Question #1:

Does Savings and Investment go hand in hand?

Question #2:

Christians: what do you think of the program AMTC (Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ)?

What is the good and bad about it or any other interesting facts? Is is worth the investment?

Question #3:

Who's fault was the mortgage meltdown really?

This is exactly what happened: A broker went to a family and told them that home prices were going up. (They were). They were told if they could afford a $100,000 house, then what they should do is take out a mortgage for $120,000, take the $20,000 up front, upgrade the house, and in one or two years the house would be worth $200,000 which they could then sell at a profit. (It's called 'flipping', and was so popular there were even TV shows made about it). People saw these TV shows and their neighbors all making this work and said "why not me too?" Sounds like a good investment, yes? The reason the broker did that was because the higher the loan, the more of a commission he made.

In my opinion, it was the bankers and brokers that caused the meltdown by knowingly "snake oil selling" to people who were unsophisticated buyers.

And if you think there are no unsophisticated buyers out there, ask any of Bernie Maddof's clients.

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@padu: the government did not "force banks to lend money" where is your source for this?

Question #4:

Why is Obama considering giving big business tax breaks?

But the weekly worker will not?
His proposed tax break is to allow big business to spend on capital,,not cut income tax for everyone.


Official: Obama to back more business tax breaks
By JULIE PACE (AP) – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will call on Congress to pass new tax breaks that would allow businesses to write off 100 percent of their new capital investments through 2011, the latest in a series of proposals the White House is rolling out in hopes of showing action on the economy ahead of the November elections.

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Awww....would the tax breaks be large enough to offset the healthcare cost or tax?

Question #5:

What would be a better investment? Classic Porsche or Cobra Replica Car?

I am interested in a two door sports car as an investment. My concern with the cobra is I would always have to watch it like a hawk in the parking lot and could not really enjoy a meal at a restaraunt etc. The porsche has the avantage of a back seat and fully closing top. The disadvantage is it is more common and maintence would be costly.

Question #6:

If Saudi Prince was 2nd largest investor in GE, would Fox News be a bit more intense on its reporting?

Fox News has been pounding the Mosque issue about where the funding may be coming from, but since it was discovered the Saudi Prince provides funding to Iman projects and reportedly has had an influence on Fox News reporting based on that investment, Fox News now seems to skirt the details behind many of his projects and past dealings.

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Click Here
I Speak. You should read some more details behind the Saudi Prince.
"Fox is the most unbiased outlet there is" - Simply not true:

"It turns out that Fox's coverage of President Obama has been even more negative than its coverage of candidate Obama: From Inauguration Day to Oct. 10, only 27% of Special Report's comments on the president were favorable. That sounds like proof positive of Fox's negative intentions. "

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Question #7:

Which girl would be a match for this guy?

Let's say there's a dude who's a wealthy Investment Banker, sensitive, shy, has an average IQ, quiet, and likes to look good but not flamboyant...whic girl should he date...Girl 1: She is a bartender who's aggressive, has an average IQ, wild(loves to party), and funny......Girl 2: She is a lawyer who's very quiet, extremely intelligent, and shy.

Question #8:

Why did Republicans prevent Dems from closing a loophole that rewarded corporations for sending jobs overseas?

"Even on things we usually agree, they say no," Obama said of the GOP. "They just think it's better to score political points before an election than to solve problems."

"In a combative tone, the president pointed specifically to House Minority Leader John Boehner as he laid into Republicans for objecting to a package last month that sent $26 billion to the states to keep teachers on the payroll and pay for police officers by sending additional Medicaid money so states could redirect that cash for salaries. The bill was paid for with cuts to expanded food stamp payments and higher taxes on multinational corporations.

"You know how we paid for it? By closing one of these ridiculous tax loophole that actually rewarded corporations for shipping jobs and profits overseas," Obama said. "Even a lot of America's biggest corporations agreed that this loophole didn't make sense, agreed that it should be closed, that agreed that it wasn't fair -- but the man who thinks he's gonna be speaker, he wants to re-open this loophole."

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Andy, every teacher in America was already voting Democrat. You'll have to do better than that.

Question #9:

Husband is a selfish Jerk, should I leave him or work things out for our Son?

