The biblical Ten Commandments were intended to act as a driver's manual for the road of life. "Thou shalt not kill." "Thou shalt not lie." These are life's version of the stop-at-the-red-light-and-advance-when-safe rules of the road.
In other words, they are all guidelines to keep people out of trouble. Because life's highways are full of potholes, blind turns and bad drivers, the investing world also suffers from scandals, scams and dishonest companies. Here are 10 commandments for the investing world designed to help keep investors - and their money - safe:
1. Thou shalt set clear goals.
If you don't have a purpose or a set of goals to guide your investment strategy, don't invest. This sounds harsh, but there are so many types, styles and flavors of investing that, without a particular destination, you will be lost at sea.(For more on this, read Investing With A Purpose and Investing 101: A Tutorial For Beginner Investors.)
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
6 Ways To Save Money This Summer
The time between when the winter holiday splurging is paid off and when summer spending rushes in to fill the void is roughly 2.6 milliseconds. Ah, but what a joyous 2.6 milliseconds it is!
With yard maintenance bills, air conditioning costs and the children home from school, summer can ravage your wallet all over again. Fortunately, multiple summer bills mean there are multiple opportunities to save money.
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With yard maintenance bills, air conditioning costs and the children home from school, summer can ravage your wallet all over again. Fortunately, multiple summer bills mean there are multiple opportunities to save money.
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The Return of Romance — Daiquiris Roll Into the Limelight
From The American Mixologist
The daiquiri is the quintessential rum libation. No, we’re not talking about the syrupy-sweet, blended concoction that many establishments now serve, but rather the classic daiquiri, the drink that originated back in the ‘20s and ‘30s, when the island was renowned for having the most capable, professional bartenders in the world.
The daiquiri cocktail swept through the Caribbean and eventually the world like a blast of good news. Crisp, refreshing and amazingly delicious, the daiquiri is experiencing a resurgence in the United States that borders on the phenomenal.
This is a trend worth riding. It mirrors the booming popularity of rum, which has quietly become the hottest growth spirits category in the nation. The drink enjoys all of the attributes requisite for longevity. It’s easy to make well and loaded with exotic appeal.
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The daiquiri is the quintessential rum libation. No, we’re not talking about the syrupy-sweet, blended concoction that many establishments now serve, but rather the classic daiquiri, the drink that originated back in the ‘20s and ‘30s, when the island was renowned for having the most capable, professional bartenders in the world.
The daiquiri cocktail swept through the Caribbean and eventually the world like a blast of good news. Crisp, refreshing and amazingly delicious, the daiquiri is experiencing a resurgence in the United States that borders on the phenomenal.
This is a trend worth riding. It mirrors the booming popularity of rum, which has quietly become the hottest growth spirits category in the nation. The drink enjoys all of the attributes requisite for longevity. It’s easy to make well and loaded with exotic appeal.
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Singular Sensations
By: Sean Ludford
bittersweet tooth? OK, it’s definitely a bittersweet tooth, and one of its telling symptoms is a love affair with a set of new, glamorous and swanky liqueurs. The spirits world is buzzing with chatter surrounding a handful of imaginative liqueurs that offer unique and exotic flavors.
Most notable are St-Germain, a complex and striking elderflower blossom liqueur, and Domaine de Canton, a ginger liqueur with a Cognac base. The amount of attention given to these liqueurs by mixologists and beverage insiders is vastly disproportionate to their sales.
While these spirits enjoy great popularity, the raw sales figures would leave a vodka brand manager contemplating a leap from a tall window. However, the creators of these new spirits are encouraged by their success.
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bittersweet tooth? OK, it’s definitely a bittersweet tooth, and one of its telling symptoms is a love affair with a set of new, glamorous and swanky liqueurs. The spirits world is buzzing with chatter surrounding a handful of imaginative liqueurs that offer unique and exotic flavors.
Most notable are St-Germain, a complex and striking elderflower blossom liqueur, and Domaine de Canton, a ginger liqueur with a Cognac base. The amount of attention given to these liqueurs by mixologists and beverage insiders is vastly disproportionate to their sales.
