Latest responses to “March 2009 - Net Worth Update and Personal Finance Status” Copyright 2013, MoneyBlueBook.com 440460 2009-04-24T15:44:10-07:00 Raymond Thank you E.Newton, How is your own portfolio and income flow doing in today's climate? And yes, I do share in your skepticism regarding Obama's current so-called liberal agendas. I think he means well, but I am afraid of how far he will go in pushing his wealth redistribution style policies. But politics aside, he is probably the best man for the job and the only one who can really inspire sufficient confidence and optimism to captain this American ship through rough waters. But even during tough economic times, opportunities abound and there are long term bets to be made. I am eyeing the markets extremely closely. I am sooo tempted to jump in but I fear greatly that this is the ultimate sucker's rally in the making. Your thoughts? 440450 2009-04-24T15:35:26-07:00 E.Newton Raymond, Congrats on your success. I enjoy reading about how your evaluating your own financial goals and enjoy seeing somebody else not complaining about a 'bad economy'. Politically I believe the doom and gloom is being used as a scapegoat to push liberal agendas, hence 'Never let a crisis go to waste', but all those who are pessimistic about the big picture, I point them to your blog and tell them to let it sink in... look at this guy, and emulate how he manages money... so in up times and down times, you can be confident that you arent alone. Cheers, E.Newton 440500 2009-04-12T14:51:40-07:00 Raymond Omar, This gentleman fellow gave you very generic financial advice. Using Charles Schwab for investing is neither good nor bad. They are a very popular choice for large portfolio holders as they offer very extensive services, however they are probably more of a higher end brokerage firm in my opinion...with much higher fees than the more stripped down discount brokers. I'd recommend something like a TradeKing, Sharebuilder, or TD Ameritrade for starters. 440390 2009-04-08T10:26:07-07:00 Omar A gentleman told me to use Charles Schwab for investing. Is that a sound decision? Thanks 440510 2009-04-07T23:47:44-07:00 Raymond Money Energy & Mike Rowan: Yes I am constantly eying the stock market and licking my chops. Prices are certainly quite attractive, but I've been badly burned before. I have grown extremely paranoid and super suspicious of anything that even whiffs of a bear market rally - and I think this current situation is a classic bear market rally....so I'll be staying on the sidelines and resisting the temptation to jump in for a while longer. It's not easy though...my cash savings yearns for risky bets..... Of course, I'm no stock market prognosticator and truly have no idea what the market will do from here on. I urge caution for all those looking at current market conditions....don't be swayed by short term swings in prices and pure speculation by so-called financial experts, such as the pundits from CNBC 440370 2009-04-07T20:16:42-07:00 Mike Rowan If I were you, I would start investing. I think that the sky will be the limit once we have this downturn behind us. 440380 2009-04-06T03:20:50-07:00 MoneyEnergy Congrats on all your achievements.... you are definitely living the life many dream of.... yes, it would be interesting to see your online income statement. But your networth looks great, keep it up and post more posts like this one. I say it's worth it to invest in any market if you know what you're investing in and why. If you have a compelling reason to invest in a certain company, regardless of market conditions, then do it. 440490 2009-04-05T19:41:46-07:00 Raymond Rate Nerd, I hate taxes with a passion as well. I have actually even contemplated moving some of my business operations to another state to minimize my overall tax burden - legally of course. Tax avoidance is always perfectly legal....it's tax evasion that's illegal. I am very, very wary about President Obama's plans for a tax hike. I know he thinks this will ultimately help the economy weather this recession, but I think it's punishing small businesses like mine. I really don't think there is a patriotic duty to pay more taxes.... 440430 2009-04-05T16:35:04-07:00 RateNerd As an entrepreneur, I hate having to be so focused on the tax code to make sure that I am making money - when I set aside money for taxes I really wonder what I am getting for my 35%, especially when I have to dodge potholes and listen to the crooked Detroit politicians fight over turf (sorry to vent, but you hit a hot button for me!) 440480 2009-04-05T14:37:34-07:00 Raymond Bill, One of these days, I may include a more detailed breakdown of my complete income and cash flow statements along with my current balance sheet. Currently my income is somewhat diverse and includes a variety of projects I've been involved in for some time - along with my regular legal practice part time day job. But I'll give some thought to such a future public disclosure.. I'm still slowly getting used to sharing so much info online. Sharing personal finance ideas is one thing, but revealing actual personal numbers is always something altogether.