midlifejourney.com

Author: Gordon Hall

Let’s face it. A vast number of investors lost money recently in their retirement accounts. Some people are trying to face the fact that if they don’t do something and quickly, they are going to have to put off retirement for a few more years. If you want don’t want to give up your retirement goals and you want to secure a safe financial future, research the best retirement plans.

The problem is that many people rely on their banks or employers to manage their accounts. Banks are notorious for charging exorbitant annual fees to manage retirement accounts and it’s inevitable that they choose investments and make decisions that benefit them more than you. When under the management of an employer, retirement plans are usually taken care of by the Human Resources department. They might mean well but they don’t have the financial know-how necessary to manage an investment account and get maximum returns.

It’s not a good idea to let a bank or employer manage your retirement account because they will generally take most of the profits and only give you a portion. Furthermore, you will usually be clueless as to what is going on in your account since you will only find out when quarterly reports come in. In order to have flexibility, maximized returns, and complete control, the best retirement plans are self-directed Roth IRAs.

Roth IRAs are a good choice for retirement plans if you are eligible because they are tax-advantageous. Moreover, they have a lot fewer restrictions than traditional IRAs. With a Roth IRA, your contributions are not tax-deductible but they will escape taxation completely once they are in your account. There is also no required minimum age for distribution.

Self-directed accounts are the best retirement plans because you have a much wider range of investment options and greater control over your account. You can choose to invest in real estate, partnerships, gas and oil fields, private equity, franchises, and much more. Real estate is hands down the smartest investment you can make because it can guarantee higher returns.

Most investors have seen their rates of return dwindle and many have incurred huge losses during this economic crisis. That is because most traditional retirement plans rely on stocks and bonds, which fluctuate in value every minute of the day. Real estate on the other hand tends to increase in value over time and it is a low-risk investment because it is insured against common forms of loss such as natural disaster. Moreover, real estate is stable because there is always a high demand for it in the market.

Do yourself a favor and learn more about self-directed Roth IRAs because they are the best retirement plans out there. If you want to maximize your returns and have complete control over your account, learn about how you can rollover to a self-directed Roth IRA and invest in real estate. By doing so you will be able to build a more secure financial future and make your hopes for retirement a reality.

About the Author: Gordon Hall is an active participant of a national network of professional writers, who advocate socially conscious real estate investing, through the use of retirement vehicles such as IRAs, 401Ks and other retirement assets. For more information, or to get involved, please visit the following http://www.double-your-ira.com

Article Source

Author: Richard Greenwood

In recent years online shopping has become part of everyday life and competes head on with more traditional ways of shopping for everything from groceries through to travel.

Despite the rise in online shopping there are often fears of personal information falling into the wrong hands and the risk of credit card fraud occurring. While everything carries a risk, shopping online should be relatively safe providing you follow these tips to keep your details in the right hands.

Use well known websites: The Internet has matured to the point that many online companies such as Amazon have become household names. Also, big brands from the real world have moved online. Well known names are likely to use the latest online security measures and handle a large number of transactions.

Check company reputation with first time purchases: Sometimes you’re bound to want to buy something online from a company you have not purchased from before. If it’s your first time shopping with a company then check out the company before making purchases to be sure they have a good reputation. Prior to the internet you had to rely on people you know for recommendations but these days there are many consumer review websites where companies and products are rated and discussed. You can also check the Better Business Bureau for details on the company including known complaints.

Only use secure websites: Once you’re happy with the company you are purchasing from you need to ensure your credit card details are being processed using a secure connection. The most common form of secure encryption is known as Secure Sockets Layer or SSL for short. SSL encrypts data and breaks it up into small pieces so that the information can not be read by anyone wanting to intercept it.

To check your purchase is using SSL or secure technology there are a few things to look out for in your Internet browser. Depending on your browser settings you may receive a message stating that you are entering a secure area. The secure area normally begins on the first page where you enter personal details. You can also look out for a padlock symbol in your browser symbolizing the page is secure. Most often the address bar in your browser will change from starting with http to https.

