American's Lack Confidence When It Comes To Retirement Planning by Pat Melfi

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EBRI's in 1997 Retirement Confidence Survey found that 51 percent of current workers anticipated that personal savings would serve as their "most important" source of income in retirement. But, in 1998, that statistic dropped sharply to only 39 percent. Attempting to explain what may have changed, the authors of EBRI's 1998 Retirement Confidence Survey suggested: "One possibility is that, as more people focus on retirement, determine what they will need, and consider what they have already put aside, their confidence in their ability to save enough for retirement decreases." Consistent with this theory, the 1998 Retirement Confidence Survey found that "only 25 percent of workers are very confident that they are doing a good job of preparing financilally for retirement, compared with 32 percent in 1997."

Despite waning confidence, Americans today are more focused than ever before on retirement planning. Nearly half of all working Americans--45 percent--have attempted to calculate how much they'll need to save for retirement. In 1997, only 36 percent had tried to do that calculation. In 1996, only 32 percent made the attempt. Nevertheless, almost 60 percent of women and 51 percent of men have not yet tried to figure out how much they need to save for retirement.



According to EBRI's 1998 Retirement Confidence Survey, members of "Generation X"--generally those born from 1964 to 1980--are more confident that the members of any other generation about their retirement prospects. One in three is "very confident" they'll have enough money for a comfortable retirement, compared with 18 percent of older Baby Boomers and 22 percent of younger Baby Boomers. Experts estimate that 55 tp 64 percent of Generation X have already begun to save for retirement, primarily because of "the prevalence of 401 (k)s in the workplace today, which makes it easier for young people to start saving for retirement, and concerns about the future of Social Security as a source of retirement income.

Pension Plans Have Changed by Pat Melfi

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In almost every sector, job benefits have declined, and workers have increasingly come to realize that they will need to save for themselves to have economic security. The "security blanket" of a life4time job was never available for most, but many Americans have acted as if it were. According to 2006 study by EBRI, in 2004, only 28 percent of workers ages 55 and older had been on their job 20 years or more.

In the past, only about one-quarter of workers participated in "defined benefit" plans, such as pension plans that provided annuities at retirement, but many Americans acted as if it all had this benefit. Today, employers increasingly offer "declined contribution" plans, such as 401(k) plans, rather than defined benefit plans. With defined benefit contribution plans, the ofrten decide among different investments and bear the entire risk and reward of their investment decisions. The continuing growth of of such plans requires that American workers learn the basics of investing and become disciplined about making contributions to their plan.

Despite the recent rise of defined contirbution plans, not every worker in America enjoys the benefit of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. According to officials with the Department of Labor, slightly less than half of America's wage-earning and salaried workers are covered by some type of pension plans. Of the approximately 120.4 million American workers, about 60 million public and private sector workers have no pension plans.

According to a 2007 study by Public Agenda, more Americans are working for smaller companies--companies less likely to have pension plans, or even volunatry retirement plans. For example, EBRI found that in 1993 only half of all workers in businesses with 25-99 workers had the option of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. And for businesses with fewer than 25 employees, only one-fifth had access to such plans. By contrast, at businesses with 100 or more employees, 85 percent of workers could take advantage of an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Thus we have the need, evfen moreso now than ever before to sit down, get a plan together of what our lifestyle wants to be at retirement and implement such a plan. EDUCASTION IS THE ANSWER, WHAT'S THE QUESTION? Are you with me on this? This is one of the most significant issues in the life of every human being, not only, just Americans. Anybody else here remember learbning about this is elementary school, high school or even college? Not me! I am an Ivy League graduate and and never in the 5 years I attended college, do I recall hearing this topic...of course my major was marketing, so maybe it's not that important to a marketing executive. Hmmmm, don't think so...it's time for educators to start providing EDUCATION THAT MATTERS.

For further information of a university in America that does in fact teach this type of powerful infor visit http://www.straightline2money.com

We The People Stimulus Package by Pat Melfi

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SAVE OUR CHILDREN..TAKE CONTROL OF AMERICA!
Surprise, Surprise! After telling everyone they'd wait until after the 4th of July to vote on a so-called "cap and trade" energy tax, leaders in Congress took action in the dark of night Monday to bring it up for a vote this week! Liberals in the House of Reprersentatives are trying to sneak through with little debate the largest tax hike in the history of the world: over $2 trillion.



