Nighthawk & quote by Napoleon Hill

“Don’t be in debt to anyone, except the obligation to love each other.” Rom. 13:8a (Common English Bible).

Do financial worries keep you up at night?  Do you wonder if your retirement nest egg will be there when you need it?

Given the sweeping implications of our broken economy, the Apostle Paul’s insightful and loving admonition is more timely today than ever. Keep out of debt and don’t owe anyone anything, except to love one another.  After all, it is massive, uncontrolled debt that is bringing down governments around the world; and it is personal and household debt that is keeping way too many good, responsible and caring people up at night.  The sovereign debt crisis is global and many of the implications are very personal.

Never before have we had this level of government debt. Never in the history of our great country have we had to face what is coming. There is no way to avoid it; we have crossed a global economic Rubicon and what has been set in motion cannot be stopped.  Thankfully however, there are ways to prepare for it, and even position ourselves to gain from it with the proper financial education and taking astute action. There is a positive way out of this downwardly spiraling economy. There are opportunities and solutions available to us.  And with this knowledge, understanding and the conviction to do what it takes, you can prosper.

As Napoleon Hill, who lived through the Depression wrote, “Life gives no one immunity against adversity, but life gives to everyone the power of positive thought, which is sufficient to master all circumstances of adversity and convert them into benefits.”   This is not simply a nice quote.  It is not merely some encouraging phrase. These words represent a key insight; they contain a profound truth; from them one can acquire access to a most powerful tool. And one can employ this wisdom in order to prosper.

Dr. Hill spent his life studying failure and success and he possessed a profound understanding of how life, our world and the laws of nature work.  The wisdom in his writings isn’t just about business success and it isn’t simply about how to become a healthier and happier individual.  Hill grappled with life and death issues, he pondered mysteries, saw beyond illusion and appearance, and delved into the depths.  He grasped the inner workings of individuals as well as the marvelous, created world in which we live and breathe and have our being.

Ours is, as Albert Einstein put it, an elegant universe.  There are deep, consistent laws of nature.  Beneath the complexities  there is an underlying simplicity and a unity which is elegantly evidenced. And through my experience of being an entrepreneur I am continually learning more about this.  From business success principles, to the real meaning and importance of “mindset,” to the holistic approach of my primary business (the very mission of which is to increase one’s wealth, health and wisdom) my knowledge is expanding, along with my joy in helping others, and my gratitude for personal success.

What does physics have to do with economics you might ask. We do indeed live in an elegant universe, but in our daily life we might be drowning in debt, and our inner world might be dominated by fear, which diminishes our well-being.  A keen working knowledge of the nature of Nature and our universe can be brought to bear on every day challenges. As Hill beautifully puts it, “Energy is Nature’s set of building blocks, out of which she constructs every material thing in the universe, including humankind, and every form of animal & vegetable life.  Through a process that only Nature completely understands, she translates energy into matter.” For those who have watched the movie, The Secret, this makes clear and compelling sense. 

Given all this, there is something precious and powerful that I have come to know.  I know it beyond any doubt, through personal experience just as countless others know it, too.  I know it  with the same certainty that night follows day, and the seasons maintain their order, and the glorious New Mexico sun gets collected by our solar panels and powers our home, and just as the Milky Way, to my absolute delight, will be visible out my back door tonight.

The sheer power of a positive mental attitude, the ability to harness Nature’s building blocks, the capacity to choose one’s thoughts and channel energy are at our conscious command.  We have, by design, the ability to learn these laws, live in harmony with them and put them to work for us.  Ours is an elegant universe, but an economically scary world.  This creates a sense of urgency and a call to action, as well as the promise of hope.

We are given a clear and strong assurance, which through choice and faith can be realized. As Hill wrote, “I am not a prophet, but I can, with all due modesty, predict that every individual has the power to change his or her material or financial status by first changing the nature of his or her beliefs.”  In this assertion we are reminded that we have the ability to choose our thoughts.  We can learn and employ the laws of nature which explain matter and energy.  We need to vanquish our fears and focus on faith; we must express our gratitude. We must not dwell on dire circumstances, but rather on the life we wish to attract. This is not merely a matter of will power.  It is a matter of choosing our thoughts, deepening our faith and expressing our gratitude. Think of people who are always negative, fearful, blaming and expecting the worst.  They usually get it.  Then think of those people you know who are positive, generous, faithful and take responsibility for their choices and actions.  Which are happier, healthier, more energetic, kind and helpful?  Think there is no connection?  Think again. And always think positively.

At that point I had no intention of writing another article about this topic.  But I feel compelled to, given how important it is and how many people ask me about this.

I immediately sensed his incredulity, and what I suspect was a healthy measure of fear.  After all, never before in our country’s history has this befallen us.  Despite wars, the Depression, recessions and Black Monday, the Savings and Loan crisis, even the September 11, 2001 attacks; we’ve never seen the S & P downgrade U.S government bonds.

As my friend was speaking, I thought to myself that he has been listening to the wrong pundits, reading the wrong material, and relying on the misinformation of our leaders. Indeed the majority of folks are doing this. After all, what are the alternatives?  Where can one obtain clear information and an unbiased perspective which isn’t fraught with political spin?

The Fed chairman and Treasury Secretary have said this wouldn’t happen, but it has.  The news reports that we are seeing a slow recovery, yet what we are seeing is anything but. The economy continues to slow, as home foreclosures continue to escalate; unemployment remains high as the banking industry continues to slump; and the Fed continues to insure the decline of the dollar.