Never send your credit card details through non-secure online methods such as via email. Such methods will offer little protection.

Security Code: An increasing number of online stores now request a CVV or card verification number when making a purchase. The CVV code is the small code shown on the signature bar on the back of your card. Normally the last 3 digits of the code are required. This is to prevent someone who has managed to get your name; card number and expiration date from being able to make purchases using your card.

Further security: Another security feature that credit card companies are using is to create another level of security by adding an additional password. An example of this is Verified by Visa or Mastercard Secure Code. This is an optional feature so only offers support with selected websites or payment processing systems. If you activate the code and shop on sites that carry the logo, the check out process will require the password you set up in order to authorize your purchase.

Phishing emails - don’t get hooked: Be aware of email scams designed to part you from your credit card information. Email scams that are designed to gather personal information such as passwords and credit card details are known as phishing emails. The idea is that thousands or hundreds of thousands are sent out in the hope of reeling in unsuspecting victims and getting them to part with confidential information. The emails appear to be from well known companies and can look quite convincing. However, legitimate companies including all banks will never send you an email with a link requesting your login, password or credit card details. If in doubt, type the web address of the company it relates to directly into the browser rather than following the email link.

Use a credit card with online fraud protection: Just in case all else fails it pays to know the policy for online fraud protection offered by your credit card company. Many credit card companies offer protection against purchases made without your consent and have special clauses to include online purchases. Credit cards tend to offer more protection than debit cards as they don’t directly remove funds from your own back account. If a transaction goes under investigation or proves to be fraudulent you may never end up out of pocket with a credit card providing your card issuer provides protection.

Online shopping is certainly here to stay and online security continues to advance. There are arguments that shopping online can be safer than shopping over the phone or even in person as you never hand you card details over to another person. Just remember to follow these tips to help keep your online shopping safe and secure.

Article Source

About the Author:

Richard Greenwood is co-founding and Director of www.click4credit.com.au a leading credit card comparison website with information on balance transfers, credit card security and debt consolidation.

Author: David Fishman

Family Tree provides detailed information on the families past history. To organize your research you need to create a worksheet of your family tree. There are many tools to use to help start the process of your family tree, they are not expensive and widely available, and they are great tools for organizing. Studying genealogy will give you the knowledge you will need to understand your ancestry, and it will help in creating the family tree.

The family tree is a graphical representation of how the family fits and is related to each other. To make it easier it is a good idea to separate the generations, this will make it easier for tracing the family roots. By seeing the generations it is a good rule of thumb of you your family tree will be formed and how extensive it is. Use a family tree to elaborate on how each of us is connected to each other. The family tree is a great tool for showing children how the family is related plus it give a perspective of how the family was formed. Continue Reading »

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

BEFORE YOU PASS ON ANY POLITICAL RUMOR: BE SURE IT’S A FACT. VISIT FACTCHECK.ORG

Jim MacCain and his cronies have been slinging a lot of mud lately, most of it in the direction of Obama, but leaving a little extra for the main stream media. Followers of the democratic nominee are urging him to fight back, fire with fire. His attitude is to rise above the fray and fight the lies and insinuations with the simple truth. Truth will out!

Well… I’m not sure that is going to work… sitting back and letting the opposition continue to punch invites too much garbage to fly around and some of it is surely going to land, and inevitably begin to “stink!” Bottom line, the public as a group will believe just about anything dished out. You would hope it isn’t true, but alas, in this day we are easily persuaded. For example… there are those who actually think that Brittany Spears is a good actress! Or that that “Hilton Princess” is actually running for public office. (Paris Hilton is the one who created the mock ad?!? - duh? It really was a make believe… honest.)

We’ve seen enough. Time to punch back Obama! Punch and DEFLATE THOSE LIES. Enough is enough.

Your name is Sarah Palin and you just woke up from a wild dream. You have been picked as the 2008 Republican nominee for Vice President. You’ve got 5 kids, one only 4 months old that you are nursing and the oldest - a private in the US Army is heading for Iraq next month. You are about to live on a bus and in hotel rooms you will never remember for the next 60 days. You are about to enter national media hell… and you just woke up. Only you are not dreaming. This is real.

