, reading has always been life and the author's world unwrapped to me. A most enjoyable way of understanding the world. It's also an on-going key to understanding myself through both the insights in books and the unknown and the everyday. It is the insights gained through the insights of the authors, and the books that are a key to the world! If you can't do anything else, please join me and read all that you can.

However, be aware that no wisdom is quite as dangerous as the run-of-the-mill, populist and conventional wisdom.

When the masses believe a truth is so self-evident, that they fail to question the possibility, that another reality exists, disaster awaits.

Conventional wisdom would also have you believe this state of affairs, good or bad, is permanent. It really is not. All the proponents, who voice that mantra, are leading the gullible to a catastrophic slaughter.

One person's voice can easily be ignored, but a group of people must be heard. You really don't have to burn schools, universities, libraries and books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop using books and reading them. So begins the end of the civilised world. It is a world where firemen are there not to put out fires, but to start them. Fires are aimed specifically at the greatest threat to the state – educational institutes and books.

Almost since the very first word was written down, man in power, fearing the loss of that power, started exercising his power to sensor it. Censorship, therefore, actually endorses the power of both the spoken and written word. Despots really fear words. Ruthless and corrupt politicians also fear words. Often too, people with ruthless power, fear words.

However, with the modern recording power of public record, keeping of words used by various persons in positions of power, future retroactive action is readily at hand!

It's always very valuable to start by harvesting your own experience, when contemplating writing something. Of course, a new experience source approach always casts new information on any subject. However, there is always so much I can still do with my own experiences and adventures.

Creativity, in short, is not mystical: it's an extension of what you already know. If, at any age, you contemplate writing, remember that the more library and book sources a writer has, access to, the greater his or her chances to be accurate and distinctive. Writing also is a long-term determination craft. It is about knowing exactly what you have to say and being sharp about it. It is also about production, not talk, and certainly not delay and procrastination excuses. Just sitting, contemplating and thinking, too, does not get the writing juices going! Start with a word or concept, at a time, and you have set the process in action!

Writers without extensive library resources may find themselves at a creative, and competitive disadvantage Creativity.

During the course of the day, very frequently during the night, splendid and exciting ideas, knock at your creativity door. They too, wish to get on to your writer's stage; to express their opinions and frustrations.

It is very important to be able to immediately capture and retain those new fleeting ideas. In fact, they may very well be the next stimulating, exciting, over the next mountain new ideas. It's a very good idea to keep some form of concept capturing equipment at hand; such as a small digital recorder or a pen and paper.

Now, that you are motivated to try and do some writing, is a very good time to do the mental exercise by practising the on-going art of Overcoming writer's block and success fear. Do daily writing exercises. How often have you heard, or even said, "I should write a book about that!" I would yet like to read the book about "I should write a book about that!"

I was delighted to experience the Advantage of a little Disadvantage this morning! We had a rather extended power outing yesterday. At 4-45 this morning, I got up to check whether the power supply was back on – yes! So, I turned on the radio. There, I heard this enchanting young lady interview a dynamic-sounding fellow, who's about to retire. He sounded enthusiastic, optimistic, always investigating and actually doing!!! As is often my bent in life, I sent this fellow an email – whether he will respond or not, time will tell.

(It is several months later! Yes, I'm sure you guessed correctly! No response!)

However, I had the advantage of turning a little disadvantage into a potential source of material for a next book!

During your venture into life, you have accumulated a great deal of expertise, first-hand knowledge and insight: There certainly will humours episodes; tragic incidence; touching occasions; educational ventures and many more that you can harvest and get writing.

Start Writing. You may even be able to do some mentoring others, and helping others. Fortunately, right now, you have access to the vastly growing facility of free digital online printing, and publishing!

Yet another beauty, is that no longer are authors at the giving hand of the publisher's selection committee or book reviewers, as to which book may be published. If you investigate the numbers of authors, who had at first been turned down by various publishing houses, you will soon realise that there is still a good future ahead, despite your reservations! You are now liberated! You are a potential writer, who now is also free to reach the wider world; by using the worldwide internet!

Many writers have grave reservations about getting past the person who receives their manuscript at the conventional publishers! In fact, I had similar reservations about a title that I wished to publisher with a conventional publisher! I was of the opinion, that, unless you are already in the inside circle, your manuscript will sit on a desk, rapidly moving out of sight! I frequently emailed the person in charge, backing up my emails with telephonic enquiries! Lethargy and don't care, was at the order of this particular, diminishing size publishing house. I'll now resort to getting this very same title published via the E-publishing very wide international facility!

However, always keep in mind that censorship is often forced upon writers, who either deny the truth that their government is imposing on the people. In some countries, you have presidents or dictators, who firmly believe that history has led to them, so that they are the final and chosen outcome of history. Any writer, who voices opinions outside the vision box of the government of the day, who try to say, that history has many roads and that not all of them necessarily lead to this glorious dictator, is heading for censorship. Well, any writer, who tries to do that, is either boycotted or censored.

The truth shouldn't be treason. Often it is necessary to conquer the past to come to terms with history. For the diligent writer, that means digging up very painful past truths. We already know how difficult a writer can live when he wants to show us the history that was never told.

In many new democracies around the world, there is this necessity for writers to be the one, to tell the history that was never told. The history of the victims; the looser; the history of those that mysteriously disappeared.

This is also a phenomenon of modern-day writers to investigate, dig and mine in the people's collective memories. For many frightened people of a previous regime, they are not welcome to tell that story.

Libraries are the custodians of collected human wisdom and memory, always treat them with enormous respect, care and love! Good and keen regular readers become better thinkers. Good thinkers, in turn, make better informed investors, better motivated and enthusiastic workers, better loyal and caring spouses, better motivating parents, better supporting friends, better citizens, and better human beings.

The key to success in life, both financial and otherwise, is elementary, mind-broadening continuous Self-Education, for A better insight and worldly Wisdom. Underpin that with a liberal use of libraries and books. Add to that, reading of finance, health, history, politics, literature, science, technology, philosophy, and religion.

Remember that science gives greater leverage to people: Sir Rees.

At the library, you have at your command, the biographies of great people who made a huge change to the way we live. Including authors, educators, entrepreneurs and so on. You will learn how they did it!

RETURNING to investor Politics. There really is no doubt, that money and politics – good or bad – are very intertwined these days. One must be able to filter through the conventional media fog and noise. Evaluate the important international policy issues of the day, and learn how they could impact your long-term personal finances and your retirement.

Many of us are indoctrinated with the concept that "you cannot do it!" We have to reshape the concept of "I cannot do it!" It must be expunged from the ENTIRE nation's memory.

Sadly too, in some cultures, where education was denied so many folks, a culture of "helping our parents," evolved among the fortunate. These are the folks who either elevated themselves to a better quality of life, or had the necessary education to empower them, to be able to get into the job market!

However, often going with that position, is the almost glued-on and everlasting haunting feeling of inferiority – not being able to shrug off a sense of guilt!

I heard an enthusiastic young fellow, who, it transpired, held a good job, was reading many of the "Money-management" and upliftment books, but, sadly, felt that he could not get rid of this guilt feeling!

Maybe, if he worked on the following formula, he could maybe, dispose of this "guilt" feeling! To start off with, he should try and get a mentor, preferably within his own area of living and working, ask for help and get this person to physically stand in front of him, sweep the "chips on the shoulders" off the young fellow's shoulders; and let him repeat: "I'm liberated!" Of course, the young fellow should also now resort to using an annual budget. In this he should also locate some funds to helping his less fortunate family, but he should also start putting some money away to further aid him on his way to becoming financially self-sufficient!

The rather sad question is: why do so many people start their retirement planning literally as they are about to retire? If you look at the standard Educational Curriculum, you will mostly be severely struck by the almost total absence of a focus on Retirement Planning! It's only in later years, that the concerned individual, acquires an alarming awareness of the issue of the looming retirement.

Angus Wilson (1913) Raspberry Jam: "You have a perfect right to consign us all to hell, rector, but you must allow us the choice of how we get there.

Always harvest background information on a wider basis, by regularly doing extracurricular reading. Why? It's because the most powerful weapon you have, as investors, is your up to date information. If your battlefield information and planning, is faulty, weak or nonexistent, you are going to be slaughtered when you enter the fight against better informed superior forces. Always keep up to date: Information is cascading at us like a wide, thick, fast-moving and often very dangerous waterfall! We just have to select what information we desire to get, take our specific little "Wish to Learn" bucket to the "Right" spot at the falls, and there you are. At your disposal, is the very latest field of interest at your command

The truth is, everybody has some sort of Expertise and Skill, they can harness when investing. Valuable truth has its own attracting magnetism. If you don't believe it, nobody is going to believe it for you.

The physicist Marx Planck once said, that "A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it."

What is your particular and very, very, special competitive advantage? Of course, your own sound financial and investment judgment, may evaporate in the face of having suddenly acquired relatively large amounts of money to invest! That's when it is a good idea to locate and interview a good Healthcare, Financial and Investment advisor, or advisors. As many, now financially sad, folks are aware of the pitfalls that engulf "The Victims" of the "Sudden Wealth Syndrome," it would have been worth acquiring the advice and guidance of a well qualified and registered financial and investment advisor!

To suddenly find yourself in charge of a very large amount of money, without being prepared to handle it, could be most daunting! For all investors, be it a small investor, or a fortunate large sum investor, it is essential to always be at the cutting edge of how money and investments work!

Who should I ask for help? If you think you are the smartest person in the room, you are obviously in the wrong room! Associating with the Wrong People! Don't be too smart for your own good. Related to the above, remember what Dennis Kimbro once said: If you are the smartest one of your friends, you need new friends.

When consulting with your Advisors or Mentors, remember to stay humble and realise, there is so much more that you can learn from these folks! The HEALTH, finance and Investment game, is a team venture! Therefore, once you and your team have decided the appropriate course of investment action, it is a good idea to allocate a specific area of investigation to a specific person. You will soon learn how best your respective research results mesh, to give the best investment outcomes.

The well qualified and registered persons, who should be of in estimate value and help in your quest for assistance, should include at least the following: A finance broker, or brokers, who are registered with the appropriate Financial Services Board – or similar Association. A Registered accountant. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC). A Certified Legal Advisor. A smart solicitor! And, of course, as required, a trusted and experienced mentor, who will help set you up for a Long-term win.

Please, never forget to also include, among your trusted advisors, a team of health care experts! Taking good care of your health, is one area where you can actually save frustration, pain and even money. Yet, this facet of quality-of-life investment, is almost never highlighted or brought to the client-patient's attention!

Fellow investors, watching a good mentor, can be a great education. When you try to do the best on your own, you will soon learn that you are very experience and ignorance vulnerable. And, you will most likely, never reach your fullest potential. Why not associate with greatness? If you hang out with top achievers and traders, some of their infectious magic will rub off.

Connect with the right achievers, motivated and experienced people, and you will find that a whole new set of opportunities and ventures, that you never dreamed were possible, will open up to you. However, it is often said that the best investors are the ones with investment amnesia.

Is your nation a nation of achievers? Or does your nation only have pockets of excellence, private and public?

When you have associates and a peer group of high achievers, and big thinkers, frequently motivating, pushing and stretching you, anything, and any of your dreams, becomes possible. Positive action precedes feeling. Is it true that high optimistic achievers also get disappointed a lot? They too, fail many times, but since they are very optimistic people, they see possible advantage in adversity, and make the best of every situation. Adversity introduces us to our unknown selves.

I believe it was Einstein who said: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result!

These people are slavish champions of repetition.

George Bernard Shaw said: "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they cannot find them, make them.

There are always two concerned voices running through your head: the voice of ambition and the voice of risk management and caution. One pushes you to investigate, to make more discoveries. The other prevents you from plunging into the abyss of failure.

Optimists see the light! They are problem solvers. They always try to improve the situations. On the other hand, pessimists mostly simply let their behaviour get the better of them. Simply put, for most of us, it is much easier to believe the pessimists. Enthusiastic optimists sound like they are too keen; throwing caution to the wind.

There is, however, a fine line between the pessimist and the optimist, identifying and acknowledging risks and either never seeing an opportunity in anything, or taking advantage of the hidden gems. Markets will always cycle, so there will always be opportunities for informed investors somewhere.

Here's something very important you have to realise about the wealthy. They don't flaunt their wealth! They tend to hold their best business, investment and financial insight cards close to their chest. Like Private Deals. Advantageous Tax strategies. And, especially trusted and experienced people, they turn to invest their own money with. Old money also doesn't always show off by buying the Latest things. It prefers to keep a low profile! And a low "don't flaunt wealth" cost of living.

The wealthy also understand the long-term cost of debt.

It is very interesting to note that most people don't care about the final cost of a new vehicle. They are more concerned about what are the monthly payments?

Again, this is what poor people ask when considering a car purchase. Of course, that is the wrong question! Rather, a much better questions is, what is this car ultimately really going to cost me?

When you multiply the monthly interest payment, by the number of months of the loan, you will be shocked to see a shocking number that's way more than the total cost of the car. And, of course, that's before the sign on the dot immediate depreciation, taxes, on-road and other expenses. This staggering, blood-draining number, is the number you have to be comfortable with. Much better yet, be uncomfortable with this total cost number, and keep your old car.

We have been fortunate to adhere to this formula of vehicle replacement; it yielded most gratifying financial results.

Wealthy people also run the future impact numbers when they make a decision. For example, poor people believe, that when a car begins to have problems, it's much better to get a newer car, so they don't have to spend as much for maintenance and repairs. This is not necessarily true. You can spend thousands of dollars a year repairing a car and be financially way ahead when compared to buying a new car. Think about all the expense of a new car purchase. Do the math. This is so very important: I repeat: Why a new car is suddenly worth so much less the moment it leaves the lot. . . A new car that was bought at a certain price, usually loses about 1 third or 1 quarter of its price, just on signing for it. (A used car is about the best bargain on the planet. By the time a car is two years old, it has gone through 60 percent of its depreciation but only logged about a third of its lifetime miles. Buy a used car, drive it into the ground and make sure you get a good warrantee.)

Yet another transport option, available in a number of countries, is the option of car sharing. When retired, it may make good financial sense, rather than to own a motor vehicle, which takes up both space and a lot of locked up capital, to consider a car share facility. Investigate on line for what is available in your area or country. If using vehicle 10-12 thousand miles (convert to km) per year, it might be worth it. The added beauty, is the fact that one has at your call a well maintained, modern and overhead free vehicle.

Rapid development and evolution on the transport front, including passenger transport, is opening up much needed new possibilities. Including working from home; using much improved public transport having a module pick you up at your address and depositing you at your destination – all done without you having to do any "driving," saving both time and money, not to forget vehicle storage space at your home! While in transit in these new compact modules, you will have on-line entertainment, regular international news and investment updates plus you can do work on your note taker. These compact modules will then be directed to the next person; keeping them in use most of the time! Being electrical and autonomous, just think of the noise, pollution, energy, time, safety, transport density, that is much reduced!

Our modes of transport are more and more reliant on computers – in fact, many of the transport units are already computers on wheels! This brings focus on safety and cyber security! Will hackers use their laptop to interfere with these "computers on wheels?" Fortunately, the vehicle manufacturers are already addressing this issue, in an effort to make such units safe and reliable!

There is also emphasis on the development of the flying cars!

The wealthy are on the lookout to take advantage of opportunity. Successfully managing money like the wealthy, is learnable, and it's not difficult. If you want to be rich, manage your money, using sound investment principles, and you will be on your way to success. Of course, you will have to make some changes. This includes to make some short-term sacrifices, embark on a health and money-management self-empowerment on-going course.

A very simple little formula: just remember this: spend less than you make.

Wealthy people think differently. They also manage their money differently than everyone else. They make well-researched, informed and different decisions and have an entirely different way of thinking about money. But even if you are not yet rich, you can still manage your money like the wealthy do.

The fine art of successfully managing investments requires consistency, patience and the critical ability to perceive a long-term approach to the creation of wealth. Investing, is not about avoiding risk, but rather anticipating and managing it.

One of the other keys for success, is to also learn from past failures, and to keep those failures financially discreet, but educationally significant. That is, keep your losses small but always learn from them.

A bend in the road, is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn. Unknown.

Why do seemingly intelligent people, who suddenly have a lot of money, successfully squander it? At first glance, one is tempted to think that they are disinclined to self-empowerment effort. This is a very complex question to give a single answer to. I knew a very hard working, diligent and most successful fellow, who built up an enormous cash-generating, repeat-order business. He collected very expensive Italian sports cars. In it was rumoured that he would leave one of the extremely valuable vehicles with his bank as collateral security, whenever he required further business development capital. Sadly, I have very recently learned that his weak spot is – hopefully – was – gambling! He lost everything! A very sad, and devastating situation, in retirement Of course, investigating the thinking of the various financial groups, is rather revealing about their views, about the success of rich people! It covers a wide spectrum of views; including opinions about: What the poor people believe.

Being rich has very little to do with luck and everything to do with habits according to author Thomas Corley in his book Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals. Rich people are also willing to take risks. "A lot of the wealthy people in the study were business owners who started their own businesses, Corley explains. They became successes because they were master self-educators who learned from the school of hard knocks. Only about 13 percent of poor people believed they would be successful in life. About 82 percent of the poor believe they are not responsible for their poverty. It's also very interesting to note that about 90 percent of poor people, believe fate determines your wealth or poverty, in life.

Interesting contrast: About 75 percent of the rich, believe creativity is very critical to financial success. About 79 percent of the rich, believe they are the cause of their successful financial condition.

The mindset is also very important. Note the place of humour and optimism! About 54 percent of rich people believe optimism is important to success.

One of the formulas for long-term success: about 78 percent of rich people believe that rich people are good, hardworking and honest. The truth is that the rich people's achievement and ambition thermostat, is set much higher. You won't get rich investing only your money. However, you can do very well. This is so important. If you combine that with investing in yourself, you will become financially independent and you will get wealthy.

Wealth Buys Independence. Financial independence gives you expanded and varied choices. Investing, at its heart, is a deeply optimistic activity. It requires the postponed gratification mindset. To forgo the enjoyment of your money delights today, in the hope of earning a lot more, to enjoy in the future. If you are still rather unsure of how to go about creating your own financial and investment security program, it is prudent to get someone to help you build a financial and investment toolkit, starting right now. This should be someone, who's with the registered appropriate authority, who will know what to do with your money. And even ways to make your capital grow.

Here is what the real financial and investment pros know. They know that you cannot create wealth overnight, but you can certainly become very rich in the medium to long term, provided you are dedicated, disciplined, patient and persistent. You get there, by following a proven system and by having a safe finance and investment strategy. You then implement this by buying the right investments, in the right location, at the right price, and holding it for the long term.

I'm not going to hold myself out as an expert; but I will offer you a point of view about that. All strategy, really, is about best use of limited resources; it's about making choices; about changing; about having the courage to take things beyond the rhetoric and actually get them done.

First and foremost, it's a matter of focus, of national focus, a stronger partnership between government and industry, working toward that focus and investing heavily behind it. The reality is that local competition is extinct, it simply doesn't exist anymore. That's because of the mobility of people and ideas; if there's a better idea anywhere in the world, it will come to your market and compete against you.

Once one begins to understand that that's the benchmark, and no longer local best practises, but global best practises, that kind of focus and developing competencies to do that, those are the ingredients for success. All great success comes from an intense focus on the right things. And focus is magic; and strategy is about mustering that focus and galvanising your resources behind it.

For the rest of us, this is an important reminder: just because someone – maybe, a very pious person – sits next to you in a church pew, does not mean you can trust him or her with your money. If an investment provider is emphasising holy credentials, beware. It's quite possible that that person is very loyal – loyal to their own financial status!

Maybe somewhere, or other, you too, have come across something of the following persuasive order: "I find inspiration in how God protects me and my associates and guides us through varied and dynamic life's troubles, showing unsuspected solutions where they are least expected!"

This, or a similar quote, is what you should always keep in mind, when you are confronted by the charms of individuals running these money-making operations. If you are going to listen to someone's free or paid for advice, make sure it is unbiased and not self-serving. Be even more cautious if people are willing to offer advice for free. If it sounds too good, to be true, it most likely is.

My suggestion is, to set aside time to first educate yourself, and to become financial, investment and money fluent. However, always be careful who you learn from. Find a credible and experienced source, not someone with incredible promises.

If you go the route of getting a supporting team, make sure it is a team of independent and unbiased professionals. A team of people who are respected, registered, experienced, known, proven and trusted. This will give you the luxury and freedom, of being in control of your own financial destiny.

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Chapter 135:

Getting The Right Costly Advice From The Wrong People

Why would you ask direction from someone who's not travelled the road? Why take advice from someone who is not achieving the results you want?

Instead, rather surround yourself with the best. Use their knowledge and experience, as templates to close the gap between where you are and where you really want to be.

Honesty is a very expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap people. The sooner you learn this, the better. Do not expect too much from people. Only a few have that virtue called integrity.

People working together with integrity and authenticity and collective experience and intelligence, are usually profoundly more effective as a business. This is usually very obvious among people living together, based on rapid self-enriching politics, game playing, and profoundly narrow self-interest.

Often, there are Well-Run Companies, operating in a country with a Hostile Free Enterprise Environment! Always take note of the country's Political Stability; the Official attitude towards Business – in particular, the fertile ground setting for starting, developing and expanding such ventures!

There are things, and occasions, that happen in life that we can't control. But we can control the positive way in which we respond to them.

If you change your negative attitude, you actually change your opportunity reality. It is not necessarily the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin.

When you detach yourself, liberate yourself from the negative attitude, and refocus, to have a positive attitude, instead of a very restricting negative one, you start to see things, opportunities and perspectives, that were invisible to you before. It also is certain, that anyone who has modest intelligence, and a positive attitude, can become financially independent! Provided that, they are willing to work diligently and also to work hard.

It is so sad and often devastating to hear the following comment: "At this point, my wife and I have worked as hard as we possibly could; we're both healthy, thrifty and 52 years old." Jim hesitated; pondering the justice of the system that caters for the seemingly growing number of people who are riding on the backs of the hard working folks. He continued: "We were reared on the idea that working hard, working honestly and treating people as they should be treated, would allow for a retirement if not wealthy, at least dignified." "Well Jim, do you find it that bad; I mean, is there no hope at the end of the tunnel?" His shoulders sagged; took a deep breath and replied: "That long-time dream and dignity, is now on a fading horizon, and as far as I can tell, we'll both work until we are unable to go any further. In the meantime, backed by governments with overstretched social grants, folks who don't really know what diligent, honest hard work is have made off with my life's savings."

Zombies, you'll recall, are people and institutions that thrive and live at the expense of others. How? Some are expert international freelance criminals. But most depend on liberal let's hand out government to get the quality of life they need.

Let's refocus on a rather splendid type of venture! That's to admire the Business institution of government. What a splendid and very profitable racket! It typically takes a large and growing percentage of an economy's output. It also makes the business rules. Often, it also successfully sets the slow-down pace!

As you know, one can divide an economy into three sections: households, businesses, and government. Of the three, government is in the best financial position by far. Everybody is a supporting customer of the government! Whether he or she wants to be or not. And when you have firm control of the government, you set the terms and conditions of the deals with the other potential partners! And, the very good fortune, you can change the terms whenever you want. That's why there is so much money floating, ready to be harvested, in politics! A very honest person, can go into government with nothing; and he can come out with a fortune.

Don't forget the other perks and privileges that no one else gets. Members of the government, have yet another valuable concept up their sleeves: they also routinely exclude themselves from the rules and regulations they've made for others.

In the private sector, fraud is a crime! However, in government, it is "just politics" as usual! Every successful business is a good and dependable source of funds. Government is also very fortunate to get money from various taxation!

Some of its more astute members, also get bribes in various forms. Of course, the very overly ambitious politicians, recognise that the best investment they can make, is in politics. They open the formula for the progress umbrella! They pay crony politicians. They also hire expensive lobbyists.

In return, once the stage is set, government enacts rules and regulations to stifle or kill competition. The irony is that government often really succeeds when it fails.

Similarly, you are not entitled to anything you have not willing to pay for. Of course, you're proud that, by working hard and diligently, and using your specific talents, you can earn a good living. Identify your true talents, then find out how to use them to make money. Of course, you will do almost anything, to provide for your family's health and secure their financial future.

You do not have to give up on your dream of being wealthy. You always have the ability to change your financial and health life. One of the secrets to taking control of your Safe Financial and Investment Future, is Always Learning more about health, financial and Investment knowledge. So empowering yourself with financial and investment knowledge, should be very high on your personal agenda. Of course, you cannot know everything about finance and investing! But it's a very good idea to surround yourself with a network of keen and knowledgeable professional people, who keep up to date. At every interaction you have within that network, you must show your credentials! That you respect the network and its members, that you too, are respectable, and – equally important – that you can also be trusted.

I'm reminded of something very important and true that Werner Erhard once said: "There is something I do not know, the knowing of which could change everything."

If you are an experienced person, particularly with getting "Problems" in true solvable focus, you will find that one of the best ways you can do this, is to be a problem solver. Sooner or later, most people are rather keen to highlight their health and money Problems! During the normal course of a conversation, you will soon learn what problems your new associate has digging at his or her energy and resources! Now is your chance to reflect on your particular background expertise and strengths. Then suggest, very friendly and casually, how easily you think you could help solve the problem. Adding value by solving a problem, suddenly focuses on a new problem-solving kaleidoscope.

The world is your kaleidoscope, and the varying combinations of colours which at every succeeding moment it presents to you, are the exquisitely adjusted pictures of your ever-moving experience and thoughts. The new possibilities and prospects, could involve just about anything.

However, often, a man is sometimes lost in the dust of his own raising. The impacts of both stress and must achieve mentality: I never in my lifetime saw so many people who are so affluent, but they are all anxious. Is anybody happy anymore?

Fortunately, I've had a good life. Talent in a varied field of enthusiasm and knowledge, is the greatest passport in the world, it can get you anywhere. There always is some political risk, to keep in mind. In the face of such obvious political and financial risks, sensible and rational people, make plans and take steps that make sense, no matter what happens.

Also, and this is very important, don't forget to discuss possible future retirement healthcare expenses, with a Healthcare and Financial planner, for expert advice on your specific situation. Neglecting to make the required and necessary Healthcare Needs for the future, to cover healthcare expenses, can have rather unpleasant consequences! .

Resort to your Self-Empowerment; do a search on-line to locate any of the many sites that track broker and advisor improprieties.

When you set up the interview with the person – or persons – of your choice, Never forget to take your Gut Feeling with you to assist during the meeting! Always, when in doubt, trust your instincts and Gut Feeling, and keep on listening and looking. Listening is as important as talking. If you're a good listener, people often compliment you for being a good conversationalist.

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Chapter 136:

The Value Of Good Concentrated Listening

Concentrated listening is tiring, and must be rationed, otherwise the listener's attention span may rapidly diminish. Pay attention to your Survival inner Voice. It's that quiet well informed little voice that's also listening and monitoring in the background. It offers on-going analysis, and a running commentary when you are listening to someone. It's that valuable well informed voice that brings up your own opinion about the information being provided.

However, be on your guard. Be careful. It is sometimes too easy to pay more attention to the inner voice, than the information provided by the actual speaker. That inner voice, if too dominating, can easily keep you from listening to good information, and can often make you shut down, before you have heard the entire proposal or argument. Again, be courteous, and focus less on what your brain has to say and more on the speaker. You may be surprised at what you hear and can learn.

However, don't just trust your gut; trust your experience and research. An ounce of proper research, can save you a substantial amount of your frustration and money.

Always keep your informed wits about you, and stay disciplined. Stay profitable.

Never forget how to use the freely available power of common knowledge. Winston Churchill.

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; real courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Again, don't forget to add the names of the necessary well qualified persons, who should be of nestimate value and help in your quest for a assitance. This should include at least the following: A Broker, or brokers, who are registered with the appropriate Financial Services Board – or similar Association. A Registered accountant. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC). A Certified Legal Advisor.

Once you have narrowed down and made a choice – or two – don't be afraid or timid to ask relevant questions. Ask each agent whether they have any association with any investment companies or large banks? Also, ask which legal standard and guidelines, they are held to, and how they are compensated.

The latter, percentage of your investment that goes to Compensation – or Salary – is very, very, very important. It makes a huge long-term compound impact on the invested sum of money! Always Be a Fee-Checking Policeman!

In a rather straightforward investment contract and proposal, with rather high fees, you should be getting a very high level of service from your advisor. Your advisor's holistic guidance and advice, should also include advice on your estate and personal risk planning. However, always remember, if you are paying this rather high service and advice fee, you need to be convinced that the level of your financial planning warrants these ongoing charges. Once investment ideas and proposals have been put on the table for your consideration, ask for a written Investment proposal. Also request to see sample portfolios for clients, who have similar financial and investment goals.

Nobody likes overbearing investment and financial philosophers. In fact, well-informed and self-caring and sensible people, have no use for Health and Financial philosophy or philosophers.

Always remember, that it is Your Money And Your Future, that is at a possible risk. Therefore, you are entitled to answers to your questions! Of course, you might be confronted by: "How dare you question my credentials?" You have the full right to always ask. Never be intimidated! Why not? Because we know that to be truly original and creative, you've got to believe in your idea, concept and yourself. Then go ahead, and do things the way you believe and know they should be done, regardless of what the herd is thinking or doing.

The herd instinct is the strongest emotion; especially dangerous in investing. Unknown.

The secret to getting ahead.

As you know, in the international digital communication age, life is no longer simple. Everyone is frequently being called to dream beyond the next few mountains; to dream bigger. To think way beyond the box – to think bolder. To take smarter and faster actions. And adapt to massive on-going change quicker than the brain is probably comfortable with, or evolved to deal with.

From our education system and the daily pressure to perform, we're being asked to stretch. And like you, hundreds of millions of other people on the planet, want a better, safer, and more secure future. Many of them are also thinking ahead to retirement too. And we're all essentially on the same level investment and money management ignorance playing field. All rushing from one seemingly important thing to the other. In constant pursuit to be ahead, to catch "the next best thing" before everyone else.

Many of these people make up "the majority." They follow the herd. They associate and follow the same friends and trends. They read the same books, magazines and blogs. The consult the same circle of experts. And they are all doing the same things, and playing by the same rules. How often deprivingly exciting?

When everyone rushes to one side of the boat, head to the other side to avoid a catastrophe of the boat capsizing or getting soaked.

First, get the facts and then the trust. Mystery, not always logic, is what gives us hope and keeps us believing in a force greater than our own insignificance. So often, we come across the torture of hope. What really is hope? Hope: a possible life saving commodity in critically short supply! But only if you remember, that health and financial wealth is a side effect of real personal inner wealth.

On-going, enthusiastic, and humour-based self-empowerment, is the most powerful investment you can do with your valuable time and your life. If you have the necessary fortitude and determination, you can always make money back, when you have lost it. But one fatal single split moment of health and life-changing stress and anxiety, you will NEVER make back again. Investing in the future, will open new doors. But it will never bring back the past. However, there always will be the good lessons of the past failures, to be learned and harvested with success.

There are two important rules of business: knowing when to get in and when to get out. Of the two, when to get out is the most important.

With that in mind, one of the secrets to getting ahead is simple: Be a contrarian! Don't follow the herd; don't walk along the same tracks that lead to the same outcomes. Don't try to compete; other than with yourself.

Remember, competition is a choice. Instead, be very different. Ask better informed questions. Think out of the conventional box, think differently and act differently.

This is for a very simple practical reason: Humans have always suffered well before the digital age. They suffered because of a lack of technical evolution and communication as well as better thinking. Based on the latter, there was also a lack of new future perspective.

Always try and innovate. Whether or not, you are investing in the stock market. Create your own researched concepts, ideas and formulae for investing, protecting your assets and providing for family wealth management succession! This may be an original idea – or formulate a new plan – on the basis of which none existed.

With the aid of digital infrastructure, why not create something out of nothing? Of course, it's easier said than done, I know. But so many folks has successfully done it. And, it's the defining factor of why they are, financially independent and self-sufficient. In fact, great entrepreneurs.

When you are a contrarian, you will soon learn that the things that you found to be easy to do, others found it rather easy not to do. Think of the goals that could change your future life. Think of the on-going health and money-management self-empowerment books and literature, to read. Attend the health and investment classes, seminars, and to get around other achievers and successful people. However, never forget to reflect on what some people said, "it probably is really unimportant."

Remember, there always is a choice. The choice of selecting between easy to do, and easy not to do. However, do not forget or neglect to regularly do, the simple, basic, easy, but potentially life-changing quality-of-life-enhancing activities and disciplines. Take the seat, and strap on the safety belt, in the driver's seat of your financial and investment vehicle. Also don't forget to reset your destination compass or route direction indicator!

If you abdicate your focus on success, the less successful you will be. Soon you will believe and feel that you are the finance and investment ignorant passenger going along for a ride. Take full responsibility for your choice and course of action. Take full responsibility for both the good and the bad things that happen to you. Rather try and work on things that will matter most, not things that will matter least. (Things that matter most, must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. GOETHE.)

You must simply sit with people at the table of success, be tuned into the correct receptive mindset, to accept success. Successful people know they are the pilot of their own lives.

A good financial plan, is really a adaptive, comprehensive, Long-term life-management plan. This plan must frequently be attended to and updated. International political, financial and investment circumstances change! Your financial, Health, Investment, Legal and Tax team, should know about legal, insurance, tax or financial issues you might not consider or deem relevant to you. Unfortunately, most investors do not have a long-term well-researched investment plan, and that is why they sometimes stray or get lost along the way. Or even get distracted by the latest investment fad or the next "hot" investment! And, if they do have a plan, they rarely review it, to make sure they are still on the right track. I really cannot over-emphasise! Always Do your Financial and Investment research! That will give you the necessary background information, to be able to develop a suitable investment strategy!

First, take care of the growth basics! Make sure your money is supported by the Keen eighth MIRACLE – Compounding! And that your dividend money is getting reinvested, and compounding at an acceptable rate. To start off with, compounding may seem rather dull; but, as time works it's valuable asset adding effect on your investment, it gradually grows faster and faster! Once you have this taken care of, you will be in a much better position to invest successfully, using other strategies!

In your garden of Health and Wealth Development, plant a little seed of Compound Growth. It will, in the long run, grow to be one of the largest giant safety and security fruit trees in your garden! Regularly water it with periodic progress reviews, nurture and apply frequent additional savings fertiliser, and take good up-date pruning and care of its growth! You simply cannot harvest the life saving quality-of-life crop if you have not planted in the spring, watered, weeded and cultivated during the summer.

What to do, now that you have Determine your preferred investment strategy? When you decide to do when you don't know what to do.

Do you have that familiar sinking feeling in your stomach, that the markets, the economy are on a slippery slope to nowhere, or even hell! It would be perfectly natural to feel that way. Once you know where you are going, you need to implement an investment strategy that helps you to get there. Since you can hardly save your way to wealth, your goal should be to build a substantial international asset base capital growth portfolio! This includes gradually phasing some of your investment money into the market; particularly when the market is depressed. This enables you to take advantage of another often overlooked miracle investment cost-averaging. If you don't do this, you are missing, taking advantage of cost-averaging.

There is no rule or formula, known to the informed investors, that says you have to buy all at once. In fact, there is a compelling argument to be made for gradually buying in stages. This is known as Dollar cost averaging.

What exactly is Dollar cost averaging? It is a Total Wealth Building Tactic, that helps you buy a specific amount of any variety of investments, on a regular basis. The obvious advantage of dollar cost averaging is that it helps keep risks low yet returns high. It also lets you bypass the mistake, of investing a single large amount at the wrong time, the wrong countries, and in the wrong companies. Of course, it also takes sometimes misleading emotion out of the equation.

The beauty of Dollar cost averaging, is that it forces you to buy more shares when prices are low, while fewer shares are purchased, when prices are high. Remember the very important life-saving adage: Always Be a Fee-Checking Policeman! If you use this formula, you will notice that over time, your average share purchasing cost, comes down. Your total transaction cost actually drops. Which means that your money buys you more investments.

When it comes to successful investing, mounting transaction fees and taxes are the only sure thing!

Always keep in mind, that nobody who is not on your pay check, really cares about you. And actively act accordingly.

Yet another – and growing aspect of The International Man, Woman and Family, is the relative ease for folks to relocate from one country to another. This may be by way of a relatively short period; of a company's requirements; selling your skills and expertise to the most attractive market or even reasons of the family's requirements.

Although your present country, may have a proud history of innovation, pioneering and genius, it still does not stop you from relocating, to where your skills and expertise are either in demand, or will be better appreciated! This is, because, International productive people, their families and companies, gravitate to jurisdictions and to places where they are welcome, safe and are treated the best. This enticing, attraction magnet, dynamic, is called tax competition. Politicians in jurisdictions and countries with uncompetitive tax policies, certainly don't like this. Because it means, fewer keen and willing productive people to fleece, which helps puts a limit on their self-enriching and wasteful spending.

However, there are jurisdictions, where the fleecing and milking techniques, are not as prevalent. Always keep in mind, that the grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. No, not necessarily at all. High fences really have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest, where it is best nourished and watered. When crossing over boundaries, carry your intellectual equity with you, and tend the opportunity grass wherever you may be.

Here's a quick, but very important, question for you and your family: What would you do if, because of your political views or otherwise, your country blacklisted you from international travel? Or, even much worse, have your citizenship revoked? The opportunity-opening door is this: there really is one thing. It's very important and prudent to consider owning a second passport. But it takes some investigation, planning and forward thinking. Most of us cannot imagine being free to travel without a passport. To travel internationally, proving your identity – and maybe, much more – is just part of the journey. Time was, when no passports were necessary, or even available. Now, a full century later, if you don't have a passport, you have a heavy weight around your legs, you're locked into your home country.

The bottom line is that, if you hold political, or any other views that the establishment of your home government does not like, don't be surprised when they decide to restrict your travel options. In this case, having the political freedom and diversification, that comes from having a second passport is even more important.

There are many advantages of having a second or even a third passport. A second passport opens many doors. It gives you international freedom and allows you to invest, bank, travel, reside, and do business in places that you could not before. Yet another advantage for your family, is that the enormous benefits of a second passport will last for generations. You will also be able to pass on your multiple citizenship to your future children and grandchildren.

One of the greatest and horrifying examples of this is in Nazi Germany when Jews had their passports stamped with large Jness to make them easily identifiable by officials. Some fortunate Jews were able to get second passports through offshore connections, but most were left destitute with few options.

Recently, citizens of Arab Spring countries attempted to escape the chaos around them, but were turned away from most safe havens because of where they were coming from.

Right now, 2017, there is much political turbulence in parts of the world. As we have already noticed, when things heat up at home, many other countries won't want to help you. As with all else, it is always much better to be prepared than to seek preparation once it's too late."

Of course, your government is always free to decide how they define "enemy." And as you know, they tend to paint with a rather broad and heavy brush. So always keep a clean slate, but beware.

Once you lose your treasured citizenship, you also lose your ability to travel internationally. You also mostly automatically lose any diplomatic protections your country extends to its citizens. Now the sting in the tail. You must apply for a visa to re-enter your own country. This may be denied, due to a wide variety of your alleged criminal activities. And if you don't already have another citizenship, you become stateless – a person without a country.

Stripping citizenship from you also makes it easier from a legal standpoint for your former government to evaporate or assassinate you. Given this reality, it only makes sense to obtain a second nationality and passport, "just in case."

This is very, very, very important. Always think about the consequences down the track before you do anything, associate, act or speak. As always, keep a clean slate but beware.

For folks, looking to make the most of their opportunity, abilities, skills, personal financial and political freedom, it only takes some in depth investigation. To learn about jurisdictions that are opposed to direct taxation, To protect both your financial and intellectual assets. Always investigate to learn which jurisdictions are available at the time of your investigation.

However, there are at least three jurisdictions. These are the Cayman Islands, Dominica, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Look at the Cayman Islands and focus on Cayman. It has a long-standing culture and history, that is opposed to any form of direct taxation. Historically, all proposal, with a faint smell of direct taxation, has been driven out of town, along with the foolish politicians who tried to sponsor it. This fortunate politico-economic formula, has been fostered by the fact that Cayman is geographically, a very small place. For the interested potential investors, the prevailing politico economic system, therefore, remains very accountable, transparent and personal. The important people, leaders, politicians, and legislators go to the same entertainment venues, the same restaurants and live in the same neighbourhoods as their constituents and, fortunately, they cannot easily hide. This kind of political and economic personal accountability and transparency, is almost impossible in large spread-out countries.

The politically lethargic people would be much better off, and the self-enriching politicians worse off, if the finances of the government were open and clear. Give politicians status; Give politicians an Inch and They will take a Mile!

The International mobile Men and WOMEN, may also have lost track of their Various International retirement savings, because, not only are they likely to have worked for several employers over their careers, but also worked in several countries. This raises the problem, that Expats could lose their Various International Retirement Savings. This could also mean, that Expats returning home, could be taxed on their overseas earnings.

Imagine getting to the Retirement phase of your life, and suddenly learning that you have Much less capital than you expected! The reason, neglecting to keep track of your Various International Retirement or other investments; notifying the appropriate authorities in your Home country about changes of address, and other valuable information!

What a financial shock, to learn that your International accumulated retirement savings are lost over the course of time. It is very important, that you Regularly stay on top of all your personal financial matters, but perhaps particularly so with pensions, as it may be some extended time until they have to be accessed. However, there is light in the tunnel! Expats, who have lost track of their pension, should immediately contact an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) with specialist International cross-border experience, who, in turn, can contact pension schemes to obtain information on their behalf. Once the retirement savings have been recovered, it is most important to have those saving immediately compounding and working for you.

Once again, get advice on how to protect and maximise the funds. This may include using already established tax-advantageous financial products, that may be exclusively available to expatriates, often allowing them to become significantly better off than their fellows in their country of origin.

More and more people, are also relocating for a growing number of reasons. Everybody has their own personal reasons for expatriating. These include political instability, corruption, the threat of future financial destructive laws, health and safety matters! Furthermore, there is often labour unrest; you may have a top grade corrupt government; the standard of education is rapidly deteriorating; and there are energy supply and mounting personal safety and security problems to top it off! However, before relocating, keep in mind that: It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong. John Maynard Keynes.

The very important message for the modern-day international person, is that money, loyalty and skills, has allegiance only to opportunity, safety and profits.

If you are interested in using the best tax advantageous and safe place for your investments and personal safety, do the necessary investigation to locate the best jurisdiction that will meet with your requirements! Any place is a tax haven, where money is secure and either entirely free from tax or subject to just a low tax rate.