I wasn’t shocked; I wasn’t surprised; I was only saddened that what I had been expecting has now happened.

If the loss of the United States’ triple-A rating was a surprise to you, then you’ve been listening to and believing the wrong voices. If you’re buying the spin of the mainstream media, then you’re being sold down the river. What you need to be buying is gold and silver.  These precious metals are your best hedge against the coming increased inflation.  Gold and silver are a true hedge to stay afloat during the turbulent times ahead. 

The financial education we all need today is a few tributaries off the mainstream.  Because this isn’t our fathers’ world any more.  Unfortunately, if we are to be completely honest, our financial system is: b-r-o-k-e-n.  Period. Do you really believe that this, or any, Administration is going to stop spending money it doesn’t have? Do you really think the Fed is going to stop printing money that isn’t backed by anything? The United States was taken off the “gold standard” in 1971.  Do you know what that means? Every currency around the globe is a fiat currency.  And there is no possible way our national debt will ever be repaid. 

Since 2008 the leadership of Wealth Masters International (WMI), the premiere wealth building community with a holistic mission which promotes, “wealth, health and wisdom,” has been warning about this, and several other specifically outlined outcomes which are imminent.  WMI is educating and empowering its members so that we can not only prepare and protect ourselves and our families, but also profit from the economic events which are unfolding.

Teaching us how to eliminate debt, build wealth and protect our assets through clear and critical financial education which is free of conflicts of interest and imbued with integrity. To learn more, please visit http://www.wealthwithheart.net

“Forewarned forearmed.” This famous quote by Cervantes couldn’t be more timely.  If you were shocked or even at all surprised by the news of the loss of the United States’ triple-A rating, you would be well-served to watch the video, “Why You Need to Invest in Gold and Silver.”  http://www.wealthwithheart.net/gold-and-silver

Below the video is a link which says Buy Gold and Silver.  There is no obligation to buy anything, and it has lots of information.

You may click on the Buy link to reach the site of Mike Maloney, a world-renowned expert, whose site is full of information, articles, videos, charts and graphs.  There is no obligation, and the education is first-rate.

However, if you are at a point where you realize you need to protect and position yourself, you certainly may purchase gold and/or silver here.  I became an affiliate of Mike’s because I heard him speak at several WMI conferences, here and abroad. 

At first I simply became a customer.  Then, as I watched my holdings increase in value, and continued to learn, it became apparent to me that everyone needs to understand and avail themselves of the opportunity to acquire these sound precious metals from a trusted, knowledgeable company.

Recently, more and more people have asked me just how one goes about purchasing gold and silver through the well-respected expert I represent, who is also Robert T. Kiyosaki’s personal precious metals advisor.  Kiyosaki you may recall is the author of the powerful book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” 

Because of these repeated requests, I offer a brief explanation below.  You may also contact me if you have questions.

•Visit Mike’s web site http://www.goldsilver.com/home/ref/1090

•You will see on the top Navigation Bar: “Buy Gold & Silver”   which has a drop down menu. 

•Select:  “View All Products.”

•I recommend one ounce silver coins and one ounce gold bars. 

•So you can look at Liberty Silver Rounds, for example. 

•Click on there; enter your order quantity, example 500

•Click on Update Order form at Check Out and follow the instructions.  You will be asked to fill in your credit card information, for a small deposit, to secure your order and lock in your price.  Then you will be given clear instructions on how to do a wire transfer at your bank to pay for the balance.  Your order will be sent to you by Certified mail and you will sign for and pick it up at your local Post Office.

There is an Order Help section, an FAQ section, a phone number to speak to a sales representative if you like.  Please be sure to use the coupon code: 1090 Gold & Silver Now, on the form or if you speak to a representative.

If you are hesitant because the price has gone up from when you first started thinking about it, remember that it is projected to go much, much, much higher.  Watch the educational videos in order to see Mike’s projections, and the data on which he bases his conclusions. The longer you wait, the more you will pay. 

To quote Cervantes once again, “Good wits jump; a word to the wise is enough.”  Please know that I want you to be forewarned and wise, not shocked or surprised.

In the Illustrated Oxford Dictionary the definition of an ostrich is, “A large African swift-running flightless bird, with long legs and two toes on each foot.”  The second definition is, “a person who refuses to accept facts.” Ostriches are often depicted bent over, with their head hiding in the sand. It’s a telling and troubling image, given that the rest of the big bird is completely exposed and now it can’t see anything.

So an ostrich refers to a bird that cannot fly, and a person who will not accept the facts. I love sand. After all, I choose to live in the high desert of New Mexico. I also love walking on the beach, having done so recently in California as well as Jamaica.  Beach combing, collecting sea shells, and building sand castles can be great fun.

While sand is absolutely wonderful to put your feet in at the beach or to hike on in the desert, sand is not a suitable environment for one’s head. Still it seems as if hiding in it has become the emotional terrain of choice for many today, when it comes to the state of our global economy.

We have a world-wide debt crisis, several potential government defaults, even a possible US default is in the news, and hyperinflation seems certain.  Every currency on the planet is a fiat currency, backed by rhetoric and road apples rather than bullion. And yet the mainstream media talks about recovery; and reports on the various debt plans being proposed – as if the discussions in Washington were substantive rather than mere posturing and politicking. The great American eagle has been rendered flightless, and our so-called leaders have become feckless.