Some would call you lucky, some unfortunate, some blessed, some would call you cursed. After 44 years on earth, this is where you are. You joined the PTA back in your hometown in Alaska because you wanted to make changes in the school system. Who knew where it would all lead thirteen years later.

Midlife does have it’s surprises.

Author: Michael A. Verdicchio

It is not uncommon to hear statements like, “I am doing what I love and I have never been happier!” Or, “If your job is doing what you love you’ll never work another day in your life!” You even hear, “I am living my passion and making more money than I ever have!”

I read that a recent study showed that over 65% of the people polled have no idea what their life’s passion is! And yet, we hear it all the time that we should live our passion. Why then does it seem so hard to define it?

Passion is what moves you; it is what excites you; it is what stimulates you to action. Passion is all about what is going on internally, not externally. And so, finding your passion is to find what it is that really moves you.

Sometimes being so busy trying to get everything done that needs to be done is draining. We never take the time to just sit down and get quiet. Instead, when we do get a little break, we escape by “vegging” out in front of the tube. And then, the next day, we get up and start another busy day, still not sure what our real passion is.

Take some time every day to just get quiet. In fact, develop a habit of making time every day to shut everything out. Use that time to pray and to think about your life.

Next, carry some paper and a pen with you and jot down things that inspire you and excite you. It might be a simple sentence you hear in conversation, a billboard that you see, a news story or even a commercial. Make a note of each thing.

After a week or two, take some time to look over the things that you have written down. Ask yourself why those things inspire you, why they excite you and why they move you. Then, ask yourself what you would really love to do if money was no concern.

Most people are doing what they do because they have to. It is the only job they think they can get. It is the only work that they know. It is the best paying job they think that they can get. How many people do you know who love their job?

And yet, we hear all the time that people are living their dreams, doing what they love, living their passion, and making more money than they ever thought possible. So, it must be possible!

What would you do if money was not a concern to you? Examine the inspiring things that you wrote down. Find three that appeal to you the most. Honestly ask yourself why those things really appeal to you.

Now, focus on one of the three ideas. Take a little time to dream and envision how it might come to fruition. For example, if you have always wanted to paint, then picture in your mind what the total fulfillment for you would be concerning painting. What kind of painting? What style of painting? Write down anything related to your idea that might interest you.

You may be tempted to say, “This is never going to happen.” If you can dismiss thoughts like that and still have an excitement about dreaming and seeing yourself doing what you desire to do, then you will lock into one of your passions!

Finding your passion is finding that which satisfies and fulfills your life. When you wake up each morning and think about it, that is what ignites your day! Passion is what makes you feel alive!

The next step is to start taking action. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine stayed with us for few months, and one day, on the patio, he started to paint. He continues to do it in his spare time, and loves it. It is one of his passions.

Even though our friend still works at a job, I have no doubt that some day he will be earning a lot of money from his art. He currently has made some great contacts; he has dozens of pieces. In fact, a number of them are now on display, and his work is beginning to sell.

Once you identify one of your passions, you can begin to live it. Even with limited time, you can still begin to unfold your dream and vision. It really has nothing to do with how much money you make, because the money you earn is simply a by-product, not a motive.

Living your passion ignites that which satisfies and fulfills your life. You will wake up each morning feeling alive because you get to do what you love! You can find your passion and live your dreams.

Article Source

About the Author: Michael A. Verdicchio offers a free 71 page eBook, entitled, “Keys To Enriching Your Life Now!” at He has a free newsletter called, THE PEP LETTER. Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous projects and productions over the years, including Mike’s Pep Talks.

- - - - - - - -

Author: Vlad Karl

Let’s get started. Getting a girl of your dreams is much like getting the car of your dream. But unlike a car which you can always bargain for, there is nothing like a 20 percent discount in courting the girl of your dreams, she’s so sweet a thing to be discounted, you dearly are in love with her and your feelings for her can only be communicated not by the words of the mouth, but by the words of the heart. Getting the girl actually depends on how big your heart is - faint heart, never won fair lady.

