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Let's Take a Look at Present Versus Future Value	Value has been a hard concept to grasp since so many investment products have had their prices decrease so much.  The changes we are currently seeing are enough to confuse even veteran market watchers.  I am not an analyst, but I can give you a good picture of how to get a handle on this.

For Our Members

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Bank Failures Are In The News	Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you will know that there has been another bank failure in California.  Below find the nity gritty from the Wikipedia page on the subject and related comments.
Are You Thirsty?	It’s been brought to my attention that the increased scarcity of water is looming on the horizon as a massive problem.  I live in the Los Angeles area and the subject of water, do we have enough, and where can we get more is a part of the city’s history.  When I hear mumblings about how this is going to be an issue again, I tend to put it in the back of my mind, on the shelf of troubles that the rest of the world is going to fix.
Do You Control Your Money or Does It Control You?	This is a good question to ponder when the country is awaiting their economic stimulus checks with baited breath.  Consumers tend to think checks are going to keep coming.  If you spend your life waiting anxiously for your next check, your money controls you.
Pay More Attention to the Banking Industry	Unless you have been living under a rock or on another planet, you know that banks have trouble.  Mortgage lending has landed many in hot water.  Most commercial banks offer mortgages.  Thankfully, they usually don’t keep them in their portfolio for long.
Present Versus Future Value	Understanding this concept is basic to making wise decisions when it comes investing.  Now, with the values of real estate dropping like a lead balloon, this topic is even more important.  No one invests with the idea of losing money.  It is necessary to try and invest in things that will earn money.
Nobody Teaches You How to Retire	We can help others before it is too late.  Education about money needs to start at an early age.  As our nation’s children mature, we need to explain the horrific future they will have if they take on a partner without the same ideas about money.  Disaster is the reality.
The Truth Behind Tax Cuts	Nothing seems to stir up the populace more than a discussion about tax cuts.  The average Joe Blow on the street is always happy with the news he might have more money in his pocket.  Politicians get a kick out of the premise because they like making their constituents happy.
Investing Isn't For Everyone	Years back when I had to do a story on mutual funds, I interviewed Walter Lipper who was big in mutual funds those days.  He explained how mutual funds were suppose to work with their clients.  The principles are still viable and should be applied to anyone considering investing.
Don't Assume Stock Market Activity is Logical	With rising prices for years, one could easily argue greed. Then there were the financing agents who were determined to get folks into homes despite all odds. The forces involved in this particular market are in a mess.
The Housing Industry Crash and the Aftermath	You are probably bored by now hearing the reasons the mortgage companies contributed to the crash of the housing market. Basically, they packaged loans so that consumers didn't want to say no even if they couldn't afford to get into a long term commitment. Money was flying; customers were buying and realtors were making great commissions. It was a rosy world for awhile.
Is Real Property Still Worth the Effort?	Buying and owning your home has always been the American dream. Since the 80s, it has been harder to make this come about. Mortgage craziness and nutty prices have put many middle class people out of the market.
What Screwed Up the Real Estate Market?	With rising prices for years, one could easily argue greed. Then there were the financing agents who were determined to get folks into homes despite all odds. The forces involved in this particular market are in a mess.