So, for those willing to look at and accept the facts, to get in the game, and to give serious thought to this more than unpleasant situation, what recourse do we have?  What resources are available? Fortunately, there are some real experts with integrity who are absolutely committed to helping others protect and position themselves for what lies ahead. 

Even those of us who want to know more and are willing to take action, who have no intention of putting our heads in the sand, find ourselves in what is fast becoming a different type of sand.  We are caught in a kind of economic quicksand and must take decisive measures so as not to lose our personal financial footing.

Every expert I work with and trust has said that one of the very best hedges against the plunging value of the dollar, and every other paper currency, is gold and silver bullion. Gold and silver are also the best hedge against  imminent inflation.

I remember some years back when I was the executive director and steward of a large agency with several million dollars in assets. I worked closely with a wonderful banker for several years.  One day she told me that she and her husband were moving out-of-state.  Just after being told this, the bank President called and invited me to lunch.  I told him that I was honored, and I knew how busy he was.  I assured him that our account was secure with his bank, despite Katherine’s leaving, and that he needn’t take me to lunch.  He chuckled good-naturedly, since that was the impetus for his invitation.  Then he said he really did want to meet with me anyway.  During what ended up a lengthy and very enjoyable lunch, I still recall a vivid part of the conversation. 

At one point I said, “You know Bob, I’ve been meaning to buy stock in the bank.”  And his response really got to me.  He said, “Linda, I hope you don’t wait too long to purchase the stock.  I don’t want to be sitting here having lunch with you a year from now and hear you say you wish you hadn’t waited.” I purchased a number of shares that week; and a year later they had significantly gone up in price and value.

I talk to a number of people who are now considering purchasing gold and silver.  There is a growing awareness of the importance of owning these precious metals; today’s only real ”money” of true and lasting value.  And one of the things I hear is, “Gee, I hate to buy it now.  I remember when it was $300.00 an ounce.”  Or, “Well, it’s so high right now, I think I’ll wait and see if it comes down before I buy any.”  To me, those are what I call bona fide ostrich statements.  All of the signs would indicate that gold and silver are only going to go up in value, with some temporary fluctuations to be expected.  Any time the price of these metals goes down, I see it simply as a great buying opportunity to acquire more. And if one studies the projected highs and understands what is inevitably on the way, you’d know that we will be looking back at today’s prices as an incredible bargain.

If you are remotely interested in learning more; are casually considering acquiring gold and silver; or if you’ve decided it’s the right and timely thing to do, but you don’t know how to go about it,  I urge you to look at the tremendous educational articles and videos by Mike Maloney, one of the world’s leading experts, which are available without cost or obligation.  You may find them at http://goldsilver.com/home/ref/1090/

However you proceed, I hope you will do so with your eyes open, your head in the game, and without further delay. I don’t want to have lunch with you in the next few months or next year, and have you recounting your regrets.  Instead, let me hear from you that you took decisive action, and are incredibly glad and grateful that you did.

Bill Gross, PIMCO, sells off all US bonds.

University of Texas buys $1 billion in gold bullion.

Do the far-reaching implications of these headlines mean anything to you?

I have never been a fan of the children’s story, “Chicken Little.”  And I don’t think that the sky is falling.  But just as surely as the sun rises every day, the value of the dollar is falling. This is not some unfounded prediction of calamity, nor is it an overstatement.  There are things that are happening, significant and over-arching things, which are not being adequately addressed and explained in the mainstream media.  This, coupled with a basic human tendency to hope for the best or alternately to be in denial, is cause for concern.  So are the actions of some very big players.

To put this in perspective, Bill Gross is the manager of the world’s largest bond fund; and the University of Texas is the second largest educational endowment in the United States (Harvard is the largest).

If you think the global sovereign debt crisis doesn’t concern you, think again.

If you have any intention of buying a loaf of bread for your table or gasoline for your car, or any other everyday staple in the future, this truly does concern you.

If you have any amount of money in any bank, this does concern you.

If you have any investments in the stock market, this does concern you.

If you have stewardship over funds for any institutions, groups or individuals, this does concern you.

The highly respected Christian Science Monitor reported that, William Gross, manager of the world’s largest bond fund – Pacific Investment Management Co. (PIMCO), on June 13, 2011, told CNBC that “Medicare and other entitlements were putting the US into worse shape than Greece.”

And if you’ve paid attention to world news, you know there has been recent rioting in the streets of that ancient and majestic island.

As reported by Zero Hedge based on their research of company disclosures, PIMCO’s Total Return Fund, which is the world’s largest bond fund, took its bond holdings to zero in January, 2011.  We are talking about going from $28.6 billion in “government related” securities down to zip, zero, nada.

The reason?  Essentially, the US Treasury continues to issue government bonds and the Federal Reserve continues to print fiat currency to buy them.  The U.S. dollar, and every other currency in the world today, is a fiat currency which is backed by nothing (other than the ‘full faith and credit’ of a bankrupt nation).  President Nixon took the USA off the “gold standard” in 1971. What this means is that the government is creating massive debt and the Federal Reserve (which is not a federal institution and has no reserves) keeps printing Monopoly money in order to become the majority buyer of last resort.  The jig is up. It is becoming harder and harder to “sell” our debt to foreign investors who are increasingly wary of the United States’ ability to service (forget ever repay) its insurmountable, yet ever increasing, debt to fund an insolvent government. Ours is a Federal deficit of no return; and a majority of these United States is bankrupt as well.