While these spirits enjoy great popularity, the raw sales figures would leave a vodka brand manager contemplating a leap from a tall window. However, the creators of these new spirits are encouraged by their success.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Is $1 Million Enough to Retire?
by Emily Brandon
Whether it is five or 25 years away, many of us share the same nagging question about retirement. How much money will I really need? Geri Pell, a senior financial adviser for Ameriprise, says the answer depends on where you live and what type of retirement lifestyle you hope to have. U.S. News asked Pell for some strategies to help figure out your retirement needs. Excerpts:
How do you know if you're saving enough for retirement?
Most people don't know. The only way you can know is by figuring out what kind of retirement you want and how much money you will need. Many people are feeling very out of control and people have more doubts and more fears.
Sitting down and making decisions and developing a plan takes so much stress away from people.
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Whether it is five or 25 years away, many of us share the same nagging question about retirement. How much money will I really need? Geri Pell, a senior financial adviser for Ameriprise, says the answer depends on where you live and what type of retirement lifestyle you hope to have. U.S. News asked Pell for some strategies to help figure out your retirement needs. Excerpts:
How do you know if you're saving enough for retirement?
Most people don't know. The only way you can know is by figuring out what kind of retirement you want and how much money you will need. Many people are feeling very out of control and people have more doubts and more fears.
Sitting down and making decisions and developing a plan takes so much stress away from people.
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Car Dealer Tricks to Watch For
By Jared Gall
We know. Not all car dealers are unscrupulous, and not all are going to take you to the cleaners. Among all the “Honest Bobs” out there walking the lots, many really are trustworthy.
But there is a simple reason so many people dread buying a new car: the potential for rip-off is astronomical, and common practices over the years have often justified consumers’ fears. If you catch a whiff of any of the scams below, be on alert.
Juggling the Four-Square
This isn’t really a trick, but awareness here is important for a buyer. When you sit down to negotiate, the salesman will pull out a “four-square” worksheet on which to work out the terms of the deal.
In the four quadrants of the sheet the salesman will record purchase price, down payment, monthly payments, and trade-in value.
He will fill in the sheet as you talk, working the deal like a shell game—if he thinks you are preoccupied with getting a fair deal on your trade in, he might give you a good price for that and then nudge your new-car purchase price north.
Take it slow, focus on one item at a time, and be sure you are comfortable with each individual aspect of your purchase.
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We know. Not all car dealers are unscrupulous, and not all are going to take you to the cleaners. Among all the “Honest Bobs” out there walking the lots, many really are trustworthy.
But there is a simple reason so many people dread buying a new car: the potential for rip-off is astronomical, and common practices over the years have often justified consumers’ fears. If you catch a whiff of any of the scams below, be on alert.
Juggling the Four-Square
This isn’t really a trick, but awareness here is important for a buyer. When you sit down to negotiate, the salesman will pull out a “four-square” worksheet on which to work out the terms of the deal.
In the four quadrants of the sheet the salesman will record purchase price, down payment, monthly payments, and trade-in value.
He will fill in the sheet as you talk, working the deal like a shell game—if he thinks you are preoccupied with getting a fair deal on your trade in, he might give you a good price for that and then nudge your new-car purchase price north.
Take it slow, focus on one item at a time, and be sure you are comfortable with each individual aspect of your purchase.
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From Farm to Glass
By: Nightclub and Bar
Jon Smith has owned the small wine shop Cork & Bottle in New Orleans for nearly seven years. After the dry cleaners next door didn’t reopen post-Hurricane Katrina, he bought the space and added an adjoining wine bar called Clever.
The two spaces aim to take the snobbery out of wine shopping and sipping, and Smith, with help from bartender Kimberly Patton-Bragg, offers patrons organic wines and cocktails with interesting elements such as port, Lillet and fresh infusions of fruit.
The real twist? Some ingredients come from the parking lot.Each Thursday, Smith heads up a community farmers’ market in the parking lot outside Cork & Bottle and Clever. From mushroom growers to sweets bakers, area farmers and merchants attract crowds. Shoppers then stop in, have a wine tasting and buy locally grown produce.
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Jon Smith has owned the small wine shop Cork & Bottle in New Orleans for nearly seven years. After the dry cleaners next door didn’t reopen post-Hurricane Katrina, he bought the space and added an adjoining wine bar called Clever.