Any nation, that offers much less government intervention, personal and asset safety and better profits, can expect an inward avalanche of skilled entrepreneurs and money.

Do you regularly see and hear the following headlines: "Welcome to the land of the everything for free, without any obligations!" Is your country's largest export product: entrepreneurs, skilled and well educated people, the rich people, who, mostly, create jobs and employment?

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Chapter 137:

The Economic Case For Tax Havens!

Why tax havens are good for the global economy. Many countries certainly do not like the fact, that jobs skills and capital are shifting to places with better tax laws.

Working through international bureaucracies, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Commission, and the United Nations, politicians from high-tax nations, that are trying to shut down tax havens. This is with the hopes of propping up their uncompetitive tax and fiscal systems.

The OECD has even put together a tax-haven blacklist. The countries on this list, are threatened with financial protectionism, if they did not agree to become vassal tax collectors for bigger nations.

Tax havens have a very valuable role in the international and global economy. They encourage and facilitate, the efficient allocation of entrepreneurial capital. Instead of handing out funds to corrupt, inefficient and greedy governments, they encourage saving and investment. And, very important, because of tax competition, they encourage better fiscal policy in the rest of the world.

What really is tax competition? Tax competition, is what occurs when politicians feel mounting pressure to improve tax policy, so the skilled of entrepreneurs and money, the geese that lay the golden eggs, won't fly away.

A tax haven is any jurisdiction that satisfies two criteria. First, it has tax laws that are attractive to global investors and entrepreneurs. Next, it protects its fiscal sovereignty, by choosing, in at least some cases, not to enforce the bad and ruining tax laws of other nations.

With the international living and working space shrinking, and offering more choices, skills and money still prefer to go to the jurisdictions and countries, that welcome it. And, very important, that are friendly and safe for both persons, money and skills.

For the international mobile people, this is a natural quest for self-preservation.

What is the moral basis?

Sadly, the majority of the world's population lives in countries where governments fail to provide the accepted basic human rights protections of civilised society.

Tax havens, offer a safe haven for people subject to persecution. As so often is the case, inefficient governments are the problem, because corrupt ruling elites use their power to exploit ill-informed, vulnerable and submissive people. Self-enriching and galloping corruption, often is thriving and rampant.

Asset expropriation is common, rewarding crime is endemic, and there is widespread persecution. There may also be guilt by political association.

Entrepreneurs with skills and money, are common targets of oppression, particularly if they belong to a religious, political, ethnic, racial, and/or sexual minority.

If they have access to your assets, or find out about it, they can very easily legitimately steal it. If you and your family belong to a group that is unpopular with the government of the day, or susceptible to being targeted by the government, it makes sense to protect your family interest by putting your money in some suitable place where the politicians from your country can not get their keen hands on it. Remember, if they can find out about it, they can steal it.

Would you really trust your corrupt local government with the security and safety of your assets? Similarly, would you want to leave your assets in a local bank, where the National dictator can arbitrarily confiscate your money? Of course not. If you have done your homework, you are going to put your money in a jurisdiction that is safe, honest and well run.

Yet another scenario: would you want to leave your financial assets and money, in a local bank, oblivious to the risk that your hard worked for life savings could be wiped out overnight by devaluation?

The choice of political freedom depends on the ability to hide purely personal information from a government. Always remember the important fact that you do not own your citizenship and passport. The government does. And, of course, they can take it away for any valid or not so valid a reason they deem fit.

This is a very valid and an excellent reason to have a second passport.

The always lurking often unobtrusive risk: Sovereign risk – or social political legislative risk. Sovereign political risk is associated with the possibility of unexpected and unfavourable government action or social upheaval resulting in investment losses. Governments always conveniently retain the power to amend laws affecting investments, and rulings, which result in an adverse investment outcome. This is representative of political legislative risk.

Before undertaking any action, be sure to discuss your options with a qualified advisor.

Money is buying you more freedom, happiness, health, security and choices in life. If you are not happy while getting rich, chances are you will never be happy when you ultimately do get rich. So, whether you are rich or poor, try your best to make sure you are happy.

If you are reluctant, or afraid of making mistakes, you will not want to do anything. We learn by making mistakes, yet in our educational system, we punish people for making too many of them. Often, people do not make money, simply because they fear losing money even more.

Give your children the value of an open mind, and common sense. Regularly set the example, and give them the power of money management skills, before you give them money.

Mistakes and accidents are inevitable; the Old Money family, needs to aim for a higher rate of capital growth to offset unavoidable calamities. How to do it? The secret is to use the one big advantage of long term – investors: time itself. Instead of chasing alpha, successful multigenerational investors go after "beta." In the long run, it's beta that makes fortunes, not alpha. Every study proves it.

Being in the right place at the right time, and knowing the right people, is much more likely to pay off than being smart enough to find just the right stock to buy.

Yet another very simple approach, is to buy well-managed and run companies, rather than stocks. The advantage of companies, is that they are real businesses, with real assets and real cash flows. Stocks, on the other hand, are claims on a piece of those assets and cash flows.

What you really want, is the Real international, established companies, with highly regarded and wanted products, the real companies that are not just blips on a computer screen. Those company assets and cash flows have a value. So the real company's stocks, also has a value.

One of the secret to successful value investing is to progressively buy stocks when the price is significantly below the value. In this sense, short-term stock price volatility is your friend, not your enemy.

When traded prices are well above value, you sell and move into better opportunities or cash. Again, when prices are well below value, you buy the stock.

No matter what happens to stock prices in the short run, if you buy quality, international well managed and well established and expanding companies, below fair value, you should make healthy profits in the long run.

The key advantage that a young family has, is time. Family wealth, is often low-income wealth, for example. You favour assets or organise your financial life so that you don't have much taxable income. So even if a place has high income tax rates, it may still be a nice place to live. And if you have your family wealth in a trust, inheritance taxes may not matter either. It is a matter that requires careful planning. For most people, however, this kind of planning is impossible. Life goes on. It won't wait or conform readily to these considerations. You develop businesses, relationships, residences, careers, and so forth faster than you can plan for them. And since you don't usually know where you're going in life, it's almost impossible to plan for the future.

When you decide to relocate, always keep in mind that Housework, with its associated expenses, is a faithful friend who can and will wait for you. Of course, there are always an increasing number of home cleaning aids, that can be put to back-saving use!

I am a ardent believer that if there is a piece of technology to enhance my quality of life, productivity, facilitate communication, and get a job done, then I am interested in it. Civilisation advances by extending the number of important operations that we can perform without thinking about them.

However, keep in mind that a family needs a permanent home. That permanent home should be in the politically correct place. It should also be where all the members of the family feel safe and are happy.

American playwright and novelist, Thornton Wilder wrote in his book, The Matchmaker, that money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow.

Similarly, the best way to protect assets and money, is to spread it out. You don't want all your fragile eggs in one rocky basket. Typically, you will have your house and most of your assets in your home country. You may have international investment property. You and your family, may have stocks, bonds, and cash, as well as local and global business interests. These assets, may be the basic elements of your family wealth. They may also, be only your very personal tangible wealth.

But, as always, it's a very good idea to have some compounding and growing wealth outside the country where you live and work. Why? You just never know. Anyone who was fortunate to have escaped from Nazi Germany in the 1930's could give you an answer.

Family Fortunes You Never Know.

You never know what will happen to the currency in which your savings and money is calibrated. The dollar, the pound, the euro, and other currencies, are controlled by governments. And, occasionally, as history teaches, governments get themselves into a jam. When they do, they don't hesitate to destroy their own currencies.

Investing in financial education is another crucial step toward successfully preserving wealth. This is very different, however, from conventional formal college training in economics or finance. Instead, rather, to improve family member contact, get your family together more often. And get them to pay attention to the successful investment performance of your funds. The members should also take an interest in your family's investment progress. This will focus their attention on what, and why, you are implementing a specific approach or formula.

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Chapter 138:

How Do You Get Future Generations To Learn

About Managing Their Health And Money?

It's much easier, if the young folks are part of a family that is better money-management orientated. Start early; a small step with a practical example, at a time. You teach and give them a good baseline education in personal health, finance and investing through courses, books, and web sites. Times and unwanted invasive technology, are changing very rapidly. We are getting exposed to all sorts of electronic risks. Most children have access, and regularly use computers! THEREFORE, you should also expose them to a possible cyber Warfare curriculum. You give them responsibility, such as a role in the family office or as a member of the family investment committee. You bring them into the picture of family finances as early as possible.

The next best time to take these steps, is when your children are in their early teens. It might sounds strange, but you want to give them responsibility Because, if neglected, the penalty, later in life, will be the on-going battle to earn safety, security and good health!

Yes, it's very important to teach your children about creating, protecting and diversifying your FAMILY FORTUNES. Acquiring quality of life enriching knowledge, is never too early!

Take advantage of your own library; the local library; the free information doors that the internet opens. Read and discuss health and investment books.

Regularly critique all popular theories and fads.

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Chapter 139:

The Family's Wealth Strategist Has Manifold Duties

It's part of the very important family wealth diligent strategist's job, to educate the other members of the family's investment committee and to prepare, and train, him or her, as a successor. The family's wealth strategist has manifold duties. These include: holding brokers, health advisors, investment and wealth and money managers, and everyone involved with the family's health and prosperity portfolio, accountable for safety and performance. It is also very important to establish clear long-term diversified investment objectives and goals. To have a global outlook, that translates into simple, safe and manageable investments.

The family's informed and keen, wealth strategist, leads the family investment committee team, to create a well-diversified asset allocation model. Of course, it's equally important, to do the necessary follow-through for regularly implementing the model.

He, or she, – whoever is the best suited – should also act as chairman of the family's investment committee. This person should also have the most diversified investing experience and be capable of directing the overall strategy.

The important chosen person, should be familiar and understand concepts such as asset allocation, company risk management – both internal and external factors such as is money being evaporated from the company – stop loss implementation, international diversification, and position sizing.

Regular asset allocation – it's the only way to build wealth long term and sleep well at night at the same time. A very important function of your family office, is to professionalise and protect the asset management of your family, over multiple generations.

How can you do this?

Passing The Wealth Baton.

You must have a capable family investment committee, in both current and future generations. Again, the value of even such seemingly trivial a matter, as risk management by splitting the members of the family's wealth committee during holidays and travelling. Interestingly, don't overlook, the PUBLIC SPECTACLE Of a painful and bad marriage, is another sure way to lose a fortune. Remember that Cash – profits – is the lifeblood of every business.

A well-established international quality business's long-term health, is only as good as its management and cash flow.

What does this warning light mean, for you as an investor? It means that your stock formula or selection process, needs to include plenty of research time, focused on "the important health-indicating cash flow statement." In particular, you want to check what analysts call "free cash flow." Free cash flow, is really pretty simple: It's the cash a company generates through its operations, minus capital expenditures. (Think of capital expenditures, as big-ticket expenses necessary to maintain and grow the business.) You can find most companies' free cash flow on many financial websites.

When you look at free cash flow, you are generally looking for the company's stability and growth.

There's also an added very good reason why you, as an investor, should be interested in the company's free cash flow. It's from this available pool of cash that companies pay out dividends, buy back shares, and pay down debt. Is a company's occasional negative free cash flow, always cause for investor alarm? Not necessarily. Sometimes it means a company is expanding by making large capital investments. This might be needed for future growth. If these prudent investments result in a high return for the company, even better.

However, remember it's your energy, your money, your future and your time. It's always your very important duty to do the necessary investigations. Don't invest a cent, into any company until you have done the necessary in-depth research and know the answer. If a proper and thorough analysis of free cash flow, is not yet part of your stock selection process, I encourage you to change that today.

When you acquire the habit of buying consistent cash-gushing long-term international diversified businesses, at good prices, long-term wealth is practically guaranteed. However, if your poor investments are regularly burning through cash, it's just a matter of time, before they burn through your not so well researched portfolio as well.

Do you really understand the value of analyzing free cash flow (FCF)?

Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing. So pay the price to learn what you are doing incorrectly!

Again, the first step for most successful investors, should be to invest in themselves. Invest in their experience; their expertise; their health and their knowledge. Also get a well-experienced and reliable mentor. But always be very careful who you learn from.

Just like in previous investment cycles, there is a growing and keen set of experts, and gurus willing to take your money to teach you there latest, newly-found money making secrets! Find an experienced mentor or teacher, with whom you feel at ease. Someone who also has achieved what you too, want to achieve. Look for an achiever. Someone who has invested through a number of investment cycles, and has been able to have kept their wealth. Of course, it is infinitely better and financially less painful, to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than your own.

If your financial and investment mentor, has not had learning challenges and failures, during their investment venture, they probably have not tried hard enough. Mentor credibility requires on-going education, experience, expertise, a good safe investment track record and proof of value adding.

First, acquire the new international language of money-management. Next, my suggestion is, to educate yourself and become financially and investment fluent, but, as always, be careful who you learn from. Always look for, and find a investment credible source, not someone with possible long-term capital destroying incredible promises. This will allow you, the comforting luxury, of being in control of your own financial destiny.

Of course, this certainly does not necessarily mean you should do all of it on your own. To become a successful long-term investor, you will need to surround yourself with a credible, trusted team of independent and unbiased experienced professionals. A team of people who are known, respected, proven and trusted. Then go ahead and take advantage of the new investment cycle, because the future is bright for those who invest sensibly.

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Chapter 140:

The Question Of Fraud, Corruption And Crime

Progressively Eroding The Value Of Your Family's Assets

People are living much longer; retirement too, will be much longer and more expensive. The retirees, too, now get more focus from the various international scam artists who are keenly increasing their ability to take some of your money away from you, often, without you even noticing.

Part of the answer, to combat these money-sucking criminals, is to be at the cutting edge of available technologies and services to enable you to be on your guard – all the time! Of course, never, but never, trust anybody who's keen to help you with withdrawing cash from the ATM units. This, among many other facilities, is a very easy money-milking source.

There is also another option. International asset diversification. Again, make the necessary enquiries from your money manager or investment advisors, about the best, safest and legal way to go about implementing this action plan.

The SIMPLE WAY TO DOUBLE YOUR MONEY.

The power of compounding. Exponential growth is a key concept to understand. Exponential growth is also exactly what you want with your investment portfolios. It is just another way of talking about the long-term 8th miracle, the power of compounding.

If your investment grows at a fixed percentage each year, the amount it grows in each successive year, will get bigger over time. Fuel that investment growth by reinvesting each year's growth, and you are set for rapid and secure compounding. And small differences, in the yearly growth rate, result in big differences in long-term – retirement – results. Let's say an investment grows at 10 percent per year, invest $100, and after one year you have $110. The investment has gone up $10. In Year Two, it goes up another 10 percent, which is now $11. So the profit has increased from $ 10 to $ 11. This is because there are profits on the earlier profits. This is what we call the power of compounding.

As market guru Richard Russell famously put it, is the "royal road to riches."

It's much better to get rich from diligent hard work, regular careful saving, and self-empowered investment in the real diversified international economy. Then you'll really know how hard it is to come by and be much more careful about money management and how to hold onto it.

As you must have learned by now, you can't have a family fortune by accident. Instead, rather think about it in a different savings way. Think about how much you can regularly put into the savings pot. Now plan what you can do with it, that does not involve regularly spending it.

As your resources grow, so does your financial freedom and independence grow. So too, do the various things you can do with them. Your further investments can create work opportunities; stimulate the local economy and much more.

Let your investment business grow, and one day, maybe sooner than you thought, you could realise that you've reached the point where your earnings and capital can grow faster than your budgeted for expenses. Your family has at last reached the point of freedom when you have reached financial escape velocity.

Now, the real danger, is that of flaunting your newly acquired wealth! Conspicuous ostentation, is roughly the divide between old and new money. The nouveaux riches desperately seem to want to spend their money, to announce to the world that they have arrived! They want to show off, prove something, to flaunt it. Look at their homes, their cars, all the trappings of success, their conspicuous lack of health care and money management. Fortunately, they also keep flooding the economy with their regular spending on expensive items of superiority.

Old Money often is conspicuous; yet, it's different. It is more likely, to know the value of driving an experienced old car, and wear old, threadbare fashions. Old Money is under no social or any other pressure, to prove anything, except to other Old Money families. Of course, Established Old Money already feels superior. And it cultivates its family's superiority, with its own family codes, such as the reluctance to flaunt and to show off wealth.

You may well ask: what are you going to do about this? Ted Turner was absolutely correct when, in response to a question about how to make a fortune, he answered that you should go to where the action is and throw yourself in the middle of it!

Sometimes, to find out what is going on, you have to investigate and to go where the action is. The law of large numbers will work, and some of the wealth will start coming your way. If you want to take advantage of the opportunities our growing international investment markets will offer, now may be, is a good time to consider your options.

I love our government – at least what it was set up to do. It could not happen here, is a deadly assumption.

Flashpoints for social chaos. For the government of the day, to take control of your life, is to have a disaster. Real or contrived! Don't believe everything someone in government tells you. It may just be, that his eminent political position, exempted him from the truth.

Over the years, experience has taught that fear prevents many of us from getting what we really want or where we want to be, especially in relation to wealth. Think about the times when fear stopped you from taking action, costing you a potentially large financial opportunity. The key, is to harness our fears in a positive way, because fear can hold us back or drive us forward. The sooner you begin to learn to think like a wealthy person, you will have a much better chance of becoming one. Remember, anyone can do it, but not everyone will. The important question is, will you? If You're So Smart, Why Are You Telling Me?

There is a lot of skills and money, floating around, looking for the best and safest opportunities and jurisdiction, to invest and live in! And it is up for grabs to the highest and safest bidder.

However, before you relocate, it's vitally important to do your homework by visiting and staying in the new country for a while. That way, you will get first-hand experience about the country, its people and economy, its government and policies, the feel of the local mentality, and much more, before you take the big life changing step!

Another very important factor to consider when relocating from a politically corrupt country, don't burn your bridges! Although highly unlikely, chances are still that a change of government may yet take place! In this new government, hopefully, the necessary legal action will be taken to bring the former corrupt and self-enriching persons to book!

Again, the advantage of the experience-widening international travel! It is the insight and firsthand knowledge acquired by travelling the world to consult with international asset managers, brokers, educators, health care service providers, lawyers, and real estate experts.

The mobile wealthy are always moving to protect their wealth, their health and their families. Don't forget that You are the Important Director Of Your family's Future Health and Financial well-being! It is so important for your on-going Quality of Life and success, to Delegate, And never to Abdicate!

You can delegate some of the responsibility to a Registered, qualified professional, but you should never never abdicate that responsibility!

Not to even a trusted adult child, not to a world-renowned advisor or expert, not to ANYONE.

Another fundamental principle: never invest in something new or something that you don't understand, especially when the economy is depressed. That important rule always applies, no matter who is handling your money. One of the fastest and surest ways to lose money, is to invest in something you don't really understand. You must at least understand, what the possible risks are, and how you will actually Make – or lose – Your Money By That particular Type Of Investment! You may be in an investment phase, when the recovery market, is lumbering along in a painful arthritic financial recovery stage. If the "Investment" selling pitch is couched in dark, vague and non-specific terminology, with no backing by any reputable organisation, simply say that you will rather study more and skip that "Investment!" One conservative and splendid way, to guard against investment and growth losses, is to have at least 60 percent in Conservative stocks, no more than 30 percent in Moderately Aggressive stocks, and no more than 10 percent in Aggressive stocks.

It is obvious that one should never trade with money that one cannot afford to lose. Similarly, one must be aware and accept, that sometimes there will be losses! One must also be prepared and be able, to sustain these possible periodic losses, both from a financial and emotional perspective.

If you hire, or procure the services of a health expert, an investment and money manager, think of him or her as a highly skilled employee; you are their part-time employer. It is your very important job, to oversee and manage them. Keep in regular contact with your Advisors. Ask questions and get feedback!

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Chapter 141:

How Good A Job Are You Doing In Taking Care Of Yourself?

(And What Can Your Advisor Do To Help You Do It Better?)

Sometimes, International financial and investment circumstances change very rapidly! Right now, this involves establishing a "friction free" digital currency-based global finance industry. In the digital market, the winner takes all! With the advent of various types of Business Expediting Software, for example Tax Return Software, Tax preparation experts are getting fewer!

The Digital entrepreneurs, are the great engines of creating future jobs.

Crypto currency: Currency of the Future? Crypto currency, is a digital means of exchange, that seeks to combine the features of money with cryptography. The basic underlying concept of crypto currency, makes it different from fiat – Paper – currency, in that it is not subject to regulations by central banks. There appears to be several advantages: crypto currencies are reported to be not susceptible to price manipulations, and it is technically difficult for a corporation, individual or government, to move the market in any particular desired direction. Crypto currency also allows for privacy, where desired. It also bypasses the ruinous transaction fees, that financial institutions charge to facilitate exchange of funds.

However, a note of caution: the volatility inherent in crypto currency, demands that they should only be held for speculative purposes and not for long-term investment purposes. Always be aware, that sometimes the Free "Advice" given, can simply be a ruse to divert your enquiry into a wrong information channel! The conjuror – or Expert – gets no credit, once they have explained their free advice trick! This "wrong" information, is often a facsimile of your state of ignorance-hardened bad information! In fact, that's how you acquire second-hand "Stay As You Are," ignorance!

Travel experiences, also bring you in contact with other cultures and stimulating people. And also, frequently provide more long lasting memory-enriching happiness, than material goods. If you don't reach for those far-off destinations; those far-off places and faces; those far-off adventures and encounters; those Far-off life-changing experiences, you are heading for the "Poverty Line!" Slow down. Change lanes! Venture on the New Road to a different and much better quality of life!

Have you ever actively immersed yourself in another culture, other than your own? Now, may be the next logical place, to look for your experience-widening venture, is to undertake a trip to another part of the world! To have a rich and fulfilling life, you need a fertile, inquisitive, imaginative and rich mind! Using your imagination, your reference books, is the one time in life you can really inexpensively go anywhere. Where there is no imagination, there is no success and progress! Fortunately too, what we know and experience, is not restricted to what we can see from our window, or reach from our armchair.

Another advantage of travel, is that, whatever you experience and see from here, you don't see from there. And similarly, what you experience and see from there, you don't see from here!

Be absolutely daring: Open the window and look outside. You might just be shocked! There may be very clean and embracing air out there! It's a big, enticing Learning experience world out there! You cannot fall if you don't climb. But there is no joy in not elevating your vantage point; just living your whole life on the ground, is very, very very restricting! Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life really meaningful.

However, if you are in the frequent high altitude flying business club, keep in mind that there are also potential frequent business flyers Travel-related stress fallouts. This includes absence from family, particularly hard on travelling women. Health matters such as heart attacks, strokes, fatigue, circadian rhythm impairment. Further hazards include The social impact of being alone; sleep deprivation; obesity; in-flight inactivity with its risks.

Why have you never been anywhere exciting, or done something out of the ordinary? What do you think happens when you get out of the comfortable little circle and widen your vision and experience? Why not come and join the adventure-seeking travellers! Why not sometimes rejuvenate your energies and refocus your vision, by taking a break to sharpen your axe? The more experienced and informed you are, the more possibly stimulating choices you have! Similarly, the more information you have, the better protected you are.

However, not everybody is experienced enough and tuned to take advantage and learn from experience. Being stuck in our "familiar and nice" comfort zone, seriously inhibits our quality of life. It deprives us of the vast amount of information, that's available via the first-hand input of travel. Why not take all the freely available advantages of the hour? Maybe by now, your "Expensively Acquired" experience is already obsolete and out of date.

When you know better, you do better. How do you know that you are on the right track for success? You should pay special attention to the prevailing economic climate, and spend more in-depth time, analyzing the International events in the news, to learn how they may affect and direct the market. Only those, who investigate and are perceptive and prepared, to the change in the International Investment climate, will be strategically positioned, to profit, when a Market correction happens.

Yet another successful formula for creating wealth. This is how to invest in stocks for lifetime wealth. With a net worth of $73-plus billion, Mr. Warren Buffett is the second-richest man in America and number 3 on the Forbes billionaires list. Early in his investing career, he had the long-term vision of looking over the next mountain, the next few valleys and hills, to see what's on the horizon. He realised that there were certain well-managed local and international businesses, that had important strategic advantages, that allowed them to continue to grow bigger every decade, crushing their competition over time. He was always patient. He figured that, if he could buy those businesses, when the price was down or right, the market would guarantee him safe, huge, long-term profits. He was always persistent; And that's exactly what he did. Just look at the success of his company. Berkshire Hathaway, the company Buffett took control of in 1965 to buy such companies, has produced an average 19.4 percent annual return on investment (ROI) since then.

If Buffett's system is so great, why doesn't every investment professional, advisor or money-management person, following this formula? Maybe, most of us, who follow the herd, will rather stick to what we know! We tend to overlook the obvious.

Of course, technology, particularly technology software, is pointing to new, maybe also exciting ways of determining where one should invest!

Take the advent of Artificial Intelligence! With this form of accessing the investment market, this could be a challenge for the conventional buy and hold investors. Billions of dollars are now flooding into Artificially Intelligent (AI), data-driven trading systems. Artificial Intelligence is already taking the world by storm. It covers a very wide and growing field of possible applications! Look at manufacturing and self-driving cars. Now look at the impact on stock trading too. The proponents of this technology, highlight the fact that "Data-driven computer algorithms are not subject to human emotion and therefore never make rash decisions such as panic selling and greed driven buying."

The Financial Times had this to say:

"Artificial intelligence and automation are also expected to revolutionise the investment industry and Any shift towards robot stock pickers, which lack the human emotions that can drive portfolio managers to make rash investment decisions, would be a huge change for an industry that sells itself as a people business."

Here is Bloomberg:

"Computer-driven shops with a few billion in assets are so trouncing the titans of Wall Street that everyone from Paul Tudor Jones to Credit Suisse Group AG are raiding the talent pool."

And here is The Wall Street Journal:

"Automated Hedge Funds Make Millions in January's Market Selloff."

Again, the proponents of the system, claim that the real advantage to an AI trend following algorithm is that it feels NO emotion and never forms a market bias or opinion.

Basically it is simply: The system Analyzes data. Makes innumerable mathematical calculations. Determines the optimal entry. Rides the trend. Determines the optimal exit. Rinses and repeats.

The proponents also claim that it is simple – and that it is also profitable!

Naturally, this approach to investing, really requires further investigation, maybe even getting in touch with an expert in this field!

Any astute, observant long-term well-informed investor, knows that the investment advisory industry, at least the way it is practised by some of the professional community, is not geared toward their client's long-term wealth. Often, the investor gets the impression, that some investment advisors, brokers and financial gurus, have an entirely different objective to the one that the investor has in mind. In fact, one that runs contrary to the long-term acquisition of wealth, for their investor. This is underpinned by the fact, that the investment and money-management industry, enslaves nearly everyone to yearly performance report cards. You see, investment bankers, brokers, financial planners, and advisors, all regularly stand in the queue to have their performances rated annually. Once per year, for better or worse, the whole world gets to see how they did, compared with their fellows.

Investors are frequently greedy; listening to the prevailing fashionable investment views; they are hardwired to focus on "who's hot" and that means who was hot last year. For the investment advisors, this creates enormous pressure to produce short-term annual gains.

Build up a Culture of integrity and commitment to quality. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. No winter, no very bad investment cycle, lasts forever; no spring skips its Memory is often less about the truth than about what we want it to be. We all harbour greater stores of courage than we think. Integrity is more valuable than income.

Dedicated, highly aligned and highly engaged professional advisors, are your major advantage. Also, create the type of business venture, that will attract like-minded and enthusiastic associates! However, from the start, make sure that they understand that one of the first things you want them to do, is really get to know the rest of the Team quickly. And, of course, if they don't think they like your team, leave, because it won't be the type of business they want to work for.

If you consider securing your retirement, you need to create a financial survival toolkit. This is even more important for woman, who have moved into the workforce in greater numbers! Now that more women are working and earning money, they certainly need to know how to successfully use that money in ways that will make their lives much easier and less stressful. It should also give them a sense of safety and financial security.

Woman are the practical people of the world – they know how to successfully run a family. They also should know how to run a country. Women Are Better Investors. Being a contrarian, an advocate for a women's right to health and wealth, I think well-informed women, are much better suited for successful investing, than most men. That's because they have natural skill sets, that are well suited for investing. For instance, women are price-tuned selective shoppers. You see, women have that concealed and intuitive valuable skill of good judgement. There also seems to be increasing experience-based evidence to suggest, that women are better at just about everything, really. Women, are often more practical and more money-handling rational, and generally just perform better at many aspects of life, than men do.

Well, fellows, if you treat women with dignity and really well, don't worry. Women are also very, very companionable and understanding! The really good news, is that women can often be much smarter, with the money they do earn.

Here are a few of the important reasons why: The dark horse in the stable: overconfidence: Men, particularly proud men can often over-estimate their own "good judgements" and ability, when it comes to sound investment. This can lead to unnecessary risk-taking. And the making of the wrong decisions. The long-term value sucking facility – Overtrading: Again, look at the wisdom of being a fees policeman. Buying and selling investments, too frequently, can certainly impact the returns through generating unnecessary transaction costs and taxes. On the other hand, women tend to trade less frequently than men and often spend more time researching an investment before committing capital.

Fortunately, my wife is very, very dedicated to doing the necessary background investigations before allocating funds to any investment!

Then there is the very good Virtue Of seeking advice: Research has shown that really investment concerned women, tend to be more willing to seek investment advice than men. This is also echoed well, related to the previous point on over confidence. As in so many important fields of life, it saves time, it also pays to seek expertise, experience and to learn from it.

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Chapter 142:

The Impact Of Emotion – RATIONALITY

Just look at the high-pressure displays of some of the commentators, about some of the stock market platforms on television. One is rather perturbed about the possibility of some of these folks getting either a heart attack or a stroke! You will immediately notice, that men have an unfortunate tendency, to react more emotionally, to the up's and down's, of the market. And, of course, to both winning and losing investments.

The best and well-informed investors, don't treat investments like a day at the casino or horse races. They treat investment as a business to be treated unemotionally, rather than becoming excited or aroused. Not being greedy – Seeking lower returns:

Evidently, women are not greedy. Women tend to expect lower returns than men, and this may result in more sensible long-term investment decisions. On the other hand, men expect faster and bigger returns, and thus increase their risk and capacity to financially rapidly self-destruct.

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Chapter 143:

Limiting The Potential For Financial Self-Sabotage

We know that the best investors, over time, are those who invest for the long term and limit their potential risk to make money destructive decisions. Of course, both in health and wealth matters, never outsource your good and guiding common sense! In this regard, then, men should more frequently consult with their women partners! And, from them, really learn to be more like sensible women, and use more common sense. Then, by harvesting women's common sense, perhaps in the future, men will also perform in their investments as well as women can.

Right now, the world is extremely turbulent. Therefore, if we survive long enough to find out that is! At the present time, the world is passing through a period of major economic and political change. This also opens doors for the contrarian thinker and investor.

As the Great Economic And Political "Unravelling unfolds, contrarians who have, for many years, projected how it will play out, are today attracting a larger following and audience. So many of the way-out economic and political predictions are coming to pass, more or less as projected. Although contrarian thinking and acting, is uncommon, it is not rocket science. As has been said repeatedly over the years, the future may be fairly accurately predicted by consistently following some simple steps.

Knowing what to do with your money, and even ways to earn more money, is so vitally important. Again, the very important value of health and financial self-empowerment.

One of the secrets, to taking control of your financial future is investment and money management KNOWLEDGE. One very valuable and sensible practical reason, why women invest more conservatively than men, is that they don't feel that they know as much about investing as men do? At least, that's maybe, the wrong impression many men have about women's investment skills!

Of course, as my pragmatic wife has fortunately frequently demonstrated: women have that concealed and intuitive skill of good judgement. A further good sign, is when your innate curiosity forces you to stop, contemplate, think, consider, and reread for in depth clarification. Deep and focused reading, increases your knowledge of your fellow passengers on the planet, while it also enhances your view of the broader world. It also enhances and sharpens your analytical and critical thinking skills.

You are very fortunate, if you suffer the chronic, stimulating and mind-broadening disease of curiosity. However, always be aware that most people would rather die, than indulge and think constructively!

Time is limited, of course, while acquiring valuable knowledge is limitless. It means that our newly acquired knowledge, must regularly be updated. It also requires some kind of Value Filter, and Selective action on our part! So, it is imperative, that we must become very selective and discriminating viewers, listeners and readers. By falling into the habitual rut, of being a very narrow reader, you may be augmenting, amplifying and confirming your biases. It is equally important to have an open mind, by reading works of authors with whom we profoundly disagree. You need to focus your Reading and decision-making energy. You also need a selective knowledge input filter. Have you ever got lost? Ever arrived in a new place, and not known where you are or how to get to where you want? Frustrated? You can knowledge-empower yourself.

Grab a "my goals" map. Now you will find where you are and where you want to go. And then suddenly, the route ahead becomes clear. Life works much in the same way. Now it's so much easier to travel and to navigate, if you know what the road ahead looks like. Now, you are also motivated by the right perspective. Unfortunately, though, the path to freedom and independence, is not really taught anywhere not in schools, the media or the government. You will have to get a new perspective. One that comes by finding the right knowledge. Survival skills are more valuable than just specialist skills.

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Chapter 144:

Why Most FOLKS Are Failing And

Also How Not To Be One Of Them

Why you should never let schooling get in the way of a good education. And why, what you learn from the experience University of Life, when you leave school, often determines your ultimate and long-term success.

Don't act on friend's and the media's tips and sound bits. Relying on the media only, for good investment and money management information, is foolish. Believing information, that is new to the investor, that is also new to everyone else, is a similar major mistake.

Instead, you should rather assume, that if you have heard it, so has the herd and everyone else. A well-informed investor should be a judge, objective and unattached. Otherwise he or she loses the greatest advantage in investing, the freedom and choice to act.

There, they could freely wonder through the various Departments, sit down and absorb, ask questions, make observations, and be the better off for it!

While lounging in The Department Of Fear, Anxiety, Failure, Pessimism And Associated Handbrakes, Suddenly both of them heard the old key saying: Fear – false Expectations Appearing As real! False hope; False pessimism.

The following, "was repeated: The presence of uncontrolled fear, is actually a great indicator of a self-restricting and limiting belief. Yet! There was always this far-off, but persistent voice you heard: Great minds have purposes; other minds have wishes.

Perseverance Conquers All. There are only two Very Important Roads that lead to your goals: Strength and Perseverance. Your ultimate success, serves as a testament to the power of your patience, Perseverance and hard work, and of course, your treasure chest of talents. Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. To your delight, you will soon find that your Self-Empowerment Campaig, has taken on a life of its own!

Well, it was my choice; to venture into the private capitalistic system; where one would be rewarded for your insight, enthusiasm, effort, dedication, and being the entrepreneur in the driver's seat of your fortunes!

You were quite aware of the fact that a real venture capitalist takes losses as well as gains. And that they also make learning mistakes; and pays for them themselves! Sometimes, for the capitalist, it's not about the money. Often, they don't actually know how much they've got; and don't really care. It's the very stimulating, enriching and exciting journey they like, not necessarily the always moving destination.

Is it true, that the wealthy have a handle on integrity and virtue? Is it also true, that the capitalist, and capitalism, are misunderstood? Frequently, too true! However, keep in mind that capitalism cannot successfully work without transparency. Capitalism hates the Exceptional!

Once more the advantage of looking back in time, to learn another valuable investment lesson! The lesson of the one-legged table! If one puts the bulk of your investments, particularly your retirement investments, into just one or two "good" companies, one is at risk of falling victim to some future financial catastrophe. Technologies change. Technology has an enormous impact on the Main Street retailers! Take the impact of on-line purchasing! Sales are falling at bricks-and-mortar retailer.

Technology reveals hidden flaws in well-respected products. Products and technologies become obsolete. International political demands and technologies change! It is really extremely difficult for a company to be truly very exceptional for long. Here's why that is both a beautiful and a terrible thing. Capitalism is rather like individuals. Mostly, many folks hate the exceptional and very outstanding individual! Capitalism also hates the Exceptional.

The sting in the tail: if a well-respected and successful international company, is churning out fat profit margins on a great product or service, don't worry, it possibly won't last. There's someone or a company, that's looking at what's going on! Some other company will copy their idea. It will sell a very similar product or service, that is basically the same thing for much less money. And those fat profit margins will be gone!

Need some poof. Many people have at hand a facility to immediately record something, an event or a defect in either a plate of food or a product. Just look at something that goes viral about an incident in a store, restaurant, healthcare centre and so on. Look at the devastating impact on restaurants, of a few cases of food poisoning! The organic food business. The cell phone industry.

Don't forget the painful impact of the dot-com boom. So many individuals and companies, were trying to cash in on the internet boom.

Remember the "Here today and gone tomorrow" effect! This is the result of the continuous merger and acquisition activity, going on in the corporate world. Recently, the market saw a few big companies, prepare to no longer trade as public companies. This was due to merger and acquisition activity. Which means, that what one thought to be a solid, well-managed and profitable company, can quickly vanish off the scene and the stock market. Leaving the unprepared and uninformed investor somewhat upset! There, of course, is an alternative for investing in private companies. However, caution. Often too, the risks are much larger than investing in companies listed on a well-managed stock market. Well-managed private companies, are more cautious to dive into the stock market, due to the volatility that has seen two big crashes in a little more than a decade.

Another option, particularly for institutional investors, would be to put money into private equity firms. A very interesting aspect, and possible windfall, of this venture, is, that if the trend for the merger and acquisition and leveraged buy-out activity were to continue, these private equity firms could see very nice returns.

However, there's always our very, very keen friend, Mr. Lacking-Experience, lurking in the background, depriving us of possible good fortunes. (It's interesting to note that Experience cannot be bought; it has to be practically earned!) For the uninformed individual investor, this type of investment is mostly beyond their reach; it's also tremendously risky and expensive. It could also result in limited investment gains or even possible losses.

This is sometimes painful capitalism at work. It is both a beautiful and a terrible thing. However, most of us are the victims of fear and the impact of the herd thinking!

Investing in Untested and Uncharted Waters: If investors are motivated by fear or some other seemingly valid reasons, such as trying to catch up on lost capital, decide to turn to other investment vehicles, to help accumulate wealth, they may be exposing themselves to not well tested and researched and unfamiliar territory. This is particularly true of folks who are about to retire, or have already retired, who have lost some investments and are now set on embarking on not-so-well-tested money making ventures!

Circumstances and political outlooks change. If investing in stocks becomes less attractive, more volatile, then it may finally be time for both individual and institutional investors, to change tact, to put money to work in a different, more long-time safe and secure investment vehicle. The successful people, are the People who can apply insightful capitalism. They also hold themselves accountable for their own success.

The successful man, is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. David Brinkley.

When the payoffs for the political "struggles," increase, some easily corruptible men and women, in any newly appointed position, find it easy to adjust and to modify their previous ethics and integrity.

What is success? It is what keen entrepreneurial people get up to when, they are not hamstrung by the state, and left to their own devices.

Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still. Chinese Wisdom.

Always remember that enthusiasm is like having two very keen and able right hands. Therefore, why not create, or get involved with something, to be enthusiastic about? Remember, the caring and enthusiastic hand, is also an extension of the human mind and personality.

Be optimistic, and cultivate enthusiasm among your family, friends and associates! . They will soon realise, that your enthusiasm is the fuel of your success. And also, that perpetual optimism is a very strong compound force multiplier.

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Chapter 145:

There Must Be Something Enchanting To Slow-Creeping Failure

Why? So many people seem to successfully try it and surely they cannot be wrong. With progress comes failure. With risk also comes failure. With unplanned failure, also comes risk.

It's interesting to note the rather huge varieties of possible failures. A short list includes academic failures; business failures; childhood failures; criminal failures; economic failures; financial failures; government failures; human relationship failures; invention failures; judgement failures; knowledge and insight failure; literary failures; love life failures; manufacturing failures; mismanagement failures; marriage failures, character-expensive as well as very costly, in abundance; personal failures; political management failures – given increased mobility by the addition of galloping greed and corruption; relationship failures; sports failures; trust failures; wealth-retaining failures; and many more.

Of course, it's not correct if we wish to get growth, that we should live in a failure-free environment. Rather, what we need instead, is an environment where effective learning-curve failure can flourish and occur. That is, mismanagement failure that punishes those that transgress and neglect the normal warning signals and lights. However, we seem to live in an era where failure – particularly in the financial industry and political field – seems all too often to punish everyone other than those who actually failed.

It could be rather educational, as well as entertaining, if you check the halls of international top-class failures.

Of course, there are always those astute business managers and politicians, who have well-concealed failures that never saw the light of justice.

Sadly, often, it is the average person's poverty mindset and lack of a desire to work. And the lack of a financial education, that is the risk, and not the investment or opportunity. Even much worse, to think of someone with really good Academic Education, having such an incomparable bit of door-opening good luck, and not taking full advantage of it! With such excellent education, our duty to ourselves and our education-funding community, is to harvest and unravel it and to utilise every valuable inch of it!

I thought it a good educational idea to share with you the sure-fire habits and approaches, that can lead to top-class international failure status! These not-so-difficult and expensive habits, once adopted, will stop conventional success-establishing success in its tracks. They will also open the manifold enticing doors to get you on the path to successful long-term failure. (Well, rather omit Successful from the previous sentence; and replace it with International Top Quality Failure!)

As someone once told me: I don't really mean to sound trite or cynical; I'm just tired of "the promise of the next big thing" turning out to be the next big failure or dud. I think you really must be very careful about what the promise promises.

I can at least initially, think of much nicer and easier and less risky ways, to get going on the Super-Failure track. To start off with, it's important to remember that people are important only in relation to other people, in their usefulness, in the low-hanging fruit they offer; or in the specialised service they render. Unless you don't understand that completely, you can expect nothing but one form of failure or another. Now go out there, and have a good go at "Failure!"

Habits You Very Urgently Need to Adopt in Order To really Succeed in Failing: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread – Or Junk Food. Obviously, failure has its sometimes hidden complexities. To start off with, is the rather important subject of personal survival! How can one finance the venture? Ask yourself: will I go solo, take my partner or wife, in fact take my entire family on this failure road?

Here's how to start, by looking at what facilities your government has to offer. Investigate the availability of development or any other grants. Maybe, establish your own good-sounding and public appeal non-profit venture. You will soon learn that this field is rather relatively untapped.

Next. Go the international route. Chances are that you will soon find a government, with a keen helping hand to assist you. Particularly, if you have a very good-sounding and socially appealing venture proposal. However, make sure, that the government in question, will not easily or regularly, monitor your progress. In this manner, you can extend the generosity of the incoming funds for a rather long time.