As Gross reported in his April 2011 column, Investment Outlook:

• Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security now account for 44% of total federal spending and are steadily rising.
• Previous Congresses (and Administrations) have relied on the assumption that we can grow our way out of this onerous debt burden.
• Unless entitlements are substantially reformed, the U.S. will likely default on its debt; not in conventional ways, but via inflation, currency devaluation and low to negative real interest rates.

The following was the headline in an April 16, 2011 story by David Mildenberg and Pham-Duy Nguyen (of Bloomberg.net):

Texas University Takes Cue From Kyle Bass to Hold $1 Billion in Gold Bars

In part, the article states:

“The University of Texas Investment Management Co., the second-largest U.S. academic endowment, took delivery of almost $1 billion in gold bullion and is storing the bars in a New York vault, according to the fund’s board.

…The decision to turn the fund’s investment into gold bars was influenced by Kyle Bass, a Dallas hedge fund manager and member of the endowment’s board, Zimmerman said at its annual meeting on April 14. Bass made $500 million on the U.S. subprime-mortgage collapse.

“Central banks are printing more money than they ever have, so what’s the value of money in terms of purchases of goods and services,” Bass said yesterday in a telephone interview. “I look at gold as just another currency that they can’t print any more of.”

This is beyond serious, it is real and everyone needs to be concerned, because this does affect you just as it affects me. I urge you to become more aware of the far-reaching implications of this dire situation.  Educate yourself and those you care about, before the proverbial stuff hits the fan.  Having never been fond of “Chicken Little,” and given my deep faith and particular world-view, I don’t believe the sky can fall. But it can surely watch as the results of over-burdened entitlement programs, greed and all manner of misuse of power wrecks havoc down here and across our world.

I urge you to watch the video, “The Conspiracy Against Your Money,”  created and produced by Wealth Masters International

 www.caym.tv/13238

And my slide show video, “Why You Need to Invest in Gold and Silver”

http://www.wealthwithheart.net/gold-and-silver/

Now, I urge you to decide upon some next steps, determine what strategies are right for you and your family, and then please take action to prepare for what is coming.  If I can answer any questions for you, or suggest other resources, you may reach me at wealthwithheart@gmail.com

That scene was one of the most memorable in the entire film, and has stayed with me mainly because I was more incredulous than amused when I saw it.  No way could I relate to his preference. I have a friend who moved from the East Mountains back to the city because even though her husband loved the two acres on which they lived, she couldn’t stand it.  It was too quiet and she felt isolated.  Last year they sold their property to move back to Albuquerque.  I just sold our two acres, which wasn’t far from theirs, and bought 48 acres south of Santa Fe. 

There are obviously lots of folks who love city life, with all the cultural activities, great restaurants, night life, and shopping, shopping, shopping.  While I very much appreciate many of these amenities and conveniences, I like to visit then head back up to the top of our mesa.  With all of my heart I want these vast reaches of open space, the stunning vistas, the wildlife, the black night skies with countless stars so bright and so close they seem within reach, and the deep and absolute silence.  And in order to have it we are currently, albeit temporarily, living in a camper – with our three dogs.  A Standard Poodle, a Wire Hair Fox Terrier and a little Jack Russell Terrier mix who “found” us and decided to stay.  To say the space is cramped is a bit of a humorous understatement.  Everything takes longer and is more involved, each task and activity of daily living has more steps.  It is a great exercise in patience and feels like a spiritual practice, sharing such a confined space, that blissfully comes with forever views.

Our camper has a slide-out which contains the dining table and cushioned benches.  Today our poodle and wire hair fox terrier took a nap, side by side, underneath the table where I work on my laptop computer.  I thought it was worth a picture; and the picture, to me at least, is worth the proverbial thousand words.  While the boys were happily snoozing under the table, our little Sophie, the Jack Russell mix, was draped across the cushioned bench opposite me, supervising my work. 

There are those who truly enjoy living in a quadraphonic world, with multiple sources of stimulation and the ever-present possibility of sensory overload.  In contrast and by choice, the majority of my day is spent not in surround-sound, but in surround-silence.  Throughout the day various birds provide momentary concerts; and at night we hear boisterous coyotes, and the hauntingly beautiful melodies of an owl who lives somewhere near. 

An “off the grid” lifestyle seems to appeal to some intellectually or conceptually, but few are willing to actually do what it takes.  Living simply is not easy, and putting in the infrastructure to be self-reliant is very expensive.  There are many costs, not all of which are monetary. Choosing to live this way understandably appeals to a relatively small number of folks.  We have encountered those who appreciate it as adventuresome and many who think we are courageous, crazy or a combination of both.  The decision and the conviction to pursue this dream is a direct result of my becoming an entrepreneur and an Internet marketer.  While that may seem peculiar, it is true.  What I have learned about mindset, personal growth and visualizing has emboldened me.  Coming to understand the profound truth that “in order to have something you’ve never had before, you must do something you’ve never done before” has been transformative.

As Abraham Maslow has said, “One can choose to go backward toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” At this point in my life, I am embracing this wisdom in a way I never before would have considered.  

It is said that New Mexico doesn’t have spring, it has wind.  As in rip-roaring gusts that can re-arrange your clothes and threaten to literally sweep you off your feet. Yesterday was like that.  Today it has been completely still, becalmed.  A stillness that is so calm and peaceful, I am overflowing with wonder and gratitude.  Until I lived here I didn’t think much about wind. Certainly would not have imagined it as one of the four seasons! In California we had windy days and about the most I would say, think or feel about them is that I didn’t like them.  Here it is different.  The wind is a force with which one must grapple.  It can be fierce and unwieldy and there is absolutely no getting around it.  But more than that, it has captured my attention and caused me to become aware, curious and respectful.