Bob Basso author of "Common Sense" plays the role of Thomas Paine to ignite the fire of change in America. Patriotism and Pride for America lead Thomas Paine to help take back America!

By effectively placing a tax on carbon monoxide, this bill would raise costs on anyone and anything that uses energy. This climate tax is
not the way to help us turn the corner on today's difficult economy, and pushing through a 1,200 page bill that nobodyhas read and is not the transparency and honesty we were promised!

Can you family afford another $4,600 in energy costs? If not, there's only one way that we can stop this disaster from becoming law: burning up phone lines and stuffing email boxes in Congress with messages of opposiotion!

America's Youth Now Spends More and Has More Debt than Ever Before by Pat Melfi

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Teenagers in the United States have become a formidable economic force. In December 1998, Teenage Research Unlimited projected that teens ages 12-19 spent $94 billion of their own money--including money earned or received from allowances, gifts, or employment--in 1998, compared with $84 billion in 1997. Teens also influenced the spending of an additional $47 billion in family money. That's a total of $141 billion.

Yet few have the skills to manage their money wisely. A 1998 poll of 14 to 16 year-old revealed that "fifty-three percent received little to no financial advice from their parents." And according to a 1998 survey of 13 to 21 year-olds, only 26 percent reported that their parents actively taught them how to manage their money.

A 1999 poll of young people ages 9 to 17 found that fifty-nine percent worry about not having enough money, compared to sixty-five percent who worry about not doing well in school and fifty-two percent who worry about getting cancer. This comes at a time when college students must shoulder more debt than ever before. The average college student who takes out student loans graduates with a debt burden of at least $30,000.

According to a survey by Consumer Report, "sixty-four percent of college students have a credit card in their name and twenty percent have four or more cards. In its 1999 Youth & Money Survey of students ages 16 to 22, the American Savings Education Council (ASEC) found that 28 percent of students with a credit card roll over debt each month. A 1998 poll by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group found that the average college student with a credit card who is responsible for paying his or her charges has an unpaid balance of nearly $2,000.00.

Perhaps most disturbingly, a 1997 survey of individuals who filed for personal bankruptcy protection revealed that 8.7 percent of all bankruptcy filings were among young adults ages 18 to 25 years old.

THINK ABOUT IT...by Pat Melfi

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"Will the next round of LAY-OFFS INCLUDE ME? Will my position be eliminated after the merger? Can I expect A RAISE OR BONUS in this economy? Is my current business RECESSION PROOF?

Turnkey Business * Residual Income * Unsaturated Market * Low Overhead Work From Home * No Employees...Have ya' heard all this before?

It's no surprise that most CFO's and Owners of companies in North America are laying off at key levels...and YOU could be next. Now is the time for people to take control of their financial destiny. My job here is to examine all kinds of so-called money-making opportunities. Most turn out to gimmicks. Some require lots of hard work and long hours. Others are complicated to understand or take way too long to produce an income.

Then, out of the blue - a shocking discovery! Something unlike anything I've ever seen before. The more I dug into it, the more excited I became. What's so bizarre is, it is extremely easy to apply, yet so powerful. I still can hardly believe it's true! I know of no other opportunity that can return so much profit, so quickly, for such a small investment of time...and I have seen them all.

The Keys To Success:

1. You must want a change and be willing to take risk.
2. You must take a personal ownership of your business.
3. Get to know people by asking questions and listening for opening doors.
4. Don't believe anything different than 9 of 10 people will NOT do what they dream about. Keep looking for that "one" that will.
5. MOTIVATE your team, ALWAYS!!!

I have discovered individuals that had perseverance, were teachable, never stopped growing, pushed their limits and stepped out of their comfort zones. If you are looking to build a business you can own and run without a lot of trouble...let me know when you find it. Most opportunities require hard work and knowledge. Have you heard the term that "knowledge is power?" WOW!!! Is that most deceptive statement you have ever heard or what? The correct statement is "APLLIED knowledge is power." There are many knowledgable people who are still failing in life. There is absolutely no point in gaining knowledge if you are not willing to share it.

I have found my peace of mind, finally at http://reinvestorsolutions.com/composer
It affords me an opportunity to present information...real information to those looking for a real change. It satisfies my continued desire to present Education That Matters!!! As most of you know, I am going into my 30th year of life as a servant to educational opportunities. During a lifetime career in the entertainment industry and the real estate industry, I have dedicated a healthy portion of my charitable efforts on education. Education That Matterss! Education people can actually apply in real life. It's an honor to have so many intersted people.