The first dating idea for any man is to make a good impression. In your doing so, you don’t have to talk, dress or do the common things that all the Toms do to get a decent girl’s attention. Be unique, that’s all you need. Be a man of his own style. Dress decently - indecency can make one be mistaken for arrogance; watch your language - obscene language gives the impression of immaturity, being uncultured and cheap; be a man of good habits - don’t drink or smoke like any other loser.

How to make her fall in love with you? Take your time. Add some romance to your dating style. When in College I had a crush on the most beautiful lady in our first year lot. Though all senior guys were out to get that girl, I managed to divert her attention from the other guys. I wrote her three letters without disclosing my identity and slid into her room secretly; all I said was ‘Yours Secret Admirer.’ The first letter contained the meaning of her name, this I got by playing around with the initials of her name to make meaning. The second was a funny message that could only be read backwards and it was all about her physique and her smartness. In the third letter I told the girl to be ready to receive a rose flower from her admirer, but only if she could be kind enough to phone him using a number that I had included in the letter. The girl did phone me that very night, and her first words to me were, “Hallo Secret Admirer.” So, the story of our love affair came to be. Later she told me that was so creative of me, no one had approached her in that manner. I made her fall in love with me and made a date in the romantic manner.

Befriending and understanding the girl you are out to get is the next important thing. This is what I also did. You have to understand that as a lady, she loves to be loved, adores to be adored and needs to be needed. This will move you closer to the girl and you’ll get to know what she’s into, what she likes and dislikes, and what her style is. Love is built upon friendship and it always leaves individuals better off having known each other should they break up. I and my College steady were to break some time later but to date, we are the best of buddies. Be sure that bringing out the selflessness friend in you will make her create room for you in her heart.

A shoulder to lean on and some good friend that she can always turn to is all that a lady wants. Please don’t hesitate to be helpful and supportive. Be that friend who rekindles her zeal of hardworking and restoring hope back into her life when she looses hope. This above all other things will make you her daily vitamin simply because you bring out the best in her in terms of personality and character. In you, she’ll have found that friend whom she can open up to, share with and advice each other on the rights and wrongs, the dos and don’ts of life. Don’t forget to always be there to celebrate the good times, and to lend an ear when the girl needs you to listen as a friend.

Make the girl feel special; because she’s someone’s friend - your friend, and let her know that she too has touched your life in a unique way like no one else could. Compliment her for her company and for being there when you needed her, when you felt sad and all alone. Show appreciations for the comfort the girl offers you and for making you smile.

In your day to day talks, share your dreams, your world, and every aspect of your life with your girl. Always dream with her, build with her, and always cheer her on and encourage her. Tell your girl how you always think about her even when you try not to think about her. Let the girl know that she’s your first thing in the morning and the last thing when you go to bed at night.

Her knowing that you were thinking of her when you slipped beneath the softness of your blanket and gave in to the bliss of sweet dreams, will make her go ‘my my’ and her heart will sing your name all the year round.

You have to be creative and constructive to keep girl’s interest in you so full of life. I remember one time I told my girlfriend to be to imagine we are both deaf and dump. We then sat opposite each other on the table and started sharing our feelings for each other using eyes and hand signs. It turned out to be some fun. There was also this time that we were in the library and we decided we are not going to speak to each other verbal, so I wrote a love note on a paper and passed it across the table to her, she replied and on and on we carried on our love on paper conversation till we almost exhausted a whole rim of paper. At sometime, I noticed that some guys sited with us on the table were enjoying our ordeal than their studies. Such are the things that made the girl embrace my world. I remember her suggesting that we play deaf and dump two years after we broke up, can you imagine that?

Never fail to phone her, even when she least expects it. I once called some girl that I was interested in at four o’clock in the morning. When inquiring of what I was doing up so early, I told her I was in thirteenth heaven, where people think of their loved ones when they can’t sleep. Wow! First thing early the next morning, she was at my door with a king-sized hug for me. No matter how many dates you take her, don’t make any elbow - exceeding moves after any date, just drop her home and with a friendly handshake, wish her good night. Don’t kiss her when she expects you to. Your respect as a gentleman will be earned on how patient you are with her when it comes to such matters as kissing her and accessing her inner graces.