Wind in the desert has so many moods and voices.  On our mesa-top it can go from complete and profound silence infused with a deep stillness, to whispering through the trees, to howling winds of such velocity and volume that it is almost deafening and disorienting.  The winds can rip branches from trees, just as they can gently carry the melody of a songbird, or the scent of sage and cedar unknown distances.  The winds artfully re-arrange countless cloud formations with an elegant choreography that is captivating to watch.  And when the breezes are just so, the ravens appear and windsurf on invisible currents, frolicking to and fro as they dip in a free fall, only to make another ascent, climbing higher and higher into the bright blue sky.

This experience, this off grid adventure, is turning out to be its own season.  And it is a most joyful one at that, high up here where one can watch with unobstructed views as the sun rises over the Sangre de Cristos and sets beneath the Jemez.  In addition to those mountain ranges, we live in visually intimate proximity to the Sandias, the Ortiz, and the Cerrillos Hills. The expansiveness and spaciousness of our 360 degree views come with a breathtaking landscape that has been repeatedly visited by sun, rain and snow, and is alternately sculpted by wind and soothed by silence. This enchanting place we now call home, on the top of a New Mexico mesa.

Having just finished reading an integrity-driven, truth-revealing book of such meaning and merit, it was challenging to select a lead quote.  Some 250 pages, and a dozen chapters, I dog-eared, made notes and underlined myriad sentences.   But this one really stands out for me, because in it I see part of my former self and financial situation. And I see many others, about whom I care deeply.

CRASHPROOF PROSPERITY – Becoming Wealthy in the Age of Risk, by Kip Herriage, is essential reading for every thoughtful, engaged person living today, who is capable of reading.  Admittedly, this is a strong and sweeping statement.  Perhaps I should qualify it by saying anyone, that is, who has money and would like to keep it or increase it; or who doesn’t have money yet needs, wants or would like it; or anyone who has concerns about their financial future; or who tends to use money on a fairly regular basis and hopes to continue being able to do so.

The author of this remarkable book which is destined to challenge assumptions and change attitudes is the CEO and co-founder of Wealth Masters International (WMI), and he was a former Vice President & Money Manager for top Wall Street investment firms for 15 years.  In his book Kip explains that at one point he realized that “the game was rigged” and states, “That’s when I finally realized that I wasn’t put on this earth to serve Wall Street – and that maybe I had some gifts that were meant for a higher purpose.” 

I have had the privilege of hearing Kip speak on several occasions, and have been blessed with several opportunities to personally speak with him.  Both he and Karl Bessey, President and co-founder of WMI, are highly personable men of deep integrity.  They started WMI, the world’s premiere wealth creation community, in 2005 with a mission to help others become self-reliant and create lives of wealth, health and wisdom.  They’ve created a company where motivated individuals can become educated; and through WMI’s business opportunity, we are given all the tools and training necessary to acquire life-changing information, experience live events and learn proven strategies in order to eliminate debt, build true wealth (which is physical, mental, and spiritual, as well as material), and protect their assets for generations to come.

Having immersed myself in a whole new world of learning, there are a couple of things I now know for sure:  this isn’t my father’s world we’re living in; most of what I was taught to believe is obsolete at best, and at times decidedly dangerous to my financial health; and those who do not pay close attention to what is happening economically and who do not take informed, decisive action could end up in a world of hurt.  And most likely will.  

Locally, nationally, and globally we are facing never before seen, and clearly unsustainable, levels of public, private and corporate debt.  We have an administration and a Federal Reserve that are hell-bent on printing more and more fiat currency, virtually guaranteeing hyperinflation and ensuring the continued devaluation of the dollar. What is happening in our economy and around the world is unprecedented in its severity, scope and magnitude.  And this is absolutely no time to sit back, do nothing and hope for the best.  Denial is not a river in Egypt:  it is a powerful psychological mechanism that, if operative within you with regard to the economy, needs to be confronted and overcome.  The most important thing to remember is that we do have choices; and as Kip reminds us, doing nothing is a choice. 

Having lost nearly all of my retirement in the stock market, a while back I was in a cold sweat about my financial future.  I had been snuggly entrenched in my comfort zone, entrusting my hard earned money to so-called “experts” who did not have my best interest at heart.  I finally realized that I had better get out of my comfort zone and take matters into my own hands – fast.  While I had achieved a degree of success and great satisfaction throughout my career as an employee, always lived comfortably and, as I was taught – invested in the stock market through payroll deduction – that turned out to be a bad approach for retirement planning.  Mainly because when it came to my investments, I deferred to the “experts” and delegated too much authority to “my advisors.”  My remaining in that “comfort zone” for so many years nearly resulted in financial ruin.

Joining WMI has changed all of that I now enjoy investing and thankfully my portfolio looks markedly different than before.  Today I have a very different understanding of money, currency and assets; about what money is (and what it is not); and how it works.  Becoming a mid-life entrepreneur has been not only a blessing, it is also a blast!

“Some people fold under pressure.  Others focus.  You have a choice today – which kind of person do you want to be?”

In his book, Kip gives us history, analysis, interpretation, rich market content, and step by step strategies.  He gives the benefit of his vast experience regarding the economy, money, currency, policy and the implications and “unintended consequences” of various decisions and actions.  Fortunately, he also gives us integrity-driven counsel on how to not only survive, but prosper in the midst of our economic situation, and how to prepare and position ourselves for what most likely lies ahead.