Nobody really understands what a terrible handicap it is to be born a real failure! Because people just take for granted, that because you were born a homemade long-term failure, you'd just be no good. What I really mean, if I was hell-bound on successful failure, is if I'd had any early failure breaks, I'd be twice as failure-successful as any possible failure mentors are by now and three times as top grade international failure famous.

One loses everything when one loses one's sense of real achievement and humour.

Now for the actual formula. First, stay well away from any forms of learning centres and libraries; either in paper format or digital content material. Usually, your brain is like a sponge; keen to absorb readily and easily available material. Don't pollute it. You may just come across rather enticing Failure-destroying Self-empowerment books and material; very dangerous for you. Always associate only with other experienced and well-established long-time failures. In fact, if there is no Failure club in your area, take your time and start moving in the direction of establishing one. However, no hurry, a liberal amount of top quality procrastination is also required. Also stay well away from any of those health and money-management self-deprecating freaks. The danger is that they could distort your long-term failure goals and take you off the failure track. Of course, you must steadfastly and regularly practice and believe in your long-term ability to fail. As is the case with failure-seeking people, this is also such a very important conventional success limiting belief. Persistent progress limiting beliefs, are absolutely critical and essential to top-grade failure. However, you must make absolutely sure that, if you have a partner or spouse, that they will be very keen and support you all along the quality-of-life depriving road to failure. Be sure that they too, understand and embrace the limiting believe that you will be gradually be getting poor with deteriorating health, and fail in life. Of course, there is also nothing like keeping up the regular echo, of negative destructive self-talk. It's rather like food; taken regularly, it reinforces those success limiting beliefs and will make it much easier, maybe even more painful, to fail.

Talking of food. It's also a splendid quality of health depriving habit to eat junk food; drink as much as possible sugar-infested drinks. Even better, slouch on the sofa, distorting your former good posture. This too, added by the daily neglect of any exercises, will get you on your failure way with increasing deteriorating health – with the added advantage, of increased long-term medical and health care expenses.

This is yet another sure-fire way to get your finances in a very poor way – no pun! Now, this is very important as a time-consuming and poor health increasing pastime. Spend a lot of money subscribing to various television channels. Regularly spend a lot of time and watch lots of T.V. You will soon be a health-deteriorating couch potato, sprouting your ever-growing paunch in a forward direction. . What a splendid way of quickly dismounting the quality of your only body!

If you are diligent – and this is a very bad habit, spend even more time to surf the Internet every day. Always stay well clear of any Internet sites that include any self-improvement health and money management learning-type information. The usually, now un valuable time, will be wasted. Before you know it will be bedtime, leaving you no time for even further lingering, or taking your regular dose of failure-stimulating procrastination.

This is very important. If you are going to associate with any folks, be extremely careful and selective! Select your failure mentors with great care and always associate with well qualified and enthusiastic dominant failure folks.

The often hidden danger. By associating with the self-improvement freaks, you stand a very good chance to get derailed from your chosen course, of indulging in the triumphs of glorious self-enriching failure.

Trust your gut feeling – it has your growing misery at heart. Believe implicitly in your total ability to fail successfully, in health and financial matters or whatever venture you undertake! Not just ventures. But also the failures, you will really enjoy, when meeting and associating with like-minded, low-profile icons, of outstanding failure.

Always, without any doubt or hesitation, embrace and support the nagging worm of doubt about your ability to really fail. Yes. Avoid the worm that is gnawing away at your desire to fail on a rather large scale.

Very important: whatever you plan or do, avoid doing anything constructive, original or that demands thinking out of the conventional box. Rather, sit down, focus on the picture on the tube, even better, fall asleep while doing that!

This is very, very, very important. Stick to meaningless stuff, don't overburden the brain, skip any meaningful discussions or debates. Rather, tell your fellow folks more about your mundane activities, look at their time-consuming ways of passing away that usually valuable commodity called time!

In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."

Of course, you have been successful at feeding your mind with failure-stimulating material; why neglect your body? Focus on the tasty junk food; high concentration sugar laden fast foods; neglect not the daily duty to take in much more energy than your body actually requires; get fat, get unfit, get lazy, never go for a walk or a swim! While you are successfully neglecting your body, continue to entertain the looming possibility of future heart diseases, strokes, diabetes, various muscular dysfunction, nerve diseases, high blood pressure, to name but a few.

Of course, don't take offence. There is another category of folks, who simply thrive on embarking upon their not-so-well-kept litany of personal diseases or health short comings. In fact, you will soon feel very welcome by meeting with them! Adhering to this discipline of daily intakes of junk material, junk food and drinks, you are on a sure-fire route to both health failure and quality of life super-failure! Of course, regularly and frequently lubricate this mixture with a well-stocked amount of choice, top quality international procrastination! This is so very important, in fact, the bottom line, for on-going and continuous failure. Don't procrastinate energy-sapping full-force; simply sit back and let go – procrastinate at ease and you will be delighted to note the rapid passage of time; the friend of the conventional successful folks.

If you are unfortunate and still have a job, that is yielding a regular income, acquire the splendid habit of spending much more than your monthly earnings! Get multiple credit cards. Acquire a taste for real quality, expensive and unnecessary items. Squat down with a partner, or spouse, who simply loves the retail therapy of spending beyond their – or your – means. It sure takes some beating, to top this one for long-term and very successful, unblemished failure.

As I have already noted: Regularly eat large portions of junk food. Although junk food can save time, it also rapidly helps put on fat weight. As a general rule, stick to anything with a lot of sugar and salt in it, or any food and drinks, sold in a junk food or liqueur store.

If you successfully avoid exercise, regularly eat junk food; also, don't chew it too well. Preferably of course, at the same time, also watch T.V.

To keep you smoothly on your failure route, you also need fat weight for devastating heart disease, diabetes and strokes. With a disciplined delicious diet of junk food, in due time, you will gradually notice and feel that you have become almost totally lethargic and disabled. Simply don't believe that it is hard to succeed if you are disabled by the added crippling diseases of obesity, diabetes or heart disease.

Yes, it's quite correct. I'm sorry to have to tell you that you may already have conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, urinary problems, dietary dysfunction, hearing, sight and many more, as yet not diagnosed problems. In fact, you will now also experience rather difficult breathing, leaving you even more exhausted; certainly no hope for conventional success.

To your delight, you, and your chosen failure friends, will notice that you are now at last, on the phase for successful failure. However, don't be in a hurry. Unfortunately, this successful reaching-for-failure strategy takes time. So too, does acquiring long-term and lasting poor health and disability. You really need to be diligent and very dedicated, in pursuing your successful poor health goals. Avoid that extremely dangerous pastime called exercise. In fact, any exercise. Including the energy-sapping pastime of creative or any thinking!

Of course, you may already be well on your way to successful failure. In fact, as you are already quite successful on your failure route, you may have forgotten what exercise are?

Exercise includes the time consuming and body-degrading situations, such as the following: cycling in polluted air on dangerous car-can-hit roads, running, jogging, walking fast, Stair Climbing, lifting heavy – back-straining – weights, unsupervised and correct back-straining sit-ups, push-ups etc.

Of course, the keep fit freaks, will try and persuade you that exercise makes you healthier and might cause you to adopt other good habits such as eating less junk food, or even cause you to quit smoking. Always be on the lookout for even more efficient habits and ways that can disable you and destroy your health. The always present danger of good health, is that it could throw a spanner into your progressive failure process. Consume alcohol quite regularly in very large quantities. In fact, get really sloshed regularly. As you may already have noticed, when the effects of alcohol kick in, particularly at work, you can make dangerous mistakes. You can also successfully do the right things at the wrong time.

As Oscar Wilde said, "Disobedience was man's Original Virtue."

Of course, you are aware that disobedience was man's original virtue. Then there is poisoning the well – re bad-mouthing your boss! Annoy your boss, fellow workers and many more.

In that way, you must also really be disloyal to your bread and butter! The list of failure-promoting items is almost endless. For example: you can regularly engage in very bad behaviour, run down the reputation of your boss, do other stupid character destroying things, say mean and denigrating things your fellow workers. All of which are guaranteed to successfully help you fail in a rather shorter failure production time.

Of course, the hidden secret, for you to take advantage of being unemployed, is that if you get drunk often enough, you will not be as sharp on the job or it may cause you to miss work.

You will also not be surprised to learn that this is where the sting in the tail comes in. The more poorly productive or even work-related dangerous alcohol-related sick days you have, the more likely it will piss off your employer to the point where you get fired. So, sit down, drink up. Bugger up your employer's facility and reputation! Rather listen to mind-relaxing music or the radio, when commuting to your place of work. (Of course, hopefully, by now, you have already succeeded in discarding that success-promoting thing called work!)

Now pay attention: This is very, very important for the dedicated failure-seeking individuals! However, whatever you do Do not. I repeat. Save time. Do not listen to audio books or podcasts while commuting. These quality-of-life self-enriching things, usually include dangerous enlightening things, for the failure-seeking persons.

As is the case with the use of conventional library books, or even electronic books, you always risk learning something upgrading.

Unless you are a very slow and non-observant reaching for the failure sky person, you will already have learned that learning is a very dangerous, mind-broadening adventure; Say very, very far from any learning! As you will also have observed, learning anything interferes with failure.

Remember to frequently consult with your stand-by very good friend and doctor, Doctor Procrastinate. He will have given you a low-cost prescription to procrastinate as much and as frequently as possible.

You really need a successful failure mentor! Remember that it takes two to make a very great failure career. The person who is really failure great. And the person, almost rarer, who is really top grade failure great. It's rather difficult to come by the folks who are ready to see their failure success greatness and say so.

I was taken aback when John told me that "Well, I just hope I can find a job I don't hate too much." I pondered his dilemma and said: "You have your whole life to look forward to." "Don't you think you should try and shoot higher than just short of being miserable?" Jon dropped his gaze and looked confused. "What should I be shooting for?" "why not aim at job Satisfaction, life fulfilment, meaning, you know – that sometimes elusive but still attainable HAPPINESS!"

By the lack of enthusiasm and tone of his voice, and the look on Jon's face, I already knew he wasn't buying it.

Well, please never ever give up, on trying to motivate a despondent and negative person! In fact, be the positive magnet, that attracts other positive people and radiates positivity – and help others! I'm convinced and very sure, that No one in his or her right mind, deliberately sets out to be miserably well off. Quite to the contrary.

Just look at the media and the advertising industry at large. It very regularly tells us that money, and all the goods and services it can buy, is what it takes to achieve that always moving and elusive state of "happiness." So we go out and burn and spend! But are we really any happier? Judging by the increase of sales and prescriptions of stress-related drugs, certainly Not!

If so, you may even be suffering from an advanced and very debilitating case of Affluenza!

Life is short, be an adventurer, go out and live your dream! One of the saddest things that can be the result of security fear, is that one is in pursuit of making a good living. While, in the process, enslaving yourself to your boss's ambitions and dream, or even giving up your own dream, out of prolonged frustration-fatigue and job-security fear.

The long-term and most frustrating price to pay for listening to our old and ill-advising friend Mr. Procrastination the Third, is that if you didn't take control of your life, you would be destined to remain miserably well off.

Of course, walking away from a good and stable job, with good benefits, perhaps no long-term promotion scope, is always risky. There is always an option: remain a boss-dictated, computer-bound cubicle-dweller!

I have been extremely fortunate. I stretched out and reached for the opportunities that came my way! I also firmly believe in empowering folks! Didn't want to be one of those people who pulls the ladder to success, up behind him.

During your international wanderings on the internet, you will certainly have met people who simply cannot work! Yes, almost unbelievable as it seems to the conventional workforce members, there are well-educated, opportunity-available people who very firmly believe that they simply cannot work at all. Rather, if possible, they delight in joining the ranks of the social spongers; living off someone else's hard and diligent work!

Now we get to the rather exciting Festive-time annual "I will do," list! Those annual to-do lists are exceptionally bad because they stop Doctor Procrastination's medicine immediately. However, for the conventional success and happy living folks, routine actions, such as placing keys, spectacles, and other very important items, on specific places, is a quality-of-life enhancing time saver. Whatever you do, avoid frustration and time saving routines. Well, you need to very urgently and regularly procrastinate if you have any desire to fail.

Should you really fail your way to international failure? No! Certainly not! In fact, this is the one occasion when you must be successful! If you wish to gain prestige and international status, you must join one of the international top-grade clubs or Universities Of Procrastination. Avoid being mentored by those I-know-it-all folks – also known as top grade mentors.

The hidden danger, is that the well-known success and self-empowerment mentors, are also usually positive success book authors and role models. They will keep on motivating and pointing out the less travelled road for conventional success. After a while, they will even turn their backs on you and say humm! They will frustrate you and will erase everything about your effort to gain top-quality failure. Their good conventional success habits have a dangerous, failure-preventing tendency of rubbing off on you.

However, if you find an experienced, and well-motivated dedicated failure mentor, stay very far away from the conventional success mentors!

Also, never for get to gossip as much as possible. Initially, for some folks, this may be rather difficult. Particularly, if they have been on the conventional success track of life. Because, if you want to move on on the failure venture, gossip is usually about bad very personal things. Using the rusted carving knife, for verbally stabbing people in the back kind of stuff. Top-class, frequently indulged in gossip, will help you damage and even destroy your present relationships. And, as you already know, having poor personal, social and work relationships is one of the best formulas for successful failure.

Who should I focus my gossip on? That's a rather failure-success revealing question. At first, you must very carefully and methodically formulate and engineer, the tactics of your gossip venture. Why not start small. Why not first try to focus your gossip on your personal family and the nearby social associates? Once you have determined a working formula for really irritating them, it's time to move on.

Next in line, are the success-minded people and achievers, you know. Of course, you certainly do not want to overburden your failure-improvement resources. Remember, this can be a energy-depriving venture. So stick with the basics and only move on when you feel at home in the process of your selected, and devised failure formula.

By now, you will have increased your failure-seeking-security wall. Now make absolutely sure that you are standing at the bottom of the right failure-success ladder; leaning against the wrong conventional success wall!

Take a rest pause. You're rather tired and need time to recuperate. Now, a good deal later, it's time to move on to the next phase.

This includes your immediate supervisors – if you are still unfortunate to be at work – your already very irritated employer, community, political and church leaders etc. Given the luxury of time, on-going and persistent gossip will eventually piss off the people you are gossiping about and, if done with increasing venom, and often enough, will successfully help destroy those relationships. Also, impress your fellows. Live way above your means. This is really a very enticing and door-opening delight. Initially, you will have a rather enjoyable and flashy lifestyle; taking advantage of the credit-goodwill of whoever is prepared to take a chance on your seeming preparedness to repay your debts! If you indulge in this growing aspect of the reach for failure, philosophy, your neighbours will begin to have fears about their loans to your bank, which should be the primary source for the money you need to live above your financial means. A growing headache for all concerned in the credit line. You may begin to hear rather disturbing comments like, they spent all of their income. Where do they get the money? To start with, tapping into this demanding credit line, will only get you so far along the success path to failure. You now very seriously need to change tack.

In the meantime, you will start to notice the impact of the failure and stay poor strategy, taking toll on your deteriorating health; maybe, even developing high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer or even a much larger kaleidoscope of gradually irritating illnesses. You will now feel that you must now move on to the beauty and ease of E-Money and plastic money.

You need to rapidly step up your game and accumulate rapidly mounting credit card debt. This living well above your means strategy is probably the most powerful strategy because it can accelerate and compound your failure more than any of the other strategies.

How long will it take me To get to my failure status?

That's rather difficult to give you an answer. It also depends on whether you are aiming for just local or national or even higher, for Top-Grade International Failure Status. However, all really determined bad winds being behind you, you could achieve failure and poverty within a year or less if you diligently, persistently and wealth-flaunting live above your means.

Of course, please do not for get to buy the most expensive and latest model motor vehicle. The holidays, in far-off and enchanting-sounding but very expensive destinations, should also be on your regular-to-visit list.

While the social status going is still very good, the more frequently and lavishly you can entertain, the quicker the downhill slide to your ultimate failure destination.

Some folks believe that it's not that easy to be successful in attaining failure status. Don't believe that! Ask any successful failure person, and you will also learn that failure is not really an easy process. They will assure you that it requires as much effort and discipline, as when you diligently pursue conventional success.

For example, if you look at the criminal failure aspect, you will notice that a good deal of preparation and skill has gone into the venture of robbing a bank, security vault and similar money-rich institutions. Often, too, there is the protracted and rather uncomfortable time to be spent in a state security complex "hotel."

Reaching for top-grade failure, also has it dull side; the fatigue of routine. You cannot outsource this reaching for failure venture; it's your baby, and you must nurture it daily. You need to be dedicated. You also have to do and enjoy, certain, specific things every day to achieve failure. If you believe that these failure habits don't require any discipline, you are very wrong.

This is extremely important! One must never forget the very importance of personal appearance and hygiene. This is yet another very important milestone in achieving failure status. Some, to keep in mind traits of this facet, are: Let your exterior be your smelly advertising billboard. An important part of the badge and uniform of failure, of course, is your shabby and smelly clothing! Shabby clothing and dirty shoes, draped around a stooping and rather smelling body, go a long way to keep others away from you; enhancing that sought after Top-Failure-Status.

The next item is a rather small part of the draperies of failure. When you are introduced to someone, make sure you never look them in the eye! Reach out with a floppy hand, if they even reach out to greet you. A cough in the right direction, always goes down very well – at least for the failure-seeking individual. Always make absolutely sure that the person you are speaking to, can make nothing of what you say! In fact, be as inarticulate as possible. Spit, within the listener's range! That will certainly keep the listener occupied with keeping out of your spitting range The unfortunate part, is that the listener obviously will not really be listening to you!

When in a rather small and confined place, the odd escape of well-perfumed gas from down under, is yet another feature that will be remembered about you! O yes, of course not to forget. Display your rather smoke-discoloured and broken teeth at every possible opportunity. Stay well away from any mouth, teeth and personal hygiene.

It's very important to keep meticulous note of your Reach For Failure project. Regularly keep track and build up your successful failure profile. Your resume and ultimate Failure success curriculum vita, will stand you in good stead, to prevent future door opening in the conventional success-seeking world.

There is yet another very, very, very important matter to be considered if you wish to embark on the Reach-For-The-Failure stars! It's this: and this is extremely important. Always remember that there are many people depending on your success, either conventional success or Failure success. The far-reaching ramification of the latter, must always be the top consideration and focus in your mind! Their, and their family's future, happiness and security depend on your success or failure actions.

Now, if you still have the rather misplaced desire to fail, go out there and fail!

However, always keep in mind, the possible long-term and unforeseen social and legal consequences, that your actions may have on both yourself and other folks.

In a Non-smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire, and take immediate appropriate action."

Behind the lecturer, appeared his credentials: Specialist in Fear, The Unobtainable, Grade 3 Pessimism, Fear Of The Unknown, New Adventures And entrepreneurship.

The enthusiastic lecturer continued: There are so many "Fears," that we encounter; or even worse, fortunately manufacture and generate ourselves! For example: fear of what other people may think. Not to forget the sometimes rather real fear of fear! Or even worse, a fear of your own possible success.

This fear, is often even more debilitating and destructive than the fear of failure. Such common "Fear" thoughts can cause even a highly energetic and well motivated person to get derailed from their desired and chosen track!

Look beyond your possible ultimate achievements and success. Once there, ask yourself are you going to be happy and grateful right now, and in the future?

Napoleon Hill wrote the book THINK AND GROW RICH: There are many forms of thinking but only wealth zone thinking and thinking like an optimist will guide you towards wealth.

Your learning and qualification, liberates and reinforces your ability! Your qualification, dedication, persistence, not necessarily your excellence, also predisposes towards a high income. If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, cultivate the habit of meticulous attention to the Small things in life! Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing mindset and attitude.

You will learn the Very important thing: to delete "No," from your working vocabulary! You will also soon realise that your strength lies solely in your tenacity.

Fortunately, all of us have the capacity to learn, and thank goodness, if we are keen, that ability stays with us for almost as long as we live. Somewhere along the line, some of us have outsourced even our informed common sense, and lost our ability to do something as natural as investing and creating wealth. I know that sounds like common sense, but sadly, sense is not that common. Rather, what is even more important is the opposite. To engage and listen to an experienced expert.

So, before you decide, whether to listen to someone or not, just look at their past track record. If they have no track record in that particular field, just thank them and move on!

Every time you blame someone else or make excuses, you outsource your important survival power. Accept no one's definition of your life, but rather define yourself.

Fortunately, thanks to the ease of access to information on the net, more people are liberated and are prepared to rush to the defence of informed common sense. Remember, the age of Insight, and Wisdom, is already evident by a growing number of people, who retain their common sense, and are able to think for themselves. Therefore, if we are to be effective, we are going to have to think constructively!

To be successful in this venture, A certain ability to think outside the conventional predetermined patterns of thinking, are essential! Therefore, to be successful, you will have to Make your own rules. You will also have to join the mavericks, who think on an entirely different plane! These are the other members of the knowledge pool, that constitute a major part of the success environment, in which each expert is selected for their particular experience, expertise and contribution! Because each member of the team, is selected to be successful in the presence of the others.

In those unfortunate countries, where the citizens are continually dominated and intimidated by the media, it appears to be increasingly difficult, for the average and keen person, to look at the Important Big Picture.

When you are dealing with a desperate government, it is always much better to be proactive than reactive. This is when internationalisation is your ultimate survival insurance policy.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 146:

The "Quick-Fix" Is At The Order Of The Day!

This Requires Quick, Compact answers to even the most important Quality Of Life questions. The mind has been directed and trained, to comfortably and smoothly gravitate only to those "answers" that are suited to the "Quick-Fix" requirements of the individual! Sadly, and detrimentally, This often occurs at the suppression of the personal opinion! At the educational level, the mind is not trained or prepared, to deal well with uncertainty! Sometimes, the Authorities of the day, believe that we need to be spoon-fed the "Correct And Expedient Political Answer" to any given important questions! Unfortunately, this developing trend, is exactly counter to what is beneficial to us! More than ever, we will need to train our minds to be open to new Quality Of Life Enhancing possibilities. Indeed, at such a Crucial time, it will be important to accept that our previously acquired knowledge is already obsolete and that we actually know and experienced very little.

As people have a "sell-by" date, they become obsolete, their expensively acquired knowledge and ideas can also become obsolete. As you already know, being different in a culture like ours, is never easy. Remember, people will always try to subdue your originality, and to manipulate you into their way of thinking.

They will try to get you to join the mass thinkers – They will want you to act in a favourable political or religious way that Supports Them.

In the end, the only true and rewarding path for you, is as an independent thinker! By detaching yourself from the strugglers and mass thinking, you become liberated and free.

Positive action precedes feeling. Whether we share the same philosophy or not, we all share the human experience of being vulnerable to failure, to death and disappointment. It's unwarranted to assume that optimists are optimists, simply because they don't know what it feels like to have a lead weight on their shoulders. I've never seen a pessimistic belief, that was capable of surviving a few provocative and well-thought-out questions. So I think pessimism is the self-inflicted fairy tale.

I became an optimist, because, in the first instance, the price of pessimism is beyond my means and expectations. Secondly, because I lack sufficient evidence, to make long-term life-ruining negative judgments. The real enemy of pessimism, in my opinion, is not positive thinking, but critical thinking. It's about using your informed intelligence, in a way that's healthy, productive, and personally uplifting and fulfilling. It's certainly is not about throwing your experience, informed judgement and brain, out the door.

The time of maximum pessimism is the best time to buy and the time of maximum optimism is the best time to sell. John Templeton.

It's always rather interesting to meet with somebody, who is very keenly evangelising the pessimism subject. A while ago, I was fortunate to meet a man, who have been at some pains, to cultivate a rather advanced and impressive degree of first-hand, infectious pessimism. Whatever metamorphosis happened in the meantime, is unsure. But now he was a totally changed man. He was pure enthusiasm and optimism, from which ever angles you looked at him. He now emphasised that he could not believe that folks tried to convince him to stay as he was. In fact, he now realised that, what one is trying to be, is exactly the opposite of all these people, who prevented you from being what you really want to be.

Either an idea is useful to you, or it's not. If it's useful, use it. If it's not, throw it out. Your experience and gut feeling, is your authority. If something works well, good for you! If not, don't waste your time arguing about it!

Why not listen to your inner voice? Only you really know, what represents a particular investment or business win for you, in any given scenario. If you have doubt about your business or investment negotiations, because (whether consciously or sub-consciously) the proposed business or deal, just does not feel right, respect and heed your gut feeling or inner voice. We often disregard obvious and subtle warning messages, if we want something badly enough. But doing so, may come at a later compounded financial stress price.

However, if you acquire the skills of successfully negotiating, it can pay handsome dividends for both parties. If you buy property, paying slightly less than market value, it has the advantage of creating immediate equity. On the other hand, paying an inflated price, means potentially over-capitalising, and spending a longer time waiting for your property to start working its eighth miracle – compounding magic.

When faced with difficult or conflicting decisions, seek out all the information you can find, become as knowledgeable as you can, and then heed your instincts. We retain our common sense. We mostly refuse to go with the conventional thinking. We even refuse to go with the flow or take the easy path most travelled. Because our experience has taught that it's usually the path leading to loss.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that, has made all the difference. Robert Frost.

At some phase, we all conform to the popular social and spending dictates of the day. The fashion clothes we wear, the way we speak, the way we act and respond in situations. But, as many of us already know, when it comes to making money, conformity typically leads to loss.

The "obvious" rationale is simple. We are enticed to believe that it's unlikely that such a large group of seemingly wise and informed people, can be so wrong. But, as the observant person already knows, they are often wrong. This is where the astute and experienced investor, takes advantage of the herd behaviours to exploit and profit from it.

For the contrarian, the herd is very easy to exploit. And that's because, as a whole, we are not motivated and trained to think outside the box. You simply must think and do outside the conventional box to get unconventional results! While you are about it, why not be a contrarian? Psychology of the Herd: Why We're So Confident? Because we're often let down and irritated with conformity. We also like to be stimulated, to think wider and outside the conventional box!

Nevertheless, most of us conform to a degree in how we act. The clothes and fashions we wear, even the way we speak; where we live; what we drive. But when it comes to making money, conformity typically leads to loss. Many financial and investment advisors, conform for social approval, to feel like they're part of the "in" crowd that certainly knows what's coming next.

Once more, the long-time indoctrinated rationale is simple. Of course, it's unlikely that such a large group of people and experts, can be so wrong. However, as history reveals, they are often wrong. This is why you should be on your guard and try to identify where herd behaviours are popping up so you can exploit and profit from them.

Once you have acquired the habit of "contrarian thinking," you will notice that the herd is very easy to exploit. And that's because, as a whole, we are conditioned not to think outside the conventional shaped box, and it's sometime dated contents. We're so hell-bent on following the crowd; the media; the advisors; the experts; on doing what everyone else is doing that we forget to think individually.

In 2009, Kiplinger's ran an article by Robert Frick titled, "Don't Trust the Crowd." Here's what that article had to say: What's scary about the herd mentality, is how insidiously it gets you to see things differently.

Our modern society has inundated us with the importance of importance. We have been conditioned to believe in the big, the fast, the expensive and the far-away. This includes the expensive far-away holidays.

So many people are terrorised and blighted by tradition. his I'm still convinced that, if you have to move even ten inches from where you are now, in order to be really happy, you never will be.

That nearby the toolbox of past experience and education, contains your conventional thinking, unless you find a new and stimulating way out. We're so hell-bent on doing what everyone else is doing that we forget to think individually. The herd, it seems, has a very subtle and important impact on our actions and thinking. Frequently, it alters our common sense perception of reality.

Never act on hot tips and party insider sound bites. Similarly, relying only on the media is foolish. Believing the latest secret information, that is new to you and the other investors, which is also new to the herd and to everyone else, is also a major mistake. Instead, you should assume, that if you have already heard it, so has everyone else.

That is the question: whether to float with the easy tide, or to swim for a sometimes difficult goal. It is a very important choice, that we must all make consciously or unconsciously, at some important time in our lives.

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking. Benjamin Franklin.

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. Mark Twain.

Always review your long-time prejudice and perception. Remember that a simple shift in perception can change everything.

Is it really worth focusing too much on fear? You will soon learn that you are wasting your time in fear of the problem, which only leads to thinking and generating even more things to be afraid of, and even more compounded fear. Instead, you should be looking for the opportunity hidden, and inviting, in the present problem. There is the enticing open window – the open door – to benefit from the deterring obstacle. The Only Difference Between the Winners and Losers of Life: "There is good in everything, if only we look for it." Laura Ingalls Wilder. The well informed winners are those who lose the least. Always remember that THE Precious freedom, is not an Ideal, not even a faraway place! Always guard it in your Mind.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson.

To successfully uncouple yourself from Struggle, you have to acquire the mindset of letting go of rigid ideas and opinions. That means embracing change, venturing into self-education, and opening yourself up to new ideas and concepts! In order to change, and think outside the Conventional box about how to do things, you first need to challenge yourself Sometimes creative solutions might appear controversial at times. Often "Controversy is good!" Because This can bring about new ideas and inventions. If you are prepared to collaborate properly, and in good spirit, then the sky's the limit and who knows just where this idea will bring you! Most big ideas have loud critics. Not disruption. Finally, it takes a lot of courage and persistence, to get this "Good" idea floating on it's way! Good ideas kept in a closed mind, soon die. They need to be exposed to a fertile and receptive audience. Enthusiasm, determination, light and air, or they starve to death.

New, and seemingly impossible ideas, never have it easy in the beginning. Too many people and industries, have just too much capital and egos invested on keeping things the same. That means, standing back and not rocking the boat. Not disrupting the existing natural order or things. Maintaining the comfortable status quo But that's no way to make the future world a better place. A world, in which your children and grandchildren, can live a much better life, than the one you lived.

Flattery almost always hits its susceptible target because the target comes up to meet it.

The very hardest and most difficult thing to open, is a well-established closed and prejudiced mind. No matter how persuasive or good a new concept or idea salesman you are, some people just simply do not want to hear you talk. They have a prejudiced and closed mind. Of course, they also believe and feel, that they know everything. You could try various words; keys; crowbars; hammers and even to be persistent with people like this, but you will always find, that the hardest thing to open is a well rusted, insulated and closed mind. Instead of wasting your valuable time, rather move on.

At least, the beauty is, from the pessimists, you can almost always learn what you should not learn!

A person with a new idea, is a crank until the idea succeeds. Mark twain.

With any new idea, it takes time to get assimilated by the community, wrapped in a fixed and non-elastic mindset after time. These "new ideas," as many venture entrepreneurs can attest, however, always face an uphill struggle. For many of them, they're met with ridicule. Especially when they threaten the power structure, the very financially powerful companies, and the government of the day, that maintain it. The brave biggest people, with the biggest new ideas can be shot down by the littlest people with the littlest ideas. Don't be deterred – think big anyway.

Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes. Napoleon Hill.

Do not let disruption detract you from a good idea. New, and seemingly impossible ideas, never have it easy in the beginning. Everyone feels scared when they start trading a new system. It's how you process and apply that anxiety that distinguishes the brilliant investor from the mediocre masses.

Another factor, that will also determine your successful financial future, is not necessarily the economy; rather, it's your philosophy and positive mindset. New investment formulas and systems, are pointless, if it's the same old you and your old concepts, running them. It requires the crafting of the appropriate investment formula, to meet the long-term requirements of the investor. The inability to say no, to delay gratification, is a right accurate predictor of future economic and financial failure in life. In fact, the only certain constant in the world, the only thing you can absolutely count on, is actual and certain change itself. Sadly, referring to our history, often because our childhood subconscious mind, is programmed to keep things the same. This is to safeguard our childhood acquired, and wrongly and erroneously motivated ideas about "The evil Of Money And Wealth!" Recall the often quoted saying: "Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know!" Yet, most successful people, share one very important and critical life saving attitude: the trait of adaptability. They embrace change. They look for opportunities for self-empowerment, to expand and learn.

Get a good idea and stay with it. Test and retest it, and work at it until it's done right. Walt Disney.

The remarkable formula, so keenly adhered to by the government of the day, for long-term failure, is higher business costs, much less long-term political certainty, low local and international investment confidence, reduced appetite by the entrepreneurs for risk-taking, less infra-structure and investment expansion and job creation, less household income growth opportunities. There is the world of on-going plan-making, staged in very expensive hotels, venues and restaurants, apparently centrally driven, yet with many interpretations, often in conflict with each other. The politically ignorant voters, of course, are simply delighted with the outcome of these well-staged planning meetings! And though the plan-making sounds impressive, it is the almost total lack of the follow-through that is most crucial.

Internationally, the world is really scared at what is happening to lack of employment. And, the informed people know and they realise what is the motor for generating jobs! The answer, sadly often ignored by the obstructing power-hungry bureaucrats, is giving more entrepreneurs the necessary leeway for getting things done; and making it much easier for generating small businesses. Because, backed by enthusiasm and persistence, is where the employment comes from.

The knowledge, determination and expertise of entrepreneurs, and their keenness and freedom to share, and use that expertise and knowledge, are the sparks that light up the economy, and set its productive and wealth-generating gears in motion. Increased, vigourous and short-sighted government intervention, simply prolongs the poverty and agony. Less citizen-concerned government intervention, means a better growth and quicker recovery.

The key for the nation's growing success, is entrepreneurship. People who think on a different plane, have motivation, creative ideas, initiative, operate small companies, must be given tax breaks and assistance. You too, may have heard of the Rusting Iron Law of Bureaucracy. However, in case you haven't, it can be defined like this: In any self-enriching and corrupt bureaucracy, the people devoted to the benefit of the bureaucracy itself always get in control. And sadly, those voters who are dedicated to the goals the bureaucracy is supposed to accomplish, have less and less influence, and sometimes are even eliminated entirely. This very valid iron Law, also sums up why so many inwardly focused self-serving obese bureaucracies eventually fail. It also explains why so many things, they do, often end up being counterproductive and undermining their organisations' lofty goals.

Fortunately, there's a vast difference between a government bureaucracy and a private-sector organisation. The progress and survival motivating incentives are totally different. When a well-entrenched powerful bureaucracy fails to accomplish its objectives, it gets more tax payer's money and even more power to execute them. However, sadly, on the other hand, When a private sector firm fails, it causes unemployment, with its social implications, and goes bankrupt. When the economy is in a downward trend, the Iron Law could also be used to explain, why it is the reason to maintain political credibility. Sometimes, the Iron Law can also explain, why it even will shut down or destroy, a threatening competing political party.

International investors look at rational decisions being taking by the authorities in the country they consider investing in.

In a battle between two ideas, the best one doesn't necessarily win. No, the idea that wins is the one with the most fearless heretic behind it. Seth Godin.

As long as the self survival self-serving very obese government, puts itself in charge of solving the problem it perpetuates and creates, you should not expect things to get better anytime soon. Odds are, that the frequently self-enriching solutions, they come up with, will cause even bigger problems for the tax payers, down the road. Unfortunately most individuals will never understand that all services are best provided by the free market. The most important thing is by way of opportunity self-empowerment. You can never over-educate! You can only opportunity under expose!

Through on-going and continuous exposure to reading, education and folks with enthusiasm, comes the opportunity for employment.

How are you, as an individual, going to create that employment? Start educating and encouraging people. Assist them, and your government, in making it much easier in creating a small business.

Without a Future plan, your goals are just ideas. Make them real by creating a strategy for achieving them. Cultivate a mindset, that takes you towards your ambitions, goals and objectives, rather than buying into limiting and very restricting recycled, already out of date, concepts and ideas! Establish – and periodically review – a well-researched investment horizon. Don't just see it as a once-off plan, that has a beginning and an end. Reset your thinking: make it an enriching way of life. This is particularly important with escalating costs of living; more so for the relatively fixed income retiree! At least, they usually have the advantage of persistence, experience and a keen and friendly way of presenting their labour!

Ask any owner, or manager of a retail store, whom he or she would rather hire: a young person with no job experience, or a senior? The senior wins out almost every time. Experienced employers consider them to be more diligent, harder workers, more time-loyal, and more likely to show up consistently. With fewer and fewer unskilled jobs out there and a larger labour force to choose from, seniors have a real advantage.

However, many of the seniors I know, who now must work, were never poor during their first careers. Despite the fact, that many enjoyed excellent salaries, they never budgeted and learned to live within their means. Now that don't care for money lifestyle has caught up with them.

Strugglers Lack Stability And they often also lack dedication, persistence and Concentration. This is very, very important: Early in life, Teach your children that Life was Never Meant to be a Struggle. Indeed, very true, life was never meant to be a struggle, by helping your kids, to grasp this very important concept, you will put them on the path to help them help themselves. Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.

Be a student so long as you still have something to learn and this will mean all your life. Henry L. Doherty.

Remember, that, sometimes, truth requires time to mature! Valuable and life-enhancing truth has its own attracting magnetism. If you don't believe it, nobody is going to believe it for you.

Your wife nudges you. "I often told you that concentration is a key discipline in personal growth and development". You keenly nod and agree! However, do not ever let your success stop you, always speak up and stand up. Sadly, many folks are simply put off, by the fear of being different, and not adhering to what the conventional thinking and opinions are! Of course, mostly, what you get for Nothing, is worth Nothing ... Unless, and this is Very Important ... you actively get involved with your Progress! Therefore, if you wish to be successful, be prepared to Pay Experts for their Insights, Valuable time and expertise! There is a very important life lesson here: If you want to be successful in business and finances, you must soon learn to value what is truly valuable. We all are aware that money is only one facet of real wealth and prosperity. It certainly is not the most important. Of course, money is very important, in those areas of life where money is really very important. However, it is not very important in those areas where it is not very important. Learn to discriminate and to find the difference between the two! To be truly prosperous, you need the other important quality of life facets as well. Including: the most valuable time, the liberation of wealth: freedom, choice of relationships, well maintained and on-going health, recourse to spirituality. Success, is to a large extent, a fertile and well-informed imagination. The creative world, is almost always entered through imagination. Use positive and uplifting words at all times! Lies have swivelled and changed direction on the strength of a chance remark. Watch and control everything that comes out of your mouth! Remember, it's future ramifications and impacts can grow at a very rapid compounding rate! It's so important: Always Guard your speech. Also say what you have to say, not what you ought. Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut. However, just be sure your brain is in the right gear, before your mouth takes off in automatic motion. Like developing your muscles, the more you use your brain, the more brain you will have to use.

Never detract from you r, or your family's achievements. Or speak of yourself, your business and affairs, or of anything else, in a negative and discouraged or discouraging way.

Making a Public Spectacle of Yourself.

It is not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, it's what you whisper to yourself that has the most power! Robert T. Kiyosaki.

An old very valid wartime poster comes to mind, which said, "Loose Lips Sink Ships". High achievers don't talk just because they have to say something; they talk because they have something worthwhile to contribute. Have you noticed that most successful people are very careful with overburdening their tongues. They hardly speak out of turn, or when it is unnecessary. They have learned the value of respect. To talk less, and listen more attentively. No one has a finer command of language, than the person who keeps his mouth shut.

Sometimes, how you articulate, or say something, is of less consequence than the enthusiastic or dull way, in which you said it. Memorable sentences, have far reaching impact, on account of some single word.

As John Penland Mahaffy said: Never tell a story because it is true: tell it because it is a good story.

Kind, empathetic and uplifting words, produce their own beautiful image in man's soul.

Of those who say nothing, few are silent. Thomas Neiel.

Guard your most valuable asset – your priceless reputation. Always, act and live in such a way, that if someone spoke badly of you, no objective thinking person would believe it. Remember, that your good reputation – the foundation on which you build your future associations – affects any new business ventures, or a job you may try to get later down the track. Treat this asset – your reputation – as if it is infinitely more valuable than even gold.

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you will do things differently. Warren Buffett.

Always reach out! Help others out, and never speak badly about other people. If you help people get what they want, you can ultimately also get what you want. The striking thing about life and Business, is that it all is about relationships. It is give and take. You cannot just take and ask without giving! It is amazing what happens if you help people without expecting anything in return. Sooner or later, people will go an extra 10 miles to help you. They might even consider the impact of the possible inflation – and pay back a few extra miles! This is a most gratifying investment. Always keep future-investing, by paying it forward, by helping everyone out there. No matter their ego; how important, big or small they may be. Sooner or later, to your delight, the universe will pay it back tenfold.

"There is a destiny that makes us brothers none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own." Edwin Markham.

Always, work hard, diligently, focused, in silence, and keep your success to yourself! Telling people about your success, might just caused them to think that you are arrogant. Of course, even worse, it can generate more competitors.

Old and experienced money, likes to keep things Very private. It favours private businesses, private information, private investments and, very important private lives. For them, their private businesses are more profitable, than publicly quoted stocks. They also pay fewer profit-draining legal and accounting fees, and spend much less money trying to please yield-hungry investors and the media.

A privately owned and controlled business or company, on the other hand, may also return significantly more of its earnings to shareholders. Who, in turn, can put that extra income to work on a Compounding and enriching scheme! In a public company, much of the earnings go to pay CEO's and corporate managers. Fortunately, in a privately controlled business or corporation, the owners decide who gets to share the profits!

Almost all government-directed economic activity, grows at the expense and pain of the private sector.

Some regard private enterprise as if it were a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look upon it as a cow that they can milk. Only a handful see it for what it really is – the strong horse that pulls the whole cart. Churchill.

A blind-folded diagnosis of the financial crisis, lies at the root of the destructive cycle. The free market did not cause the financial crisis; political self-enriching, non-transparent and unaccountable meddling caused it. However, there is a cure. But the leaders fear that the medicine can be worse than the disease. In this asset, wealth and optimism destructive cycle, the popular response, of a government feeling self-induced pressure, is "Give us more government!" Time, and the better informed electorate, will tell if this vicious cycle "more government, degrading market failure, more government, market failure" can be stopped. Always be friendly, optimistic and speak in terms of future advancement. It is amazing, how much you can learn and hear when no one is saying anything.

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson.

It strikes you once more, that controlling the quality and implications of what comes out of your mouth, is vitally important. Ultimately, your words may become your fertiliser for your actions and destiny. You may never know, if an idea you mentioned, or a word you spoke, brought a life-enriching change for someone else. Therefore, do everything with enthusiasm, honesty and your whole dedicated heart, because you never know what future influence it will have.

Of course, you are quite aware, that You can't do it unless you imagine it. The formula to successfully handle fear, is to immediately push aside procrastination and to take action.

On-going Procrastination, is a thief of valuable time and opportunity. You and your family's future successful progress, is now in your hands! It's neither automatic nor inevitable!