If change is what you are looking for this might be a good place to start...it's NOT for everyone. "If you want to have a great life, every day you need to learn and teach one thing." I believe the education and training I have received has made me a stronger, more confident person, and a better father and husband. Absolutely NOTHING is more important to me than helping others.

Between The Lines by Pat Melfi

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What To Know When Choosing A Mentor, Advisor or University

Investing can be a tricky process, which is why many turn to professional advisors for help before venturing into the investment world. Often these are people that have been well educated in theory and not necessarily practitioners. Our children should always have the opportunity to choose when it comes to a mentor, advisor or a university. Following a mentor, advisor or educator that actually successfully practices in real life what they teach is always the best path for any of us.

In yesterday's article we discussed the arrival to a place known as "entitlement" here in America using my buddy Bill Zucker's TARP video and song. When we listen to the song we hear the underlynig message that somehow we are all now "entitled" to something for free. Nothing is free in life, especially when it comes to education.
The most lucrative road to wealth building has always, is now and will be in the future, real estate investing. Real estate is a business. One can multiply wealth tremendously or even go bankrupt investing in the wrong way.

Education Is The Answer, What's The Question? A phrase coined by the author and used in many public article poses an intersting thought. Think about it for a minute. If we were to educate ourselves and our children, what question would there be? Would we not accomplish what we need to accomplish? Well maybe, but then there is that "praticing educator" thing we spoke about earlier. Check out this video and see the testimonials of children following a practicing educator, menator or advisor.



As mkost of you know by now, I am dedicated to the development of our youth through education...however, Education That Matters...Education our children will actually use in their daily routines. I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Piccolo, founding member of Nouveau Riche at Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix a few years ago. A dear friend of mine David Foster produces the entertainment for that event every year. I was intrigued by Jim's desire to assist our children with financial literacy issues. I knew that I would be retiring soon from a 30 year career in the music industry.

It was that night that I chose my new mentor for what I would commit to do for the rest of my life...why, because that old nursery rhyme "Follow The Leader" applies here. This man is truly one of the world's greatest assets, amn of honor, vision and dedication to educating children with Education That Matters. Learn more about this amazing man, the univwersity courses that are offered at the University he founded that has become a leader in reale estate education at http:/reinvestorsolutions.com/composer62 where in every day life, we are dedicated to Education That Matters.

High Noon On The Internet by Pat Melfi

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The internet is the Wild West of the legal system. It is a place that was discovered just 30 years ago, which is still being explored and mapped, and for which laws are uncertain, hotly contested or in flux. Today one of the Internet's most controversial issues, keyword advertising, has stirred up businesses throughout the world.

What is Keyword Advertising?

It is the most hotly contested legal issue involving the Internet. Web searchers, such as Google, direct users to various Websites depending on the "keywords" that the users enter. It is a particularly controversial practice for Web searchers to offer companies their competitr's trademarks as tools for directing traffic to their own site. For instance, Google might allow Smith's Food and Drug Stores to use the keyword "Albertsons" to direct more grocery store traffic to Smith's and Google might also charge Smith's for allowing it to use the Albertsons keyword. Courts around the country are split as to whether that use constitutes trademark infringement.

There is a site at http://composer62.freegoogle.hop.clickbank.net that has an incredible guide one can use to learn how to correctly advertise on Google.

Setting Up Shop by Pat Melfi

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Business Systems Offer Low-Risk Business Options

In business, as in life, there are no guarantees. But there are always smart ways to bet. For the victums of the current economic recession, the idea of leaving corporate America behind and finding their own personal piece of the pie has been more enitcing than ever. It means having the opportunity to run a business, be your own boss and control your destiny.

So it comes as no surprise that many people looking to take control of their financial futures are turning to tested and proven business systems...and the timing might just be perfect.

With financial institutions encouraged to use federal economic stimulus money toward making loans of all varieties, the cash necessary to start a business is more readily accesible. You just have to chose one that matches your lifestyle and most importantly, your passion.

Buying into an already established and proven system under the name of that business and operating within the boundaries established by it can be very lucrative.

Nouveau Riche has this sytem, has created more millionaires than any company of it's type and offers product that every millionaire has invested into...real estate. It is important to realize that real estate is a "business". Getting educated and following a multi-millionaire leader is the right path to achieve financial freeom in the quickest way.