I can’t help but share with you a few lines from the stirring and well-known hymn, Amazing Grace, by John Newton, given that it came to mind several times while reading this powerful book.  As Kip states, we’ve got to learn to reach beyond where we are. We need to learn, begin to see things differently, to make informed choices, and take decisive action.  Learning about the economy, economic policy, fiat currency, the value of gold and silver, and coming to see my own situation in light of this learning is reminiscent of Newton’s song.  Because much like my indelible, life-transforming Damascus road conversion experience, this knowledge jolted me out of my comfort zone, caused a paradigm shift in my thinking about money, re-ordered my priorities, enlightened me and continues to immeasurably enrich my life.

…I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.

I was blind or truly unaware and uninformed about many things monetary.  Then, as I began to learn and to “see,” I was very fearful.  The implications of what is happening can be truly frightening.  And yet it was that very same knowledge or “grace” which shook me to my core that also “relieved” my fears.  That is to say, the learning that gave me a frightful wake-up call also contains within it the newfound wherewithal to see the opportunities, the actions I can take, and the solutions which are also present.  With crisis comes great opportunity.  I find it fascinating and remarkable that in Chinese, the word or character for “crisis” and “opportunity” is the same.  It is only how the word is used in context that determines its meaning.  It’s your future, which will you choose?  Will you be caught in this monetary crisis or seize the monumental opportunity?

A point that Kip has made several times in his book, his various articles and when I have seen him speak is that it is essential to think like a “contrarian.”  To not be lulled into accepting the misinformation of the mainstream media, or be mislead because of the ubiquitous ‘conflicts of interest’ in seemingly every area of our lives today. Kip stresses the importance of researching, learning, understanding and doing our own due diligence.  To not be like the masses who are being blindly influenced by ‘special interests’ whose only specialty is self-interest.

“Entrepreneurs are willing to think independently, take informed risks and enjoy the rewards that come from living close to the edge.”

What I have come to realize and appreciate is that for most of my 50+ years on this planet, I have tried to do the right thing, I’ve worked hard and cared deeply, and yet in many financial matters have trusted others more than I have trusted myself.  This journey of new learning has taught me, among many other things, that no one else cares as much about my financial situation as I do (or need to).  If you only read one book this year, make it CRASHPROOF PROSPERITY – Becoming Wealthy in the Age of Risk, by Kip Herriage .  I believe you’ll have your eyes opened, get shook up, and then, hopefully will make the choice to take integrity-driven, informed action to position yourself and your family for what surely looms ahead. It is clear that Kip’s passion and commitment is to educate and empower others; and he has the knowledge, heart, expertise and track record to continue to do it impressively.  The information is there, and the choice is ours to make.

For more about WMI & my story please visit http://bit.ly/LindaComptonMasterConsultant

While I have been able to control my blood pressure with diet and exercise, by far the biggest factor was controlling the sodium in my diet.  I hadn’t realized before this “incident” that I am salt sensitive.  As it turns out many people are, and most don’t know it.  Salt is found in almost all prepared and packaged foods, and it is really important to become aware of these levels and monitor our intake.

One of the biggest issues for me became our emergency food reserves – the vast majority of which we had in cans, and of course, canned goods are loaded with sodium.  After living for years in California and being inculcated about the importance of Earthquake Preparedness, I have been fairly aware of the need to have food reserves on hand.  But after Hurricane Katrina my awareness was kicked up a few notches.

Today, it is the dismal state of the economy, the severe devaluation of the dollar, the news about impending food shortages and the recent price increases in the cost of commodities that has escalated my commitment to having back-up food on hand.  Natural disasters can occur anywhere at any time, but the “perfect storm” of economic conditions is even more of a concern now.

It has become painfully evident that I don’t want to depend on a bankrupt government for my food security.  It is also evident that we need to become much more self-reliant.  Clearly, emergency food reserves equals food security. As Adlai E. Stevenson has noted, “A hungry man is not a free man.”  If you had to shelter in place because of a natural disaster, economic meltdown or some other crisis, how long could you provide for yourself and your family?

Given that I needed to find a “healthy alternative” to canned foods – which are also heavy, take up a lot of storage space and only have about a 2 year shelf-life – I began searching in earnest. 

What I found is the perfect solution.  And in fact it is such an ideal solution for my family and me that we have decided to help spread the word.  I am passionate about helping others, and believe it is so important to raise awareness about this vital issue, and to sound a timely call to action. 

We’ve found an experienced company that offers dehydrated premium-grade fresh, raw foods.  There are no additives, no GMO, it is all vegetarian, and there are gluten-free and dairy-free options as well.  Another wonderful feature is that these gourmet meals are delicious.  To be perfectly honest, I am a very finicky eater and if I don’t really like something I simply won’t eat it.  These meals are easy to prepare, easy to store and remarkably, they have a 15-year shelf life. 

I invite and encourage you to watch the video at the link below and to seriously consider these emergency food reserves for yourself and your family.  Just today I received an email from the National Inflation Association (NIA) entitled, “China Importing U.S. Food Inflation,” which addresses the severe shortages in China of cotton, corn, sugar and other crops.  NIA has been predicting major food shortages around the world for some time now; even as they have been encouraging Americans to “…stock up on and store agricultural products.” 