The time has come for you to make your move! This is no time for the luxury of further procrastination, apathy or complacency. Right now, is the right time for vigourous and positive action. If you postpone more and wait, all that happens rather quickly, is that you rapidly get older.

However, remember that there is more to enjoying life, than Burning time and increasing its speed. Every proactive and concerned person, must decide whether they will enjoy the fruits of creative and progressive thinking. Or continue to remain in the Self-imposed darkness of ignorance and selfishness.

Analyse and make progressive thinking. How are you helping others attain a better and more productive quality of life? A pro-active person, always exercises the choice of a free will; the freedom to choose the response that best meets their very personal values.

Do not indulge in the past; the culture of protracted nostalgia. There is a big difference between learning and understanding the past, and being stuck in it. You may need to actively and speedily reinvent your way back to success.

Don't tie yourself to your past or history; rather hitch yourself to your future vast potential. Reverence for the history of the past is important. So too, is Reverence to the past, where you can learn many valuable lessons.

No statement is more true, and better applicable to Wall Street than the famous warning of Santayana: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Equally important, is regard for the future.

The cost of delay compounds your problem that much more. Find out what the obstacle or road block may be, and seek to circumvent or overcome it. As often happens, eventually someone will know someone who will know someone – and there you are. The worst crime of all: being boring!

A Sure Successful Recipe for business failure : Costly and time-consuming and expensive corruption, building work plagued by strikes, a well nourished growing appetite for strikes, Government Bureaucratic Intervention and delays, delivery irregularities and failures, and escalating raw material costs. Still, the inefficient government of the day, speaks of motivating entrepreneurs to start new ventures, create jobs and spread wealth! But to the investors and executives who helped that business grow, they've become a victim of their own success. Now they have to report to some uneducated, unmotivated bureaucrat who cares more about following procedure than doing actual work. Like most government plans meant to protect you, they're actually punishing entrepreneurs and job creating people, for doing things correctly and also being successful. And they're conveniently hiding it behind the political guise of public safety. It's a well-practised political ruse, that will continue to convince the uninformed and gullible electorate. For folks who understand political election incentives, and how leaders can operate, it's just another recipe for long-term disaster.

Zeikel's advice here is good: When a trend becomes widely accepted, it should be questioned all the more. Entrepreneurs don't procrastinate; they don't sit and wait for the government to take care of them. If they see a need for something, they'll do what it takes to fulfil that need. It's people like them, and not the bureaucrats and politicians in power, who make the world a better place. The people in power, however, have different self-centred motivations. Different incentives that brought them into public office. Mostly, they're not the type of people, who should be leaders, or be in power, in the first place. After all, the good guys are in power now. Politicians will tell you all about their skills, visions and the importance of their ability to reach out. But what they're really seeking, is legitimisation. Not necessarily from you, the well-informed citizen, but from the ill-informed folks, who support the political process itself. No Matter Who Wins, The wider public Believes That A Sociopath Is Elected. The genius H. L. Mencken put it best when he wrote that "every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods."

Can you forget Mark Twain's pithy observation "If voting made a difference," he said, "they wouldn't let us do it."

Even those who begin political careers, with the best intentions and have measurable abilities that would make them successful in any field, soon realise that the skills required to succeed in politics, are not necessarily those required outside politics. Lew Rockwell explains that, while competition in the marketplace improves quality, competition in politics does just the opposite: "The only improvements take place in the process of doing bad things: lying, cheating, manipulating, stealing, and killing.

The price, of often poor political and social services, is constantly increasing. Whether this is in the form of tax dollars paid, or in the bribes owed for protection (also known as campaign contributions).

Internationally, the confused signalling, in political ranks, has many conveniently changing facets and faces. For the gullible, politically passive public at large, it has many frustrating and restricting implications. The restricting frustrations, walking hand in hand, are higher business costs, much less certainty, low long-term investment confidence. Reduced appetite for job creating risk-taking, less investment expansion and further job creation.

(The man or woman on the street, are a large part of the money spending formula for the growth and development of the country.) Note how that impacts on their spending habits if there is less household income growth opportunities. Those wishing to get elected – and re-elected – and stay elected must be prepared to break every moral rule they have ever known, if the end justifies it. There is no political obsolescence, planned or otherwise. Neither we, or politicians, are exempt from the universal law of obsolescence. Politicians clearly don't seek office for the money. Or do they? Most are already wealthy by most people's standards. For the politicians, there is the promising world of plan-making, apparently centrally driven. Frequently with as many interpretations, as there are leaders. Often these leaders, and the messages they send to the public, are in conflict with each other. And, though the plan-making seminars and time and money-wasting meetings sounds impressive, it is the follow-through that provides the growth and rewards, and is most crucial.

The ultimate result, is that many of the companies relocate, based on the fact that there is no stable long-term outlook projected by the political leaders of the day. However, fortunately for the residents of such a country, is that the dividend that flows home will be rich. As long as these businesses retain local owners. Sadly, though, the fruit of their skills, expertise and entrepreneurial abilities, will have been absorbed by other investment-friendly societies.

What is true of the brain drain of highly educated, highly skilled, experienced entrepreneurial emigrants, is just as much true of corporate internationalising, enriching the new investment-friendly receiving society and impoverishing the home base. This is especially so, when the corrupt political "see-saw" flow is too heavy on the one side. With no complementing incoming equivalent skills and expertise inward migration.

The reason for business relocating, is because it is not getting the political leadership and example that will give it long-term confidence to risk capital, expertise and security.

The gullible electorate, must by now recognise, they are electing boundless incompetents at best, and at worst, very sly crooks. The constant, naive, pro-democracy mantra among the befuddled electorate is: "We just need to elect the right people." The "right people" are already focused on where best they can milk the new system! They are not interested to be running for political office. And let's never forget, that it only takes one of us, or one of our leaders, to lower our standards, and then the rest of us will suffer as a consequence.

Credibility and believability, requires education, experience, honesty, a good and consistent track record and proof of integrity! What often detracts more from the credibility of the politicians and leaders of the day, is the evidence of growing personal wealth among our spreading self-empowering political elite. And, forget not, the growing suspicions this generates in the awakening electing society. This politically more informed society, takes note of the eagerness, among, especially many of the more well connected youngsters, elsewhere known as hangers-on or princelings, to join this get-rich-quickly happy bandwagon)

Socialists, politicians and all other kinds of economic levellers, think that to close the expanding poverty gap, all we have to do, is take money away from people who have too much, and give to people who don't have enough. There's no fix amount of wealth in the world. It just needs to be divided fairly among those who are prepared to work for it. If you have more money, more wealth, doesn't it mean that I have less. Wealth is the result of our insights, creativity, the spirit to undertake new job-creating ventures. It is something we create. If we want the whole world to be wealthier, we need to recognise, that the underlying problem, is lack of jobs; with the resulting poverty, not the difference between poverty and plenty.

If the venture and the thing that makes you rich, doesn't make me poor, why should we care about the shield of fairness at all? You cannot strengthen the weak, by weakening the strong. You cannot rob the poor by destroying the rich!

Plotonius: It's taken a year of professional life, when I could have been doing other things.

Is that really quite true? Did you not learn much of value during that year that you thought was a waist of energy and time? No day in which you learn something, is a complete loss. Remember, irrespective of how busy you are, you always have some Un-occupied capacity.

Internalise the knowledge that manifests itself in the many books and articles that you read, and externalise the acquired thrift and Compounding lessons to enhance your quality of life. If you are interested in success, you will find that the more you learn, the more you experience and the more you the interact with folks who you perceive to be successful, the easier it becomes. The jaws of time and expertise, have chewed their experiences, and produced valuable insight and information.

Learn to anticipate the consequences of events; political and natural catastrophe.

A single conversation, across the table, with a wise man, is worth a month's study of books. Chinese proverb.

You can't assume that success is an Automatically inherited trait. Rather, it is Acquired Self-Empowered and learned behaviour.

A gentle breeze, blowing in the right direction, is better than a pair of strong oars. Canary Island Proverb.

However, keep in mind when interacting with other people, that You are free to choose your actions, but you are not always free to choose the consequences of your actions. If you procrastinate and take no action, you may suffer adverse consequences by default.

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. Confucius.

You sometimes have to take a risk, to take a risk; and you have to take a chance to get a chance. It is true that the person who takes no risks also has no future. For information that helps all of us, thoughtful communication is the key. Who knows what doors it may unlock. Good risk-adjusted returns, will successfully keep you in the game. The most important thing you can do, is to manage your investment portfolio exposure, to correspond with your experience and tolerance for risk. With Self-Empowering, you will be exposed to developing your own finance and Investment Expertise edge, which is just a code word for investing in what you know best!

Being proactive, means that Action is life, and that inaction is death.

"October is a very dangerous month for stock markets. And so is February, September, December, July, March, June, August, January." Mark Twain.

I've found that the most enthusiastic and motivated successful people I know always take action. You just simply have to be motivated, inspired and determined, to get started. I investigate, research and get motivated each morning. Take time. Analyse fear. Break it into its component parts.

Fear of the unknown, is universal to humanity. By accepting for what it is, you gain insight and power over it. You will soon realise that the perceived fear, opposes the action you are willing to take!

Always keep the profit on the table! Sell half when your position doubles. You certainly will not go broke by taking profits

It is not always necessarily the best for you to live in the shadows of a rich or famous person. In fact, it might turn out to be restricting your own development! It might be better to move on into your own spot in the life-giving and healing sun.

Energise yourself in the sun of optimism and adventure. Sculpture your own happiness; your fortune; your future based on your own value system.

Decide what your own value system is. Write your own philosophy, mission statement, your own creed, your own belief system; and get it written into your mind and into your heart. Put this to daily use through your imagination and your emotion. Don't tie yourself to your history tie yourself to your boundless potential.

You're the very important top manager of a very large and important company! Quite correct! You're the top headache man or woman! You must take important decisions all the time. Decisions that time will show to have been either good or bad! Yes, right now, you too, are stuck in the dictates of the "dictationtron"! Are you too, sheltering under the umbrella of "I simply cannot drop this job and move on?"

Most people have a genetic inner sense or consciousness, of what is really right or wrong. Why not distill them into your own personal mission or value system? You can easily get side-tracked and go into management of the wrong things, in the right way.

"Money can't buy you happiness! But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." Spike Milligan.

You will have to create your own Health and Money Management Success Boundaries and parameters! This is your own template, for investing in any market sector, in any market environment. These pointers, don't address specific sectors, because sectors are cyclical; and chances are that they will change.

Focus on the following: Protect and harness the cash: That's how fortunes are made. Be active in the driver's seat: you need to do the necessary on-going research, and to have 100 percent control of your financial destiny.

It's interesting when, I talk to people about their present and retirement investment planning, they say something like, "I'm not really sure! I don't really know where he has put my money!. However, I believe My guy has got me invested in some funds or something." Is that really good enough for you? Of course, not! Your expert "guy or lady," as good as they may be, really don't care about your health and wealth, as much as you do. Many are very keen and happy to take your cash in fees or annual charges. If you are really in charge, that's money you could easily use to compound and improve your retirement, if you paid a little more attention. Of course, this doesn't mean you need to spend all day trading stocks or becoming an expert in finance. You just need to know what your guy – or lady – is doing and, more importantly, why. If they won't sit down and explain it, immediately fire them. You don't need to be an expert, but you need to be financially literate. In fact, you must acquire the skills of a new language. The language of money management, money care and investment speak. It's really fascinating to note how soon one can acquire the words of the new language; how soon you associate the meaning of one word with any number of the other words – and their investment potential! You need to know the words "diversification," "asset allocation," and "compounding." You must learn about the fees, any possible hidden fees, you're paying. You must also know who is getting the money, and if you even need to pay fees at all. Why? Well, because no one else will teach you. Take 10 minutes each week to understand a little bit more about stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

This is so very important: if your broker or money manager, dismisses your valid concerns, questions, or objections, fire them immediately.

The Very Importance Of Liquidity.

(Liquidity, is also the ease with which listed companies are traded. Small companies, with relatively few shares, often are rather difficult to trade on account of their size!)

Therefore, always make sure the investments you are in are easily tradable and liquid.

Pay attention to your gut feeling and investigation results! If something doesn't feel or sound right, chances are it's not.

Always be fuelled by persistence and determination. That's the road to success!

Of course, always keep in mind not to associate with the "Cannot Do" people of the world! Rather, associate and to acknowledge people who have a positive and "Can Do" mindset. Learn from achievers who already have what you want!

The Pessimism, and the "Cannot Do It," condition, is very, very, very infectious! It is destructive! It spreads like wild fire! Always remember, that the people you associate with, have a huge affect on your ways of thinking and acting! Rather, associate with positive folks, who can take you where you want to go, rather than holding you back! Know whether Quality of Life Enhancing optimism, or Problem Avoiding defensive pessimism, works best for you? If you desire, to retain more of your valuable energy, Turn off the negative radio and tv news, as it's very "optimism and time destructive!" And make a concerted effort to read only the most optimistic comments on the world's news; those that resonate with your positive goals! Remember, that The mainstream Media, often sells a Good Story, not the Facts. It's also very important to remember, that the mainstream media, is almost always wrong about investing. Sadly, most marginally informed readers, have a hard time disbelieving the major media. They wonder, "How could all of these well-informed media pundits be wrong?" If you don't do your own in-depth Self-empowerment investigations, you will do just as bad as those who foolishly believe and trust, the mainstream media.

"It is easier to fool people, than it is to convince them they have been fooled." Mark Twain.

With reference to the folk who think outside the conventional cubes, the contrarians, it is worth taking note of the following quote by one of the leading innovators:

"While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. 1997.

The important principal mark of genius, is not necessarily perfection, but rather originality, the opening of new thought processes and frontiers. Old-money families also learn to disregard the Leaves in the wind; the public information – the stuff you frequently get from newspapers and TV. They put a high premium on their selected and trusted private information sources. They trust their own eyes, experience, information and research, guts, nose and ears! And their long-standing and trusted personal contacts. Often, being contrarians, rather than invest on the basis of what everybody else knows, they try to focus and channel their investments, on what they know that other people don't know. You may even hear them say: we're a bunch of contrarians!" Why not try and stand in their shadow for a while. At least, get near them to hear what they are talking about!

After all, they are only standard off-the-shelf human beings. The distinguishing factor, is that they are also people with very outstanding dedication, persistence resources, concepts and ideas. They often investigate, and play with contrarian and radical outside-the-box future concepts, ideas and possibilities. They persist undeterred; and keep tinkering until they find something really big, that they believe in! They often also started early, seeing opportunities in things that were different. It certainly, always helps, if you associate with the right motivated and helpful people, and are in the right place at the right time. Without that fortune and coincidence, you may have no opportunity to hit the next success rung on the progress ladder.

The rung of a ladder, is never meant to rest upon but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher. Thomas Henry Huxley.

With that fortunate coincidence, deep long-term very specialised functional insights and knowledge of particular industries, is developed. Special formulas and "family secrets" are encouraged. Jobs, in-house interest-saving financing, insurance and an experienced and keen helping hand, are available when needed.

Old money also keeps "Money Lending" expenses down. It looks to in-house private sources, mainly among them, the family for what it needs. Despite the state of the economy, they know that somewhere in the world, there are always opportunities for sound investments.

Ambition without the motive force, experience and knowledge, is like a bucket with a hole in the bottom; you can't gain success!

Learn how to successfully say no. You really don't have to explain why you said no! Don't let your keen mouth overload your obligations, your energies, your time and your back. Soon you will develop the most valuable survival power to say no to people and situations that are not a part of your projected objectives. In keeping with your democratic principles, it also means that you have the right to be pleased and satisfied with what you have achieved and with what you are right now. You will acquire the power, given by the valuable key, to be able to say "no" to circumstances and situations that are not in keeping with your overall vision for your future! At every new and unchartered opportunity, give yourself at least six good and valid reasons for saying "no." And while venturing into a relationship or business project, have the exit strategy in mind!!

Vision, is the highest manifestation, of creative imagination, and the primary motivation of human quality-of-life action. It's the undaunted ability to stretch to be really tall. It's also the ability to see beyond our present reality, over the next mountain, to create, to invent what does not yet exist; to become what we are not yet. It opens the doors to success, and gives us the capacity to live out of our imagination instead of our memory.

Vision and enthusiasm, focuses, and also clarifies purpose; gives direction, dedication, persistence and empowers us to perform beyond our resources. It's also the stimulating daily motivating energy that makes everyday life an exciting adventure.

Remember, despite your lofty opinion of yourself, to err is human, and give yourself, now and then, a well deserved self-evaluation and Recharging break.

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Chapter 147:

Value Of Using Routines

The time solution, is to reduce the number of decisions you need to make by using routines. If you have something, that has to be done every day at the same time, acquire routines.

Simple routines, particularly during retirement, can dramatically reduce your frustrations, save time and reduce your experience of stress.

However, keep in mind, with the rapid increase of various forms of crime, that any intended victim, who has a regular routine, immediately makes himself more vulnerable.

Always determine the long-term consequences and the price you have to pay for every decision you make before making that possible life-changing decision.

As we already know, many great achievers, today are college dropouts. They knew what they wanted to achieve, and they understood the implications, so they went all-out. So before you quit your present job, or quit education and college, and before you jump off that seemingly insecure bridge, ask yourself this very important question: how deep or dangerous is the risk water?

If you are not already familiar with Charlie Munger, he is vice chairman of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway. Munger is probably the most quotable investor of all time. His rule of investing: when any guy offers you a chance to earn lots of money without risk, don't listen to the rest of his sentence. Follow this and you will save yourself a lot of misery.

Again, I emphasise: always remember to never test the depth of the river with both feet. Never put all your fragile financial and investment eggs in one basket! If it drops; if it fails, you may never recover from it. Always spread out your risks in life.

Once more, I repeat: there is no way to succeed without taking risks, but it's much wiser and safer to take calculated and well researched risks.

Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped. African Proverb.

If you are chronically frustrated, Change only what you can change. Instead, rather focus on your best assets. And let go of the frustrating rest. Of course, you can never change everything you want to change.

However, always try and think outside the conventional box. If you do what you've always done, you will get the same results you've always gotten.

We are part of a society, that has an innate resistance to natural wealth creation. We are surrounded by negative language, images, negative focuses, negative beliefs and negative seemingly imposing people. Negative positive mindset "NMP". This "stay as you are," situation, virtually guarantees that you will end up with your very own set of challenging limiting, inherited beliefs to deal with.

False beliefs and information, given by an "expert," can be every bit as consoling as true ones, right up until the sad, but enlightening moment of disillusionment. You have to be able to actively create an enthusiastic and positive wealth network of people who will help you get to where you want to go. Eventually the chain reaction kicks in: someone helpful will know someone who will know someone – and there you are.

What others – including the very important people – think of you is really none of your business. What matters most in life is your belief in your ability, and yourself! People love gossiping; they will always talk about you, and if they don't, then you are probably not worth much. Ignore whatever anyone has to say about you, and hold firm what you know and what you have experienced and believe.

Ultimately, wealth is measured in time well spent, not dollars. In fact, associate with stimulating networks where one can get some good, dependable information. A well-selected wealth network, certainly encourages you to grow.

Select people who are prepared and conditioned for wealth. This includes the Professionals you take on board.

Make an honest count of the number of hours each month, that you spend watching television, and doing other non-productive activities. Rather, allocate those very valuable hours to health and wealth-building instead. Be adventurous: log Off and Begin To Live.

The silicon chip has often taken over from the actual quality of life and common sense. It has become the daily life's dictator, the Big Brother, not because electronic media will not let go of us, but because we cannot let go of the dictator! Sadly, we are part of the international nation, that is addicted to the electronic media.

The flip side is, that at least, people spending time online, or with their electronic digital EB-OOK reader, are reading. I'm aware, that there are folks, who really depend on their every-minute-drug – the electronic media – for their existence! However, you have a choice! You can decide to cut down on the frequency you use the media. So, why not join the counterrevolution? Unplug. Enjoy what's free. Enjoy what you can get, by getting outside.

Travelling, and deep reading, opens up new horizons, associations, insights and the occasional life-changing encounter! You become liberated! Thoughts and insights expand. Helpful language and better understanding grows. Consciousness about other people's concerns, deepens.

Travelling and reading, also enhances and refines our prejudice and experience of the much wider world. It strengthens our creativity; our ability to think abstractly. Really deep and insightful reading, requires enthusiasm, that very precious time, and the attention that cultivates a widely educated mind.

Cast aside the comfortable shoes of lethargy, I'll do it tomorrow, procrastination, and victimisation.

Again, take a secure seat in the "Driver's Seat" of your future! Secure your safety belt. Set your compass; Put on your good traction and stability assuring working boots, and be your own financial hero!

Food is expensive and hard earned and requires the proper degree of respect. Similarly, those who produce the food on the lands, and the folks who prepare our meals, deserve our gratitude and thanks!

This is so very important.

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Chapter 148:

A Short Recipe For The SUCCESSFUL Economy

A very well-stocked and equipped kitchen, waiting for a brilliant innovative, original-thinking chef, to develop and to fully exploit it. Then, of course, an equally receptive and discriminating International and National group of diners, who would appreciate the chef's fruits of dynamic and forward thinking menus! Like a chef, this too, is simply just the basic ingredients, in my recipe for higher profits, in the National and international Economy.

These Very Important Chefs, are the wealth creators.

A short list of their recipes included: The Wheel; The aeroplane; The Motor Vehicle; The STEAM locomotive; The Radio; The talking pictures; The gramophone; photography; Television; The Printing Press; The Knitting And Sewing Machines; The Clothes Washing And Drying Equipment; The Vacuum Cleaner; The Refrigerator; Various Health Protecting Medications; The On-Line Banking And Investment Facilities; Wealth; electricity; The Transistor; The Microprocessor; The Personal Computer and the Internet.

These people were the wealth creators. Their recipes were also wealth – electricity, the transistor, the microprocessor, the personal computer, the internet.

It followed from the theory that any society that wanted to become richer, would encourage the traits, however bizarre, to let people to create new recipes. A certain tolerance for non-conformism, is really critical to the process. Qualities, which might once have been viewed as anti-social, or even criminal, would be rewarded, honoured and emulated! Why? Simply because they lead to more recipes. In short, the theory conferred a stunning new status on innervations and the people responsible for it. Again, the good concepts, were their recipes.

The guy who finds the new thing, and makes it happen, wins. (Jim Clarke of Nesscape.)

The beauty of the computer, is that it has no emotion, does not sleep, does not demand higher wages, no lunch breaks, no strikes, no holidays, as yet no talk-back, and can work all the time! Of course, there are folks who see dangers in the development of useful items such as computers and robots! Despite these fears, these very units have helped to create more, safer and infinitely less human body and mental stress! Keep in mind, that the computers also create new job opportunities! Think of the possibility of having computers service computers! The Co-Robot future! Of course, please don't forget the opening of the growing possibility of quality-of-life enhancing, by being able to work from home!

Our normal prejudice-based reaction to a new challenge, a new belief and idea, is the Wrong conviction, that it is totally beyond us.

The Law of Belief says, that you do not necessarily believe what you see, but you see what you have already decided to believe. If that's not prejudice in action! Your beliefs and prejudices control your destiny, your future, your realities.

You must be very, very careful in selecting your accountants, brokers, finance advisors, health consultants, and financial strategists. In order to get the best value, when interviewing a Health, Financial and Investment Expert, you must do your homework, and make a written list of the questions you wish to have answers to. Good and well-researched Information is your most powerful expert-selection asset. If you are well-prepared, for your consultation, you will rarely be fooled.

This includes being self-assured, and making quite sure that you are Not Intimidated by the Expert! Based on their personal track record, they can even give you advice that can hold you back. Those "Bad Advice Cancers" are only exposed by the X-rays of our personal Experience and knowledge, which disclose the terrifying fact, that often one is the victim of the "Experts," and their keenness to enlarge the value of their personal portfolio!

It is always extremely important to be aware, that it's your only Body; Your health; and it's your Money! Tomorrow, your mind and body will be what you put in it today! The passage of time, ultimately makes sure that all bodies wither. Sometimes our minds fail us.

Remember the important words of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine: "Let food be your medicine, and let your medicine be food."

Therefore, always do the in-depth and necessary investigations concerning advice about both your Health and Financial Affairs!

"God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference." Mark Twain.

Never fall in love with your hypothesis. Peter Medawar.

As keen, enthusiastic and informed investors, the health and money-management advice we receive, is fundamentally linked to our future performance, which is why screening our advisors and asking the right questions, at the right times, is so important.

Many folks have set their focus on a voyage by sea; maybe, even an extended international trip during retirement! Now, there is another enchanting, but very dangerous ship that might cross your path to success! This is the "ship of fools". I am aware of so many retirees, of course, not forgetting the younger folks too, who have been taken for a financial loss-making ride! So, what really is the ship of fools?

The "ship of fools" attempts to chart an important sounding, get rich, verbal course, with a vague, impressive-sounding words, compass that no one really understand, or can read.

I well recall, being invited by a friend, to attend a "Presentation, about an excellent investment opportunity! The presenter, a honest-sounding fellow, used the necessary obscuring, but financially impressive language to try and persuade the people present, to invest in their venture! When we left, both my wife and myself simply concluded that we did not understand the underlying investment philosophy! However, down the track this venture came to a investment and very, very personal tragedy!

Sometimes, this ship has all of the best equipment, but the ship's poorly prepared captain, and the crew, on board, are ill-prepared for the possible fatal journey. Even worse, there is no common communication language amongst the captain, crew and all aboard! Imagine the life-threatening chaos that ensues when disaster strikes! Without honest in depth assessment, of the Passenger's and ship's Financial needs, this ship will fail to safely reach its destiny.

Ordinary, run-of-the-mill investment and political fools, you can ignore, but arrogant, big ego and conceited fools, spell future trouble.

A very good New Year's Resolution: to tolerate conceited fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of your valuable assets and time.

Fools sometimes learn when they must; wise people learn when they can! Arthur Wellesley.

Furthermore, without proper guidance and instruction, at the right time, with quality materials and approaches, a keen student, sadly, can receive a flawed direction. It's never too late to take protective action! Because, this can even happen to any of us, at any age.

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln.

Often, the danger is that My life started living me, instead of me living my life! Often too, the bigger danger is, that my life expectancies, might outlive my financial life!

During retirement, preferably much earlier, you should ask can you really survive your diminishing capital?

Frequently, the education system, hardly emphasises the very important aspects of daily living that has such a huge impact on our quality of life – or lack thereof. We are not taught how to take care of our money; our relationships and marriages. We study to learn how to make a living, not how to make a good life. It is a tragedy, that there are so many people who believe they are too busy to take care of both their Health and Wealth.

Never let a strange man or woman accommodate you in important money matters. Also, do not give added weight and momentum to the bad political, social or financial wind, that's already blowing. The truth, good or bad, can only add to the sum of what you already know!

We cannot know everything! Sometimes, a harmless mystery, left unexplored, often adds to the quality, width and meaning of life.

All of us who are keen to learn more about improving our quality of life, are apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a total expert! Often, the mystery is more important than any possible explanation. The searching after truth must search with humility. Ruthless logic is the sign of a limited mind. The truth can only add to the sum of what you know, while a harmless mystery, left unexplored, often adds to the meaning of life. When a truth is not so important, it is better left as a mystery.

Racism is a primary force of evil designed to destroy good men. Always remember, the "Experts," don't guarantee their advice. What you can guarantee yourself, is that you have applied your Informed mind properly to the issue at hand, and that you have thought about the possible long-term impact.

However, if you consult a registered Expert, or Experts, make Absolutely sure that the advice given, followed proper regulated procedures. Also, make sure that you have taken – to the best of your informed knowledge – all the precautions to ensure that your Expert's advice is sound. You must also just ensure, that your Experts, have provided a high quality professional service.

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Chapter 149:

Important Health And Financial Matters

Require Periodic Review

Prevailing investment and financial circumstances are not static. One bad investment asset, can be the proverbial fly in the ointment that hold back your portfolios overall successful growth. So, stay in charge, and review your investment portfolio regularly.

If you wish to succeed on the investment and wealth creation fronts in life, never trust every "Nice Person" or financial adviser. Unfortunately, many people never figure out the real secret to succeed.

Remember, you are never powerful enough in life until you are powerful over your own Health, your own Money; how you think and feel about it, manage and invest it. Again, you recall the "Good Bad Advice" you were given by your close, very informed and honest investment advisor and friend: Fortunately, you learned in good time that Too many financial advisers have their own best interest at heart, NOT yours. However, what you can always guarantee yourself, is that you have done the required research, and applied your informed mind properly! Remember, that it is your private battlefield and only you can successfully win on it! Investing is a job; investing is also work. And in the end, as an investor, you are on your own, backed and supported by your Experience, Financial and Investment Education!

You see, everyone in the financial and investment industry, is very keenly working for himself – so you need to be vigilant and to watch out for your own money. Managing your own money, is really not as difficult as it's made out to be! In fact, it is much simpler than most people believe and think it is. The reason people think it's complicated, is that The Advisors and the Stock Markets want it that way. Instead of asking fund managers or brokers about successfully managing your money, Rather, read about, and ask experienced and successful folks, at the Coal Face of First-hand Experience, like millionaires and billionaires, who made their money, buying and selling stocks, bonds, and real estate.

The real true secret, of the secret, is that there really is no secret. Investment experts, financial advisors, gurus, stockbrokers, and talking heads, members of the club, like to use fancy words to dazzle. Many prefer you to believe, their titles, business school and university pedigrees, give them investing powers and insights well beyond your reach. If you take on the progressive task of both health, finance and investment self-empowerment, you will soon learn not to be intimidated! It is, of course, true, that many do have a little more knowledge, or a little more experience, yet, there is no need to be intimidated by the curtain of self-enriching verbal mystique. Why? Because if you are motivated, and on the educational road of self-empowerment, you already know most of what you need to know. The underlying successful principles, for protecting and growing wealth during retirement, are exactly the same principles that already allowed you to make and save that money, in the first place. There are plenty examples and statistics indicating, that you can invest just as well as a fund manager. There is no need for secret codes, magic wizardry, secret or special knowledge.

All successful investors, gather facts, make an experience-based evaluation, and then allocate some money, based on what they think the future will bring. Those are skills, that can easily be acquired and honed through self-education and experience, by smart folks sitting at their home office desk or dining room table.

Again, note the possible potential value of the partnership of the family, being actively involved in acquiring and using the skills of wealth creation! There really is no magic or secrets to successful investment, most of it just comes from sound analysis and basic common sense.

Again, what makes this book so wonderful, is that it is telling you that the secret to success, really isn't a secret at all. It's the time proven formula for success: hard work and dedication. It's also about steadfastly sticking to the already proven principles and strategies.

Yes, sticking to really proven principles and strategies that don't go out of the prevailing investment fashion. To be a real pro, you have to act like a pro. You must be dedicated to the craft of health and money management self-empowerment. Of course, rather early in life, you can overcome savings and retirement savings impotence. This you can easily do by self-education, on the impact of your decisions on your future health and money management ventures. Don't be put off! You will always encounter negative small people who are timid non-performers! When you do, instantly and immediately disassociate yourself from them. Remember, that, people of ordinary size, cannot cope with people with perseverance, vision and extra-ordinary size. They always object to anything they perceive as rocking the conventional safe boat. Some "Stay Where You are," well-motivated people believe you shouldn't even try. They say, and believe, that you'll never be able to do it. You'll only mislead yourself, thinking you can do something, or you know something that you really don't know!

Besides, and this is very bad advice, the effort of trying, could be better spent on enjoying life to the full – Buy And Spend! With the "Stay Where You are," folks, many keen educators become disillusioned and more experience-based case-hardened.

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Chapter 150:

The Tyranny Of The Chronic Ignoramuses

I have known families that were financially completely wrecked by a selfish member of the family, with a "chronic Poverty Mindset," Which they could turn on and off at convenience and will! Spending too much energy and time, in a wasteful way, is the certain already well-trodden road to poverty and struggle. You gradually, and systematically, get bogged down in your own built-in inefficiency. Eventually, you get overburdened by your "Struggle," and, for you and your family, your life becomes an on-going affirmation of Acquired helplessness.

As history teaches: the great and overriding enemy of success and happiness depravation, is negative, energy-sapping emotions and progress-repelling mindsets! Anger, Anxiety, Envy, Fear, Jealousy, RESENTMENT, and self-pity, hold you back, tie you down, and systematically drain the joy out of your life.

How to Reach your Goals Without the Anxiety. The Right Way Be systematic. Define the long-term goal. Map out what you must daily DO to achieve the goal. You will be surprised because it almost guarantees the outcome.

People, suffering the Chronic Pain and Poverty syndrome by choice, are frustrating, and toxic to associate with, or to be involved with. They can very easily sweep your enthusiasm and success, down the toilet, along with their own misfortunes, unless you take the necessary Evasive Association Action Plan! Build a Protective optimism wall around yourself. Protect your individual mindset at all costs. No-one is completely immune from Poverty Rejection. As always, it's up to you, to determine your own Future and Destiny!

However, again, there are people with whom you will continue to associate at a social level, despite their "Non-Progress" mindset! If you can't influence them to improve their Negative And Destructive mindset and thought patterns, run the hell away from them.

Never envy what others have; you have no insight or don't know how, and at what personal cost, they got it. They say that not all that glitters is gold. Think about this profound statement before you ever envy somebody.

Important Formula The future belongs to those who can look ahead; see what's over the next number of mountains and valleys; who can visualise another and better world! They are the folks who are prepared to change with the technologies and times, and use personal disappointments as building blocks for the brighter future. Start today! Because the key to this situation-changing step, is to take action.

Don't forget the basics! Because reading, feeling, tasting, watching, smelling, listening, are all very crucial to your education. But, and this is very, very important, you must also start Doing. Don't underestimate the power of faith in your own ability! You may feel that you may not be very good at everything. Remember, I repeat, it will be four years later, whether you start learning or not! Therefore, it's never too late to start acquiring a new skill or to start learning! Take some of that valuable time for developing what you need to learn and your new world will change rapidly. Never run away from what you know, you really must learn. Push aside your fears and doubts; and new and enticing worlds will open to you.

Please move on to the Gallery Of Unhappy And Miserable People! Please note, this Gallery is not for the timid and pitying individuals! It can be depressing! There you will notice, that unhappy individuals, will always be found vividly and even enthusiastically, explaining and elaborating on the profound unfairness of their depressing "Situation." There too, are the folks who, for reasons of their own, are always persistently meeting negative people, doing the Right thing the Wrong way!

You are forcefully struck by the large heading, brilliantly flashing at the top of the screen: I am responsible. Radical responsibility changes everything. It means that you are firmly sitting in the driver's seat of your life; giving direction and impetus! It further means, that you are in command of your actions, emotions, feelings, impulses and thoughts. You are certainly accountable for their consequences, and the possible impact they may have on other people! It's a very important privilege and an honour, to take full ownership of the possible outcome of your actions!

For you, it creates the options of possible control and freedom! It gives flavour and meaning to life. Of course, there are things and events that happen in life that we can't control. But we can control and guide the way we respond to them. Self-reliance, is the great, often untapped, source of personal achievement and power.

There is a worrying trend of previously bad financial habits, in our older generations, that are now in retirement, coming to painfully roost. However, this too, can be rectified in the younger generations – it just takes enthusiasm and a keen, receptive mind on the part of both the parents and children! And then, fortunately, if they have the right enthusiastic examples and lessons, they are likely going to succeed. And, as you know, succeed breeds success.

The good health and financial habits, you acquire and develop, when you are young, are going to aid and stay with you into your adulthood. Again, the very importance of health and Financial and investment Self-empowerment: you cannot be a successful investor and entrepreneur unless you are financially literate.

The rich keep on getting richer. Because, often, since childhood, they pick up the almost always present examples of their successful family, parents and friends! They are already programmed and conditioned, for their potential future financial and social status, while most of us are boxed in and restrained by the boundaries of our very limiting conventional thoughts. The lovely and appealing thing about money and wealth, is that it really does not discriminate. Money does not care who you are, what education you have, or even who important you think you are, what your parents did or where you come from. Yes! Each exciting day really starts with a clean slate, so you have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else to become wealthy. So, remember that it will be four years later, whether you do the necessary uplifting things, or not! Have you ever climbed the ladder of success, and realised when you got to the top, someone larger and more powerful than you was already ahead? And, of course, that it was leaning against the wrong wall? So start making your way up the correct investment ladder towards financial freedom today. However, as always, make absolutely sure your ladder is standing against the best, tallest and secured wall – with access to the next achievement platform. If your ambition leaning ladder, is placed on soft soil and at the wrong angle, the risk of a fall is greatly increased. Of course, even better; rather set your progress course on the global platform, rather than climbing the corporate or any other rather limiting ladders! No matter how hard you worked or how much success you had at your position, you feel that you mostly got passed over for the promotions you really were ready for and wanted. Stepping away from the corporate ladder to the international platform, will give you freedom from the "good old boys club." Although there are many advantages of working for yourself, always keep in mind that being your own boss is not for everyone. If you are a professional person, you are mostly still tied to a physical address and a time schedule – for example, when you have appointments for clients or patients! When you start off in a profession, it might sound enticing to think: "Being my own boss gives me the ability to determine when I work." Well, really, not true! The reason being that, if you are a very successful, dedicated and achievement-oriented professional person, demands on your skills, time and availability, are always pressing on your time schedule! However, on the other hand, if the nature of your work allows you to Work from wherever you choose, with the aid of a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, you really can work from anywhere in the world. Of course, the electronic world has shrunk; if one chooses, one can be contacted at anytime, anywhere. This means being very, very disciplined about how one allocates one's precious time to work!

If this time discipline is lacking, the bad news is that one's has to work a little bit every day while on holiday! However, the good news is that one has flexible vacation days. Another big advantage about stepping away from the "Corporate Ladder," is that you are building your future instead of someone else's. Will you really be happy putting in your energy, enthusiasm, skills and work, to build someone else's assets, brands, credibility, and wealth? However, you might find that entering into entrepreneurship, will have been the most gratifying, stimulating and rewarding journey you have ever been on. Once you have caught the stimulating, door opening entrepreneurial bug, there's no going back.

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Chapter 151:

How To Get A Little Richer Every Day!

Why not simply try and Make sure you get a little bit richer every day. Of course, you may say it's not that easy! Sure! However, there must be many sober folks, who have woken up to the fact that it can actually be done!

There are two basic rules to follow to take advantage of getting more out of your income. One can either cut off at the top of the expenses scale – cutting on seemingly unnecessary items and luxury. Or, generate a little more income and put it aside to mesh with compound interest capital growth investments.

Our household sits down at the beginning of each year, and tweak our already existing budget for the year ahead. Allowance is made for inflation; and calculating how much we either lose or gain per day, on our investments. In this way, we have a weekly reflection on whether we are gaining or loosing for that week. Also, we know how much the daily amount must be to be on the "be better off each day," phase.

Why not start small: get richer by just a few, or $10 per day. Then, calculate the results – with various interests – if you jumped to 15 or 20 Dollars per day. It really is amazing, what time, re-investing and compounding can do!

Albert Einstein is rumoured to have said: The most powerful force in the universe, is compound interest.

THE good formula: buy dividend-paying stocks, and reinvest your dividends! In his investment classic, The Future For Investors, Wharton finance professor Jeremy Siegel, notes that, during the 132 years between 1871 and 2003: 97 percent of the total after-inflation accumulation from stocks, comes from reinvesting dividends. Only 3 percent comes from capital gains. Put another way: that reinvesting dividends provided 33 times more money than not reinvesting dividends. Of course, not every investor will be able to reach the highs that some folks can reach.

However, if you are really dedicated, your annual income in dividends alone, will soon highlight how important compounding and long-term dividend re-investing truly is. Reinvesting dividends, and regularly adding to your positions over time, will continue to yield larger and larger dividend income each year. This money frustration-saving can go a long way when it comes time to retire.

Even if you consider saving, and look at dividends on a non-compounded basis, but simply as a percentage of average monthly return, the importance of re-investing dividends is really impressive.

See the astounding results that occur with compounding and regularly re-investing the dividends.

Of course, again, there is the virtue and advantage of diversifying, both in various well selected categories of well managed investments, as well as being internationally diversified to minimise any possible risks.

One way, is to acquire well managed, diversified, international, quality, income-producing, tax-exempt and appreciating assets, and then never to sell them.

Investigate, to find, in which international jurisdictions, you could possibly take advantage of farmland investments, which is not necessarily liable to incur inheritance tax. Better still, prime location farmland continues to appreciate in value. Often, too, it offers the potential of possible property development, harvesting whatever is of value, in the ground, as well as the trees that grow on the land. Research shows that over the past few decades, the ownership of common stock, has been by far the most profitable of all major forms of capital investment. Stock ownership in quality, diversified well managed companies, has provided the greatest investment opportunity to the largest number of Americans over time.

Fortunately, with the ease of access to various international stock markets, citizens of any country on the planet, can now find themselves in the same boat as the Americans. We work and slave for dollars all our working years, do we have dollars really working for us? If so, At what rate and for how long? For the informed, investing is an opportunity. Are you making new investment opportunities for your future? Are you building health and investment knowledge into your life? If you know something about investing, add skills constantly and accumulate money regularly, you may advance faster on your job and open your life to many opportunities.

Rising consumer defaults could strain the financial system, lead to tighter credit, and ultimately cause a recession. . To a large extent, wealth is a result of your positive thoughts and beliefs, which lead to your actions. It is very important for us, early in life, to understand that we are all fully responsible for our long-term financial safety, security and results. For you, the very Important and Direction-changing day, is the day that you stop allowing negative people to drag you down to their "comfort level." They will very soon find a "Valid Reason" to make what you are doing, totally impossible and wrong. Do you, as a very positive person, want to continue reading, or listening, to negative inputs each valuable day of the rest of your life? If not, you need to be prepared to let go of the "Negative Friends, and inputs", and to move up. It's time to let go of what keeps you back, and continually causes frustration, and no longer works for you. The important and lubricating key to moving forward in life, is to quickly learn how to adjust to changing situations. If the formula or guideline, is no longer working in your life anymore, let it go. When you let go of the things that don't work for you, you make room for better things that could work, and where the unexpected magic happens.

Contrary to the oft-repeated negative warnings, that the world will end in a particular day or year, Stop listening and reading the sky is falling publications. Always remember, that every man or woman is defined by their associates and friends! At the end of the day, we are not defined by our financial situation. Rather, we are defined by our ability and determination to overcome it.

It's a rather splendid and rewarding idea, to periodically review, upgrade, consolidate and renovate your prevailing prejudices. It should not really violate your choice and freedom of prejudice. What, when you think about it, is the difference?