The two spaces aim to take the snobbery out of wine shopping and sipping, and Smith, with help from bartender Kimberly Patton-Bragg, offers patrons organic wines and cocktails with interesting elements such as port, Lillet and fresh infusions of fruit.
The real twist? Some ingredients come from the parking lot.Each Thursday, Smith heads up a community farmers’ market in the parking lot outside Cork & Bottle and Clever. From mushroom growers to sweets bakers, area farmers and merchants attract crowds. Shoppers then stop in, have a wine tasting and buy locally grown produce.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Best Jobs in America's Green Movement
by Patricia Cecil-Reed, FindtheRightSchool.com
Of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package, an impressive $40 billion will be spent on the creation of "green jobs," jobs that have a positive impact on the environment. This should come as great news to job seekers. Many are getting on board for a green career. Some facts you may want to consider:
Of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package, an impressive $40 billion will be spent on the creation of "green jobs," jobs that have a positive impact on the environment. This should come as great news to job seekers. Many are getting on board for a green career. Some facts you may want to consider:
- Opportunities for green careers are growing, and can be found across the nation.
- Contrary to popular belief, green jobs are not just for scientists and PhDs.
- Many traditional jobs are being given a green makeover.
- Building and manufacturing are popular sectors, but green jobs also include retail, science, and agriculture
The U.S. is currently seeing an expansion of two-year college programs focusing on green careers. Many students are betting on a boom in the green-collar job industry -- careers they can train for without a four-year degree.
With the right training, you can green your own career. Below are some of the most exciting green careers and information on how to train for them.
America's Best-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs
by Klaus Kneale, Forbes.com
It's a hard time for almost everyone right now, but it's especially hard for workers who don't have a college education. In 2008 the unemployment rate was 9% for people with less than a high school diploma, 5.7% for high school graduates, 2.8% for college graduates and 2% for people with doctorates.
Those numbers are all worse now, but they show that blue collar workers have been especially hard hit.
Still, there are blue-collar jobs out there in high enough demand to pay surprisingly well. We've put together a list of the 20 best paying ones. The numbers used for the list are drawn from the government's Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. They are based on data from 2008.
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It's a hard time for almost everyone right now, but it's especially hard for workers who don't have a college education. In 2008 the unemployment rate was 9% for people with less than a high school diploma, 5.7% for high school graduates, 2.8% for college graduates and 2% for people with doctorates.
Those numbers are all worse now, but they show that blue collar workers have been especially hard hit.
Still, there are blue-collar jobs out there in high enough demand to pay surprisingly well. We've put together a list of the 20 best paying ones. The numbers used for the list are drawn from the government's Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. They are based on data from 2008.
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Patrons Seek Selection
By: Nightclub and Bar
How many beers should you list on your menu? What about spirits brands? Wine offerings? How many are too many, and what’s too few? A recent online survey developed and executed exclusively for Nightclub & Bar by Next-Level Marketing/Nova Marketing yielded some insights on those very questions.
The survey of 1,000 adults ages 21 to 60 who had ordered a beer, wine or spirit drink at an on-premise establishment in the past 30 days was fielded in April and May.
The ideal number of beers appears to be between 10 and 15 brands, with consumers seeking the same breadth of wine selection, according to the survey. When it comes to spirits, the bigger the list the better: consumers responded that between 15 and 20 brands is the ideal number.
So if your beer list is scant, your spirits selection could be counted on one hand or your wine list reads like an epic, you may want to re-think your approach. Patrons want choices. Look for more consumer insights from the Nightclub & Bar consumer study in future editions of NCB First Round.
How many beers should you list on your menu? What about spirits brands? Wine offerings? How many are too many, and what’s too few? A recent online survey developed and executed exclusively for Nightclub & Bar by Next-Level Marketing/Nova Marketing yielded some insights on those very questions.
The survey of 1,000 adults ages 21 to 60 who had ordered a beer, wine or spirit drink at an on-premise establishment in the past 30 days was fielded in April and May.