This entire line of thinking has been a challenge for me.  I have always been a “the glass is half full” kind of person.  I believe in the goodness of people and have always respected authority.  However, there are so many events pointing to the need for greater self-reliance that I believe we now must take more responsibility for our own financial and food security.

Our national debt can simply never, ever be re-paid; unemployment continues to hurt countless families; and our failed economic policies as well as the actions of the Fed, have ensured the demise of the dollar.  A good friend of mine said recently that he now invests in nothing other than the three G’s:  gold, guns and groceries.  I certainly advocate owning gold and silver bullion.  My personal holdings have gone up significantly in the past 12 months (with dramatic increases yet to come, given all the fiat currency around the globe), and I love being affiliated with Mike Maloney (Robert Kiyosaki’s personal precious metals expert):  http://goldsilver.com/home/ref/1090.

And now I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to the most delicious option I have found for ensuring your family’s food security:  www.dailybreadforyou.myefoods.com.  If you have any questions, or if I may help you in your discernment process regarding your own financial or food security, please email me at wealthwithheart@gmail.com

The Boy Scouts are correct: “Be Prepared.”  We simply can’t survive and thrive long without nourishment.  And when you are hungry, nothing else really matters. As Rabelais has noted, “No clock is more regular than the belly.”

When solutions and opportunities

Photo & design by Linda Compton

are right in front of us, why do we so often insist on looking elsewhere?  Why do we immediately think of why it won’t work, or why we can’t do it, or we try to find something else, anything else, other than what is readily available? 

 If I could wish just one thing for those who are unhappy, feeling scared, stuck or unsure of themselves, it would be this:  Study with Bob Proctor.  He is one of the most dynamic, spirited and insightful teachers I’ve been with on my journey of life-long learning.  His teachings are so clear and practical and speak to us right where we live.  The reason I can make this sweeping statement with such confidence is that what Bob teaches is universal.  It is applicable to you if you are a human being with thoughts and feelings who lives in this world.  Period.  I learned more from Bob in a week-end seminar about the human mind and heart, than I did in my post-graduate studies in pastoral counseling.  And the insights continue to be many and meaningful as I remain committed to my on-going studies with him.

I’m sure you’ve seen the sign with the international circle and line through it that says,  “No Whining.”  For years I often wished I could find a more effective way to “speak the truth in love” to someone who is hurting, afraid, or perennially negative.  Today I know what to say.  Because the truth is no one needs to live like that. The fact is that we choose our thoughts; our thoughts cause our feelings; and our feelings determine our actions.  Each one of our actions, by universal law, causes an equal and opposite reaction, which subsequently gives us the results we have in our lives.  I have learned this from studying with Bob, who asserts, if you want to change your results then change your thoughts.  But more than that, I have experienced the transformative power of his teachings as I daily put into practice these laws and strive to live in harmony with them. 

To the naysayers, I would simply respond, “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”  Because frankly, if you honestly and wholeheartedly try it, you won’t be able to do anything but embrace it and grow.  If, however, you aren’t willing to try, then please don’t repeatedly pour out your woes to me.  I am in the empowerment and solutions business, and will go all out for those willing to try, to take action, to brave change. These are the individuals with whom I choose to spend my time and these are the people who energize and inspire me every single day.

Now, if you don’t want to accept responsibility for your thoughts, choices and actions, or if you are unwilling to hold yourself accountable, that is a different matter.  However, please realize that regardless of your attitudes, the immutable laws of the Universe are still operative.  The very purpose and thrust of nature is the advancement, fuller expression, and development of life.  As Wallace D. Waddles observes, “You naturally want to become all that you are capable of becoming; this desire to realize innate possibilities is inherent in human nature.  Success in life is becoming what you want to be.”  So if you truly want to gain sparkling insights into how to enhance your life and enliven your world, and you are open to transformational learning, then I invite you to join with me in the joy of deep discovery and heighted personal development.  Sign up now at http://bit.ly/Secret-to-YourSuccess

Nursery rhymes and children’s stories educate and entertain through the use of colorful illustrations, engaging metaphors and life lessons. In the story of Rumpelstiltskin we meet some interesting characters and find ourselves drawn in to a compelling and fanciful tale.

The title character is a brutish, cunning little man who has the ability to spin straw into gold. A classic tale, the story centers around a poor miller, his beautiful daughter, a greedy King and the clever Rumpelstiltskin. It is a brief tale filled with deception, avarice, and promises made which, from the outset, are not intended to be honored. I find the dishonesty and deceit especially troubling and was always uncomfortable with that element of the story, even as I was intrigued.

Today this beloved children’s story seems oddly relevant and offers some interesting counsel for us. It has become more and more apparent that all the paper currencies of the world are now fiat currency. This sadly includes the U.S. dollar, which President Nixon took off the gold standard in 1971. Meaning from that time forward, it is backed only by the “full faith and credit” of our government. The problem with this is that the United States Government is perilously in debt, and continues to print currency with nothing else behind it. It is essentially Monopoly money, and this means it is only a matter of time before inflation will further erode its value. Our currency is becoming little more than straw. The devaluation of the dollar, through the fiscal policies of the Fed, is causing our currency to be reduced to 21st-Century straw.

One of the best ways to position ourselves against the dollar’s ever decreasing value is to spin this straw into gold while we still can. The purchase of precious metals, especially silver and gold, is being recommended by many top-tier financial experts who are reading the signs and seeing the dire consequences – in light of history, precedent, and that which is all too predictable.