Lending money and books, to friends and relatives, causes them to get amnesia. Both books and money, have one-way legs. The tendency, for both books and money, is "To Walk Away From you," as fast as your relatives and friend's amnesia kicks in! Never be afraid to let people go if they are not the right folks for your present requirements or objectives! Often, that is the only way you can make room for the required opportunity-enhancing right person. Remember, too, frequently, the "Negative People" don't want to improve their own lives. They always find it easier to justify their lives, with an on-going and growing list of excuses. Even worse: They are negative people who can't be happy with other enthusiastic and hard working people's successes. Success and talent, is hard work plus dedication, time and persistence.

You vividly recall a very enthusiastic young sales person handing you his business card. It simply read: PROCRASTINATION PROPAGATES POVERTY, WHILE PURPOSE PERPETUATES PRODUCTIVITY. Procrastination is the thief of opportunity, progress and success! You took note of his progress; it was most remarkable! He was one of those exceptional and remarkable young men, who always adhered to ethical principles for success. He was also quite aware that Self-deception, is an obstacle to success. Furthermore, he paid attention and valued the concept that the smooth progress of his life is greased by his integrity and honesty. And, that life is not only about counting money. More importantly, It's about making every outstanding moment count.

As already highlighted: Remember, too, frequently, the "Negative People" don't want to improve their own lives. This is your continuing and growing poverty network. Often these folks are ones who we inherited and are good "friends" or family members. If you want to make progress on your selected path, remember that they are just not part of your wealth network. Are you an important and enthusiastic part of a poverty network? A poverty network, is a group of misguided and enthusiastic people, who continuously reinforce their well-entrenched limiting beliefs that hold you back from wealth creation and wealth. For their shelter and convenience, they may even portray wealth as being a sin!

Often, in society, they have a lot of aggressive "authority-sounding" power but no execution self-enrichment power.

All of us are familiar with the mandatory "life-destroying" urge to retire early! When it comes to early retirement, many folks forget, or do not even pay attention, to the looming Monster ahead. The Monster of financing Diminishing income an ever-growing increase in cost of existence and living! In short, it's a successful recipe for a gradual, yet inevitable, downhill well paved slippery road into poverty.

Always remember, that if you want to join the folks at the table of prosperity, you'll have to learn to speak the language of prosperity, not the language of poverty.

"Are You Actively Wired for Wealth?" Always be on your guard, against your possible "Genetic" Prosperity Rejection Reflex (PRR). Financial and Health insight and intelligence, is simply having more options. By acquiring an additional skill or life-improving insight, you can certainly improve your income dramatically – even having it grow during your sleep phase! If you don't want to continue pushing the income wheelbarrow on a daily backbreaking basis, then your Health and Financial insights and intelligence is important. Shifting from a growth-restricting poverty network, to a wealth-enhancement network, is all part of working on your important social and positive input environment. A wealth and health improvement network knowledge, consists of like-minded, opportunistic people, who can provide valuable information, unlock opportunities and highlight new opportunity. They also are people who are able to connect you with similar like-minded folks. They know the "Right People," people or institutions who can provide the necessary finance and other support, and, based on their experience and connections, are able to get the jobs done most efficiently. You most likely, will share a stimulating, life-saving and general optimism. As well, as a love of life, with a practical degree of concern for the world you are leaving your children. By investing time and effort in someone, even without expecting any returns, you start to build the important and gratifying "network". And, when things go well for the person or people you've keenly helped, they remember you and want to reward you with something. This may be in the form of helping your business, putting at your disposal their Physical Labour, or giving you part of their newly acquired expertise or something else. Often, it is the small dedicated and keen group of investors, who become financially independent. They have done so in part, by surrounding themselves with a smart team of advisors and professionals as well as other like-minded individuals. They get an experienced mentor to focus on their blind spots. These mentors can also guide them while at the same time, they associate with others who have similar aims and aspirations.

Surround yourself with like-minded, dedicated and enthusiastic people. Despite what you read about self-made millionaires in magazines, there are really very few – if any – self-made millionaires. However, the small group of successful investors, who become financially independent, have done so in part by surrounding themselves with a smart team of financial and investment advisors and money-management professionals. They also include among their friends, like-minded individuals.

They get a mentor to see their blind spots and guide them and at the same time they associate with others who have similar aims and aspirations. When you stop associating with the negative doomsday people, it will motivate you and you will reach your financial goals much sooner. This is so very important, I repeat: The enchanting and lovely thing about money and wealth, is that it really does not discriminate. It also certainly does not care about your educational status; how very important you are; who or what you are or even who you think you are, what your parents did or where you come from. Each day starts with a blank opportunity slate, so you have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else to become wealthy. So why not start making your way up the liberating investment platform towards financial freedom today?

You get rich by regularly doing your homework. You know that your financial and investment intelligence, is also increasing, as your experience increases. As you get older, and you wish to take advantage of the expanding horizons, you will notice that your money can buy you more choices, experience, freedom, happiness, health, and even more options and opportunities in life. If happiness deludes you, while getting rich, chances are you will never be happy; whenever you do ultimately get rich. So, whether you are rich or poor, make sure you are really happy. The world is shrinking! It's therefore, much easier to keep in contact, primarily via email as well as Skype. Investment, and health knowledge, converts very quickly into various health and money assets. Remember, that constructively confronting obstacles, is quite in order, and it is normal for anyone who wants to succeed! Also, remember, often obstacles are good, well-dressed opportunities in disguise. With the passage of time, opportunities often also compound and multiply as they are seized. Be on the look out to find those missed opportunity in failure.

Don't even try to use An Updated, or Recycled Later Model, of the Previous Failure.

Failure is sometimes reported to be painful, right?

Evidently, it's not so for most successful people. The most successful and innovating people in every field don't consider failure to be a particularly painful experience. They view it differently. They simply have a different sense of value. Rather than taking failure seriously, they enlist "Failure" as a tutor and friend! They develop beliefs, insights and rules that allow them to capitalise upon knowledge, negative feedback, and turn it to their advantage. Therefore, if you are really committed and determined to being successful, you will discard that failure is painful theory, as nonsense.

Are you going to acknowledge that you have your hand on the handbrake of your possible progress? Your restricting fears, and then step up and take action anyway? What would you do if you release the handbrake? If you were no longer afraid? What particular dream would you dare to dream and go after, if you were certain you could not fail? When you play at a different mindset level, you get a different positive outcome and result. Why keep on being enslaved and being the victim of Mr. Procrastination? Consider the possibility that you will get no better chance at life than this moment!

Success cannot be purchased. It cannot be manufactured. It reflects a very personal and individual mindset. In the long term, your Real Success can only be defined by You! Striving to comply with someone else's definition of success, creates a destructive non-success formula for misery, rather than a freely roaming and creative mindset.

We are born into a vast room whose walls consist of a thousand doors of possibility. Each door is flung open to the world outside, and the room is filled with light and noise. We close some of the doors deliberately, sometimes with fear, sometimes with calm certainty. Others seem to close by themselves, some so quietly that we do not even notice. Of course, if you set yourself up to receive the opportunities that are available, you're already on the way to achieve whatever you have in mind.

A frequently encountered expression by the dying: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." An important lubricating component of success, is a keen sense of humour. If you have a limited, or even no sense of humour, you will be prone to Self-Isolation, a feeling of "why don't they like me," and much more of the Negative isolationist's symptoms.

Your self-imposed standing orders, may repress the lack of a sense of humour symptoms; however, they do not necessarily probe to the real underlying cause. When we don't talk to people, that is when we are at our most dangerous, by cutting ourselves off Anyone who is information-access secluded, looks out on only a few information lawns, of experience and expertise, penalises those ultimately dependent on their skills and insight. Never forget that humour is the great thing, the saving thing. The ability to reflect on one's perceived mistakes, failures and un-successes, and yet to progress despite these learning curves. It is thus clear that success is the natural by Product of full, joyful Living.

Too often, failure, is following the herd and taking the path that everyone does. When we pursue universal standards, we are penalising ourselves; excluding ourselves from the golden opportunities! Rather, why not create your own path to progress and success? It's even far better and more rewarding and profitable, to lead it.

I'll leave you with this quote, to see how it slots in with the concept above!

"No one in this world, so far as I know, has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." H. L. Mencken.

Mistakes mean growth! Sometimes the teachers of negative experiences, mistakes and failures, can be even better than a success, because they teach you something new, based on your personal experience, which yet another successful venture could never teach you. However, we are often so driven to get things just right, that we fail to heed the valuable lessons in the things we get wrong. Or, even worse, not doing anything at all, because the fear of making mistakes paralyzes us. If, the first time, you get it wrong, learn from your mistake, and make it better by doing it differently the next time. Maybe, perhaps your successful second-hand plan for repeated Failure, it just too complex and elaborate!

To be truly successful, you have to mesh the newly acquired knowledge with your already existing experience and knowledge! Later technologies cannot always get into a position, to overtake previous knowledge, without the experience gained in developing the earlier ones! It's also worthwhile checking, whether your Failure plans in the past, have always been uniformly successful? Success, is structuring and making your own personal path.

Your precious and valuable time is limited, so don't use it up by living someone else's ambitions and dreams! Never let the negative talk and circumstance of everything around you, keep you down. If you are very keen, enthusiastic and motivated, and you want to rise, I believe you can. There is no limit of opportunities: New and better opportunities are coming your way. You have to look out, grab and seize them, go for them and look ahead and not hesitate and look back. If at first you don't succeed, immediately find out what's the outstanding prize for the loser. Humour is more than the ability to tell jokes and funny stories, it's a very powerful and important social ice-breaking communication tool.

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying." Woody Allen.

There's always a bright side to failure!

Michael Karni said – "The very best way to predict the future is to create it. You must close the eyes and waken in yourself that other vision, the birthright of all, but which few turn to use."

What you must do, is to create more jobs, a greater international market for your acquired skills and expertise.

Remember what James Altucher wrote: "The only way to create value for yourself is to create value for others."

If you want to increase your own success, both financially and personally, start looking for Unselfish ways to create value for others. What you sow, you will ultimately reap! And so, your good, or bad deeds, mature and compound, and eventually, come back to you.

Discard the prevailing idea, that staying at home, means you are unemployed. Just recall the devastating natural catastrophes that struck various parts of the world, by way of earth quakes, solar interference with the power grid and various forms of internet and communication downtimes. Often, this resulted in individuals and even companies, realising how much better off and safer they are by having their workers do their jobs at home!

In fact, with present-day high speed connectivity, relatively easy to use and cheas but very powerful computers, more and more folks realise that they can now be liberated from the need to commute to work and back to their homes! Rather embrace the very important concept, that now you are the Chief Financial Officer of your Family! Indeed, it is a job for whoever has the best skills, and is attracted or best suited to the opportunity.

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Chapter 152:

Create Your Own Success Recipe

It consists of the following: When next you meet people, decide whether they belong in your possible future wealth network. Your present poverty regeneration network. Or, are they simply just casual, negative hangers-on or long-term "Social friends" with whom you have some less important things in common? Your aim for long-term success, is to get the social and money management balance correct. You wish to build up the number of enthusiastic acquaintances and people in your wealth network, while minimising the numbers in your detracting, negative energy-draining poverty network. The bigger the funnel of your positive catchment network is, and the better the positive quality of people in your network, the more experienced and wealthy you become and so do all the associates! For those who care to work diligently, who are prepared to reach out and take the new keys and ideas for success to unlock their own fortunes, there really is abundance of low-hanging fruit across the river of fear and ignorance!

Financial Abundance. Look at the almost daily number of dedicated folks who achieve Financial Abundance. A small group of sophisticated and well informed investors, achieve Financial freedom and abundance, when their selected jobs and portfolio works overtime. They are free of the daily nagging financial pressures. And yet, thanks to sound long-term diversified international investments, their asset base continues to grow. Only original ideas, have large and lasting impacts and long-term consequences.

However, always be aware that ideas are often plentiful and cheap; but that execution and follow-up is King. After all, it's really not how many "good" ideas you have, it's how many ideas you ignite, activate and bring to life! Good ideas are important and matter, but results matter much more.

There is no progress without action! The rich and quality-of-life enriching history of mankind, is the history of implementing brilliant ideas. In the history of "bad ideas," there are many examples of concepts, dreams and ideas, that later proved to be possible – and even, life-saving and advancing the quality of life! This is also the history of the form of ideas, that create business efficiency.

Look at history, and you will notice, that The attempts to suppress a good idea whose time has come, has always and everywhere proved a total failure. You can't crush ideas by suppressing them. You can only crush them by ignoring them.

In the long run, individuals and organisations, who are still clinging to the Updated old ideas, and who are not producing anything of value, get left behind or go bankrupt. Have faith in your idea; find a good idea and someone who'll pay for executing it; and ignore the naysayers. Pay no attention to what the critics say; I know of no statue that has ever been erected to a critic. Jean Sibelius.

To what extent are you being restricted on the road of progress, by clinging to your fear, insecurity, and to what you think you know. Even if you know, what you think you know isn't particularly good for you.

An absence of fear or insecurity, isn't really happiness: it is just an absence of threatening fear or insecurity. Holding on to what you think you really need, won't always make you happier. Why then, not let go of the fear, so that you can reach, and try to earn what you want? Even if you are unsuccessful in attaining what you want, the act of trying alone will make you feel better about yourself.

However, always welcome Criticism Learn the valuable art to listen, to and absorb and analyse the criticism that you get. Hateful and negative criticism should be heard, assessed, taken note of and then discarded. However, keep in mind, that one can always learn from the devastatingly negative people, about their latest choice negative idea. And, of course, what you should not learn from their catalogue of disasters!

Fill your living space with hatred and anger and it causes pain. Consider the source of constructive, positive criticism that should be evaluated and acted upon. You are already well ahead, if you have cultivated a healthy and strong immunity to negative criticism. (Never forget to put a coat of humour on the negative speak that comes your way! Often, it can bring about a smile or even a good, energising laugh!) With daily practice, you will learn, that over time it will become something you can acquire with success! And even be reasonably good at. Harvest, and learned to use the prevailing negative emotion, to get you towards your goals. Remember that, all that seems negative; is not always negative. Always solicit feedback from respected people whose informed and practical opinions you value.

Remember, always to be delighted and gracious when receiving feedback. The folks, who have taken the time and energy to contact you, mostly do so because they too, believe that you will also appreciate their effort! If you are, those folks, your colleagues, co-workers and friends, will be more likely to give you their helpful support and ideas, in the future.

Always be aware that greed-driven politics can contaminate everything. Usually, good things take longer than we expect them to. You simply have to innovate and accumulate.

A great and splendid idea, may result in a total flop, if presented at the wrong economic or political cycle! The economy and investment markets, always move in cycles. Of course, no two cycles are identical. However, each downturn, sets the stage for the next boom phase, just as each boom sets the scene for the next slump.

You recall William, the fellow who started the "Ideas Incubator," in your local area. He was unselfish! He was successful because he brought like-minded entrepreneurs together and frequently stimulated them for new and ground-breaking innovations. He was also very keen to pass on the wisdom he gained from his inquisitive mind.

This he emphasised: "From a marketing perspective, there are basically two different types of markets: concept or ideas, and local or international brand markets." In a concept or ideas market, a new revolutionary concept, business and quality of life enhancing idea, technology, philosophy, or methodology, is marketed! A brand market, on the other hand, usually is an already well established international market, where the competitors are fighting for a growing market share.

It's the experience, expertise and the knowledge in your head that determines your ultimate success! If you have an unprejudiced and receptive mind, you will be pleasantly rewarded, at the most unexpected moments, with a bright idea. That's when you experience a revolution in the head. Suddenly, it strikes you that here is one of your motivating concepts: "If you stop being the persistent self-imposed obstacle for progress in your life, you can certainly be much more, you can also have more." You recall telling your children, that "When you feel less than, you create the less than mind set!" You also emphasised, that often the old and well dated ideas, are their biggest liability.

Always keep in mind, that we are not exempt from the always present universal law of obsolescence.

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Chapter 153:

Is It True That Opportunity Is Limited And Monopolised?

Certainly not! One has yet to learn of somebody who was persistent and diligent, who was kept away from being successful, getting to the top of their profession or chosen field of endeavour and even making a fortune. Few worthwhile things, successfully elude diligence and skill! There is no limited amount of Good Opportunities! The excuse "That I Cannot Find It," is not valid for the keen and enthusiastic individual!

To hear the argument, that one's God has closed all the opportunity doors, is simply, and unjustly, shifting the blame and responsibility from your shoulders to the God in question! Very sadly and self-justifying so! Is it really fair To blame your God for your laziness or shortcomings?

There is no harm in moving along, trying other doors, even applying a degree of force to see which doors are about to open!

Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance. (Dr. Samuel Johnson.)

No enthusiastic person is kept poor because opportunity has been taken away from them!

Always remember, with financial success, it is not how much you make, but how much you keep that matters most. And also, it is not how much money you make that matters, rather, it is how hard that money works for you and your family, and how much you keep that counts?

American humourist, Evan Esar, once said: "The mint makes it first, it is up to you to make it last."

Again, note the long-term value of "In-family" Health and Financial Self-Empowerment. Never underestimate the value, of building an appreciation for family inclusion.

Where there are receptive and willing minds, Give your Children the Roots of Health and Financial Responsibility, the freedom of independence, and an enquiring and inquisitive mind. Learn more, earn more! If you are not learning, while earning, you are missing a golden opportunity to improve your quality of life and to enrich yourself! Remember, your experience, knowledge and expertise will grow as the amount of money you invest grows. You will then acquire the techniques of successfully growing and harvesting cash.

"The man who is too old to learn was probably always too old to learn." Henry S. Haskins.

The age of sixty, or even seventy, now already replaces the age of 40. Therefore, don't be intimidated to believe that you are too old to get actively involved with learning, acquiring new and quality of life enhancing skills and abilities. Never underestimate the potential, for the long-term compounding growth of both your health and your money. You will also notice, that if you planted these seeds of Self-Education early in life, that eventually, after many years, there's a good compounded crop you can harvest. Always remember that you simply cannot expect to harvest the valuable crop, if you have not planned, planted and fertilised in the spring, watered, weeded and cultivated during the summer.

But one of the biggest factors in building wealth, is to early get money in to the system, and giving it compounding time to work. This kicks in the power of the eighth miracle: Compounding! When you plough back the dividends, buy more shares, and so on!) Always reinvest dividends. And if you cannot do it for free, find a new broker.

This gives you an opportunity to heed the words of the great pioneer of stocks analysis, Benjamin Graham, who said: "Buy when most people, including experts, are pessimistic, and sell when they are actively optimistic."

Keep on learning. In fact, you will soon realise that the exposure to new and valuable information, enhances the storage capacity of the "Office in Your Mind!" So take advantage of frequently cleaning, modernising, updating, rearranging and renovating the "Office" and its contents! Again, why exclude the exceptional, that you have learned, from your updated experience?

Remember, sometimes, there are very strong arguments in favour of taking exceptional quality of life enriching action. The best way to keep moving ahead to your objectives, is to keep learning. What are you risking, if you pay attention to what you are exposed to by an on-going philosophy of learning? The enchanting risk is, you might be changed for the better! Can you really Afford to not take that Risk? There it is once more: Keep on learning.

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Chapter 154:

Why Are So Many Folks Reluctant To Actively

Get Involved In A Self-Betterment Program?

Why? They are too vulnerable; their Fear and Risk Protection Walls, are too high; keeping in their prejudice and keeping out the secret of what might possibly enhance their Quality of Experience and Life!

Many rich families lose their assets in the next generation, simply because there was no succession plan in place; nobody practically trained to be a good caretaker and steward over their family's acquired assets. We hear and read, of the all-too-common stories of a rich generation, earning an exceptional amount of money. Then, the investment-ignorant unprepared second or third generation of the family squander it. Initially, they had wealth, but not the financial and investment skills to keep it.

Asset Protection. This is yet another aspect of protecting the family wealth. It is advisable to consult with international asset managers, brokers, educators, health care service providers, lawyers, and real estate experts.

Some of the important questions you should ask: Should I have a will? Yes, if you want to control the distribution of your assets. Or do you want to leave it to the government or the courts.

Also, your legal advisor should make provisions for taking care of you if you should experience a terminal health condition. In this, you should identify someone to make decisions for you, if you are incapacitated but still alive. For example if you are in a coma or mentally ill. This document can also include what medical treatment you want and who will make these decisions. Your legal advisor will guide you in setting up your will; covering the important aspects.

Your estate. Executors or fall back persons. The executor can only carry out what you specify in your will, and not what they think you wanted. It is therefore absolutely imperative, that you carefully consider your wishes and have them periodically and regularly properly documented.

Non Estate Assets. These are intellectual and other assets, maybe located outside your country of residence, that are not in your name. These principally also include your superannuation and Assets in a Trust.

Using government, to force redistribution is a waste of time. Why? Because, often the wealth flaunting rich, will soon redistribute their own money back into society in due time. Or, more specifically, their investment ignorant, spendthrift, wealth flaunting children will do it. As successful as these entrepreneurs are, most of the time, their investment and money management ignorant kids, won't follow suit. Check back on the records of the wise folks of the past, to learn that The Family Is Often A SUCCESSFUL machine For Destroying Wealth.

Too often, rich socially well connected families, are big and impressive noise for a while, then they suddenly or gradually fade out.

A grain of money ignorance and lethargy sand, injected into the successful hub of the family's successful money-making vehicle, can very quickly stop the family's prosperity machine. Again, consult with your trusted and Registered Financial and Investment Advisor.

Perhaps, you may spend the interest on the family fortune, maybe, even the capital gains it produces. This family Fortune, is like a Good Fruit-bearing tree! Prune it too hard, and it will Yield less fruit! Keep on with this Too Great Pruning, and, ultimately, the family Fortune Tree will die! A self-imposed unnecessary catastrophe! The principal must always be kept intact. Any distributions from this Family Fortune Investments, should be from Interest, after Taxes and Inflation adjustments. Often, the money-hungry heirs are tempted to dip into the Principal, to make their high self-imposed financial ends meet. Once you start to eat too much fruit off the Family Fortune Tree, and Prune it Back Too much, you will find it hard to stop! Until the Family Fortune Tree is Dead!

In bygone times, the motto: "Eat only what you kill," was part of the society's value system! It allows you to enjoy and to spend, only what you work for and make yourself. Of course, this certainly does not include deliberately killing the family's fortune tree! The earnings from the capital, should go back into the family fortune, replacing losses from inflation and taxes.

Money from heaven, is often a slippery shortcut path to hell!

Diluting, either essential ingredient, by failing to give yourself enough time in the market, or buying a second grade investment (with lower growth), is like starving your money tree of essential nutrients. If you want a healthy, thriving, green, quality fruit bearing money tree, nurture it regularly with the right type of compounding love. It will pay you back very handsomely.

You just can't easily hide money. Look at easily acquired money; a handsome inheritance, winning a lottery. Do this study in ego, and you will often learn that the newly acquired wealth person, doesn't take concealing their wealth well. Suddenly, these people are top executives, you know, big-money people with well inflated big egos to protect.

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Chapter 155:

The GENERATIONAL WEALTH PHENOMENON

There is a Chinese proverb that extols the reality of building real wealth. It says, "Wealth does name pass three generations." The first generation of wealth will be lucky and persevere hardworking and diligent in saving for their family. The second generation will not face the same challenges. While it enjoys the fruits of the first generation's hard work, it will fail to appreciate the work that goes into building wealth. And by the third generation, the wealth will be squandered."

Think of the all-too-common stories, of a generation, earning an exceptional amount of money, only to have the younger, second or third generation, of the family, squander it. They may have had wealth generation ability, but not the necessary skills to keep it.

Always remember, you have much acquired wisdom and experience equity! Aspire to motivate and to inspire, before you get demoted and expire.

The single largest expenses, you will pay in life, are compounding investment ignorance and interest. You will spend more money on interest than food, vacations, cars, education and school, clothes, dinners out, and all forms of entertainment. You do this, because you omitted to save enough and demand a lifestyle you cannot actually afford. However, as you will later learn; The sting in the tail: The future owns your labour and income.

Unlike an income generating investment asset, an expensive, money-demanding lifestyle asset, is a rapid consumer of cash, not a generator of cash. These lifestyle capital haemorrhaging assets, include second homes, renovations, holiday cottages, boats, cars etc. Down the retiree's maturity track, these assets come back to painfully bite you!

However, don't forget the Important value of having someone, or a group of folks, who are available to just morally support what you do. Degrading and negative opinions, after all, are not your reality. They are other people's experience, on a subject, interpreted through their own negative experience-based filters. Most people, through a negative mindset, usually do not grasp and understand the concept of financial success, enough to make a meaningful and valuable social contribution. Many downgrading opinions, are therefore not success empowering.

In successful long-term marriages, it is not unusual, for the husband and wife to work as a team to achieve their financial dreams. Then the sad part kicks in. The spouse, who handled all the finances, dies, and the financial and investment ignorant partner, is left vulnerable. That's often, when the enthusiastic, self-enriching very hungry wolves, swiftly move in. Often disguised as stockbrokers, money managers, investment advisors, various forms of gold diggers, of either sex, or equally finance and investment uneducated children.

What level of financial and investment expertise should each spouse have? With keen financial and investment self-empowerment, learning the basics, making trades, understanding things like portfolio diversification, position limits, stop losses, and different types of international investment vehicles is not that difficult. It just takes a bit of time, investigating, and the help of a good mentor. A good, registered, money manager is worth the initial investment! Never be afraid of asking questions! Even if the questions seem stupid! He or she, should explain investment decisions in terms you can understand.

Once more, enthused, you forcefully thrust your now balding head, against the rubber ceiling. Suddenly, you have struck the centre cross point; the spot at which two lines, running at right-angles to each other, intersect at their centre point. This is where the rubber ceiling has a weak spot. Your head slides through; you hesitate; it's so new; so inviting!

Effortlessly, your body now slips to the new level; certainly pressed by the built-up frustration pressure of the lower zone. No, not just that, there's an interesting interplay. You a friendly, yet forceful sucking energy from the top zone on your keen and eager body! Your headache slid from your body, remaining below. Your neck feels free, mobile to look around and observe the many folks who are having constructive and rewarding fun! You are forcefully struck by the first display.

All-round, a bright sign intermittently displays this message: Pessimists Not Allowed Access! You note the clean air; infinitely better than the previously prejudice polluted and choking atmosphere of the lower zone. Before you recognise it, you're standing on the new floor; no sign of the weak spot through which you have just emerged.

What was that always present restraining cautionary "you will never succeed" voice you so frequently heard? You try and recall it's handbrakes on sound, its timber, the threatening cut in its warning. Who the hell was it?

Strangely, very quickly, you realise that the ability to retro-think, is successfully insulated by the well designed rubber floor, once, the rubber ceiling, on which you so confidently and optimistically are now standing. Of course, you remember that Confidence, like any skill, never comes from having all the correct answers; it comes from being open and perceptive to all the stimulating and right questions. This is a rather interesting concept! Be confident! Know exactly what is of value; what you want and how and where to get it. Be assertive, but careful, with the selection – and punctuation – of your words, as well as your body language.

Speak in a clear, strong well-modulated easy-flowing voice, and maintain an assertive posture that says, nothing can possibly shake my resolve. Always remember, there's a very fine line between assertive and aggressive. Never try to verbally dominate or intimidate, as this will make the negotiating party shut down and terminate the process.

You have always had headaches and frustration with negotiations on the lower level. Now, you suddenly notice that negotiation, is essentially a skilful process of successful decision making. At its core, negotiation is a form of interest dispute resolution. The parties involved, negotiate to reach the most acceptable outcome, to various highlighted possible situations. Becoming a successful and skilled negotiator, means maintaining a strong sense of honesty, integrity, justice, purpose, respect and direction. It also means, giving preference to logic and reasoning rather than emotion and desire.

You have many valuable information absorbing and dispensing facilities. You have two very valuable ears and one equally valuable mouth, use them with caution, discretion; and always use them in context.

There are always so many emotions hanging around our necks and competing for attention that conversation is not easy. Fruitful negotiation requires, active and patience collaboration, and you need to listen and hear what the other party is telling you. Focus on their punctuation; their words and their silence. Interestingly, many people can't handle, or, are afraid of silence. They fill conversational silence with social fog or trivia, instead of waiting for the other person to voice their thoughts. Knowing when to remain quiet, is a valuable learning and tactical art in itself. This subtle power play, can be put to good use, enticing the other person to open up in an attempt to fill the speech void. By focused and empathetic listening, to your co-collaborator, you can learn much of what they really want. What do they require? What are their objectives? What urgent, or frustrating, life situation, are they hoping to impact?

It's really amazing, how people will tell you a lot, if you are an attentive and keen listener. Just recall, how much information folks sitting next to you on a long-distance flight, are prepared to impart to you! They are sure the odds are, that they will never see you again! Do you ever harvest that valuable source of information – your fellow air traveller's wisdom and experience? Being an attentive listener, makes the difference between a successful negotiator, and a skilled one who consistently walks away satisfied.

When you are talking, you are giving information and therefore, giving away power. If you are listening, and asking the right information-gaining questions, the building blocks of knowledge, you are gaining additional power.

At once, you are so impressed by the prevailing air of optimism; the abundant available free information. The guidelines and clear-cut map for your future evolution.

You breath in the stimulating air of optimism, I can do, enthusiasm, a zest for living and enjoying! You notice the inviting often-repeated headline: "here I am, very keen and able to share my expertise and experiences with you! If I can do it, so can you!"

Over an extended period of time, you have acquired insight, knowledge, expertise and built up a valuable network of associates. You have put in a good deal of both time and energy to DISCOVER YOUR OWN POTENTIAL. Now it's your time and opportunity, to empower other people to understand, how to take advantage of it!

What is this empowerment facility? It is the desire and ability, to own and internationally manage and distribute, the various acquired distribution channels of your own expertise and knowledge.

You look around; there are numerous statues and paintings of folks you always regarded very highly! People walk purposefully and direction-orientated past you. Yet, you can hardly believe it, they stop, reach out and give you a firm and welcoming handshake. As if that were all! No. They even give free valuable advice!

Well, you note with delight, the fellow sliding by in his wheelchair! Seemingly, happy, yet another self-employed computer technician, according to the note on his chair!

You also well recall that, in the previous zone, in a command and control organisation, people protected knowledge, because it was their claim to distinction. But here, everybody is keen to share as much information as they possibly can!

You have just noticed a puffs sound to your left. You look. Can't believe it!

There's your best friend, your partner, your supporting wife! The two of you stroll around; uninhibited, feeling quite free! You often wondered whether education and intelligence is a key factor in how successful and wealthy you could become? You turn to your wife and tell her: "I vividly remember when I made the decision to become wealthy!"

She smiles. "And, when exactly might that have been?"

You contemplate for a while. Reflecting on the exact circumstance and mindset that impacted on your view of the future.

"I well remember our "friend." Danny, the perpetual pessimist, telling me, with a good degree of delight, that, a particular business proposal that I mentioned to him, was "impossible!" You lean closer to your wife. "I then realised that if I were rich I would have the freedom to do everything I so keenly wanted to do!"

Now, you realise, that a pragmatic an imaginative mind, to solve a problem, as well as intelligence, is yet another factor in success. Sound principles and pragmatism, can happily cohabitate. After all, a problem well stated is a problem half solved. The important objective of problem solving, is not to solve the problem, but rather to prevent repeating or doing the same problem causing thing! Learn in the process; so we don't start compounding or fixing things that aren't broken.

You recall, a friend once telling you, that the worst part about self appointed first class cynics, is that they infect people around them with their deep fear, disguised as top grade intelligence. You smile. You recollect that you never thought it's a critical factor. Nevertheless, you realise that certain factors had a role to play. These included a degree of luck, social skills, Motivation, drive, and a keen willingness to work really smart and, if necessary, for long hours.

There is an electronic information board. The categories of famous and successful people, are displayed. You select the category; a vivid 3 D. All-round-sound, television animated information choice is at your command. You select the particular person. The particular expertise and skills. And there you have all the dazzling and inspiring history at your command.

Now you have a list of the world's top 10 billionaires and their current net worth: Wow! Impressive! How did they manage it?

But, you are fortunate. There are so many categories to select from. It's time; that's all you need!

Your "to do" electronic page is empty. You will, in due time, visit some of the various categories, and make notes about their formula and philosophy for achievement!

There is only one simple formula for wealth creation: It contains the three key words: PPH – Passion Persistence HARD WORK.

President Coolidge famous quote started with "Nothing takes the place of persistence." Of course, add to that personal experience! It's certainly far safer and cheaper, to learn from someone else's experience-based mistakes! After all, why try to reinvent the unsuccessful mistakes of the past? Rather, try and invent your own mistakes – the possible success fruits of the future!

Not to forget, to acquire financial and health self-empowerment literacy. Money and health literacy, is more than decoding formulas and investment concepts. Money, health and financial literacy, is understanding the wide and diverse variety of forces, that daily influence our actions and lives. We have power over our economic, political and social situations. We can change our lives and our communities. We can choose our goals and work toward achieving them. All of these forces are intricately tied to the power of the written words." Elza Sporn.

Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of action. Benjamin Disraeli.

Today – and each day – is a very important part of your life's experience-based curriculum. Learn and self-empower yourself, and tomorrow will look after itself. Nothing of real lasting value comes without effort. Therefore, remember that Anytime you want yourself and your associates to take action to better your lives, you have to very actively DO SOMETHING to make that dream come true!

When you are persistent, diligent and extraordinary at that skill, success is on the horizon and you can write your own ticket to anywhere. Remember, that practice and Repetition, is the mother of skill. However, forget making the same "Mistakes", and expecting a different and better outcome!

Rather than admitting and learning from your "mistakes," you accommodate them, pamper them, even ignore them, bury them, make excuses for them, and blame them on others.

You have heard that "Doing Nothing" are two of the most powerful words in investing. Despite all your self-improvement and continuing education, you will soon learn that you're only as competent until you meet your new level of incompetence. If you wish to minimise the risk of financial and health failure, You should be in charge of your own health and finances and life at all times. However, always be aware that lack of fear, is what leads to loss of risk control. It really takes a lot of courage to fail! No successful person ever got ahead without taking risks. It is true, that making the difference, is in our hands, all we need to do, is to take charge.

It is very important to be the CEO of your own Future and Life, whatever your age.

Succeeding in business, is largely an intelligence game! Master Your Mind, Master Your money! Bank something creative and enriching each day, that your future self will thank you for!

Someone who copes, is the person who early in life, takes care of the important health and money-management things! The acquired ability to shape your own life, is essential to being successful and happy! Failing that, you might become the victim of the law of unforeseen consequences. Your health and financial self-empowerment decisions, should never be based on any expert's insights or lack thereof!

Reflecting on past experience about the "Achievements" of so many "Experts," it taught me a very valuable lesson which stayed with me for life, that on many of the big issues, the experts often are very rarely right. Your financial and your body's health, isn't something you fix overnight with a single resolution. You have to be motivated, and diligently work at it each day, over your entire lifetime! Always remember the Bottom line: "If you fail to plan, then you Certainly plan to fail." Credit yourself, by being honest with yourself, about your abilities, strengths and limitations, and plan accordingly. Every precious day is either a successful day or a day of misery and failure! Often, too, the cause of failure is the lack of advanced planning and determining a direction to be aimed at. It's also true that often the cause of failure, is not doing the selected things in a proper manner!

The important moral of this story: If you want to accomplish great things, you soon have to be willing to learn by sometimes failing!

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Chapter 156:

Making Lifelong Friends With Your Restraining Financial Fears

It's a good idea to get failure to be a friend and partner on your road to future progress! Of course, the fear of losing something you value, is understandable and completely natural. And it is also a healthy survival mechanism, as long as the fear does not act as the handbrake on your ambitions! Therefore, it is a very good idea, to associate with successful people, who have had to work hard and who have learned from their failures! They have develop success from their perceived failure. Once more, it is worth taking note of the fact that discouragement and Successful Failure, are two of the most important stepping-stones to Success. Many of these folks have had more than ample exposure to being poor. The very important lesson they learned: they don't repeat and make foolish mistakes, born out of ignorance and fear. They don't let good and sound opportunities pass them by.

Again, taking action, and the virtue of international diversification: they don't put all their financially fragile eggs in one area's basket. One of the most important secrets of wealth preservation, is to take the necessary action; to learn about acquiring wealth and security, and then to make peace, with your fear of becoming poor.

Learn to control and direct, your business and investment emotions. But the fact is, that you can't get rich quickly in the stock market, unless you are both extremely foolish and also extremely lucky. There are many things you can do, to prevent yourself from making bad investment decisions, based on your emotions and impulses. Half of the secret to being a good, persistent and successful investor, is to regularly monitor and review, your own emotions and prejudices, and to not let them dictate the choices that you make.

Here are a few practical tips to minimise making emotional investment decisions that could negatively impact your returns. Have an explicit, written well researched investment plan Sit down and work out exactly what you want to achieve with your investment portfolio; when you want to rebalance it's components; how much risk you are prepared to take on; what kind of diversified international asset allocation you want to make. Then, whenever you feel a desperate urge to alter your well researched plans, pause, and as yourself, why you want to make the change? Maybe, it's possible that you are making an emotional decision, rather than a rational one!

Asset allocation, is about not having all your assets on a one-legged table! If that leg gives way, well, you have a major financial calamity and disaster on your hands! Asset allocation, is how you regularly balance and fine-tune your wealth among bonds, cash, commodities, real estate, stocks, and other investments assets in your portfolio. This might include precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, which you should regard as possible market chaos hedges.

Remember though, if you want to keep any of the precious metals at your home, the first law of safety, is: "Don't flaunt your precious metal assets!" That will very certainly attract unwanted, unauthorised dangerous visitors!

Next, make provision for the safe keeping of these assets, in case of a fire or flood. Keeping your wealth stored in a good, diversified mix of assets, is the key to avoiding catastrophic losses.

If you wish to start saving, you should start with allocating a little pile of money into that unexpected emergency fund! How you go about the savings program, depends on your age at the time of starting with the savings venture! You can make the percentages vary, depending on how far down the savings track you are! Yes, it's very true, there is always that old family "friend," Mr. Unexpected expense, lurking somewhere in the background! You should also be able to access that saved money, by keeping it liquid as cash, in a savings or checking account. Sit down and calculate what your needs may be for the next six month or so! Of course, it really makes sense to put aside enough to last you between three and six months, depending on your personal need for safety and security. Once you set aside some cash for emergencies, start with a simple asset allocation, where you decide between just stocks and fixed-income types of securities, like (bonds). One should try to select assets like stocks and bonds that are not perfectly correlated, meaning their price movements aren't tied to each other. Combining them in your portfolio, will smooth out your overall returns.

Now is the correct time to talk over your plans with your partner, financial adviser or a trusted friend, who can tell you whether your proposed change makes sense or seems like an impulse. Having a written plan to periodically refer to, will help you avoid making major catastrophic changes midstream. To make friends and valued partners with your good in-house tutor, fear, you have to be able, to imagine yourself and your family, living a simple life, one that can be supported by your modest income!

It's important to remember that mainstream media is almost always wrong about investing. When prices skyrocket, they write stories about people making money. When prices drop, they write stories about people losing money. Most well-programmed readers, have a hard time disbelieving the major media. I repeat: They wonder, "How could all of these expert pundits, on RADIO and TV be wrong?" If you are scared to start a business, imagine yourself failing. However, now imagine being successful with your venture!

But, whatever you do, don't be a slave; don't live in fear. If you are not afraid, Life can be very rewarding, sweet and rich, even if you do sometimes lose some money. Always keep in mind that there is a great difference between struggle and effort. By detaching yourself from the Leash of the struggle mentality, you become independent and free. Strugglers always seem to lack objective target Stability.

Why not visit your own experience-based Strugglers' Hall of Fame? I'm sure you'll have enormous fun recognising them from among your friends and associates! When you meet many of them, they pour out a non-stop litany of "Enchanting-sounding" disasters Frequently Chronic strugglers, whose lives are out of control, Feel That Struggling Is Noble! If only, they would stop freaking and winging.

Remember, you can either make money or you can continue to make excuses. You really can't be successful at making both. Why not self-engineer your path to wealth? It's natural and OK to be scared. It shows you, by blindly following the crowd, how easily you can be swayed by the good piece of shock and fear! But self-inflicted inertia and paralysis, is not an option. You need to take action immediately, because every day you procrastinate, could mean hundreds or THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS in lost opportunities and profits.

When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. Mark Twain.

Once more, it's worth repeating that reflecting on past experience about the "Achievements" of so many "Experts," it taught me a very valuable lesson which stayed with me for life, that on many of the big issues the experts often are very rarely right.

Every precious day is either a successful day or a day of misery and failure! Often, too, the cause of failure is the lack of advanced planning and determining a direction to be aimed at. It's also true that often the cause of failure, is not doing the selected things in a proper manner!

The important moral of this story: If you want to accomplish great things, you soon have to be willing to learn by sometimes failing! IT is worth repeating: it's a good idea to get failure to be a friend and partner on your road to future progress!

Therefore, it is also a very good idea to associate with people, who have had to work hard and who have learned from their failures!

They have developed success from their perceived failure. Discouragement and Successful failure, are two of the most important stepping-stones to success.

Every so often, the following message would be highlighted and appear in the background:

"In Your Financial And Health Life, You Are The MAJOR Director, And head Coach."

When you consult with any "Experts," always be aware that you are actually employing them! That you are the boss!

Thanks to the ease of obtaining information, and the democratisation of finance, investing no longer requires special insights or expertise. In poorly informed and very superstitious native cultures, powerful medicine men wield power, because of the community's deep-seated fear and belief, that they have magical and mystical powers.

To reinforce their mystique and status, these crafty connivers invent impressive, lofty-sounding words and phrases, that their followers cannot comprehend and understand. The condescending power-wielding idea is something like: "If you don't understand what I'm saying, who are you to question my authority and power?"

Unfortunately, sometimes, in the modern-world, some of the professional healthcare, investment and legal service providers, do the same thing. They often wield power over their uninformed and submissive clients, by verbally intimidating them. Sometimes, to appear very busy, they do so to save time. By talking with "Professional Authority" over their Uninformed clients' heads, they can often prevent their clients from asking nasty, valid and well researched questions.

If you are prepared to be intimidated, you might have to put up with: "to answer your question, requires long and complicated explanations!" Sometimes, they use technical jargon, to persuade their clients into having a medical procedure done, or into doing something, that they would probably not do if they understood the implications and ramifications of the business or procedure at hand.

However, fortunately, Not all Doctors, Experts, Lawyers, and Brokers are verbal intimidator and bullies. Nevertheless, keep in mind that verbal intimidation exists. It's so common, that for many Professionals, with an ego problem, it is an essential Status tool.