The ideal number of beers appears to be between 10 and 15 brands, with consumers seeking the same breadth of wine selection, according to the survey. When it comes to spirits, the bigger the list the better: consumers responded that between 15 and 20 brands is the ideal number.
So if your beer list is scant, your spirits selection could be counted on one hand or your wine list reads like an epic, you may want to re-think your approach. Patrons want choices. Look for more consumer insights from the Nightclub & Bar consumer study in future editions of NCB First Round.
Monday, June 22, 2009
7 Lucrative Jobs from Obama's Stimulus Plan
by Carol Tice, PayScale.com
President Barack Obama's plan to get the U.S. economy going has a strong focus on creating jobs. Two of the bills he's recently signed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Making Home Affordable program, provide funding that will create a wide variety of job opportunities with good salaries.
Better yet, many of these jobs don't require a four-year degree, so job-seekers may be able to move into these careers pretty quickly.
Here's a selection of some of the best-paying stimulus jobs:
Computer Security Specialist
A big chunk of the ARRA money is dedicated to health-care information-technology initiatives -- digitizing medical records so they're easier to transmit and share between doctors, hospitals and pharmacists.
Computer-security experts who can help keep electronic medical records locked away from computer hackers and other unauthorized users will be in high demand as the health-care sector modernizes, says Laurence Shatkin, author of "Great Jobs in the President's Stimulus Plan."
Other specialists will be needed to train workers on how to keep the data safe. A brief certificate program may suffice to get you started in this field, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says. "There's going to be a special role here of how to keep prying eyes away," Shatkin says. Median annual salary: $78,376
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President Barack Obama's plan to get the U.S. economy going has a strong focus on creating jobs. Two of the bills he's recently signed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Making Home Affordable program, provide funding that will create a wide variety of job opportunities with good salaries.
Better yet, many of these jobs don't require a four-year degree, so job-seekers may be able to move into these careers pretty quickly.
Here's a selection of some of the best-paying stimulus jobs:
Computer Security Specialist
A big chunk of the ARRA money is dedicated to health-care information-technology initiatives -- digitizing medical records so they're easier to transmit and share between doctors, hospitals and pharmacists.
Computer-security experts who can help keep electronic medical records locked away from computer hackers and other unauthorized users will be in high demand as the health-care sector modernizes, says Laurence Shatkin, author of "Great Jobs in the President's Stimulus Plan."
Other specialists will be needed to train workers on how to keep the data safe. A brief certificate program may suffice to get you started in this field, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says. "There's going to be a special role here of how to keep prying eyes away," Shatkin says. Median annual salary: $78,376
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Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?
From Mercola.com
There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. An increasing number of studies link these risk factors with vitamin D deficiency. Dr. William B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC) suggests that further investigation of possible direct or indirect linkages between vitamin D and these dementias are needed.
Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia or have preceded incidence of dementia.
For example, several studies have correlated tooth loss with development of cognitive impairment. There are two primary ways that people lose teeth: dental caries and periodontal disease. Both conditions are linked to low vitamin D levels.
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There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. An increasing number of studies link these risk factors with vitamin D deficiency. Dr. William B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC) suggests that further investigation of possible direct or indirect linkages between vitamin D and these dementias are needed.
Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia or have preceded incidence of dementia.
For example, several studies have correlated tooth loss with development of cognitive impairment. There are two primary ways that people lose teeth: dental caries and periodontal disease. Both conditions are linked to low vitamin D levels.
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High-Tech Check
By: Michael Harrelson
Time was when a nightclub or bar’s best defense against underage individuals trying to get into their venue and partake of some adult libations was a no-nonsense bouncer with keen eyesight outside and a bartender or cocktail server inside with the wherewithal to ask for and carefully scrutinize an ID.
Today, both those folks are still crucial to the process, but their efforts are now supported by age identification technology that ranges from wristbands with a wire sensor that sends out a signal when tampered with to a scanner that can see in the dark.
Not only can high-tech systems for checking IDs prevent the underage crowd from crashing the party – which can result in fines and the possible loss of a valuable liquor license not to mention untold beverage revenues -- but they may also serve as the house’s best insurance against the subsequent jeopardy that comes with the youngster who might actually slip inside.