The love is gone, husband acts like a child. He is irresponsible, negative, mean, and I'm always a "bitch" according to him, and I'm sick of feeling used and un-appreciated by him. I cry almost every single day because of the verbal abuse. He hasn't had a job for over a year and a half, blames it on the economy, blames just about everything and everyone for it really, it's never him. He has ADD. I worry about his ability to ever have a steady income. That's not really the biggest problem in our relationship though. Its the disrespect and fighting between us. He can't even talk to me without yelling or have a condescending tone of voice. We have an 8 month old. Our problems started not long after we got together because of the same old issues. I would quit my job and stay home with my baby in a heartbeat while my husband worked if it was possible. Since he can't/won't find a job, he takes care of the baby while I'm working, and since he is a very picky eater I let him do all the cooking. (He never likes what I cook so why bother) He attempts to do laundry once in a blue moon only if I complain or ask, the furthest he'll get is putting one load in the washer and then to the dryer. He's never done all the laundry and put it away before. The only time he'll do dishes is when I ask. He has a really hard time starting or finishing anything. There is his crap all over our house and backyard and garage because he'll start something and never finish it or put anything away. The yard is dead and over-grown with weeds. I used to take care of the yard, but quit about three years ago because when he was unemployed, so I thought he should be doing it, especially since I was doing 100% of everything else. Most of the time everyday he spends all his time watching tv, working on his motorcycle, riding his motorcycle, playing video games, watching porn, or he's gone over at the neighbors house. He does what ever he wants. I feel like I have to be responsible for everything. I do 90% of the housework, pay all the bills, I am the only one working, I pay for 100% of everything, all the food, house, his motorcycle payment, the insurance for our two cars and two motorcycles (he has two bikes right now - got them both without even asking me, and no, I don't ride.) I used to have to pay his truck payment up untill last month, but he finally traded the truck in and got another one without a payment. Thank God too, because we are living WAY beyond our means right now because I've been making a lot less at work for the last 6 months. I'm almost completly maxed out on my credit cards paying our bills. We bought a house together one year when he was making good money, then got fired a year after and I've had to pay for everything since. He never again made enough money to pay half of everything plus his truck and motorcycle payments ever again. That was 4 years ago. I'm so wondering why I put up with this. I've turned into a mean, bitter, angry person. I don't want to be like this, I don't want to raise my son around this toxic environment. Everytime I suggest that we separate he says he's going to take our son away from me. I never threaten to do that to him. It KILLS me to think of not having my son as much as I do get to see him. I live really close to home, so I see my son during my lunch break everyday, then I take care of him from the moment I get home from work - till I go back, and every day all weekend.) I feel like I can't leave my husband because he has no support other than me. How will he take care of himself? Also, we own a home together, what happens to it when I leave and he doesn't, does it goes unpaid and we lose our investment? Can I force him to move out so we can sell it or rent it out? His parents live in another state, and if he lived there it would kill me to not have my son close. Is it better to stay and try and work things out? If I leave will I have to give him money to live on? I can't afford to live on my own and also pay for all his bills.

Question #10:

why this is occurring?

multinationals as destination of Investments Foreign Right-handers (IDE), according to Development and Organization United Nations for the Commerce (Unctad). The five countries preferred for external investments between 2010-2012 are now, for the order, China, India, Brazil, U.S.A. and Russia, in a research effected next to 236 multinationals and 116 agencies of promotion of investments. Brazil gained a position, while U.S.A., that had been according to place in the passed year, had fallen now for the fourth position and had been behind India and of Brazil, reflecting the different degree of economic expansion and perspectives of new businesses. Also for the first time, the four great emergent markets - China, India, Brazil and Russia - are all between the five main destinations of investments.

Question #11:

401-K versus Home Investment?

I’m come to a point of frustration with my 40-K account. I have about 26K invested and although I’ve managed to dodge the financial bullets of the last few years, I have probably lost more than I’ve gained since starting the account seven years ago. I’m due a bonus payment of about 30K soon. We carry no debt other than car payment. I’ve recently started looking into the housing market and the availability of house for about 40 to 50K that need some work. I have family member with very good skills. My thought is to use the bonus, some of the 401K from a loan and cover the rest from savings to purchase a home and fix it up a bit and rent it out. No payment, no loan, just profit and taxes. With the profit from the first house, save up to do the same thing and purchase a second house and eventually (5 years or so) pay back the 401-K loan in full and reinvest in it at a later time. Do you think this is a good or bad Idea?