You should never ever, let a Consultant, Specialist or anyone verbally intimidate you. This is equally true for both your personal and business relationships. Including your relationships with brokers, experts, doctors, all health care experts and lawyers! Not being prepared to stand up for your rights, when consulting either your healthcare or investment service provider, can turn out to be a very costly mistake. It may involve to undergo expensive and unnecessary medical procedures and treatments, and to make investments that benefit the Advisor rather than yourself! Of course, as always, take the route of Health and Finance Self-Empowerment! Be diligent and Persistent about standing up for yourself when dealing with any authority and professionals. You are their boss; you respect them; you employ them; you pay their salary; and they work for you!

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Chapter 157:

Here Are Some Ways You Can Be In Charge

Of Your Respective Professional Relationships

To start with, first, change the way you think about yourself. Next, change the way you think about Advisors, Experts and Professionals. Don't put your advisors and professionals, on pedestals of reverence. Don't be ashamed, or reluctant, to question the advice you get. You are not compelled to follow it out of some sense of submissive gratitude. The truth is that brokers, doctors, experts, and lawyers, are nothing more than highly qualified tradesmen. Of course, we are aware, and appreciate, that they have very valuable experience, expertise, knowledge and skills that they sell.

Included in their "selling price," is never to be Condescending or to adapt a Superior attitude to the person who is paying their salary! To earn their fees, they must be compassionate, diligent, work hard and well for you. Your very immediate important job priority is To Liberate, and Make Yourself "The Boss Of THAT Important You!"

Rather than think, "he's such an expert," think, "I am paying him good money. He better prove to you, that he is a valuable, experienced expert, or you will fire him. And sometimes, the ego effect: they speak cryptically – in "The Professional Language," to maintain what they view as a desirable superiority, over their Less Informed and Important clients.

Periodically evaluate the professionals you are using. Think of the professionals you work with and rate them according to the following criteria:

Do they really make you feel that you know what you are talking about; that you are in charge? Do they make you feel that you are the very important boss? Do they give you concise, practical, good and easy to understand advice? Do they outline alternatives, or other options?

You can soon determine, whether your broker, doctor, healthcare provider or lawyer, has a meaningful commitment to communicate with you. Do they Really understand and care about your family's present and future Health and Financial concerns and needs? If you feel like you are getting standard "Off The shelf" advice, or if you feel like he doesn't really care who you are, then he is not properly doing his job.

The remedy! Proper, ethical and courteous communication, is the key. Call, or even better, email the offending "Advisor and Expert," and say you want to have a 15-minute meaningful meeting, about your present "professional relationship." If they ask why, explain that you want to talk about, whether "the value you are getting, is worth the money and time, you are paying." If the Advisor or Expert, refuses to have the meeting, you don't need to worry. After all, you are unhappy! Because the Advisor or Expert, isn't doing his job. Get rid of him.

If he does allocate time, to give you a meeting, do your research, go in Well prepared. Make a Written list of your questions. Add to that, a possible backup set of questions! Always keep it Friendly and Simple. Once you sit across from the Advisor or Expert, a very handy down-scaling tip is, to imagine the Advisor or Expert, as sitting only clad in their underwear! With the list of questions, that you have prepared before the meeting, tell the Advisor or Expert, exactly how and why you are Not satisfied. Express your, and your family's, concerns as statements of your Retirement and future expectations. Insist on getting crystal-clear and concise explanations, of all your Advisor's and Expert's advice. Don't be intimidated by the apparent lack of time!

On your list of questions, tick a particular question that has in fact been answered to your satisfaction! Don't leave until you have assurance of a follow-up meeting if necessary, or you have clear and understandable answers to all your questions. If your Advisors and Experts, can comply with your stated needs, you should be on your way to a more gratifying and satisfying relationship with your team! On the other hand, if they feel they cannot comply, and you need to fire them, don't spend a moment regretting it. Simply go out and interview someone else who would do it better!

Fortunately, both of them realised quite early in their respective careers, that it is your most important job to surround yourself with the best and well-experienced and certified "Experts." These must be the best that are available to reach the level of success you desire for you, and your family! If you want to get started on the road to health and to fiscal literacy, persistent responsibility and determination, is a wonderful departure point! Just take one step at a time. After that, you'll take another, then another, then another. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your goal!

However, you flick through a few categories. In the first one, You hear "If more frequently repeated news and information leads to higher economic success, we'd expect professors of economy and journalists to be at the top." Sadly, That's not necessarily the case. Income is sometimes a poor indicator of well-being. On the other hand, wealth is a good indicator of the financial well-being and money independency, or financial dependency, of individuals. Unfortunately society has an almost unlimited number of ways to entice the individual to spend. On the other hand, there are limited really motivating ways to save income! Therefore, individuals are more prone to follow the herd and to spend than save.

Now you also note, and realise, that the cascade of Negative news is Highly toxic to the well-being of the body. It's quality-of-life-enhancing to periodically detox the cascade of daily information that is targeted at us. This dismisses so much of the unnecessary information fog, that can distort our future vision and the objectives we are aiming for!

Passion builds businesses, not fear! You further realise, that you too, were the victim of the possible side effects of news, that include a waist of time, delayed opportunities, anxiety, fear, aggression, restricting tunnel vision and entrepreneurial desensitisation. Yes. Even your self imposed skills and abilities bias. Fortunately, early in your courier, you learned how to push aside your often restricting confirmation bias. It's one thing feeling good about your successful investments; it is an entirely different thing being profitable.

You recall, that you had been warned, that Focusing on Sensational news, Inhibits creative and original Thinking. Don't you know that Constructive thinking requires uninterrupted concentration? And that Concentration requires uninterrupted time? Remember that conventional thinking, yields conventional outcomes.

The devil almost always makes bad work for idle hands! Time well spent and allocated, is more valuable than money. The time, energy and opportunity that's gone under the bridge, cannot be retrieved! Your productive time is restricted and limited! With good fortune and planning, you can get more money, but you certainly cannot get more time. We must use the most valuable commodity, time, constructively and creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do something extraordinary, uplifting and good! Time is your best friend, more so when you are still young, when you really have plenty of it. Remember that your buoyant and energetic youth will not last forever, so always use it wisely! If you don't have much time left, the lack of time can become your enemy! That very precious commodity, time, weighs very heavily on our hand and equally quickly slips through our fingers if not put to good and productive use! We very soon learn that all the creative dreams, that could have been put into practice, and accomplished, can very easily slip away. Yes, it's really true that the opportunity clock is ticking. The water is very rapidly flowing under the bridge! There is a window of time that must be taken – or overlooked!

Remember that the same clock that began to tick from the moment we drew our first breath, will also someday unexpectedly cease.

Well, you take note to revisit this category.

Aha! You progress to the next category. This seems a very enticing and relaxing category. Contemplation And Inspiration Inducing Meditation This is subliminal thinking, with possible profound outcome and focus. You click on, and the very first item you notice, is News Wastes Time Yes! It's quite correct.

You recall the time spent reading your on-line papers, watching the news and postponing more important matters for the luxury of "getting" the news! However, while in the lower zone, you fortunately learned that Access to information is no longer a scarce commodity. But, that the valuable time and attention are.

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Chapter 158:

The International Travelling Community

Is On The Health-Seeking Move

You had access to information of your choice; at the time of your requirements; and, best of all, without the clutter of repetition and various forms of bias!

With the aid of the internet, and outer net, healthcare and financial self-empowerment, is, also within everyone's reach and control and are equally abundant.

This includes the development of international medical tourism. Various countries offer excellent and affordable health care services as part of their medical tourism packages.

Yes, really true! The international travelling community is on the health-seeking move. And the vast majority of them will travel to one of fourteen countries. Apparently, only one gets many more medical tourists than the rest. You guessed it: Thailand.

Of course, the Americans are also concerned about the cost of medical care. However, they make up only a small part of the medical tourists who come here for healthcare. Currently, Bangkok Hospital caters to more than 160 nationalities and has translation services in 26 languages – everything from Amharic to Vietnamese. You may well ask what's driving all these people to seek health care outside of their respective countries? Well, over and above, the cost of local medical expenses, there is in some countries, the Growing lines and mile-long waiting lists. Today, medical tourism and direct-primary care allows the health-care-seeking individual to decide what he or she needs. You only have to figure out how and where the best treatment is available. And then finding the best suitable facility.

Of course, when considering taking advantage of international medical tourism, it is very important to do the necessary investigation about what's available. Even better, if you can make contact of a few folks who have gone that route to a particular facility.

Don't risk coupling your future and your life on one day events. Rather interesting, you read the following: "As part of my Health and Financial self-empowerment project, I plan to develop one new good uplifting habit per month that will increase the Quality of life of my family, associates and myself!"

Here, next, you are struck by the following headline: "Did you eagerly outsource the time you should have spent on your health, money, and family? Why did you give away your precious creative mind?" Hummm! Quite correct! You smile with a mounting degree of delight. Yes, when all else has gone, only you and your recorded achievements will remain! With your records, articles, recorded talks EB-OOKS and books, you leave a heritage of inspiration, expertise and wisdom for the future generations, in the lower zone. For them to use, as fertiliser and compost in their quest to supersede the restricting boundary of the Limiting Rubber Ceiling!

In life, the goal is not simply to collect peripheral information, but rather to gain a better focused depth of understanding! Fortunately, you were lucky. Early in your courier, you decided that there are circumstances and things you cannot change or influence. However, you were aware of the existence of the ranks of the negative folks. Fortunately, too, you soon learned what you could not learn from them! The people to stay away from. The negative people who inhibit the world of the pessimistic, desensitised, sarcastic and fatalistic citizens.

The likely umbrella and scientific term, is "pessimism and learned helplessness." Of course, it's a splendid survival idea to periodically Practice pessimism: how to survive. Ignore the "Successful" pessimists who want to bring you down and stand in the way of your dreams. The pessimist, is an unsuccessful optimist, without Success experience.

"Maybe, we should move on," your wife whispers in your right ear!

You enter the next category just in time to hear: What's the right mix of assets? For the maximum long-term growth results? The rules that can improve your total investment return: proper position sizing, following a strict predetermined sell discipline, and keeping your transaction costs to a minimum. With reference to the last point, keeping your Transaction costs down, Start small. That keeps your investing Self-Empowerment learning and "tuition cost" low. Learn what a front end load cost is, and how to minimise or avoid it!

Remember, that as an important part of your progress on the Self-Empowerment road to success, you will encounter Failure! Let Failure be your tutor and Friend! Don't get discouraged! Consider the initial losses as part of the "investing tuition" money, that you inevitably lose on your first investments, because of something you didn't grasp, know or understand.

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Chapter 159:

Cut Your Losses Early

You are Not married to a particular share! We know, that when our money is on the line, all caring discipline goes out of the window. That's why it's a good idea, to use rules like trailing stops, position scaling and stop losses. They help us keep at bay our fickle emotional weaknesses. There's no better way, to prevent massive losses than to set a stop loss, and stick to it! By doing this, you can Prevent, or at least, minimise losses on your shares, by putting an exit strategy on every investment you make. These simple preventive methods, can help make sure that a small loss doesn't turn into an unwanted big one.

All of us want to enjoy our retirement years and have some fun. Now you can sleep well, knowing you have several good safety circuit breakers in place. You have avoided a possible catastrophic loss, and now have cash, to take advantage of the real bargains that are bound to come along!

Nobody, including mostly your Advisors, ever talks about the difficult part, knowing when to sell. In order to invest successfully, you need to put as much thought into planning your Investment exit strategy, as you put into the research that motivates you to buy the investment, in the first place. It's the simplest thing. Mostly, investors put most of their effort into buying a specific stock, but a very little into selling it but almost none into the consequences of owning it. In business, and in buying and selling stocks, you have to have a business or investment plan, and, most important, an exit strategy. When you have selected a plan, you know in advance exactly when you're going to buy and sell. A simple way to do this is a "trailing stop." In this way, you can continually Compound and increase the value of your portfolio.

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Chapter 160:

The Trailing Stop Strategy

In dealing with stocks, and in business, you must have, and use, an exit strategy. A sound International and Diversified strategy, that makes you methodically cut your losses, and let your winners ride. If you follow this method, you have one of the best chances of outperforming the markets. If you don't, you will soon learn that your retirement is in Financial trouble.

Retirees must be proactive! They must keep on being proactive. They must learn to become active investors, rather than remain passive "savers."

The main important element of the Trailing Stop Strategy, is the 25 percent rule. If you implement this strategy, This is where you will sell, any and all positions, at 25 percent off their highs. You may well ask what's so magical about the 25 percent number? Nothing in particular; it's the very important discipline that matters. However, keep in mind that you can set your own particular percentage value for the Stop Loss. There are also facilities available on-line, where you can have these transactions Automatically executed!

However, it's much better if you keep your eye and insight on what's happening in the actual market! There may be some Computer Technical Glitch in the Stock Market System, some international catastrophe, that accounts for a sudden and massive downward trend in stocks. This could lead to you having losses that you would otherwise not have incurred had you kept your hand on your investments!

Again, be pro-active in the affairs of your Health, finances and Investments! Don't Let Your Losers Become Big Losers There really is no shame, in a simple well functioning, successful and growing portfolio. Lack Of Discipline, the silent killer, is in all of us! You will never succeed at successful trading, if you cannot Continuously follow an already proven trading strategy, and all its associated rules! Lack of Financial and Investment discipline, is Ignoring your already Learned wisdom; failing to do, what you should do, in a given circumstance, when trading your strategies. Of course, past "good" performance, does not necessarily guarantee similar future results.

If you want to be successful at making money in the stock market, forget trying to be the smartest person in the room! Instead, rather focus on your investment system. The long-term Compounding returns will take care of themselves. Never forget that the winners are those who lose the least.

How to Avoid Your Lack Of Discipline. Your "Failure Friend!" Lose enough money so that you now respect the possible fluctuations of the market. That's rather Painful!!! But, insight and wisdom gaining! The key to successfully defeating your lack of discipline, is to create and trade a system that is very simple to understand and to execute. Once you have your own successful "tailor-made" system, it is crucial that you don't tinker with it all the time! That way, "Why tinker with a formula or something that works?" If you keep on tinkering with it, you will never truly know how well your formula or Investment system works! That's a sure way, to remain an un-disciplined trader. Of course, the more experienced and knowledgeable you become, you may develop a few formulae to use for various circumstances and phases of the market cycles!

(It is a very good idea, once you have established what is the best "Trading System," for you and your associate (partner or wife,) to outline and specify who will attend to the various facets of the important research. In this manner, time is saved by both partners.) There really is only one person, who can control and direct your success or failures, in trading! You've guessed correctly! That Very Important person is you. In the end, you are responsible for your choices, for everything you have done.

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Mark Twain.

The most common pitfall, traders fall into, is that when something goes wrong, they blame the market for the loss, and not themselves! Regard the Trading, as Your Survival business plan! The Very Important key in trading, is to accept, that you will have losing trades and understand that it is part of this business system. And when you lose a trade, once again, regard it as part of your "Failure Friend!" And be sure not to allow these bad experiences, to have a negative effect on future trades!

The following once more, strikes you with great force: "Never underestimate the abundance of a disciplined life." This certainly also applies to the examples we set for our children, during their most receptive developmental years! For the PPH folks, There is abundance and happiness at the top at the success and wealth zone.

Your wife's interested; she's been investment self empowering for a long time. She understands the language of developing a long term passive yet safe stream of income. And, very important, how to Earn Multiple Streams of Income.

At last, you are financially free when you have accumulated sufficient assets to generate enough passive income. This means generating safe income even while you are asleep. This also means, to pay for the lifestyle you desire, not necessarily your current lifestyle, and all of your associated expenses, without ever having to work again.

Fortunately, now that you are at this fortunate financial stage, you can make the choice whether you keep working or not, or how much you work or what you do with your life. She has been most successful, in setting and plotting her own course, to develop a passive stream of income and cash flow. Allowing you to live off the income from these investments. With the Compounding passage of time, you have reached the rewarding cycle of ever-increasing wealth and ever-increasing cash flow.

Sadly, most people strictly adhere to the formula of Going to work, they are frustrated, continue to go to work, pay the mounting bills, go to more work, continue to pay the much larger bills, and pay the bills seemingly forever! Surely, it is much better to get your knowledge and money earning more money, and keep that money COMPOUNDING and EARNING yet more money! You now fondly recall, that, a long time ago, while in the lower zone, she struck good fortune. She realised, that sooner or later, down the track, both of you might no longer be able to generate income by your personal, daily toil and work. The answer, she learned, was to look at sources of income, that continued whether you were asleep or not! Then the door to success opened; she was invited in to take advantage of the process of investment and financial self empowerment!

She cocks her head to the right, focusing on the message: If you successfully want to get rich, you need to learn how to take and manage calculated and investigated risks; learn to be an informed investor.

For her, to be an informed investor, meant getting a system in place, that would continuously and safely, generate a stream of secure Passive income, even during the sleeping phase of life!

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Chapter 161:

Creating Multiple Streams Of Safe Income

That means Going Beyond The One On One Earning "Hours for Dollars"

For example, if you're a self-employed person, a professional person, doctor, lawyer or dentist, you assume that there's no way to do what you do without attending to one person at a time.

The reason for Focusing on linear income instead of passive income.

It is very important to realise that not all sources of income are created equal. Some streams are linear and some are passive.

Linear income is what you get from a regular job. You work for an hour and get paid once for that hour's work, and that's it. If, for some reason, you do not turn up to work, you don't get paid. On the other hand, passive income, is when you work once but continue to get paid over and over again from work you're no longer doing.

The way to become really wealthy, is having passive income, coming in whether you go to work or not. Don't you agree, that it would be nice, energy and time saving, to be paid hundreds of times for every hour you work? That's one of the advantages that happens to internationally and diversified investors and to property investors. Initially they work long hours, and save up a deposit and then roll it over and invest it into a portfolio of "good international" investments and property. Now, their money starts working for them, and keeps giving them sound passive investment returns. Either in the form of capital growth and rental returns.

Again, it is very important to realise that not all income is created equal. Of course, that attitude, if not correctly selected, is the very Restricting handbrake on your financial and self-determination system! Fortunately, you always have the freedom to choose your Personal attitude in any given set of circumstances.

Many folks so desperately look forward to "Retirement!" Yet, forget the important aspects of both financial safety and security as well as "How Much Residual Life Time Will Be At THEIR disposal?" There is never enough time, to do all the right investments that you'll want to take care of yourself and your family, during retirement! The very important question here is not, "Do you have enough Retirement money?" Rather, is there a good and sustainable long-term balance, between Your expected Longevity, your Assets, and the Financial Expertise and Skills, that you have acquired? If it's not, particularly during retirement, you'll usually find yourself struggling to maintain a lifestyle that your retirement expectations require! With inflation, it may happen that your current dwindling retirement income may not be able to sustain your chosen present life style! Some people believe, that retirement is a middle class concept, maybe, based on the idea of creating a job vacuum at the lower age group, by moving the older folks into the desirable "retirement!" Also take particular note, of the fact that Inflation will gradually "compress" your already saved assets each year; while the growing balloon of Inflation is getting progressively bigger around it!

Of course, it's never too late to acquire and implement new income-generating skills. Why not do so by Digitising and Futuretising your expertise and experience? Now that you are retired, why not reflect on your past working and creative life? Of course, you are able to look at your past career challenges, and how you converted them into success. Well, once more, in a new and stimulating setting, I feel certain you can overcome them? Of course, it's only natural, that one is always doubtful of one's abilities, even after years of proven success. It may help if you sit down and make a written list of your past history of self-doubt! Also make a list of the things you really could not achieve!

Must you really pay too much attention to that voice that says: "You're a fake, a fraud. You really can't do this."

You already know the non-secret of the secret of success! Start with health and money-management self-empowerment. Then be diligent and creative, and work harder than all those who are competing with you. Imitate the actions of successful mentors and people you really admire. If you have persistence, dedication and do that long enough, you will have the success you have in mind.

Here's another very important secret that most people never realise: You must focus, regularly lubricate and cultivate the mindset of enthusiasm. Without it, your chances of achieving the success you have in mind, is very, very limited. The choice is yours! Or, stagnate and procrastinate and Decide to stay where you are!

To acquire and grow enthusiasm, you must reach out and set yourself up to attract that elusive, yet valuable feature available all round you! Yes, it's true! Enthusiasm really is freely available!

However, keep in mind that it is not something that, per chance, gently settles down on you! You must have the attractive magnetism to guide it to you! Even if you are 60-70 years old today, you might still have to plan for a 20-30, or longer, years of financing your retirement. You certainly don't want to chase yields today, by buying stocks solely based on yield.

As always, investigate and get track records of the various stocks and types of investments that should shield you against declining purchasing power, during your retirement! Consider the possibility, that some of these stocks might not maintain purchasing power, or might offer a higher risk of even a dividend cut, or dividend freeze. This would come as an unexpected financial shock, when you have to downgrade your standard of living, during the last part of your retirement, when you are less likely to be able to cover the shortfall by finding and holding a new job.

Your Life Saving, Health, Financial and Investment goal, is to avoid situations where you are essentially collecting and compounding health and wealth mistakes!

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Chapter 162:

Longevity The Prospect!

This May come as a shock: but reset your Longevity compass!

(A backdrop on the stage: A centenarian is a person aged 100 or older.)

Lifespan, aided by better health and technology progress, are increasing at an unprecedented rate. You may soon be one of the 100-year-plus age bracket which is the fastest-growing group of people. Don't believe it? Let that sink in for a minute. Yes, you have read that correctly: And the 100-year-plus age bracket is the fastest-growing group of people.

Of course, not all folks who could be able to live to 150 or more years, would necessarily be delighted with that prospect! They could feel that they are outliving their family, friends, associates and are beginning to feel very, very isolated! They could also feel that the world is getting over-crowded; food production, although aided by technological food production techniques, is not meeting the needs of the growing population This may introduce new industries;. Industries based on Termination Of Life! Right now, this concept is mostly at odds with present thinking! However, in some developed countries, euthanasia is already gaining traction!

Do you really believe in assisted suicide? Did you really come to this world, to live forever? Or do you believe that one should make room for others.

That's a very, very personal present and future quality-of-life question! Many healths, psychological, financial and religious considerations come into this field! Many people do believe in a pragmatic approach to suicide! One in which one has the option to ends life on one's own well-informed terms. All of us need to control our future and destiny. It is estimated that right now, the U.S. has an estimated 72 000 centenarians. It is further estimated that if the population of centenarians continues to increase at its current rate, the U.S. will have close to 500 000 people over the age of 100 by 2055.

Of course, this figure has both a good and not so good side to it! It means more time with family, grandkids, friends, time to travel and see the world. More time to be creative, to write, to be really artistic, to expand your vision! That's the exciting, prospect of getting much older!

The sting in the growing tail: The really scary part is paying for it all! Why the growing tail? The system, that hangs like a heavy cloak around us, milking our money, is very adept at devising new ways of siphoning off our energy and money! Those additional years, will also contain mounting health care bills, food bills, electric and energy bills, insurance bills, entertainment, transport and dozens of other yet unknown bills.

I cannot overemphasise, that's why one of your greatest concerns, should be running out of money in retirement. Thirty or forty years ago, the solution to money worries in retirement, was relatively assured and simple. Internationally, there was mostly, no concern about the solvency of Private and Government Social Security. Fortunately, many corporations paid their retired employees pensions. In those days, you could put your saved money in safe corporate bonds that paid over 9 percent in interest. Even short-term government bonds paid over 6 percent in interest. These days, the solvency of Social Security and just about every government retirement program, is in question. Note that pensions from corporations have all but disappeared. And with interest rates near zero percent, government bonds yield less than 2 percent. Add to this, the growing volatility in the stock market, as The Great Stock Market Unwinding unfolds.

Yet another factor to consider, is the "retirement date Myth!" Most of us are programmed to believe that we should retire at age 65! However, if one has both the ability and health, it makes much social and financial sense to work for at least another 5 or more years. It may make the ultimate retirement funding that much more enticing!

Almost daily, we read and hear that trillions in debt are starting to go bad and leave the system. Does this leave a vacuum? Of course, the vacuum, is the retiree who did not make the necessary and well-informed prudent money management care early on in life! The risk of running out of money because of all these factors is real! And growing.

For many folks, as they notice the shrinking purse, it's perhaps the scariest time to be a retiree. Talk to people, and you soon learn that not many saw it coming. The sad and unfortunate part, is that many people were not preparing for it.

Now, most people are counting on Government Social Security to bail them out. With Government Social Security, you hope you get steady, consistent income, not tied to volatility in the stock market, for the rest of your life. This is where many folks become retirement funds shocked and disillusioned! However, if you are health and money-management naive, and rely, or will rely, on the Government's Social Security, for a big portion of your future retirement income, it's time to start paying close attention. Is it always prudent to believe what the government of the day promises? Of course, not!

With increasing life longevity expectancy rates, I have serious concerns, that many retirees aren't taking their health and financial futures, into their own well-informed hands. What is worse, they don't have a plan, or another plan in place.

If this sounds like you, don't lose hope. When we don't outsource our common sense, a longer life could be a blessing. It will be more demanding, but there's still time, to set yourself up for a fulfilling, worry-free retirement.

The key: You must empower yourself. Empower yourself about both your health and money-management skills! You must start taking the right steps to prepare.

Another somewhat concealed aspect of the longevity prospect, is that more people may be filing for costly longevity-associated disability!

Is it worth it to get more money? Perhaps not. However, if you do not wish to down scale during the rest of your retirement life, it will be very convenient rather to have more than to have less money!

The very important point about money, is to allow you the choice of freedom, not make you crazy with getting more. Once you have acquired the necessary skills of making money, you have to keep it and make it grow. Because, staying in the same financial and investment place, amounts to going backwards. That's partially because, the world at large, will continue to grow and get wealthier, even as the currency you own, lose value.

The larger the secured pool of capital, the more are the productive ways it can be used. The more creative power it has, the more likely it will be conserved and used creatively. Again, the Huge Advantage of starting early in life, with a compounding savings program, which gives you the initial building bricks of constructing your Dream Fortunes!

You simply cannot get wealthy by investing, unless, Early in your life, you invest enough compounding money.

Fortunately, the good news, is that your non-investing past, doesn't have to be the formula for your future! Unless you outsource your future, and allow it to.

Some sensible older folk, elect to keep working beyond the Mandatory retirement age, for the financial benefit as well as keeping their brains active or to be sociable.

"I'll never retire unless my physical health requires it, as long as what I'm doing is fun."

Ingenuity: The Keep Active And Healthy Factor: Put Your Brains To work. Right now, you probably have only put about 1/10th of your brainpower to work. What if you employed the other 9/10th? You might just be totally taken aback about what might happen! You might come up with the most intriguing concepts and ideas.

Valuable benefits, of unleashing the potential of your brain and its dynamics, don't only apply to financial and economic decisions. In almost every decision we make, we consciously, or unconsciously, look for the value and weigh up the benefits of each of our choices and options.

However, investigate, and you will find there are several options available, to help some folks in retirement, retain a respectful standard of living. The options that you discover, may have a number of pitfalls!

If you intend using any of the available options, to augment your income do-ring retirement, make sure you have the advice of an attorney and lawyer, a financial and investment advisor and tax consultant.

In some countries a Reverse Mortgage facility is available. However, be aware of the Potential drawbacks and Pitfalls of a Reverse Mortgage.

What Exactly Is a Reverse Mortgage?

When you retire, you usually have built up a considerable amount of equity, or value, in your home. A reverse mortgage, let's you tap into your home's equity. However, depending on your age, a reverse mortgage, might not make financial sense for you!

The money still tied up in a home, can be very useful for folks who suddenly need $200 a day for in-home care or to enter a nursing facility. Having that source of capital at hand, means that they won't be a financial burden to their children or have to take their chances with the available medical insurance. Anything left over, can go toward an inheritance.

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Chapter 163:

Why Retirees Are Often Reluctant To Downsize

As always, it's a very good idea to look ahead to the possibility of retirement Depending on the circumstance of the individual, or even the couple, many factors to consider come to mind.

The retirement accommodation maintenance and other costs are an obvious contributor.

Next, is the rising health and aged care costs. You have worked for a long period of time, to put your house in a position, where, down the track, it should begin to support you financially. However, interestingly, when it comes time to finally enjoy the wealth stored in your housing assets, many retirees are reluctant to do so. Despite being house equity asset-rich, many retirees are unwilling to sell their homes to help fund retirement.

It is further also interesting to note, that as folks get older, the see-saw effect kicks in. However, with creeping increased longevity, the pivotal point of the "see-saw," also has to be shifting to compensate for the additional "non-productive" years the aged will experience! Because, they can no longer work or generate income, the family home progressively represents a larger share of an individual's wealth.

The other side of the retiree's reluctance to down-size coin, is that it is obvious, that the family home could be sold, and a cheaper, perhaps smaller and low maintenance property, could be purchased with the gains made using to fund retirement. This, if locating to a security retirement complex, has the added advantage of freeing you from the perpetual chains that lock you to a large house and garden. You simply "Lock-up-and-go!!!"

So, why do retirees need convincing to sell the family home for retirement? Obviously, depending in which country you are living, there will be rules and regulations, affecting your choice of either remaining in your present home, or down-sizing to a smaller unit or even a security retirement facility.

In some countries, the Means Tested Pension An owner-occupied home (the family home) has favourable tax treatments for accumulating long-term wealth. It may be that the means tested pension does not take the value of the family home into account. If you live in the property you own, it may also mean that the value of that home is exempt from means testing of the aged pension.

However, selling the family home downsize means that the gains from the sale of the property could reduce the pension received. As always, consult with your legal team about the implications of the long-term impact of down-sizing!

Don't forget the possible Confusing Tax Structures.

Is it possible that the sale of the family home is exempt from capital gains tax? If this is true, it means retirees who have made money on their property over the years would not have to pay tax on those gains.

However, always remember that the government that gives, also can eagerly take away!

While the exemption of the family home from capital gains tax, could incentivise the sale of the family home for retirement, other hidden or new taxes, can take away from creating wealth. Look at the duties, taxes and additional costs to be paid, for the downsizing process. Of course, over time, individuals develop fond attachment to the family home, the neighbourhood and perceive it as a place of secure residence.

However, because of growing uncertainty around aged care, health care and longevity, sensible and health and investment informed people, are taking higher precautions around their savings and holding onto the family home for longer.

Sadly, and unfortunately, during retirement, too many of us spend more time trying to think of what to do with our money, to protect its value, than we do undertaking some new productive activity. On retirement, as already mentioned, there is the option of scaling down on size of accommodation, by releasing equity in a large home.

An important basic lesson of retirement: Limit daily consumption. "If you're liberally spending money, you've got to compensate by regularly making money."

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Chapter 164:

The Advantage Of Starting Early With The Habit Of Thrift!

(Which Is A Life-Saving Virtue Of Inestimable Value To All Retirees.)

Why not start with the most valuable habit of saving today? Remember, it will be 20 years later, whether you immediately start with the saving habit or not!

It is the daily choices that compound in to good financial and social habits over weeks, months or years, and eventually becomes character.

Or as Gandhi famously said: Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.

When one reaches sixty, some people mistake slow reactions for courage.

Is it really true that, when one reaches Retirement, you are almost finished digging the hole for the funeral and burial of your career? Sadly, some uninformed, or ill-informed, folks are Voluntarily Emigrating out of Their Own Good Lives!

Fortunately, with Extended longevity, there should be many very active, productive and enjoyable years ahead! Don't be persuaded to the contrary!

Longevity isn't the end, it's what you do with the rest of your life. What makes hell hell, is surrender.

There are far too many people, who want to believe, the world is going to hell in a very combustible hand basket.

On retirement, if you believe, that you have a Sell By date, on your Relevance, age, experience and expertise, you have a very big and value problem! Never underestimate your real worth! Your experience, expertise and insights, plus What you know is worth a LOT more than you think.

No matter what your background, career, profession, what life experiences you have, you can turn your experience, expertise and knowledge into an income generating feature! Life expectancy, is accelerating at such an enormous rate, you might find that, you are actually younger investment-wise, than when you started investing for retirement, many years ago! Which, in practical terms, means that you must continue to work way beyond the old expected retirement age!

The biggest, and frequently nagging fear, of those approaching retirement, or already in retirement, is outliving their money. Of course, this is a very legitimate concern, considering the average person can expect to live much longer than was predicted 20 or 30 years ago!

Not just living longer, but with increased chronic health expenses. If you take care of your health and body, technological developments, although costly, will aid in a longer life span.

Now the inverse law of retirement fear, kicks in with a vengeance! The retirement nest egg shrinks in proportion with the increase of the cost of living!

Is there an answer while we still can do something about it? Yes! We all need to work longer, save more and acquire the habits of thrift!

Again, this is where the Value of Health and Financial Self-Empowerment can be life saving! If, along the way, you realise that you are Short of your retirement financial goals, the often dangerous game of catch-up, can lure you into putting your hard-earned money, where it is much riskier and even Financially fatal! You could now be tempted to invest in risky stocks or in one of the many too-good-to-be-true investment schemes. If it looks like rather very easy money to you, always remember, that it also looked very easy, to millions of other investors, who probably bought before you did, and will sell and get out, before you do. Of course, mostly, the easier it feels, the harder and sadder, it could end.

If you suddenly decide to be actively involved in the market, but you have not taken advantage of the ongoing process of Health, Financial and Investment Self-Empowerment, When you wait until you really need the money, you will find that you are at the mercy of both your ignorance and the market. As history always teaches: Sellers never get the best price under those circumstances!

Financial independence is relative, and your choice of attitude plays an important Quality Of Life role. You cannot outsource it; only you Are Responsible for Your Own Behaviour!

Yes, hard as it might seem, that means you are responsible for financing your own retirement, the possible mounting health care expenses, and everything else you, your wife or your partner needs.

However, if you are fortunate enough to have suddenly acquired a very substantial sum of money, Live off the Interest, and Never Touch the Principal!

Well, as your research will show, there is always another successful way to do what you do for a group of people, at any specific time. The process is called scaling! Fortunately, rather earlier in life, than too late, you may have realised the value of time in the self-education and compounding systems that apply to getting ahead in life! The sensible and rewarding allocation of Time, is a rather difficult Art! Note, I say, Art! Many people vastly overestimate, what they think they can do in a week, and vastly underestimate what they can do in a year! This results in many people trying to cram far too much into the short term, rather than spreading activities over the long term.

The frustration and inability to get all the short-term steps accomplished in time, creates discouragement and the impression that the final goal is gradually slipping away. Rather, value the importance of the future, on a timescale longer than your own.

Time diligently and properly invested, is worth a fortune. Time wasted, can be financial and opportunity devastating. Time invested, based on compounding, can perform future miracles, so you should invest your valuable knowledge and time. Time wasted, is money and opportunity wasted!

If you have a really good idea for success, why not reuse it, then reuse it again. And then, start again, and fine-tune and recycle it. That's the formula for the 3 R's.

Make an appointment with yourself, to find out which of your assets, take so much disproportionate investigation time?

However brief our time, with opportunity, if we waste a second, minute, hour, day, month or year, that valuable time has slipped away and cannot be recaptured! Cut down on "Built-in Frustration!" Shorten the rather long "To be Done" list. Schedule only the 20 percent of the undertakings, that will produce 80 percent of your results. However, always keep the covering long-term overhead umbrella in mind!

Set ambitious long-term objectives and timetables, but always leave some on-the-moment adaptive room, when you can plan and implement short term.

Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard. Theodore Rose.

You happily realise, that good opportunities, that are just clothes to the rest of us, are actually good possibilities! And, to the keen and investigating mind, just one more opportunity to enhance their insight and ability, to play an active part in the direction, their life should take!

You are always so very busy making the important moment happen. Why not frequently create Future memorable moments; they will be most rewarding and valuable down the track!

Live life to the fullest! This is NOT a dress rehearsal! "You're making memories. The lovely revitalising and reflective food for the future."

If you are a self-employed, or professional person, reliant on your day to day income generating Ability, it will soon be quite clear, that you are severely restricted. Particularly, in the way you can reach for the financial independence state, of not being reliant on your pushing the wheelbarrow each day of your life!

Not least, is the fact that you may be involved in a catastrophic health or motor accident, that precludes further daily "Pushing Of The Wheelbarrow!"

You smile when you read: "Early, active participation in the market, provides the most expensive self-education course available." Sadly, often, it is the average person's poverty mindset and lack of financial education, that is the risk, and not the investment or opportunity.

This is so very important, I repeat: even much worse, to think of someone with really good Academic Education, having such an incomparable bit of good luck, and not taking full advantage of it! With such excellent education, our duty to ourselves and our community, is to unravel it and utilise every valuable inch of it!

How do you muster the courage to step out of the conventional pattern and gospel, of thinking and acting? How do you embrace the courage to let go?

You can do this, by applying yourselves, and living your lives with integrity, learning by experience and through the appropriate educational channels! And of course, having the courage to recognise the vast ever changing technical and business horizons, that surrounds us.

International market dynamics are constantly changing, new technologies, discoveries and events occur, and there are human actions and reactions. Fortunately, the future, remain predictably unpredictable!

It is always much smarter to conduct your own in-depth due diligence on the stocks of your choice! If you have conducted your due diligence properly, you should have no "Sleepless Nights," and you should not be worried about the up or downswings, and you can patiently wait to exit a trade on your own terms.

However I remember someone once telling me, that it felt much better to turn up at your favourite troubles, in a Mercedes.

"Of course," your wife says: "It is what you have learned and know, that is your greatest wealth. It is what you think you know, but do not know, that is your greatest risk."

There is always risk, so learn to manage risk instead of avoiding it.

"To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe." Elenor Roosevelt.

She nods, a smile gradually manifesting itself! You already know that she's quite aware of the fact that successful or rich investors, do diversify; and that they also focus their efforts. In fact, they create on-going passive streams of secured income!

For added personal safety, they also to diversify themselves, physically. They are also aware that the world is shrinking.

They are also aware, that Your political risk, is an even greater threat to your well-being, than your investment risk.

Interventions from governments and other very busy bodies, create as many problems as they try to solve. Obedience to authority: Most of us like to think of ourselves as independently-minded. We feel sure that the authority and ourselves would not harm another human being unless under very serious duress.

The natural outcome, is that jobs and wealth for society at large, are created by entrepreneurs of successful companies. These are companies or ventures, that are producing goods, for which there is both a growing demand and a equally keenness to acquire!

Remember, when funds are Required by the government of the day, that your government, considers you an easy to access willing milk cow. And history has shown, if they need to, they'll slaughter and use you as a beef cow! You can't let yourself be a keen milk cow or a sitting duck.

A subtle type of debt restructuring, takes the form of financial repression. Financial repression, includes directed lending to government by captive domestic audiences, (such as pension funds), explicit or implicit caps on interest rates, regulation of cross-border capital movements, and (generally) a tighter connection between government and banks. And it means in the above statement, that you may not have a choice if regulation of cross-border capital movements controls are instituted.

Bankrupt government promises are often dangerously misplaced. Which means, that well informed people with money, should NEVER loan their wealth to governments in the form of unsecured, floating capital. Of course, government can always renege.

Money represents your life; your ambitions; your labour; your enthusiasm; your energy and your time: the days, the weeks, the months, the years it takes you to earn it, and all the dreams and things you hope to do with it. In short, money is like your rechargeable power pack, that you carry on your back.

When it comes to retirement, Its rather like stored future quality of life.

High taxation, possible government fraud and corruption, inflation, and artificially low interest rates, are therefore similar to a hungry leach, tapped directly into your vein, continuously sucking the survival life right out of you.

Of course, you can diversify your investments and take actions to minimise your taxes. However, that alone, is not enough, if the purchasing power, and the after-tax returns on your investment portfolio, does not keep in phase with the real rate of inflation. The problem will only be compounded, as politicians the world over look for more ways to tax or otherwise extract your stored purchasing power.

Investment income and retirement savings, will be a juicy target. As the "Retirees" orange gets squeezed dry, expect ingenious new tax rules for access to retirement funds! This is a particularly worrying and unpleasant reality for retirees, who daily see how taxation, inflation and other factors, that erode the purchasing power and the value of their retirement savings.

The sooner one realises, that the scene on the financial and retirement planning, has changed, the better the chances of successful future money-related quality of life! As we already know, governments don't generate work! But at most, and particularly at the small business and macro-level, the government is mostly here to screw up your life, opportunities and finances. Business does business best. Small business does business even better. Because it wants to survive! If you let business thrive, you'll get more taxes and jobs.

Is the possible stifling handbrake Too much red tape?

As previously mentioned, if you want government to succeed, its a matter of refocusing, of national focus, a stronger partnership between government and industry, working toward that focus and investing heavily behind it. With the shrinking world, the reality, is that local competition is extinct, it simply doesn't exist anymore. That's because of the mobility of Ideas and labour. If there's a better and cheaper idea and technology anywhere in the world, it will come to your market and compete against you.

Still, there are always investment opportunities ahead. An informed and moderately citizens and self-survival concerned, government, will create government investment policies, and opportunities, that are coming down the Track! That will include various aspects of possible scarce services and commodities. Such as accommodation, education, essential medical medication and equipment, energy, food, fuel, healthcare, safety and security, transport, tourism water and various essential precious metals.

The often awesome power of self-centred government, to manipulate, stifle, regulate subsidise or suppress expertise, knowledge and ideas, is the spanner in the works, that slows those gears down, or even keeps them from turning at all.

Where do governments get the necessary funding?

Governments get that money from the future stream of business and other taxes. As you well know, the old standby, the low-hanging fruits of the retirees milk cows, are always at hand. To eagerly to help supplement Government's income with the taxes on their Retirement Savings! It has a certain unpleasant smell about it! It also lacks a certain element of morality, don't you agree?

Many recent, very alarming examples, around the world, show that a variety of various capital controls, can and will be used by cash-strapped governments. Will you be Financially and Investment-wise, be ready and protected, if and when the next economic tsunami hits? Internationalisation is essential and prudent, because it frees you from absolute dependence on any one country. Obtain that liberating choice of freedom, and it becomes very difficult for any country to control you!

Although it is important to diversify Financial, Investment and political risk, it is even more important for people who live under a government, that is sinking deeper into fiscal trouble! Get some money out of the country you live in, while it's still legal. Spreading your political risk, beyond one jurisdiction, is the single most important financial crisis survival step, you can take today. You might even be motivated, by the value of some form of international residential jurisdictional arbitrage.

Having all your delicate, survival Investment eggs in one basket, only makes it easier for someone to grab, and even destroy them all. Maybe, converting them into scrambled eggs! Internationalising your assets, makes it much harder for any particular government, to control you, or your acquired assets!