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Time was when a nightclub or bar’s best defense against underage individuals trying to get into their venue and partake of some adult libations was a no-nonsense bouncer with keen eyesight outside and a bartender or cocktail server inside with the wherewithal to ask for and carefully scrutinize an ID.
Today, both those folks are still crucial to the process, but their efforts are now supported by age identification technology that ranges from wristbands with a wire sensor that sends out a signal when tampered with to a scanner that can see in the dark.
Not only can high-tech systems for checking IDs prevent the underage crowd from crashing the party – which can result in fines and the possible loss of a valuable liquor license not to mention untold beverage revenues -- but they may also serve as the house’s best insurance against the subsequent jeopardy that comes with the youngster who might actually slip inside.
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Sunday, June 21, 2009
Better sleep, better living
By Shari Roan
Sleep isn't just a chunk of time carved out to recharge for the following day. Increasingly, scientific evidence shows life and sleep are woven together like 800-thread-count sheets. How people fare during their waking hours has a lot to do with how they sleep -- and vice versa.
Income, employment status, relationship satisfaction and hobbies all affect sleep, according to research presented last week in Seattle at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. And sleep affects health, relationships and decision-making.
"Sleep is related to everything," said Michael Grandner, a fellow at the Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Sleep isn't just a chunk of time carved out to recharge for the following day. Increasingly, scientific evidence shows life and sleep are woven together like 800-thread-count sheets. How people fare during their waking hours has a lot to do with how they sleep -- and vice versa.
Income, employment status, relationship satisfaction and hobbies all affect sleep, according to research presented last week in Seattle at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. And sleep affects health, relationships and decision-making.
"Sleep is related to everything," said Michael Grandner, a fellow at the Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
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What Surprising Exercise Cuts Your Cancer Risk by 40 Percent?
From Mercola.com
Men with stronger muscles from regular weight training are up to 40 percent less likely to die from cancer, according to new research.The findings suggest that muscular strength is as important as staying slim and eating healthy when it comes to protecting your body against deadly tumors.
A team of experts tracked the lifestyles of over 8,500 men for more than two decades. Each volunteer had regular medical check ups that included tests of their muscular strength.
The men who regularly worked out with weights and had the highest muscle strength were between 30 percent and 40 percent less likely to lose their life to a deadly tumor.
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Men with stronger muscles from regular weight training are up to 40 percent less likely to die from cancer, according to new research.The findings suggest that muscular strength is as important as staying slim and eating healthy when it comes to protecting your body against deadly tumors.
A team of experts tracked the lifestyles of over 8,500 men for more than two decades. Each volunteer had regular medical check ups that included tests of their muscular strength.
The men who regularly worked out with weights and had the highest muscle strength were between 30 percent and 40 percent less likely to lose their life to a deadly tumor.
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Creating Cocktails for a Cure
By: Nightclub and Bar
Whether at-home drink makers or professional mixologists, everyone can enjoy making a cocktail creation for a good cause at the upcoming 2009 Ultimate Cocktail for a Cure Competition.
The competition, benefiting the breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen for the Cure, runs through August 31, with the finals being held in Las Vegas in late September. Three divisions will encompass the competition: amateur, professional and Ultimate Bar Chef, which features a mystery ingredient and time limit for contenders.
Sponsors for the event are SENCE Rose Nectar, Hendrick's Gin, Absolut 100 Vodka, Grand Marnier, Milagro Tequila, Sagatiba Cachaca and Sonoma Syrups. All recipes must include SENCE Rose Nectar and at least one of the other sponsoring products.
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Whether at-home drink makers or professional mixologists, everyone can enjoy making a cocktail creation for a good cause at the upcoming 2009 Ultimate Cocktail for a Cure Competition.
The competition, benefiting the breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen for the Cure, runs through August 31, with the finals being held in Las Vegas in late September. Three divisions will encompass the competition: amateur, professional and Ultimate Bar Chef, which features a mystery ingredient and time limit for contenders.