Learn more about the education you nedd to become a successful real estate investor at http://reinvestorsolutions.com/composer62
If after you visit the site, you have an interest, leave your information and a certified representative will call you to answer your questions.

Let me point out that Nouveau Riche has generally done the experimenting and made all the mistakes with their concepts and, thus, refined the process for operations before they ever roll out the opportunities to potential business entrprenuers

According to IFA, there are close to 800,000 business establishments in the country that are part of a business sytem referred to as a franchise. Those business employ 10 million people and have a payroll exceeding $300 billion.

Training and support, including regimented business operation procedures and tips on the management of the new business are all a part on the Nouveau Riche system.

The reality is that a well-established, successfully run business is more recession-proof than any untested, untried idea. If you just follow the guidelines and the system, it's easy to manage a profitable real estate investment business with the help that Nouveau Riche gives you.

Meetings That Mean Business

With today's economy, getting down to business is more important than ever. Don't underestimate the value of a "motivational setting." Get with the author and learn when you can take a look at this well tested, well oiled machine that has created more millionaires than any system of it's kind. http://reinvestorsolutions.com/composer62

TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) or FREE RIDE as I call it...Pat Melfi

What amazes me the most is the level of entitlement Americans believe they are entitled to.

One of my friends, a musician named Bill Zucker wrote this song. It puts a spin on the problem in American government. Just a few months ago Americans were insured that funds from this program would save GM and Chysler among others and prevent them from going bankrupt. Did I miss something here or what? I did graduate from Berkeley in the 70's don't remember what I studied there either...maybe those brain dead cells just helped me imagine what I was hearing about this.

America needs to wake up!!!

This is a joke and remaining complacent about this will only allow it to get worse...Anyone else but me notice the current administration is like a runaway train?

Get your share of your own TARP with this funfilled humorous tune from Bill that has been all over the news as well as had 148,000 views on YouTube.

Enjoy the humor.

Choosing Credit Cards by Pat Melfi

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Did you know that credit cards represent a significant amount of our overall debt in America. There is more abuse in this area than any other area...but as we examine who is doing the abusing, we learn some very interesting facts. Although many American's abuse the ability to acquire things on credit, buy now, pay later, instant gratification, little planning or research goes into the terms these credit cards offer. The proper use of credit cards can serve as an advantage when starting a new business.

Today we just want to show some of the options that are available and their relative terms. When you are shopping for a credit card, it’s wise to compare fees, charges, interest rates, and benefits. Some credit cards that look like a great deal at first glance may lose their appeal once you read the terms and conditions of use and calculate how the fees could affect your available credit and your payment.

Credit card issuers generally must disclose the important terms of use regardless of whether they require you to complete an application.

• Fees. Many credit card issuers charge membership and/or participation fees. Issuers use a variety of names for these fees, including “annual,” “activation,” “acceptance,” “participation” and “monthly maintenance.” These fees may appear monthly, periodically, or as one-time charges: they can range from $6 to $150. What’s important is they can have an immediate effect on the credit that’s available to you. For example, a card with a $250 credit limit and $150 in fees leaves you with $100 in available credit.
• 
  Transaction Fees and Other Charges. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or if you go beyond your credit limit.
  
• Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly interest rate. The APR must be disclosed before your account can be activated, and it must appear on your account statements. Your card issuer also must disclose the “periodic rate” – the rate the issuer applies to your outstanding balance to determine the finance charge for each billing period.
  
• Grace Period. A grace period lets you avoid finance charges if you pay your balance in full by the date it is due. Knowing whether a card gives you a grace period is important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a grace period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account.
  
• Balance Computation Method for the Finance Charge. If you don’t have a grace period – or if you plan to pay for your purchases over time – find out how the issuer calculates your finance charge. Which method is used to compute your balance can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you’ll pay – even if the APR and your buying patterns stay pretty much the same.
  
• Balance Transfer Offers. Many credit card companies offer incentives for transferring your balance – moving your debt from one credit card (Card Issuer A) to another (Card Issuer B). Each offer is different – and the terms can be complicated.

For more information regarding the education needed to gain this type of knowledge in order to prevent yourself from getting into trouble with credit cards, real estate investment strategies that work and other financially related topics please visit http://reinvestorsolutions.com/composer62 and fill out your emauil information so that we get our newsletter of interesting financial topics routinely.

At Nouveau Riche, we are dedicated to education and development of youth, tomorrow's most choice resource....

EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER, WHAT'S THE QUESTION? ®