You must surely be aware of the international avalanche of new asset and personal mobility restricting laws, taxes, and regulations, that have recently passed, or are in the process of being passed!

Fortunately, it's never too late, to take protective action to safeguard yourself from an financially out-of-control top heavy government! Just do your due diligence and research, and you will learn, that there are many practical and easy strategies, you can implement without ever leaving your home. Soon you will find a comprehensive road map on the best ways to diversify internationally from a number of experienced experts.

Your options include, to buy some nice real estate, in a country and place you'd like to live, and with foreseeable increased resale value, when the next economic recovery kicks in. Selling and buying real estate: remember this little quote when dealing with real estate agents: "Be my guest; once you have done the rounds, come back and we can talk; however, the price will be much higher or lower. Remember, as buyers, we have the cash in hand, no wasted time or frustrations." Of course, you dream, and envision your own children, growing up in a country full of employment opportunity, peace, and safety.

Politics, and politicians, are very fluid! Therefore, you have to take steps, as a responsible and safety concerned parent, to prepare them for the possible relocation alternative. This concern weighs very heavily on your mind, particularly, when it comes to the future of your children and grandchildren.

Every generation, inherits the struggles, trying to predict, what life will be like for its heirs down the track! Some, in your present country, cannot see, or will not be persuaded, that there is any looming danger; others, politically short-sighted, insist they can help improve things right here.

Seeking to avoid tax is not necessarily a sound investment basis for decision-making. While individuals should be aware of the tax implications of their actions, the first objective should always be to make fundamentally sound investment decisions. Remember, you are the driver in the seat of your future! You are the one really concerned person that has the insight and vision, to understand what's possibly financially and politically ahead.

Diversify! Establish your international overseas accounts, and begin transferring funds. If the anticipated emergency does ultimately hit, it would be very nice to have invested in overseas real estate, preferably a house or apartment, where you and your family, could live, if you had to make a quick move. In the meantime, while the value is increasing, it can either be rented out, or it can be a family holiday home.

However, internationalisation, is a series, of sometimes daunting internationalising actions! This means one or several countries for banking, another for citizenship, another for residence, etc.

The one action that involves the whole family, is, of course, the choice of the new country for residence. However, if you remain passive, if you do nothing, your children may one day become your most severe critics, saying, surely, you knew and saw, what was going to happen. Why did you not internationalise? Set up some security, or something, in another country, when it was still legal and possible? Now it's too late!

Our other friend, uncertainty, is always lurking in the wings! Demanding that we must all make our personal survival choices. But possibly the most tragic choice, If you read the mounting signs, that your country is in financial and political decline, become proactive; take a positive step and create a foreign alternative. Internationalisation is a sound choice! This might open the doors to increased opportunity, a freer and safer life.

There will always be "valid" reasons, to delay, to procrastinate, to put off any decision, especially the important big life-style altering ones. If you are really concerned about your family's future safety and prosperity, there is no time like the present to start getting actively involved. You obviously want to eliminate, and minimise, the worry of long-term financial and political security, for your family right now.

Yet another, and possible additional avenue of securing your family's financial future, is to take advantage of the internationally available facilities of buying and holding various Precious metals; such as Gold, Silver, platinum, palladium and so on! There is the idea, that Gold and Silver Can Ensure Your Children and Grandchildren Start Life on a Strong AND Safe financial Footing. There is also the view, that gold and silver, as the appropriate part of your investment, can be viewed as reliable ways, to secure wealth today, for the greatest possible chance of building wealth for the future! Nevertheless, although precious metals are sometimes regarded as a safety hedge in turbulent time, these investments require considerable investigation, insight and a thorough research and taking into account prevailing expert's views!

Everybody has their own very personal reasons for expatriating, but here are some of the benefits: Freedom from your government's financial social do good Wars on Solvency. Including State sponsored financially crippling dependency. The real key to getting great things done for the nation, is to stop doing so many politically expedient good things.

A democracy in action, will continue to exist, until the time that voters discover, once more, that they can vote themselves generous gifts and pay-offs from the public treasury. It is only natural, that from that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates, who promise the most benefits from the public treasury. With the result, that every democracy, will finally implode, due to loose and irresponsible fiscal policy, which is almost always followed by a dictatorship.

With the advent of collectivism, the innovators, entrepreneurs and visionaries, who are responsible for creating wealth, jobs, and production, prefer to rather relocate to contribute their expertise, skills and capital, to investment friendly jurisdictions. Everybody has their own very personal reasons for expatriating. Remaining where they are, they realise that governmental largess will soon be the very heavy saddle on their productive backs!

Those who want to prosper, must do so in a skills, work and investment friendly jurisdiction. It is a historical fact that, once a majority, in a country, is on the government hand-out list, the minority that seeks a return to a free market, cannot achieve it through the electoral process. If you stay where you are, you will soon learn that Your biggest financial security problem, is the eager authorities, who are keen to confiscate your wealth. To boost their political standing, they are keen to redistribute it to those who have not exercised as much financial discipline, as you did.

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Chapter 165:

What Are The Options? Will There Be Riots?

Will There Be Revolution?

Again, it pays dividends to look back in history! After the French Revolution, social transformations, did not occur by violent revolutions, but rather by sound thinking. The lesson to be learned, is that collectivism, is a chronic, self-renewing disease, for which there is no known antidote. As much as collectivists hate and decry the free-market system, and entrepreneurs, it is the fattening host upon which the collectivist parasite thrives and lives. As long as those enthusiasts, steadfast innovators, and entrepreneurs who create wealth, jobs, and production remain in a country, that has caught the chronic collectivist disease, they provide the necessary lifeblood transfusion to the collectivist system. They provide security; ensure that it can continue.

The fallacy amongst patriots, free-marketers and various folks who cannot relocate, is there hope that, Maybe it will get better or turn around. Maybe, even, will the masses wake up. Look back: historically, this has not been the case. What to do, if the ventriloquist government of the day, is corrupt? Its various institutions are equally corrupt?

You must turn on yourself for survival. However, keep in mind, that it is often said, that to make good money, requires a system much amenable to greasing of the upturned palms – meaning tainted with compounding galloping corruption in forceful action!

Too many citizens, want the progress of civilisation and democracy, at a ethical and moral discount. The politicians promise much, take even more, and deliver little. Nevertheless, fortunately, there are success stories.

The Cubans, who headed for Miami in 1959. The Jamaicans who exited Jamaica after independence in 1962. The Jews who exited Nazi Germany prior to 1939.

Reflect on history, even looking at present-day trends, large scale migration of both skills, equity and people, is on the go!

All these determined folks, have left and established a record of success, whilst their home countries went south. They have done so, not by remaining in the corrupt and dying country, but by exiting and starting over elsewhere. The best you and your family, should do, is to stay up to date and well informed. In that way, you can protect your family, your assets and yourself in the best way possible, and even profit from the situation.

THE world is shrinking. The world is your oyster, and there are very attractive jurisdictions, extending a keen and generous hand to the innovators, and entrepreneurs that are cause for optimism. The international Citizen, and entrepreneur, is somebody who believes, and feels, that they have no economic security, or personal safety net underneath them, in their original country.

The first step toward success, is taken, when you refuse to be "a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself. Mark Caine.

As British Pm Maggie Thatcher said, The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

At this critical stage, the financially destitute government, can no longer deliver on its abundant promises of largesse. But, the gullible recipients, have come to believe that they truly are entitled to the largesse, that it is rightfully their money, and either the government, or the very greedy rich, are withholding their entitlement! This may well be a socialist revolution at the capitalist stage.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. George Bernard Shaw.

Why are some of those nations, that were once so progressive and well-informed, deteriorating together? Apparently, the answer lies in the little-understood historical fact that, fortunately, every nation has a "deteriorate-by" or shelf life. The nation, motivated under a good and honest leader, begins its rise, maybe after a severe political upheaval, with determination and a strong work ethic. It opens the doors, for entrepreneur, foreign investors, then rises to a level of productivity, which in turn creates social upliftment and all-round prosperity.

This abundance leads the frequently gullible population to become easy prey to empty voat-seeking political claims. For example, that largesse from the state can enrich all. State-fed largesse mostly results in complacency, which then turns into apathy. Folks at ground level, begin to notice gradual infrastructure and social deterioration, as well as declining personal safety.

As is so often the case, the very people who are the leading job creators, see the writing on the wall and begin to relocate both their skills and wealth to more friendly and welcoming countries and jurisdictions. Civil society becomes disillusioned; gets disgruntled; begins to fragment and a turning point is reached! And then, after a nation has reached its peak, and a majority of the people have traded in their good work ethic for the new top-down culture of corruption; and the masses no longer see a future, and the undeliverable promise of ever-increasing governmental largesse, the terminal slippery sloap of decline is set in stone.

When this has taken place, it's not only the work ethic that's in a terminal decline. The nation heads inexorably downward in many other ways.

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Chapter 166:

How To See The Red Light Of Looming Possible Danger!

First, look at history. And study the evolution of many of the nations and empires of the past. Next, take note of the very informative patterns that power-addicted political leaders repeatedly follow. Then, examine what stage a given country has presently reached in its good or bad evolution. Now have a close look at project promises and future events. This is based on past promises, that has not yet transpired in the present pattern.

This ever-changing kaleidoscope process, is particularly useful in predicting future political events. Always remember that politics is the second oldest profession – only with much looser and very convenient flexible morals.

Maybe, your government's officials, have loaded an inconceivably large future debt burden on the backs of their subjects and their subjects children. The one truly meaningful act you can take, as an individual, is to opt out. Unload the government's growing debt burden off your back. Start building an internationally diversified and secure fallback position.

Most sensible people have a variety of insurance policies, such as a car, fire, health, and life insurance. You obviously hope that you will never have to use these insurance policies, but, for financial security, and ease of mind, you have them anyway. Similarly, there is much that commends international safety and insurance. This should be in the form of internationalising. Every sensible person, should have some of their money and assets, invested outside their own country, and outside their own currency. No matter how positive, safe and secure things seem to be in your home country, something could go very wrong. You may have been thinking of this for a long time, realising that you really need to park some of your equity and savings in a foreign bank somewhere.

The first one, is International diversification. Not having all your actively trading capital, in a single investment, allows you to spread your risk between other investments, with low correlation, meaning if one of your positions move down, another one should be moving up in your favour. (Again, the "See-Saw" effect – maybe, lessons learned the hard, and, even maybe, the painful way, as a Risk-dismissing young person!) International diversification will give you an added margin of safety, too, not only from a market downturn, but also from inflation. If you are alarmed, by the growing real threat by your own government to your financial safety, security, and personal freedom, it's time to take the necessary active protection steps! You can Daily continue to push the heavy wheelbarrow! Or you can decide to take responsibility for your Health and Finances, or be the servant of some "Expert" for the rest of your life!

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Chapter 167:

Who Are The Various Predators Who Might Descend

On Your Fortunes, Once You Have Passed Away!

There Are many aspects that fall within the scope of protecting you and your family from the various predators that might descend on your fortunes, once you have passed away!

FOR you, this includes the very responsible ability to ensure, that your generated wealth has access to international and global markets! Financial uncertainty, certainly, is not something that should come into play when establishing a long-term wealth program! This includes locating some of your assets to the necessary Jurisdiction for the safety of your insured Portfolio.

The types of currency. There are only two main types of currency: commodity and fiat. A commodity currency, is one which has an intrinsic value. One of the oldest and the most obvious example being gold, although in theory, other metals or commodities could be used. A fiat currency on the other hand, is one without value. Our paper notes today are really only colourful pieces of paper. They are only worth what the government of the day allocates to them! In bygone days, fiat currency was exchangeable for a commodity.

To use the American currency as an example: it was, technically at least, possible to exchange US dollar bills for an amount of gold. This all changed in 1971 when President Nixon took the US off the gold standard. Suddenly, the fiat currency was no longer backed by gold. It is a pure fiat currency, and the government is free to print as much of it as it Likes!

As the fiat currency itself is worthless, the entire financial system is reliant upon folk's having continued faith in the value of the currency. For many concerned and thinking people, a Very scary thought!

Now, this strikes you once more. That People who take Risks Change the World. Sometimes, the unexpected crisis, is a good opportunity for change.

The tantalising message on the screen now is very prominent: "What do you do to live your dream?"

The self-enriching work of political art, is called galloping corruption, because it decomposes the trust and fabric of society. All aspiring entrepreneurs are aware about how government meddling makes the problem worse.

Just pay a visit to the International Museum of corruption. Still so true: the less government is involved, the faster a market will recover.

Once in power, The New Government Officials, frequently have the irresistible strong genetic urge, to become more powerful and over bureaucratic.

Is it easy to replace a top-heavy overly bureaucratic government? It depends on the informed and proactive citizens! However, often these are traditional tribal voters! Will the catastrophe influence them during the next election? Of course not; they have very short political loyalty memories!

To have a successful, citizens quality of life enhancing government, you need clever people, not average or stupid ones. But whether we like it or not, one must remember that local and international politics are a very important part of the investing formula. Left to the government, mostly, it will foster a self-reinforcing cycle of more government, leading to market failures, leading to even more government. Time and history will tell, if this vicious cycle of: more government market failure, and even more government market failure, can be stopped.

Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavours to live at the expense of everybody else. Frederic Bastian, French economist (1801-1850

In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. Voltaire (1764)

Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University.

Never confuse your investments or financial livelihood, with your morals and feelings. It's a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

Governments don't create work! At best, they create hope! However, for a fortunate few insiders, they create extreme wealth! Fortunately, however, their wealth also must be redistributed by them and their families – spending lavishly on very expensive items, including the show-piece cars!!

With corruption at Government level, it's not what the rich did Not get! Rather, it's the monies used for corrupt theft ventures, that should have provided services for the poor!

That rather sounds like politically engineered penury.

"We're from the government, and we're here to help! Since you obviously don't really know what's good for you, we'll do it for you."

Remember the golden rule: He, who has the gold, makes the rules! The government works for us. They should be responsible and do their job.

No government, however corrupt, will be in power forever. The citizenry are not as stupid as you think they are. We know you sit around laughing about how much you get away with. We will either take you down, either at the polls or if it comes down to the end of our patience by revolution.

Careless, wasteful and wanton government is a thing of the past. The days of thin propaganda and idealised struggle are over. The people put you in power – they will take you out of it. You might say: "Every country has its problems." However, I chose to live here, because the politicians and people have such a healthy disregard for the law!

Two important sentiments, inherent in political power, that never fail to produce demoralisation in some of the citizens; are: contempt for the uninformed and uneducated masses, and the overestimation of one's own perceived merits. Uncontrolled Power Still Corrupts the Best.

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson.

Responsible people, with status and high profile voices, should use their status and those high profile voices, to combat evil! For every million echoes, there is one responsible voice. Well nurtured corruption, often referred to as sideways self-enriching corruption and drift, is a far better term. Because it implies that things start off small and unnoticed, and you might not feel the need or urgency, to worry about it. If you are a concerned citizen, you should be worried. Because the frequently watered and nurtured small seed of corruption, is very important.

In the enthusiastic and keen hands of the right high-up greedy people, the small corruptions, soon become bigger fully fledged, very powerful and persuasive corruptions!

Imagine a political world, in which important people told lies as a matter of culture and principle, where lying is regarded as a beneficial, lucrative, good and the moral thing to do. In such a sad world, lying has already ceased to have any valid moral meaning.

How do you fix already institutionalised galloping, very lucrative and flourishing corruption? Particularly, when the example comes from the very top.

The correct example has to be set from the top, of the organisation, company and even the country!

If the persons in the organisation, company or country, note that the example is not vigourously being set from the very top, then it is ridiculous to expect that the people below will set the example.

If you are running a big business, let alone a country, you have to know what is right and wrong. You just need to know the right thing to do, and the wrong thing not to do.

To be a good leader, you must be prepared and coached!

If you think inflated, outrageous salaries, big very expensive German cars, paid for first-class travel and state housing, are the reasons to aspire to leadership, you are in the wrong line of adventure!

What you urgently need, is a way to get the things done, that you planned to do. This must be in a time and frustration saving manner.

Plan ahead. Diversify your risks internationally; including both your financial and political risks. And, where possible, don't forget obtaining a Second Passport!

Even in politics, you only get back in proportion to what you invest. A good democratic government system, is one that incentivises action, unleashes human potential, and encourages work and enterprise. Just look at history, to note that there is overwhelming evidence, that socialist orders cause economic destruction. Those politicians, who swim against the democratic and market tide, never get to control outcomes in the way they had hoped for. Cracks and damage in their vision, soon appear.

Again, reflecting on history, its folly, to assume nationalisation can never happen in your home country. If it happens, are you prepared? If you have all your savings denominated in one currency, the answer is no.

Are you and your family, your skills and your assets trapped in a captive, single jurisdiction?

Now, more than ever, it's vitally important that you protect your hard-earned assets against possible excessive taxation and regulations. Internationalising both your person and your assets, might seem to be a serious matter. This demands investigating what's available, to assist you and get you on the best possible and correct way. Again, cross-check with various reputable consultants that deal with the matters pertaining to the subject of Internationalising! To gain financial and personal security and freedom, you need to understand all the options that are available. You also need to know how best to make them work for you and your family. You need to be armed with up to date and accurate information. You further, must have a sound strategy in place to implement your decisions!

You also need to be in-the-know about the right places to move your assets... And, as always, you need the right people to assist you. Of course, you increase your odds of being in the right place, at the right time, by being receptive and being in the right place all the time.

Reflecting on history, it shows us that it's often standard operating procedure, for a government in dire financial straits, to pick the low-hanging fruits of the retirees!

And, as the past has shown, retirement savings, are a juicy target of low-hanging fruit for a financially desperate government. Of course, there could always be some sort of new, Government-backed creative proposal, that was previously unthinkable. No matter the draconian method, however, the financially painful end result, is always the same – "the systematic and persistent siphoning off of purchasing power from your essential retirement savings.

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Chapter 168:

New Government Contribution Mandate

Frequently, the government in power, have wide spread legislative powers. It can easily intrude on your assets! For example, it could mandate, that a large percent of new contributions, to private retirement accounts, must consist of "safe," government-approved investments.

Other possible avenues of getting at the retiree's assets, include: Forced Conversions: This is where the government of the day, will forcibly convert your existing assets, held in retirement accounts into so-called "safer" government assets. Special Taxes: The government could look into levying special prohibitive taxes on distributions from retirement funds. There are many more possible and innovative avenues of applying special prohibitive asset movement taxes!

Warning: the recent handwriting isn't just on the memory wall, it's all over the world. Cast back the memory to: Argentina, Greece, Italy, Spain, Venezuela... and most of Europe.

Every day we hear about mounting capital controls, people controls and oppressive regulations. Forget not the worldwide electronic surveillance of everyone.

The Governments of the day, may lose control. The rapidly growing Internet knowledge expansion, enables more people to become more politically aware of various disparities. They are focusing on access to health care, housing, education, water, and human rights. Everyone is becoming more aware of the corrosive and value-destroying cost of manipulative governments.

By shouting the safety and security word often enough, they hope to turn it into a reality.

Take a quick, direction indicating mental assessment of your life. How much of your assets, income, your investment portfolio, insurance, your retirement plan is priced in your local currency? The barometer indicates pretty close to 100 percent. There is a move afoot, to sidestep one of the major international currencies. If your local currency diminishes in value; or demand for your local currency evaporates, your lifestyle will absolutely be under threat.

You have one, and only one choice: Get some of your wealth out the currency you perceive to be a threat for your future wealth! This is a very important wake-up call. Internationalisation of your investments, is your ultimate insurance against the measures of a financially desperate government. If the government, keenly reaches out to your retirement savings, it's infinitely better to be a year or two early, rather than a minute too late.

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! Pericles (430 B.C.)

One cannot over emphasise the protective value of Internationalising Your Retirement Savings! It's much more difficult for the Government of the day, to convert your low hanging and juicy retirement assets, if they are beyond its immediate reach.

The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. Ronald Reagan

Do your research! Consult with a few financial and investment experts to learn more about the possible avenues of internationalising your assets: A few examples include:

Investing in foreign real estate, opening an offshore bank or brokerage account, owning certain types of physical gold, palladium, platinum, silver, stored abroad, and investing in other foreign and non-traditional portable assets. If and when, there's some sort of decree to convert or otherwise confiscate the assets in your local retirement account, your internationalised assets will ensure that your savings won't vanish, at the press of a button or the stroke of a very expensive status pen. Obviously, as always, there are important legal and other details, and a couple of restrictions that you will need to take into account and to be aware of, but they amount to minor issues, especially when weighed against the possible fatal risk, of leaving your retirement savings within the immediate reach of a government very, very, desperate for cash. Never forget! After placing a juicy steak, in the reach of a hungry and salivating German shepherd, it's only a matter of time before he makes a grab for it. Always be aware that your present debt loaded government, is the very, very hungry and salivating German shepherd, and your retirement savings are the juicy steak.

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. Thomas Jefferson.

Most people have at least a basic variety of contingency insurance policies. This includes health and life insurance. Fire and car insurance. You hope that you will never have to use these insurance policies, but, for the unexpected event or catastrophe, you have them anyway. I feel the same way about internationalising, but I call it insurance. Everybody should be safety diversified! Have some of their assets, intellectual assets, and money invested outside of their own country, outside of their own currency. No matter how positive things are in your home country, something could go wrong. It is so very important, I repeat: Everybody should have some of their money and assets, invested outside of their own political system, their country, outside of their own currency. No matter how positive things seem, or are, in your home country, something could still go very, very wrong.

Politically and financially, things are very unstable. The really fragile time in a democracy, is the time when the election results come out and the time when the new government takes over. It's reported, that the well-informed, Rich Global Elites, Are buying Safe International Properties. More and more well-informed high-net-worth individuals want a choice. They look for, and want a safe haven or legacy asset, they can rely on should things go very wrong in their present country of residence. Unfortunately, most stay in the same place people, leave without a legacy ripple.

Why then, are the world's well-informed and wealthiest folks, buying safety, and getaway properties faraway from everyday citizens? They look at, and investigate, the Global Retirement Asset Shortfall Fear Index. They believe that the catastrophic coming financial avalanche and tsunami is inevitable. They call these refuses and "safe havens" "bolt-holes". These are safe places, where a wealthy person can escape and hide. It's interesting to note that, on the so-called Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the fourth safest country in the world, after Austria, Denmark and Iceland.

Many people are a little international risk diversification reluctant! For most people, particularly if they have not travelled abroad, it's threatening, and very tough to leave their safe haven. However, once they realise, that they have a variety of insurance, they soon look on investing abroad as another kind of back-up safety and quality of life insurance.

Every year, almost without exception, there is an X factor, an unforeseen event or situation, that blows all our carefully laid financial budgets and forecasts away. This manifests itself in the form of additional health expenses; accommodation maintenance; transport costs and maintenance; education and many other forms, particular to your mode of living!

That is why, it's very critical, when drawing up your annual budget, to include a contingency financial survival buffer.

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Chapter 169:

Have Financial Buffers In Place

Smart investors spread their investment risks. They buy time to help them ride through the ups and downs of the investment cycle. After all, one thing that is certain about the times ahead, is that there will be uncertainty. Savvy investors will protect themselves by having financial buffers in place to see themselves through the difficult times.

What you need, is advanced "if then" contingency planning. This particular form of Advanced planning, is the door to a really powerful entrance to help you achieve any of your goals. Smart, normally enthusiastic hard-working people, who desperately want to quit the 9-to-5 routine, and start their own business or venture, fail to do so, because they can't replace "the threat of failure," with the vision of success!

Just look around yourself, and you will soon notice, the huge number of folks, who are impoverished by galloping fear!

Become proactive! Get actively involved! Do something, do something to make your dreams possible. Do anything. Otherwise, that precious and valuable commodity called Time, or Today is gone. Once tomorrow and it's challenges comes, today is lost forever. Today is the most precious asset you own.

Don't forget the invaluable assets of association, experience and expertise, inside your personal and most precious vault. What's that? It's the inimitable human currency, that results from harvesting both Health and Money Self-Empowerment!

Do you know What you are really worth? It's a common enough question, but one that seldom gets the necessary important attention. More often that not, the answer will take the form of a money sign, followed by a suitable number of impressive zero's. There may be value locked up in your business; your home; you may have some investments or cash somewhere. Are you really only worth that number following a currency sign? Of course not. For one thing, the value of any currency, can, and does, frequently fluctuate and change overnight. And, if influential and powerful central bankers, around the world have their way, you may soon be worth a lot less, at least valued in the currency they seem to be able to manipulate or influence.

You have collected a great number of "pleasant" and insightful memories and experiences. Consider, for example, your own wealth of professional experience and expertise, you have gained in the past.

Of course, don't forget the unquantifiable value of your personal associations, relationships and education. The priceless tag on your professional net knowledge. The value of the books you've read, music you enjoyed, plays you've seen, trips you've undertaken.

What do you think is the price you would be willing to put on your collected, experience-exposed memory vault? Overflowing, as it does, with personal experiences, both good and bad, with life lessons and triumphs, failures and heartaches?

There is no central banker or economist in the world, that could possibly dream up a successful formula or currency to measure your real worth. And how really fortunate we are!

The lessons and ventures of our life, and the experiences that colour and influence them, come together in our mind to form a kind of value currency, that is uniquely human: wisdom.

In the words of the great Marcel Proust, "We do not receive wisdom; we discover it for ourselves by a voyage that no one can take for us, a voyage that no one can spare us."

For many, including the largely reclusive French novelist, that voyage of discovery begins and ends rather close to home.

However, for the curious, "location unglued," there is nothing quite as valuable as the new perspective won through extensive international travel to new and wondrous lands. The lessons of our travel life, and the experiences, sounds and pictures, that colour them, come together in our mind to form a kind of currency that is uniquely human: that brings wisdom and insight.

Every exciting foreign culture sheds new light on our own. Every new sound, taste, smell, custom and under-foot terrain, gives new and broader meaning to the life familiar. And every new travel and encounter adventure, diminishes any prejudices; teaches us a little more about all that we thought we knew, both about others and, perhaps most importantly, about ourselves.

Going on holiday, one goes not so much to see, but to recollect and to enjoy telling afterward. What's more, if you are observant, enquiring, and if you're not careful, the adventures you take abroad may even end up yielding monetary rewards. One always has a "wish" list of things to be done or services to be improved!

Often, one of the frustrations, while on a conducted tour, is paying less attention to the tour guide's commentary while one is focusing on taking pictures, making a digital recording, etc. (A while ago, we had the good fortune to use the services of a very well known international travel company. Knowing that any company should value the constructive feed-back about the services rendered, I contacted the company in question, several times. Sadly no reaction from their headquarters, to whom the proposals were forwarded.)

"Today I had the fortune to have one of my patients, a dynamic and enthusiastic young man, tell me what his job is on one of the ocean liner travel companies – with 17 ships – about a suggestion that I proposed some time ago. Of course, the information he gave me enticed me to seriously consider a ocean-going vacation, using the service the company provides to record, in a professional way, the points of interest visited during the voyage.)

The time and frustration saving solution: have a professionally made cd, costing a reasonable price, available for the folks, who go on your tours. Going abroad and hiring a self-drive car, takes the delight of the visit quite out of range. Instead, use the expertise and most helpful services of a company, to create a most memorable and again to be repeated experience – using the same company. The idea, as I have learned from my Freelance patient, is that the option of such a service being available, is put to the tourist on board, at the onset of the trip. Those who want to take advantage of the service, simply register their intention with the required person on board. And, Presto ... all is done professionally – no time and focusing being lost with handling cameras, making digital recordings, taking notes and thus loosing much of what is being pointed out or told!!!

The moral of this little incident: If the company involved, does not have the time or courtesy, to even answer their customer's feedback, immediately drop them!!! They really don't care about you; don't need your business; and are on their downward slide.

I don't believe in complaining! Rather, one should give constructive feedback, about a possible remedy for the problem! As always, don't worry about what other people think! After all, you are the boss, who's in charge of your own affairs. Just keep on acquiring, and investing, in skills that will improve your future! Too many people enthusiastically invest in the "Right" wrong things, and then pay for it later in their life and career!

The price of success and progress, is risk. Don't waste your valuable time worrying! Most terrible things and disasters you fear will happen, never do. They are just haunting and threatening monsters in your mind. And if they actually do happen, then they will most likely not be on schedule or of the magnitude that you expected!

Ask yourself: What's the worst that can happen? What's the best possible outcome? How can I be proactive and influence the best possible outcome? Valuable time spent worrying, is time that could be spent researching and identifying opportunities and taking action.

"Please do yourself a favour. Sit back and review how you can best utilise your Un-occupied capacity?" The enthusiast, the diligent investigator, the entrepreneur with a vision, The man or woman who makes the best of things, almost never gets the worst of things.

You gently squeeze her hand when you hear a self-assured gentle female's voice saying: "Become educated in health matters, financial matters, and security. Which means, feeling confident about yourself, your ability, your job as well as feeling confident about your ability to invest in both good and bad times."

"It's odd", your wife says, "things are very volatile; it's up and down; yet, change means wealth is being transferred to those who are informed, ready and prepared to take care of it!"

You smile. In fact, you step back. All your past successful efforts suddenly get into focus.

The display continues with: If you have a negative mindset, poor money management skills, then all the money in the world will not save you.

Financial and investment ignorance and blindness, is when people cannot read and evaluate the important and relevant numbers; so they must rely on someone else's opinion. Those who are Health, Financial And political ignorant, will never know that they are being abused. What's much worse, they don't know that they don't know.

"Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered. Those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win." Zhuge Liang.

Financial and investment restrictive insanity is caused when prevailing popular opinions are used as facts.

Here's something rather interesting. Don't invest only in possible growth. Often, the path to growth, demands a temporary surrender of security. Also invest in quality of Life enhancing health and work-potential revitalising facilities. Such as a holiday, and the odd weekend away from both your work and present accommodation.

You need to have a place; an occasion; where you can simply recharge your power unit; you need time to think, time to be creative, time to let lateral thoughts come together and let them solve the nagging problems! Yes! It's quite true! To become an exceptional investor, you will need to free up, and redirect, some valuable time in your life. You might even need to stop watching Your favourite TV programs or reading the Newspaper.

However, as you give up something, you will free up valuable time to take up something else. This should include some physical activity; sport; social gathering and so on!

This is So very important: Don't forget to Take Care Of Yourself! Working long hours, and successfully running a business or professional practice, can certainly take toll on your well being. Replenish your "Fuel Tank," and set time aside for Physical And Mental Self Care. You will work much better, and more rewarding, when you are feeling good and take regular breaks to keep yourself healthy, fit and relaxed.

You should also harvest background information on a wider basis, by regularly doing extracurricular reading. This should include at least 3 reputable long-standing Investment and Finance subscribed to newsletters! Why? In this way, you will have at your disposal, a cross-reference source of information about current investment ideas and trends. You will also soon learn more about the fields of investment, in which you are particularly interested. Also, the advantage usually is that you can subscribe for a relatively low cost; have maybe 30 or 40 days to review what you have received!

Yet another advantage, is the fact that you will soon get to know the various commentators and their track record. When you are a free-lance investor, you study not the investment news letter of one, but of dozens of "experts". You are not confined to one category of investments!

Your investment and money-management repertoire, daily becomes much broader. Investment experts of all investment and money-management schools, pass through your hands and leave their valuable experience and expertise imprint on your mind.

However, I have noted that in some cases, I subscribed to a particular investment news letter, at a relatively low enticing price. Nevertheless, quite soon down the information reception tract, I am bombarded by the same company to subscribe to yet another, much better, news letter! Always be on your guard – obviously, these letter writers, too, must make a living! Nothing wrong with that.

Yet another time-robbing feature of some investment newsletters, is the on-line placing of videos for you to watch. These videos can draw on and on – often backed by a rather dull voice information dispensing person! Why don't they charge a higher price in the first place, and just get on with the provision of the promised money making concepts and ideas?

However, remember that markets always offer attractive bargain-basement opportunities, as highlighted by longstanding, reputable information news letter publishers. Usually, one is in good hands, when travelings through markets with international news letter managers, with longstanding insight and expertise. As always, do the necessary cross-reference related to a particular Investment News letter editor, and the stock or investment you wish to make. Always be on the lookout for signs that say: Welcome to Theaftville! Welcome to Corruption Vale. Welcome to Fraud State!

Again, you must simply remember, that this is a fictional mind-opening information book. Investors are always reminded, that before making any investment, you should do your own proper due diligence, on any investment ideas, or name directly or indirectly mentioned in this book.

Investors should also consider seeking advice from a registered broker or registered financial adviser, before making any investment decisions. Any material in this book, should be considered as general guide-lines and information only, and not relied on as a formal investment recommendation.

Don't forget the value of becoming acquainted with the "International Language Of Finance And Investment!" This is a very, very, very important aspect of your vocabulary that you will find extremely valuable!

It's a good idea to subscribe to a few International Investment Emails, at least initially. If, within the prescribed time slot, you are not happy, the news letter in question, most editors will refund your subscription.

However, always be very Skeptical, because stock newsletters often claim excessive and very high performance, but their actual numbers don't always stand up to scrutiny. Do your due diligence on-line to find the reputable individuals and companies that, in turn, monitor the status and performance of the authors of the various Investment News Letters!

As I have pointed out: this could be very valuable and time-saving. You will very soon learn, how many inflated yield liberties, some newsletter advertisers take with the adulterated truth. As always, when income is to be stimulated, be very skeptical of all excessive claims, period. When the economy is down, there is plenty uncertainty in both the market and the world in general, and there is no shortage of outrageous performance claims.

Look on-line, for objective confirmation from an independent Investment News Letter monitoring information source.

Apply a simple reality check to all seemingly outrageous performance claims. If you want an informed edge on every other investor, you MUST be on the inside!

Someone gently taps you on your left shoulder. You turn and see a very friendly-looking face. Somewhere, You recall, you have met! But, stretch your memory as you may, you cannot recall the circumstance! And then, suddenly, you know. It was while attending a Self-Empowerment course, a few years ago!

He whispers in a low voice: "Fortunately, early in my career, I've learned you no longer can afford to be lazy and let your money take care of itself." He continued: "I soon learned that good luck and fortune happens when opportunity intersects and meets enthusiasm and preparation." "And of course," he continued, "by cutting out those Very Important things, that are superfluous. Toss out the unnecessary growth-stunting baggage, and embrace a life style of simplicity!"

Remember that you come together with other people for expansion, growth, and not just for life.

Your wife agrees that the more informed and prepared you are, the luckier you get.

You too, have learned that, on-going Preparation needs to be in the form of knowledge and action. Knowledge Is THE KEY: turning your "Bad" situation around will not require money, but investment and financial self-empowerment. Rather focus on updated new knowledge, which will lead to new thinking, and put you on the path to better health and wealth. You can also get yourself out of the rut of your declining financial state, by Self-empowering and learning!

Remember, that Destructive Rut is "a grave with open ends." You must also know which Learning Crafts are required to attain your goals!

As you surely are already aware, reverence for the history of the past is important. It's amazing how investors never learn that history has it's cycles and repeats. The recent sharp downturn in property prices is a good example In 2006, people thought real estate prices could never go down. And now, people think property prices can never go up. The Average truth lies somewhere in between!

When buying a property, always be aware of the possibility, that the estate agent language might be slanted somewhat – even given the selling language a less than pure white appearance, by the liberal application of some truth distorting bleach.

Some phrases that should ring warning bell, include: A. We have another keen and very interested party. Antidote: Remember, there is no single man, woman, car or property that's not available. Another deal could be done. So be intimidated or afraid to walk away.

B. We have had another good offer. You really don't need a solicitor to look over the contract. Antidote: How can a real estate agent really know whether the seller's statement is accurate? Always remember, "buyer beware!" always applies to the significant financial commitment you make when purchasing any investment property. It is absolutely essential that you have any contract documents checked by your legal advisor or solicitor and conveyancer, before it becomes legally binding and unconditional that you are now locked in.

C. We do not have to include that as a special clause, the vendors will be fine with it as it stands. Antidote: If you believe that a verbal agreement is binding, think again. If you trust and believe that any special requests, you want to attach to a contract of sale, will be honoured, on the basis of a verbal say-so, there are no guarantees without a properly signed, agreed and executed contract. Always remember, irrespective of how honest the parties concerned are, "he, or they, told me so!" is not a legitimate legal argument. Omitting, or neglecting, to incorporate any and all requests into a legally binding, written agreement, is setting yourself up for a future disaster or costly event. The best way to protect yourself against the possibility of an agent from talking you into a less than desirable deal, is to always be prepared. Investigate what's going on in your particular market, and get the price of recent comparable sales.

If you feel unsure, and need experienced help, and if you are prepared to avoid possible future problems, consider using an experienced and registered buyer's agent to help translate the mystique of "agent speak." It might cost you a little more when you purchase, but it could save you a lot in the long run.

D. We belong to the same association, church, club, group, organisation or any particular party or political association. Antidote: All the containing names of these respectable affiliations, mostly have a very sound and honest containing name. However, as is always the case, when dealing with individuals, these containers may contain one or more bad apples! Walk with caution!

In today's fast-changing technical world, it's not so much what you know anymore that is important, rather, it is how fast and keen you adapt and learn.

If you and your family wish to have a money worry free retirement, and if you are not yet a self empowered long-term investor, get yourself there as fast as you can.

In the language of economics and employment, promotion focus, is all about maximising gains and avoiding possible catastrophic missed Bad opportunities. Part of the Learning Curve, must include TROUBLE prevention motivation. Once you have attended this facet of your education, you will be better prepared to keep possible danger at bay. This is a protective, and survival kind of defensive pessimism. The future danger and possible problem prevention-minded, actually work best, when they anticipate what might possibly go wrong, and what Preventive action they should take to prevent that from happening.

Start today, by identifying your focus, ultimate objectives, and then embrace that which will reduce your mounting future stress, and keep you performing at your possible best.

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Chapter 170:

The Potential Hidden Danger In Retiring Too Early

Before deciding to retire, you should calculate how much money you have saved, and see whether there is enough to cover you for the rest of your life, including paying for increasing future mounting (maybe, it should actually read mountain) medical expenses. Also, retiring too early, means that you will have a shorter time to set aside money for compounding growth, and you will therefore need to stretch your savings for much longer.

Waiting too long to save for retirement, is the worst mistake you can make. You will be looking for a Magic Number, representing the Amount of Money You Should Have Available to generate the necessary annual amount, to cover your anticipated retirement expenses. This number, is how much you need, in a retirement investment fund, to replace your active income, and pay for your expenses after you've quit your present 9-to-5 job.

Sadly, and unfortunately, many people abdicate their future important Income decisions, to someone else! They then enter their Forties and Fifties, enclosed in a very comfortable zone of money management, Financial and Investment ignorance. Rather than saving, while they were young, instead, they rather financed expensive signs of wealth. They spend their early productive years, running on the rapidly accelerating; "Must Have And Buy" treadmill!

Their self-justification: they made enough money, to easily afford the regular payments.

Instead of creating wealth, they were spending recklessly, to create the Social Status illusion of wealth. Well, sadly, as almost often happens, the economy turned and their High incomes were Severely cut.

On reflection, it is easy to recognize that those who have been generous with spending their money, and have been very reckless with their investments, and have ended up losing it, tend to dislike those frugal folks, who were not spending recklessly, and have retained their wealth. Remember, that it is a socio-economic principle, that during money hard times, those who have not been money handling responsible, will come after those who have been money-management wise. Therefore, again, diversify!

It's very important, when there is a severe political crisis in progress, to have both wealth, our family and ourselves safeguarded, in a jurisdiction, that has not been the victim of the crisis! If we procrastinate, hope for the best, wait till the crisis has taken wings, and then try to make a run for it, we'll find that the rules of the country and world that existed just a short while ago, have been rewritten.

First, the astute politicians will have taken care of their own assets. Next, the citizens will find, that currency controls have very rapidly been put in place. They will notice the financial and investment impact, with the flight of wealth from its shores.

The sad part, is that the population in general, will start saying: "We are stuck! We can only remove our wealth, by breaking the new laws and by becoming criminals!"

The interesting thing about a financial crash, is, that although literally millions of people may have lost money, those who had invested wisely, still retained their wealth.

Fortunately, some prudent individuals realised that their Money-Sucking lifestyle was unsustainable. They realised they would never be able to afford to retire, because they had accumulated, well, stress, high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer and a few other anti-social ailments as part of the "High Lifestyle" package! Not to forget the almost ever present first, second or even third divorce and its associated pain and money-sucking equipment!

A few evenings ago, we were enjoying each other's company, plus the good food, when, out of the blue, a passing middle-aged, well-looking lady, came to our table – and, congratulated us because, she said, we looked so happy! She then continued: "I'm so sorry! We would have been married 30 years! No, we cannot come to a suitable, marriage-saving agreement!"

Both of us felt such lingering compassion, empathy, even sadness, for this lady!

Look at the various ranking factors, and you will often find that divorce comes up at number one. This is very sad, really.

Many folks mention this as the costliest emotional and financial mistake of their life. Closely followed by losing money on a forced property investment. They obviously did not make a good marriage and business decision.

When you rely on emotion alone, marrying and investing, not your using your common sense, can lead to these painful mistakes down the track. In fact, they saved basically nothing! Well, other than acquiring the chronic disease of the Spending Addiction.

It is even much worse if both adults had acquired the terrible infectious "Disease" called The Spending Addiction.

For many, continuing, growing, and value-eroding debt, is not the real problem, but rather a symptom of a much larger problem. The problem is, an addiction to an important Social and self-image, and a "must impress" Capital Eroding way of life.

Until you have the courage, and the Very Important Support Of Your Wife Or Partner, to address the Real Painful Underlying problem, you cannot solve the Health and Finance Eroding symptom. Once you have taken the necessary rectifying action, you will be able, once again, to join friends, who have accumulated wealth and enjoy retirement on their own terms. Maybe it will certainly not be as lavish as you once dreamed and hoped, but you will enjoy the emancipation and absolute freedom of being debt and stress-free.

However, fortunately, it's Never too late. A lesson you learned from the wealthy, you now know that they also had the good Common Sense, to enlist the help of a Team of well Qualified And Experienced Financial, Estate And Tax advisors. They devised a plan, based on their researched annual expenses, to use as a guideline for their future budgets. That's when the advantage of a couple working together to enhance their family's quality of life, kicks in!

Of course, and this is Very, Very, Very Important! Both spouses have to be totally Dedicated and Committed. There certainly is no shame, in Downwardly adjusting your lifestyle to the New Financial and Income environment. Simply put, to survive, you have to do what you have to do!