Sponsors for the event are SENCE Rose Nectar, Hendrick's Gin, Absolut 100 Vodka, Grand Marnier, Milagro Tequila, Sagatiba Cachaca and Sonoma Syrups. All recipes must include SENCE Rose Nectar and at least one of the other sponsoring products.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Plan To Retire Rich
by Roger Shorr
In matters of personal finance, retirement may be the single most important issue of our times. Surprisingly, far too few individuals do any meaningful planning for their golden years. Contributing to a 401(k) or IRA is important, but you must do more to ensure a financially successful retirement. Most investors should be seeking professional assistance in the development, implementation and monitoring of their plans.
Planning is the essential first step toward building a comfortable retirement. Planning can not only help you determine the amount of risk you must take to achieve your goals, but it can also help you from taking on too much risk.
As many investors know too well from the early 2000s' bear market, excessive risk can be devastating. As a result of excessive risk taking in technology stocks and other speculative investments, many who might otherwise have retired are still working. (Read about how to do this calculation in Determining Your Post-Work Income.) Let's take a look at the important process of planning, with a special focus placed on risk.
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In matters of personal finance, retirement may be the single most important issue of our times. Surprisingly, far too few individuals do any meaningful planning for their golden years. Contributing to a 401(k) or IRA is important, but you must do more to ensure a financially successful retirement. Most investors should be seeking professional assistance in the development, implementation and monitoring of their plans.
Planning is the essential first step toward building a comfortable retirement. Planning can not only help you determine the amount of risk you must take to achieve your goals, but it can also help you from taking on too much risk.
As many investors know too well from the early 2000s' bear market, excessive risk can be devastating. As a result of excessive risk taking in technology stocks and other speculative investments, many who might otherwise have retired are still working. (Read about how to do this calculation in Determining Your Post-Work Income.) Let's take a look at the important process of planning, with a special focus placed on risk.
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Retire A Millionaire In 10 Steps
by Lisa Smith
Having a million-dollar portfolio is a retirement dream for many people. Making that dream come true requires some serious effort. While success is never a sure thing, the 10 steps outlined here will go a long way toward helping you achieve your objective.
1. Set the Goal
Nobody plans to fail, but plenty of people fail to plan. It's a cliché, but it's true. "Plan" is the leading self-help advice from athletes, business moguls and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary goals. (Read Plan To Retire Rich for additional insight into how to develop a course of action to achieve your goals.)
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Having a million-dollar portfolio is a retirement dream for many people. Making that dream come true requires some serious effort. While success is never a sure thing, the 10 steps outlined here will go a long way toward helping you achieve your objective.
1. Set the Goal
Nobody plans to fail, but plenty of people fail to plan. It's a cliché, but it's true. "Plan" is the leading self-help advice from athletes, business moguls and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary goals. (Read Plan To Retire Rich for additional insight into how to develop a course of action to achieve your goals.)
Click Here to Continue Reading This Post
Testing and Certifications Put the Bartender on a Path to Professionalism
By Livio Lauro
The move toward greater professionalism in bartending is everywhere today — it’s discussed on numerous blogs, written about in several new books and industry publications like this, and supported by countless training programs. Bartending skills are even judged and celebrated on reality TV shows. But what makes a bartender a professional?
Professionalism is derived from training, education and skills development, married with a commitment to excellence in execution and the ongoing expansion of knowledge among those involved in the discipline.
What really establishes a profession, however, is the creation of standards and implementation of testing to assure that individuals meet the standards. Without such standards and testing, the self-proclaimed bar-related titles commonly used today have little meaning, and bartenders will not achieve parity with their culinary counterparts in the eyes of the guest and the hospitality industry.
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The move toward greater professionalism in bartending is everywhere today — it’s discussed on numerous blogs, written about in several new books and industry publications like this, and supported by countless training programs. Bartending skills are even judged and celebrated on reality TV shows. But what makes a bartender a professional?
Professionalism is derived from training, education and skills development, married with a commitment to excellence in execution and the ongoing expansion of knowledge among those involved in the discipline.
What really establishes a profession, however, is the creation of standards and implementation of testing to assure that individuals meet the standards. Without such standards and testing, the self-proclaimed bar-related titles commonly used today have little meaning, and bartenders will not achieve parity with their culinary counterparts in the eyes of the guest and the hospitality industry.
Click to Here Continue Reading This Post
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