It is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all of the cacophonous proclamations of the so-called pundits; the dizzying posturing of those steeped in conflicts of interest; and the grand pirouettes of political spin. It is sometimes difficult to know whom to trust, how to proceed, what to actually do. For these reasons it is even more important to educate ourselves. I have found the writings of Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump and Michael Maloney especially helpful. And now, on a professional and first-person basis, the counsel and writings of Kip Herriage of Wealth Masters International, G. Edward Griffin, and Peter Schiff are absolutely invaluable to me. The writings of Martin Weiss, Larry Edelson, Tony Sagami and Sean Brodrick of Uncommon Wisdom (published by Weiss Research) offer excellent insights about the U.S. and international economic scene. Including interpretive commentary on what is happening particularly in the Asian and European markets.

Neither the U.S. economy in particular nor the global economy in general, held much interest for me. It’s curious and quite remarkable that I could be so casual about something so fundamental. But to be honest, until I hit 50-something and saw my retirement portfolio all but disappear, I just didn’t pay much attention. I had always made a good living, and I guess in retrospect I just figured that would be enough. Well, clearly those assumptions were based on a different time and another world. My learning is now turbo-charged, I assure you.

In my lifetime we put a man on the moon. But we also went from the Industrial Age to the Information Age. And very many of us who placed ourselves in a wage system rather than in a profit system, have been caught up short. Of course, it is much easier to see and understand this now that I have made the transition from employee to entrepreneur; and have an up close and personal understanding of the implications of these very potent distinctions. 20/20 hindsight enables us to glean meaning through reflection; but the value comes in learning from the past and applying it to the future.

Today, the lesson for me from the story of Rumpelstiltskin is to see our currency as 21st-Century straw, and to spin much of it into gold and silver while we can. It is important to understand that our world has changed, the rules by which we were taught to play are not respected by many; and in the face of deception, avarice and false promises that will not be honored, it is even more imperative that we strive to live within our integrity and be thoughtful, informed and intentional about preparing for what looms ahead.

There are resources available; professionals with integrity, who are called and committed to educating and empowering us; sound investments to be made; profit system based opportunities from which to choose; and various other options one can explore and embrace. The crucial thing is to assess where you are, and then determine what you need to do to securely position yourself: then take decisive action and do just that.

Helping you turn the economic downturn to your advantage – so you can avoid Boomer to Bust and begin building wealth with heart. Your success is my goal. As a successful, mid-life Internet marketer and mentor, Linda is committed to helping others avoid going from Baby Boomer to Bust. Despite today’s rocky economy, there are viable options and exciting opportunities. You may personally ask her about them by visiting her websites and using the contact information. Linda Compton has a BA in Philosophy; a Masters degree in Gerontology; and a Master of Divinity degree. She was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1987. She has 30 years combined, professional experience in multinational corporate management; non-profit leadership; the interfaith movement; and philanthropy. Linda is co-owner of Wealth With Heart, LLC and is an M3 Master Consultant with WMI. Among her passions are Internet marketing and mentoring; photography; puppies; gardening; and exploring the great Southwest. http://www.wealthwithheart.net/gold-and-silver/ http://goldsilver.com/home/ref/1090/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Compton

Linda with Mike Maloney

When I hear QE2, I usually think of the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, a stately transatlantic ocean liner that operated from 1969 to 2008.  But in the news today, another QE2 was being launched.  The United States Federal Reserve, as reported by DailyFinance, announced that it will begin the second phase of its quantitative easing program, known as the QE2.  

The Fed said it will buy up to $600 billion more in long-term U.S. Treasury bonds to “help” stimulate a U.S. economy which is sluggish and growing too slowly.  This new round of asset purchases will occur over time through the middle of 2011, at a rate of approximately $75 billion a month.  However, when this new infusion is added to their existing program of asset purchases, the amount is closer to $110 billion a month.

So, this is not your parent’s favorite cruise ship we’re talking about here.  But make no mistake, while there is no luxury cruise, we the people are definitely being taken for a ride.  The more money the Fed creates  “out of thin air,” which is backed by nothing other than the “full faith and credit of the United States government” – our government which has more debt than it can ever possibly repay, the more they devalue the dollar.  Our paper currency could be worth less than toilet paper soon.

If you have not watched the video I made entitled, “Why You Need to Invest in Gold and Silver,” I invite – no, I urge – you to watch it now.  http://www.wealthwithheart.net/gold-and-silver/

Then follow the link to Mike Maloney’s website Buy Gold and Silver Here.  By clicking on this link you are not committing to making a purchase, it is simply taking you to Mike’s website from mine. Mike is Robert Kiyosaki’s personal precious metals advisor, and a Rich Dad Poor Dad author.  I have heard Mike speak several times, and was so impressed I became an affiliate. His site is loaded with information, and has lots of educational videos you may watch without any obligation.

I implore you to learn as much as you can about the implications of the Fed’s announcement today.  I feel so strongly about this because the mainstream media is not covering the story in a thorough way.  If it were not for Wealth Masters International, I would be without a retirement portfolio (having lost mine after listening for years to the “experts”).  You may read my story here, if you like http://bit.ly/LindaComptonMasterConsultant  

Given my experience, and based on everything I’ve been learning, I honestly believe that the only way to truly understand what is happening is to do your own research, and follow the proven wisdom of those who have no conflicts of interest, and consequently are a few tributaries off the mainstream.  That is where you will find the most valuable information today. And that is where you will find the most trustworthy guidance for the even more turbulent economic waters into which we are now heading.