While it may have been exciting and nice, to feel rich, during the Easy Money and Boom Times, adjusting your lifestyle downwards, and spending patterns to avoid being poor, is not shameful; quite the contrary, it shows that you are, once again in "The Driver's Seat Of Your Finances," and it certainly is prudent. Many well-adjusted and Supporting couples tell, how they Now worked together, and the process made their marriage even stronger. Did they feel ashamed? Certainly not! Now that the team has successfully turned the almost sinking Ship Around, Pride and Delight, is much more accurate.

One must always remember that pride makes some men ridiculous and foolish. But fortunately, it also prevents others from becoming so.

They feel that at last, being debt-free, is a major achievement!

The next Very Important step, is to start accumulating Long-term wealth. Instead of making "Down-the-drain" payments to creditors, you can start making those Compounding payments to yourself and prepare for the catered-for Retirement Future.

Frequently one hears that there was no serious focused Early retirement planning. These are the "Tomorrow People, The SUCCESSFULLY Progressive procrastinators!"

The Really Compelling Winning FORMULA: Budget. Budget!

It means that you and your partner, sit down and map out a goal and budget plan: Get control of your compulsive and spontaneous spending habits; delete or minimise your debt and liabilities; live well within your means and then increase your passive income stream.

To get to your anticipated annual future expenses, use your actual costs from the past year. Without it, you can't make any meaningful financial planning calculations, such as how much money you need to save for retirement. (However, keep in mind the possible impact of that almost hidden Thief Of Quality Of Living – inflation!)

How Does Inflation Affect Your Magic Number? Inflation Compacts and Shrinks the buying power of your currency. As prices go up, you can buy less with the same currency, because it has been devalued and, therefore, can only pro cure less of the goods and services that you wish to acquire!

When planning for your retirement, it is very important that you to consider the impact and effects of inflation on the value of your portfolio. (Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rise each year.)

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Chapter 171:

The Volume Of Water Entering Your Savings Dam –

And The Volume Of Water Flowing Out Of Your Savings Dam!

There's one more very important thing you must know before figuring out your Magic Retirement Number. It's the rate of return, you can expect, to get on your retirement savings.

How do you account for inflation in your Retirement Magic Number planning? One way, is by owning well-managed, Diversified International businesses that keep pace with inflation. These International Companies, raise their prices to match inflation. Again, by investing in a very Limited geographical area, and focusing on too many Similar Investments, generally does not work out too well in the long run.

Rather, pay attention to your childhood recreation park learning adventure! Look at the merits of the "See-saw" effect. Try and diversify your International Futures Trading Strategies. This is so very important: Periodically Diversify Rebalance and Re-diversify. This will give a degree of compensation, if One Investment is rising, while Another may be Trading Sideways or possibly be Going Down.

Optimal and successful diversification, requires more than just various stock picks across various sectors. Equally important, Limit your overall stock market exposure according to your age. Would you feel very safe, sitting at The Retirement Investment Table, with only One Table leg? Maybe, even two, three or four legs? What will happen if any of the table's legs give way? More likely than not, the Investment and Securities Table will Fall Over, spilling all the Good Things on The Table-Top! What a catastrophe! Again, can you Really afford Not to Diversify your Investments, both locally and Internationally?

No matter how "Diversified" you think your investments are, if they are all based in your particular country, you are not really internationally diversified. You are at the mercy of your Local markets and possible negative political events, and no sensible investor wants to be that vulnerable.

What will you do when you wake up one morning, and read the following headlines: "We're headed into another long predicted real crisis. The population, particularly the working people, are very dissatisfied and restless and the government is desperate. We've got major union Wage negotiations coming up. It wouldn't be at all surprising, to see riots, "legal" lethal shootings and massive looting! And many kinds of bankruptcy or default."

With more and more young folks and grand children, becoming International Citizens, Real estate, overseas can double as a Senior's good retirement plan. In fact, if the "New Country's" migration requirements are not too honours, today's investment can be tomorrow's stimulating retirement residence!

Of course, don't forget that real estate overseas, can be part of a legacy of wealth that you leave to your fortunate heirs!

What's the major benefit of putting your energy, time and money into the acquisition of real estate overseas? It's all about that Very Important International Political SAFETY diversification! Diversification of your portfolio, your assets, but diversification, too, of your Person, your FUTURE retirement and your legacy.

Right now, the World Is Your Stage for International Diversification! Retirement Savings Are Always Juicy Political Targets.

It's incorrect to assume nationalisation couldn't happen in your home country. If we take note, and reflect on history, it shows us that nationalisation is a standard operating procedure, for a desperate government in dire financial straits. Just recently, to the financial decrement of the population in question, it's happened in some form or another, in Argentina, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and numerous other countries. With "Desperate Governments," it's a guarantee, that eventually, they will try to unscrupulously grab as much of your retirement wealth as they can. You have worked hard, saved much, did not acquire expensive habits that you could not support during your retirement! And now, your retirement savings, are the lush low hanging fruit for a desperate government!

Just listen to the enthusiastic politicians speaking: `if you don't shake the trees, nothing will fall out of them. Now that times are hard, let's go and shake the retiree's trees."

The information screens on the inside of your E-goggles were already flashing before your eyes. Images of bankrupt world leaders, at a lavish international meeting, were on the screen. They were issuing lavish re-assuring statements, about the fine health of their economies and the advent of world peace.

"We have to get Citizens," they explained, "to work in accordance with our New World Order Growth Plan, to maximise wealth for all." What a remarkable political propaganda statement. coming from such well-dressed "highly respected leaders," how could you ignore it.)

Always be aware, that Trading with any Investment trading system, does carry risk. Risk control should never be an option, it certainly is a must! But without managing your Health, Financial and Investment risk, you have no hope of successfully winning in this industry. The objective, is to stay in the game long enough, to start seeing and enjoying gains, and allowing your invested money to compound over time for above average returns.

It is up to you, when you are creating your own particular Investment system, to try and maximise the potential of everything! That includes everything that you have learned with your Self-Empowerment investigations, that you have already done!

Finally, never assume you can work forever, because various Health and International Political and Financial circumstances, could effectively force you to retire without enough savings Of course, it's only human and very easy to get discouraged, when you reach a difficult point, at which nothing you do or touch, seems to advance you toward your goals. However, don't join the brigade of "Failure!"

At that point in your progress, it might just be the best time to celebrate instead of joining the "Failure Union!" Just reach out and grasp the next phase. Exhaustion and frustration aside, you may find that you are on the brink of a major breakthrough, if you just have the patience to stick with it and trust that you will eventually achieve your objective!

I am retired. Curiosity and time are my very good friends!

Remember, wealth is created by early in life, buying the most valuable commodity – compounding and time. A little regularly saved every month, and Happily Married to Compounding, can, in the long-term, create a fortune.

What makes the difference? Change your "stay as I am" mindset and then taking the action to become self-empowered and more knowledgeable.

When you are young, and start on a Prosperity Program, the value of Compounding Time, is on your side. Money can always come and go; but wasted time you cannot get back. At an early age, you have what's known as compound interest going steadily and persistently for you.

The very important message of money that we pass on to our children and family: is the message of More, Certainly NOT a message of LESS!

Remember, the train of Compound Growth is steadily but certainly on the move!

In life, you only get one chance to be young! Don't squander it! In life, you only get one chance to get on board the compounding train! Again, don't squander it. If you delay, the train moves on; beyond your grasp! The train moves on; you wave the golden opportunity of Compounding good bye!!

What does this mean? What must you do?

The next line you scroll to, rings a bell. It is again headed by a very compelling and important FORMULA: Budget! Again, It means that you and your partner, sit down and map out a goal and budget plan: Get control of your compulsive and spontaneous spending habits; delete or minimise your debt and liabilities; live well within your means and then increase your passive income stream.

It still remains true that money kept to yourself, is almost worth nothing!

In the budget design process, it is very important to remember that all of us are mortal; and certainly, sooner or later, will die. You recall an elderly lady telling you a very important thing: "When your partner dies, you've lost a hand, a foot. He did the thinking, I did the work. Now I've got to do both! It's very hard and difficult. In truth, when one is as badly crippled as I am, one is not a candidate for long life."

Sad but true, isn't it, that the trouble with life, is that when you get wise and old enough to know what to do, you think you are too old to do it. However, longevity alone, isn't enough, rather more important is what you do with the rest of your life. Fortunately, with the advance of the years, we learn that the art of being wise is also the art of knowing what to overlook. Always remember the Bicycle theory: if you stop peddling, you fall off, and possibly get injured! Pedalling up the hill is good, but it always is fun to coast down on the other side. However, not too fast, or it will be over much too soon.

A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong. (Francis Crick)

You can't be happy with hoarding money, unless you help other people live better, along the way. If you invest at a realistic rate of return, Calculate how much invested per month, it will take to reach your goal. Goals such as: At what age do you plan to retire and to stop working; considering the ravages of inflation, how much money will you need per month. This is so very important, it warrants repeating: Maybe, if you continue with your present underperforming savings program, Goals such as: At what age do you plan to retire, with mounting shrinkage of income, and to stop working; considering the galloping ravages of inflation, how much money will you need per month. Simply having a long-term Asset Compounding plan that grows your assets, and reduces your spiralling consumer debt, while putting away a small amount of money on a regular basis, into a selection of top international companies and mutual funds, will give you a head-start on retiring wealthy.

The advantage, of not focusing too much on what the media are "Doom saying," is that you have much less frustration and more peace of mind. By all means, know what's happening in the world. Understand the political and international backdrop in which you're investing. But keep in mind, that you must separate the valuable information from so much contaminated and useless noise, that's in the air!

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Chapter 172:

Perils For Investors About The Daily Cascade

Of Too Much Information

The more frequently we are exposed to unfiltered information about how our health and investments are performing, the greater the risk that we will be frustrated, sometimes even acquiring the new media symptoms, and be disappointed. This also increases the risk of deviating from our well-researched investment formula, and making poor short term investment decisions. One of the keys for success, is to turn down the volume on the daily financial news and find ways to filter it, without distorting your formulae for investment decisions. In fact, the daily on-going avalanche of information around investing, if not properly selected and managed, may be making us less successful, rather than better, investors.

However, as always, there are several risks. We always have to be on the lookout for personal, physical and financial threats. For many multiple media connected people, their perception of what their shares are doing, comes from daily, if not hourly, updates from the various media. And this can easily lead to a very reality distorted experience. Just note how often this avalanche of financial news, is out of context, irrelevant, and often in the bad news selling category.

The proven, traditional approach of adopting a well-researched long term international investment strategy, and sticking to it, is arguably now more important than ever. Again, if you are not prepared, or inclined, to take the seat in the driver's compartment of your investment vehicle, obtain the services of an expert, who can filter the noise from important fundamental signals. This should avoid allowing your lack of insight, to become your loss. However, don't let exaggerated macro fears, prevent you from buying great quality International businesses, and compounding your wealth with great stocks. Owning stock, in well-run and well-managed growth-oriented internationally diversified businesses, can bring tremendous benefit to you and your family.

Anyone, who is determined, can learn, if they seek to harvest the riches in the stock market. Top quality, diversified, well run international businesses are great because they can ride out and even exploit periodic macro problems. Also, great businesses aren't as cyclical. They stay relatively stable; They don't fluctuate too much with the economy. They stay profitable, and continue to gush free cash flow and pay higher dividends every year. However, sometimes it is more rewarding, to invest in a good company in a bad country, rather than investing in a bad company in a good country. Many of the "Fearful Uninformed investors," in recent market downturns, hardly made money! While the Bulls kept smiling to the banks in successive waves.

To minimise the risk of future financial catastrophes and disasters, Don't put all your fragile Investment eggs in one unstable basket. Implement a formula for position sizing. It is much better to have a few smaller positions spread, over various investments, than it is, to have one position in only one investment!

You don't invest, without making provision for keeping a very keen and protective eye, on the progress of that particular investment! Again, a very good way to do this, is the stop loss. They are there to protect you from unnecessary loss if the market moves against your position. Sometimes, it's a lack of patience that leads to excessive risk-taking. It is always very important, to take a long-term view of diversified international investing, and not let various external factors cause you to make a sudden change in strategy. By sometimes comparing the performance of your investment portfolio with relevant benchmarks, you can develop realistic expectations.

It's so true that we work for dollars all our working years. However, how many of us are fortunate and have dollars starting to work for us early in life? And at what compound rate and time? And I think it is a liberation, if you are lucky enough and privileged enough not to worry about survival; then your mind can start to think about other things. But there is always all this business: "Man does not live by bread alone," it's only when the bread is already there. You reflect on your past seemingly futile efforts, to make money; to get security in retirement; to have omitted planning for a Passive Income Stream! You smile. Feel rather proud of your ability, to take advantage of the "Bad" opportunities in life. You recall: that at first, you thought your future success would be at risk, by adopting change, and abandoning your stifling sense of insecurity. You laugh! The remarkable reward was more of everything, more exhaustion, more headaches, more money, more responsibility, more work and more frustration and even ultimate satisfaction!

The presenting lady smiles. She's so confident.

Her final advice: You have been empowering yourself. Is it all just about making money? Certainly not. It's also about securing and protecting your assets.

A successful and growing business, should never only be about how you can make money. It should always be about, how you can provide added social and business value, and solve growth problems. This is where it is most important, to have a family wealth and business succession plan in place. In the long-term, you cannot overestimate the positive results of instilling the family wealth and business succession values, in your children and grandchildren! After all, your family's future, and prolonged success, rests on their prepared and experienced shoulders.

What matters for established old money, is producing, not consuming. Similarly, with investments, it is prudent to have a exit strategy. Which is as important, as entry into the market.

That is also why, the very wealthy, value education, and prepare their families, over the course of many, many practical years, so that they will be ready and well prepared, for the challenge of managing and enlarging the Family Wealth. They are focused on what they can control. Often, the difference between the successful and unsuccessful families, is that successful families, are prepared to do all the things, unsuccessful families don't want to do! Fortunately, but unfortunately for some folks, these things mean time and dedicated work. But, if you're determined to keep wealth in the family, the sooner you start saving and compounding, the better. If you start early enough with a compounding saving program, and keep an informed eye on what you are doing, you should progressively increase your net worth – and decrease your Retirement money frustrations! The value of a small amount of money compounding and reinvested, over a long period of time, is amazing.

Many folks are possessed by debt and by possessions. As the level of income rises, so will their desire to outperform those that they compare themselves with! Often, folks are motivated by the We Must Be better Off theory. This means a much larger house, a high income and respectable degree, a foreign very expensive luxury car, a yacht and a golf club membership. (Not to forget the possible high blood pressure, heart attack and the frequent first, second or even third divorce!) However, start digging further down and you will often notice that they live a very comfortable lifestyle in terms of possessions, however, in terms of financial security, their lifestyle is certainly very frustrating and uncomfortable.

Why procrastinate? Rather make a firm decision. Individuals often fail to begin an investment programmed, simply because they feel they don't know how to start. Likewise, people often abandon their long-term selected investment strategies, after becoming discouraged by investment losses or periodic dips in the stock market.

A business and well defined and researched trading plan, is your personal GPS device to locate your present position. And, if you have made a wrong turn, it provides the means to identify where you went wrong and how to get back on track. However, as we are already aware, even these modern-day location devices, can lead to getting to the totally wrong destination! Also, keep in mind that the "Map" on the unit, is ever-changing – reflecting the similarly on-going changes on the business and investment fronts! With this device, you are able, on an on-going manner – to evaluate your progress and results and, more importantly – adhering to a set discipline – in a manner that is objective and catastrophe avoiding.

Having on-going surveillance on your day to day progress, is extremely difficult to do if you do not have a well-designed business and wealth-creating plan. With the correct business and wealth creating plan, your every action should be precisely predetermined. The beauty of this approach, is that when confusion, in the heat of the moment strikes, you can be relaxed. You do not have to make any decisions under time-pressure, you just follow the strategically designed formula.

First, if you really want to make investment progress, be your own best well-informed financial advisor. Of course, watch the financial news and read good financial books and publications, such as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Joel Greenblatt's, The Little Book that Beats the Market. – (One of the most important investment books of the last 50 years.) The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy. by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. Avoid buying status objects or leading a status lifestyle. Buying, or leasing brand-new, expensive imported vehicles is poor value. Buying status objects such as branded consumer goods is a never-ending cycle of depreciating assets. Even when you get a good deal on premium items, if you choose to replace them frequently, the older items hold no value and have become a sunk cost. Living in a status neighbourhood is not only poor value, but you will feel the need to keep buying status objects to keep up with your neighbours, who are mostly UAW's. In this book, The authors make the point, that Hyper consumers must realise more income to afford luxury items and become more vulnerable to inflation and income tax."

Good journals are: Wall Street Journal and Forbes.

Second, invest simply. Stay away from sleek of word investment advisors and Wall Street gurus and hedge fund managers, who confuse you and make you dizzy with over-the-top talk of intricate financial manoeuvring. This often means high-sounding over the investor's head garbage in, money losing garbage.

A much smarter alternative would be, to invest simply only in reputable well-managed international companies and products you understand, and with people you know you can trust Finally, third, stay with the long-term winners. Avoid hot stocks and money managers who have no track record. Always beware of very bright instant stars in the world of investments and finance.

Do your on-going research and self-empowerment, and you will soon learn the formula to invest in good quality well-diversified and well-managed international companies that make money every year, pay above average dividends and have rising dividend policies. Without proper business and wealth creation planning, one may end up with a business and investment portfolio that is a catastrophe waiting to explode and to destroy you.

This is so very, very important: always spend less than you earn. Remember the analogy of the water running in and out of a dam! If there is more water running into the dam, you are getting richer! However, if there is more water running out of the dam than there is running in, you are getting poorer! If you are always spending up to or above what you earn, you will never increase your net worth no matter how much you make.

You lean over to your wife. "We'd better pass this message on to our children as soon as possible", you whisper to her! She smiles and nods. You are quite aware that ENTHUSIASTIC and Motivated leaders, soon take charge of their life and destiny, and adapt the circumstances to meet their predetermined goals!

George Bernard Shaw famously said, "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

After all, If you can swim, why wait for your ship to come in when you can swim out to meet it?

The lady continued: "In what ways are you actively demonstrating leadership? What else can be improved?"

The stark and painful reality message continues: Many people are in financial trouble today, simply because they have not spent the energy, time and effort to learn about both their health and finances. Often they have taken too many of the right, yet wrong, shortcuts and are making life's financial decisions based upon other people's uninformed opinions. They are on the comfortable and pleasurable short-term and slippery spending road to ruin. In fact, the Liberal spending that leads to a much shorter retirement period of financial security!

Most people want to comply, to fit in. They seek status and social approval by doing what other folks do. But if you insist, on slavishly following what other people do, you will get the same often unrewarding, results that they get. You will promote – or demote – yourself to their level! You will enjoy becoming, like them – average!

Having super wealth, is rare. As history reveals, having it for more than one generation is rarer still. You don't necessarily accumulate wealth by doing what other people do. You have to think within your own set parameters, be more original! And avoid many of the Restricting and Anchoring ideas to the Same Spot, values and habits, that most people have. You must also be willing to be a Contrarian; in fact, to be different. This is when our standard normality, can be a restricting obstacle to progress.

The box, the "Mobile library and Office," between your ears, contains your conventional thinking, unless you find an enlightening and stimulating new way out. Many of the top concept and project innovators and executers, greatest contribution was not necessarily to build the world's most valuable company. Fortunately, for many of us, it was to open the doors, to empower the creativity and original thinking of a international generation of outside-the-box thinkers!

You cannot use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Maya Angelou.

By now, you have already learned the very important lesson: That you don't successfully accumulate wealth, by doing what other people do. But, you have also learned, that's not the way of acquiring and having old family money. Something else, that you have learned, is that if you give honest and good service and advice, if you give valuable information, the money tends to flow in.

You suddenly recall The financial Disaster of a friend, who paid scant and unrewarding attention to his financial and investment affairs! You vividly also recall, that his Financial constitution, had been totally shattered by his previous reckless attention to his Health and money Matters! "Now, this is a beautiful money and time saver, it does not cost much money to change your thinking, in fact, it is free." The urgent but steadfast, well modulated, persuasive yet authoritative female voice now emphasises: "We learn the most about ourselves when we fail. Please, don't be afraid of failing. Successful failing is an important part of the process of success; you cannot have success without experiencing successful and enriching failure."

As Eric Hoffer once said: "In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped for the world that no longer exists."

Real life is never the way it's supposed to be. Right now, it's the way it is. The way we cope with it, is what makes the difference. Sometimes, falling down, can be bruising but is a part of life, getting back up, strengthens the muscles, gives a new perspective on life, and is real living.

To your delight, you notice that one can download, quite free, information displayed on the screen, on to your personal note taker, for storage and later review! Even more important, you can actually interact and empa-communicate (empowering-communicate) on a not more than 4 second time frame with the actual experience in the brain of the person of your choice. No, no danger, you won't overload your own brain. The downloaded material stays with you for only 4 seconds; is then relegated to a part of your brain where you'll never consciously locate it. Yet, it's there to assist your "Gut Feeling" in times of emergencies or extreme dangers! How helpful indeed!

Next on the screen, listed alphabetically, is an always changing list of the World's Top Rich Ones. You wonder how many of your associates and friends may be on that rapidly increasing list? So, who are some of these rich people with above-average motivation and intelligence?

You nudge your wife to have a look at the next interesting information.

Here's a list of the world's top 10 billionaires and their current net worth:

You note, that the way they made their billions, is as varied as their net worth.

Here's a list that rather appeals to you. Some of the world's top inventors, that you always admired. CARNEGIE, Alexander Graham Bell Robert Louis Stevenson Henry Ford, The right brothers. The list continued with yet another imposing list of varied top minds of the world. Einstein, literary names, medical researchers, inventors and so on.

A few years ago, Forbes magazine drew up a list of the biggest billionaires who had ever lived, the richest people in history. After adjusting for inflation, John D Rockefeller, creator of Standard Oil, topped the list at $318bn in today's money over four times that of the richest person alive, Mexican telecoms magnate Carlos Slim ($73bn). Us Steel billionaire founder Andrew Carnegie, a one-time Scottish Bobbin boy who shipped through Ellis Island, is second at $298bn Another three Americans are among the top seven on the all-time rich William Vanderbilt ($231bn) Andrew Mellon ($289bn Henry Ford ($188bn) Only ill-fated Tzar Nicholas II ($253bn) and the Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah VII ($211bn Prevented an American clean sweep.

It is very interesting to note that these five super-wealthy Americans were born in the America in which one could realise your dream. They were also borne within 42 years of each other. Starting with Vanderbilt in 1821, ending with Ford in 1863. They made their money between 1871 and 1913, a period when their Republic posted average economic growth of 4.4 percent a year.

You scroll on and briefly take note of the following categories:

Purchasing a home, versus renting! Owning a vehicle, versus renting one as required!

As already highlighted: Rapid development and evolution on the transport front, including passenger transport, is opening up much needed new possibilities. Including working from home; using much improved public transport having a module pick you up at your address and depositing you at your destination – all done without you having to do any "driving," saving both time and money, not to forget vehicle storage space at your home!

Both you and your wife smile broadly, when you note the following category: The potentially emotional and financial destructive impacts of, the first, the second, and, yes, even the third financially destructive divorce!!! You recall, your friend Justin, telling you about how he successfully destroyed both his good marriage and rapidly growing successful business, by simply taking a trip on a ship that was doomed to sink. Unfortunately, for him and his fortunes, his wife, who remained at home while he "attended a business meeting" in another city, was shocked when information about the ship that sank, hit the headlines. There was Justin and his "lady friend!"

You scroll on to: The costly errors of arrogance and ignorance. You look pensively at the display. Hum! Remembering a few conceited, self-opinionated and condescending fellows of the past; people, in the financial and health care services, who should have known much better.

There's the case of your good friend Nic. He was prescribed totally unnecessary "Anti-depressants." You vividly recall him telling you: "You know I am a even-tempered person. She prescribed Anti-depressants! It changed my personality into a very aggressive and non-caring individual!"

Of course, you recall that sad episode in their family's history. "She never told me about the possible dangers; including that I should not use or operate any tools, any form of transport or motor vehicles!"

The virtue of experience and knowledge is, it makes you money. After all, what I don't know loses me money. He that loses money, loses little, he that loses good health, loses much, but he that loses courage loses everything.

You scroll past Religious Zealots And Warfare; MISGUIDED faiths; and yet a great number not known to you.

Have faith in your ability, determination and objectives. If you have those, money cannot touch it. What a bleak and unsettling prospect, if you had $1 million and no faith? You certainly, most unfortunately, soon be unhappy and poor!

No one can give faith, unless he has faith; the persuader persuades. Matthew Arnold.

"We'd better get moving," your wife urges. "Remember, there are folks waiting to show us to our new residence. Better be punctual – dithering and procrastination seems oddly out of place in this zone!"

The information screens on the inside of my E-goggles were already flashing before my eyes. Once more, images of world leaders were on the screen. Now they sounded rather tired; looked equally tired and rather exhausted. They were still issuing proclamations about the fine health of their economies and the advent of world peace.

It flashes on your spectacles: Thinking too much can lead to dithering or bad decision-making. The regular habit of Doubt, is expensive, it keeps many people frustrated, poor and stressed!

You read a Gold Key Shaped direction indicator that says: "This way for success without family financial backing. How to join the "inner circles" of successful sports stars, supermodels, and rich businesswomen and businessmen." "No formal education or status. Just to be liberated! Just the keen ability to think and do as a contrarian. Beyond any conventional boxes or restraining cells! To your success!!!"

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Chapter 173:

Who Really Are You?

Right now, do you really know who are you? Or, what are you?

This is a very important question, deserving of your attention – at least, now and then.

(Please keep the following in mind.) AI – What will be the impact of Artificial Intelligence – when the number of human brain cells are superseded by the artificial capacity of learning and arguing. What are the threats? What are the Unexpected and unforeseen consequences.

Start by looking at the possible longevity impact of disruptive technology. Time was when there was much skepticism about the radio, flying, getting to other planets and so much more!

Disruptive technology, in particular, is so powerful and so capable of overcoming even the worst pessimism.

Just look at the prevailing pessimism about self-driving vehicles, that still inhabits so many minds!

if and when you have reached the longevity mark, these are questions you are likely to have to address! Lying ahead, is total body replacement – including the head and brain. What happens in the case of a head or brain replacement?

By now, you are likely to be a composite individual. Which body parts memories, social value system, language, motivations, ethical standards, will you regard as your original self? In fact, what's the likelihood of conflict developing between the various components of your new body? Could there possibly be gender, religious, ethical, historical and many more factors that will play a part in the harmony, or otherwise, of the new body?

What possible conflict could there be between your new body and the body of your partner – old or new? Also, of course, when you turn up at your family meeting, favourite club, venue, gathering, will the other folks, old and new, still recognise you?

Note the development of the body part replacement industry! Including tissue engineering: already growing living bones; using human body as a template!

Already, a present-day list of replaceable part include: The heart; lungs; kidney; liver; skin. The mechanical parts include joints; limbs! Not only body parts from other humans, but new electro-biomechanical "new" parts.

Of course, the biomedical and electro biomechanical fields of health care, are continuously progressing, with new quality-of-life enhancing features being added to what's available to help folks improve their various body functions!

However, of course, with all of this, comes the very important question to be answered: Who Really are you? Wired Up To The Conductor – Re Changing Life's Tempo – All Wireless. You may be wired up to the remote, central electro-mechanical conductor – about changing your personality, your body parts – all wireless.

Next, can you really afford to be the new you? Here too, at the longevity cross-line, additional, as yet unknown, industries and professions, will make their appearances!

Keep in mind, that at that stage, the nature of long distance travel may also be radically changed! Certainly, international country borders will no longer exclude anyone!

Again, note, that by now, you are likely to be a composite individual. Chances are that the authority of the day, can read your thoughts, anticipate your activities, can, in fact, make you vanish – vaporise you!

This may be a case that people's, or electro-mechanical controller's harts have hardened.

The possibility of future body de-construction, reformatting, storage, altering and reconstruction, is not too far-fetched! Meaning a saving of travel time!

However, if any software mall-functioning slips into the reconstruction process, it could have very, very, very far reaching consequences! Maybe body storage, in a cloud site, could also act as a longevity-enhancement facility! The choice will be yours; again, a facility that will also come at a cost!

Yes, I mention, altering, in transit would be on the cards! The factor of in-storage transit repairs, the equivalent of present-day medical check-ups, will be yet another handy feature. The bio-electrical-technical team, could do minor repair or replacements. Of course, here too, the issue of safety for body-in-transit hijacking and rewards may be an issue!

Legal, social, ethical, moral, religious issues, to identify who you really are, will have to be settled. Not only the matter of your present identity. But updating your will, to reflect your present thinking, in terms of your legacy and to whom you will let your material and intellectual assets be left?

Yet another factor that will have to be considered: who is the professional legal person attending to all of this? Has he or she also been mind and body-updated? Will this new version of a professional person comply with your old or new body's wishes and requirements?

Will your new body be patentable? Will parts of it be patentable? Will the new parts be recyclable? Will the new parts be reusable? Can you leave them in your will for whoever you choose?

Will built-in obsolescence be a prominent feature of the new body parts industry? Will the patent rights run out on your new body, requiring costly registration for yet another period of using time? Will the new body have to be serviced every so often? Will you have to log on to a channel for regular updates on the various software parts of the new body?

Will the body parts inspectors be doing the rounds with their detectors to harass you? What will be the penalties for non compliance?

What will the possible impact be, on your new body's various parts, by hackers? Could they reprogram your software; terminate you?

Now there's yet another gap to be taken by some enterprising entrepreneurs – costly insurance against possible longevity software replacement and hacking!

Does all of this sound somewhat beyond your present scope of imagination? Well, reflect on history:

"Will I ever be able to travel faster than a fast horse?" "Of course, never!"

There's the advent of the steam locomotive, the motor vehicle!

"Will I ever be able to fly?" Are you mad? The advent of the flying machine!

"Will I ever be able to speak to someone in another town or city – let alone another country or continent?" Don't be stupid! Along comes the telephone!

"Will I ever be able to listen to someone far-off – maybe, in another city or country?" You must have lost your marbles! Comes along the advent of the radio!

"Will I always have to work in the semi-dark, use my body to do really heavy work, be deprived from the use of yet to come inventions – such as computers, labour-saving domestic and industrial equipment?" Of course, you will simply continue in the dark; no hope of a much, much better quality of labour and life! Surprise, surprise! Along comes the advent of – yes – you have guessed – electricity!

"Will I ever be able to see what's going on in my neighbouring town or village?" "Are you really disturbed? Did they anticipate the advent of the television?

"Will I ever be able to go to another planet, another world, another part of the universe?" Again, how can you have such mad ideas? Comes rockets, computers, advanced medical preparation for such ventures!

If you are really concerned about the prospects of longevity, imagine waking up to the following headlines: It is finally official. World-wide, Life Expectancy Is Going Down. Contrary To Previous Predictions, Recent Research Shows That We May Not Live As Long As Our Parents!

The very alarming question is, why are we headed in this direction? Look at the price of over-population; a very poor focus on taking care of our environment! The environment is getting more polluted than ever, the food quality, although in some parts of the world is more abundant, is being manipulated and tampered with and is as bad as ever! And the medical, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries are poisoning us. Certainly not any particular companies as yet!

The silent "killer diseases," Cancer, stress and heart disease, are rampant! Look at the much feared condition of dementia, which now is a 50/50 proposition in our 80's.

Does a mainstream medium propagate disinformation? People are glued to their desks, their computers and their favourite take-away foods!

We are indoctrinated that Sunshine is harmful. (In moderation, the opposite is true. Sun invigorates and actually is life.)

Look at the popular concept of dealing with the all-round condition called stress! The advice: take drugs for sleep and stress!

Do you really have too much stomach acid? Step to the medicine cabinet and take acid blockers.

Should chemicals, with their often adverse side effects, routinely be added to both our water and food? For example, should pain-killers, aspirin and statins be in the drinking water?

The question also arises: are vaccines always safe and effective? Fortunately, there are still many really dedicated and well-educated and trained medical practitioners, who are capable of giving us good and sound advice, without being intimidated by the heavy-weight pharmaceutical companies! The good news is, we mostly still have access to our in-built and protective common sense – take heed!

However, not to worry unduly! Taking a few precautions, we can still expect to live well into our 100's!

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Chapter 174:

The Day And Night Routine

Get regular refreshing sleep. Also get regular exercises; go for a walk; get sunshine!

Get away from the focus on bedroom electronics (especially after dark)

Get far away from the regular processed fluid and food toxins!

In closing, I realise that I have covered a lot of ground, and I know it will take a while to sink in, especially if you are really prone to galloping pessimism, as investors – and international folks – are at the moment.

Why then, do you really think or believe, that living beyond 100-150 years, is beyond any practical possibility?

An on-going stimulating mindset change, update, if you will, is always necessary in life! So, if you really want to stay abreast of developments, on all fronts that impact your life, your quality of enjoyment and work, reach out and always be on the self-empowerment fronts!

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Chapter 175:

Succinct Biography, Eugene J. van Wyk MCSP

(Chartered Physiotherapist, London, England)

Qualification: In London, England, 1961 I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist.

This qualification, was the key to a personally very stimulating, quality of life enhancing and rewarding career.

At this early phase of my life, my studies and stay in England, introduced me to "Democracy In Action". Not only democracy, but the larger world of cultural life. The theatre, – the golden age of musicals and plays – magnificent concert halls and orchestras; the wonder of outdoor concerts in some of London's finest parks.

Not to forget, feeling safe in your home, accommodation, on the streets and sidewalks, the transport systems and the public parks.

Often, on reflection, I think back with fondness and appreciation, to the enormous impact my stay in London and England had and still has on my life; and the lives of so many people that I had the fortune to associate with.

In 1958, I voyaged to London, England, for my stay as a physiotherapy student.

So FAR and Yet So Near!

It is interesting to note how much transport time, and costs of transport, have changed during the time that I sailed to England and the time I flew back to South Africa!

The voyage to Southampton, England, took about 12 days and nights! It was a very happy adventure. Recall the many friendly and helpful fellow passengers who were always ready to give either a word or a hand!

The communal ablution facility had a fresh water saving facility – a bowl of fresh water was placed on a timber support, across the bath tub. One actually bathed in heated sea water!

(In later years, we went on a voyage on the luxurious Queen Elizabeth 2 Qe2. And what a contrast!)

On reaching the New World, excitement and apprehension, running in tandem, were foremost in my new venture sights!

Fortunately, two fellow students, both with a good degree of sight, were seconded to meet and escort us to our new splendid and very elegant accommodation, at 79 Holland Park, W. 11.

(Down the track, I acquired a Claud Buttler tandem, again, this time, I had to enlist the help of a driver, fortunately, once more, Jody, the fellow who also met us at Southampton, to collect the machine in North London.)

When I qualified, I realised that I must take full advantage of being in England!

So Far And Yet So Near!

From the outset during my stay in London, I decided to always use my holiday time to visit places of interest in The British Isles!

To broaden my expertise, I also worked at two centres for Cerebral palsy children in the London area!

Returning to South Africa – now flying – I once again, worked at a school for Cerebral palsy children!

(A rather interesting aspect of commercial passenger aircraft design, at that time, was the installation of a "Frosted" window in the toilet! I often wondered who would have the audacity to actually look into the flying toilet at the cruising height – or even when the plane was on the runway?)

After the most pleasant and mandatory period at the school, I ventured into the first private practice in South Africa.

Next, motivated by family links, the next venture, was to go into private practice in the enticing Australia.

This was a very wide stimulating and most information, wider view of life and experience refreshing time!

Not to forget the enormous and most impressive sound impact, of actually sitting among the orchestra, during the inauguration of the Sydney Opera House organ, spellbound listening to CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS Symphony Number 3.

Our sincere thanks, although a few years later, to the staff at the Opera House, who, despite being fully booked, graciously accommodated us among the orchestra! You have imprinted this event as part of our "Make future Memories, to recall," program.

This is one of our audio highlights!!!

This was the inaugural recital series 1979.

We enjoyed many a concert in this splendid and remarkable venue!

During our tour to Melbourne, we enjoyed the most interesting, captivating and gastronomically outstanding evening trip on a tramline Restaurant! The restaurant goers, or should they be passengers, really took to the passing vistas, downing their favourite drinks and, of course, enjoying the delights to eat, that were on the offering!

In many ways, it was reminiscent of our days of going to school by train – however, those were steam-operated locomotives that did the very arduous and energy-exhausting tugging along, the young passengers enjoying the now and then fragments of coal flying into their eyes and faces!

Melbourne also presented beautiful parks, a lovely concert hall and the many enchanting and captivating statues to be found here and there in this clean and well-organised city!

In nineteen eighty, while working in Australia, I was exposed to, and met with, the concept of Low Level Laser Therapy Technology and a Holistic approach to patient/client "problems." At that stage, I was often numbed by a dozen, or more, converging prevailing treatment paradigms and prejudices. So entrenched in these prevailing rules and regulations, was I, that I sometimes failed to appreciate the potential of the new technologies at hand. Suddenly, the curtain of preconceived ideas, bias and approaches, was drawn aside. Then, once again, it forcefully struck me, that there is no gratifying music until the bow of experience and the fiddle of expertise are brought together.

At that early phase of the Low Level Laser Technology Evolution, it once again dawned on me, to be aware of the danger of the "Groove Syndrome!" when viewing and considering, the armament for patient care, at my disposal. (The difference between a Groove and a Grave, is the Depth.)

We attended the very stimulating Second International Low Level Laser Congress, held in Kansas City, U.S.A., during September, 1998. Again, the merits of leading-edge technology, as a tool to help patients/clients, was highlighted by the excellent papers presented, and the practical feedback from the pragmatic colleagues and "Practitioners at the Coalface".

My early, and longtime association, with the care of "Recent Trauma" either under the guise of Sports Medicine, Industrial Injuries or Motor Vehicle Accident Victims, soon focused my attention on enhancing the holistic quality of life of my patients/clients.

At the other end, of the pain, disability and age spectrum, I dealt with many more mature, experienced and elderly people, who very frequently were so grateful that physiotherapy intervention and age-adaptive advice, made their lives that much more pleasant. I believe that all peoples, are entitled to the advantages of early appropriate physiotherapy treatment, rehabilitation and lifestyle advice, to enhance the quality of their lives. This, of course, includes our senior and elderly folks, who, so frequently, are told: "It's only old age, my dear! You'll have to learn to live with it! And are thus deprived of the enormous help that physiotherapy can provide to make their lives a great deal more pleasant and easier.

We did international travel, taking our children with, while they were still young. Visiting 33 countries.

In later years, it always amazed us how much they learned during those early years of travel.

Present outside Interests: Although we have retire, rather, transitioned, We enjoy the tranquillity of our Retirement Facility home; the lovely garden and the variety of birdsong in the garden.

Tineke has a passion for gardening; a therapy and source of great pleasure. We are pro-active supporters of the performing arts; and attend the theatre, musical concerts; read extensively both fiction and non-fiction.

I spend considerable time each week, reading both via my many on-line libraries, and professional magazines, to keep up to date about scientific developments, that might, and do, impact on my various interests and profession.

Early in my professional courier, I realised that, to be reliant on my practice only for income, set the stage for a possible income generating catastrophe, down the line! Fortunately, my wife has a bent for analysing and using statistics and numbers, as part of her interests. So, many years ago, we anticipated the possible financial pitfalls that lay ahead! We embarked on health and money-management, and learning how and what money really is!

For us, this is the transition – the very stimulating mutual emphasis on both Health and Wealth Self-Empowerment!

Special courses, congresses and seminars attended and undertaken: Now that we are "retired," we make a deliberate point of attending lectures, and interesting and stimulating events, that relate to both Health and Wealth management.

And, of course, taking care of our Health and Wealth retirement future!

Both of us take a keen and active interest in becoming Investment Literate. To this end, we attend investment seminars, read extensively about the subject and have at hand some very good satellite information channels.

We have gained and harvested, much practical, pragmatic, diverse and valuable information.

Therefore, believing that knowledge is not knowledge, unless it is passed along, I very firmly believe in Self-Empowering my fellows – particularly the young people about both their Health and Wealth!

I attended various Courses on Manipulative Therapy; "Sports Medicine"; Several Practice Administration and Management seminars; Acupuncture and Laser Therapy (Sydney, Australia 1980-1.) The Second International Low Level Laser Congress, held at Kansas City, U.S.A., September, 1998, (at which I co-hosted the final day's afternoon session). Cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation (CPR) 1999. Numerous weekend courses relating to on-going professional education.

The creative side of me enjoys woodwork, wood-turning and writing.

Our emphasis is very much on keeping a balanced life style by doing moderate exercises: walking and swimming.

(As I have mentioned, we now have retired! However, the sting in the tail: our new resort, although initially included in the design, has no swimming pool!)

We are focusing on health-orientated thinking and eating patterns.

The future: We live by the philosophy, of living day by day, allocating to each "problem," it's due time and energy. Also, we have found, that, as one door closes, invariably two other doors open, providing infinitely more stimulating and life-enhancing opportunities.

Although, now retired from fulltime physiotherapy practice, both of us are still enjoying the life-sustaining habit called work! It keeps us fit, and in contact with the people and realities of our time and place. To us, our work is a mutually enriching and enjoyable life-extending pastime.

There is a growing realisation, that experience, and experience-acquired expertise, is an enormous valuable equity source for any business. This slots in well, with my longtime belief, that a "Health and Happiness Danger", often lies in "compulsory retirement!" Our future, therefore, lies in continuing to provide service via the "Author-liberating" E-book publishing now so readily available!

I always wish to enhance the quality of our fellow citizen's lives and expectations, based on the dissemination of the collected knowledge and experience. This is about how my profession of physiotherapy, has opened opportunity doors, and now can underpin those expectations.

To make it easy for you to learn more about me, please link directly to my personal book page at Smashwords. There you will also learn more about my other publications, and even what may be available free of charge for some time!

Also by Eugene van Wyk Published at Smashwords: My Precious Spine And I – A Self-Help Manual For You And Your Spine

This is an open-door invitation: please feel free to contact me via email at: eutinco@global.co.za

Regards,

Eugene and Tineke van Wyk MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist, London, England

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What Is Your Status And Fortune Worth Without The Support Of A Well-Looked-After Back?

Don't forget to have some fun!!!

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Author Of:

My Precious Spine And I – A Self-Help Manual For You And Your Spine

The 2013 eBook edition, is available at:

<https://smashwords.com/books/view/309498>