The writing is on the wall that you want her, but you can’t have her just yet. Increase your demand. Try to show her that men are also hard to get at times. Make her realize that when she feels a little dizzy, a little tired, a little sad, a little sick, a lot bored and very much cold, she’s actually missing vitamin you. By this time, she’ll be so much into you and since love is truthful and is characterized by open and honest communication, honestly promise her your everlasting devotion, loyalty, respect, and your unconditional love for a lifetime. Prove to her that you’ll always be there for her, to listen and to hold her hand, and that you’ll always do your best to make her happy, and feel loved.

Remember, patience is the key to her heart; be like that gardener watching a fruit as it hangs on the tree, day after day admiring it, but, exercising tremendous self-discipline, neither feeling the fruit, nor pinching it, nor testing it to see if it is ready. And then, one day he holds out his hand and the fruit simply drops into it, ripe, warm and eager to be eaten.

The patience and self-control which you practice will make you more attractive and charming. This will qualify you as her daily vitamin and win you that heart hers.

I wish you to meet the girl of your dreams ASAP, make her fall in love with you, and make her feel the happiest girl in the world!

About the Author: A writer Vlad Karl maintains a dating, friendship and love relationship columns.

Article Source

Article source

- - - - -

Recently in searching for a great fitness article for this blog I came across the following information that I think my readers would find valuable. Too many unscrupulous marketeers are taking advantage of the boomer’s need to begin or maintain a healthy fitness program. It’s important to evaluate what you find against what is truly worthwhile. Read and evaluate.

- - - - - -

Find Good Health and Fitness Proof
Author: Rob Ryan Author | Source
With Health and fitness being the most searched category on the web, it’s obvious people are concerned about the way the look and feel. Problem with this is, every marketer, supplement manufacturer, big pharma and every concievable diet and fitness plan imaginable is pulling out all the stops to capitalize on the huge demand with endless, worthless crap that only their irresponsible criminal minds could conjure up.

Not only are most of these weight loss pills and supplements worthless but they can actually have a reverse effect or just a temporary positive result. This then sends the health and fitness seeker out spending even more of their hard earned money on more worthless crap and the cycle just continues until you give up.

If someone is serious about losing weight or wanting to get stronger and healthier, or get tone and build muscle they need to seek out sound advice and products from people that not only can prove their claims but practice what they preach. Scientific proof and research plus visual facts should play a big role in your decisions regarding your health and well-being.

Generally, a program that is going to actually work is also going to require some work on your part regardless if it’s to lose weight or get tone and fit. It all depends on how bad you want it. Apparently, millions bnelieve they can get it in a pill. Another term for this health decision is called laziness that only money can buy.

If you have finally made a commitment to get on the road to a healthy lifestyle and want to be in premium shape and condition up into your fifties and beyond, you can actually find good programs and diets on the internet created by experts in their field that can not only back it up with scientific research but visual proof. Don’t ever be fooled by extravagant claims that have no merit or can’t be believed since the diet or fitness creator isn’t adopting these claims themselves.

Consistency in good eating habits and exercise are the keys to longevity and these two components have kept many in excellent health and condition all the way into their senior years. With all the new research out there it’s prudent to adjust your diets and exercise habits to reap maximum results.

Since everyones health and fitness goals vary due to bodytype and genetic makeup or on how long you have let yourself go, the choices should start with losing the weight and then shaping your body with strength training and muscle building. Good sound programs are available to fit everyones needs and can be found with some research of your own and don’t be fooled that it’s only a simple pill or supplement, it’s a way of life.

Visit Six Top Systems to get fit and stay fit.

- - - - - -

For more information on fitness, visit the site of another contributing author: Kathy Ekdahl, CSCS, ACE Certified Personal Trainer at Personal Best Personal Training