http://financialawakenings.com Financial insight on the exterior and interior aspects of money and finance. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:36:13 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Here is a money-saving possibility for those of you with teenagers looking toward college. Your teen might win a $1,000 scholarship by acing 35 questions in a money-knowledge test from the U.S. Treasury Department. The Treasury is giving the online test, called the National Financial Literacy Challenge, through high schools nationwide Nov. 3 ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1065 Click to WatchClick to ListenNow that the election is over, the partying has begun for our next President’s enthusiastic supporters. Meanwhile, President-Elect Obama and the Democrats are getting ready to enjoy almost complete control of government policy, something no party has come close to having since 1965. Change is in the ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1066 Consumers aren't the only people who can benefit from having a financial planner; so can financial planners. Rick's research paper on why planners don't use planners--and the surprising professional benefits they receive if they do--is titled, "Becoming Consumers of the Profession We Practice." His paper was named a 2008 winner of the ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1064 Click to WatchClick to ListenWhen we pass from this life, we will each leave a legacy. Regardless of our preparation—or lack thereof—for the end of life, we will indisputably leave something behind. That legacy will be both tangible and intangible. Most of us know that the purpose of a will or ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1057 I've read several articles recently suggesting that right now bonds are a "once in a century" buy. This is largely because investors no longer trust the ratings of the bond rating companies--Moody's, Standard and Poor's, and Fitch--after the big three so badly missed the meltdown of the large financial companies. One bond trader ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1045 Indulge me in a little prognostication. I am not a timer and I don't change investment directions accroding to "what I think" markets may or may not do. Still, I enjoy a little theorizing from time to time, so here goes. If my hunch is correct, those of you expecting the markets to tank ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1044 Listen to Rick's interview with Susan Lee from New York City's WBAI-FM on how people could face a tough time financially and economically.  Click here to listen to the interview. http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1048 The ancient ethical will is a beautiful tool for those who don’t want their legal will to be their only “last words.” Updated for a modern audience, the ethical will is a non-binding personal legacy letter (or recording) that is attached as a side document to legal documents.  With roots in ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1046 Click to WatchClick to ListenOne of my clients recently asked me, “How much has your portfolio lost in the market this quarter?” My answer was, “Exactly the same percentage as yours.” To me, managing my clients’ portfolios in the same way I manage my own is a no-brainer. Employing the same ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1036 For all you early risers, you may want to watch Rick tomorrow on KNBN's Morning Show during the 6:30am-7:00am segment.  Last time Rick was on the show, host Chris Orr told him that many people thought he was a "kook" for his optimism.  Find out if Rick is still a kooky optimist or if ... http://financialawakenings.com/index.php/archives/1034