Question #12:

Am I doing the right things financially?

I believe I am a typical 33 year old, married male, who earns a decent living and manages/invests my money well, i think, but I am not 100% sure.  Most articles and research I see highlights either the super rich or people who have tanked.

I make between 150k and 185k p/year depending on bonuses.  My pay has risen sharply over the past 5 years with some promotions and I've increased my investments along the way.  Here is a high level breakdown of my financial situation:

Debt:

22k school loans (combined wife and mine into single low interest loan)

Home - owe 350k on a home worth about 420k.  I pay an additional mortgage payment per year automatically by spreading that payment out into 12 monthly payments.

Auto - owe about 2500 on a 2004 Durango.  I pay $500 per month so I am almost done with that.  I plan to continue to dump $500 per month into an account after this car is paid off.  The hope is to drive this car for 3-4 more years and use the money from that fund to buy a new, more energy efficient car, using cash.

No other debt

Account balances:

20k emergency fund in Ally Bank savings account.  I place $100 dollars per month automatically in this account each month.

10k in liquid savings account.  I put left over money manually into this account monthly.  I try to keep this at 10k at all times.

100k in 401k all invested in Fidelity 2040 target fund.  I now max 401k each year.  My company doesn't do a match.  They dump profit sharing into the 401k yearly regardless of if I invest into the account or not.

11k in Traditional IRA all invested in Fidelity 2040 target fund.  I now max this out at 5k each year with monthly automatic payments.

1k in newly opened Traditional IRA I opened for my wife.  I plan to max this out now yearly at 5k and this is also invested in Fidelity 2040 target fund.

5k in 529 college fund invested in growth strategy fund in Illinois Bright Start fund.  I automatically invest $300 per month into this account.

Donations:

I donate about 3k to church tithes yearly (I should do better here)

Other than that, that is my financial situation.  I spend just about everything else per month on entertainment, food, bills, etc. for my wife, myself, and two year old daughter.  We plan on one more child and other than adding an additional $300 to another 529, my current financial plan would stay the same.

Other than maybe some better budgeting to leave some money for some short term investing, is there anything else I should be doing?  Anything I am doing I shouldn't be doing?  I know Target fund approach seems lazy but I work and travel a lot and just don't have the time to micromanage my portfolio.

From goals perspective, I want a few simple things.

1. Retire early if possible
2. Pay for some or all of kids college
3. Pay for daughters wedding

Again, most investment advice doesn't seem to be geared towards someone like me so any advice is appreciated.  I just don't want to "think" I am doing ok if I could be doing something better.
Thanks for the candid feedback Steven. I don't disagree with anything you said. I can definitely do more with my income. I think I should hit up a financial advisor to dig even deeper and get me on the path you outlined below.

Question #13:

Why would a Shepherd be considered a desirable religious metaphor?

Sure, the Shepherd guides and protects the flock--but only because they are an investment, not because he has an intrinsic love for the sheep (well, unless he gets lonely, but you know what I mean).

Would sheep really worship the Shepherd if they were aware that his "protection" was merely to ensure they could be fleeced year in year out before they are finally slaughtered, skinned and eaten?

Thanks in advance.

Question #14:

Which of these two groups is better for the economy?

Group 1: The Government
When the government spends money, they have to spend that money on USA owned companies, hire USA citizens, and buy USA made goods whenever possible. If the government spends more money on goods and services, that provides jobs for all the USA owned and operated small businesses in the country. It is a part of the "Buy American" act that is a part of all government contracts. Furthermore all the government employees also spend their money on local businesses, buying school supplies, cars, food, or whatever in AMERICA!

Group 2: Private Multi-billion dollar Corporations
When A big Multi-billion dollar corporation, like General Electric, AT&T, or IBM spends money, they often do so overseas. This puts money, that Americans spent and earned, in the hands of foreign workers. These foreign workers, spend their money in their own country, buying food, cars, or whatever, from their own foreign small businesses. The big corporations also buy materials and make contracts with foreign small businesses, increasing their investment and improving the wealth of that foreign country. The Private sector is under no obligation to hire American workers, do business with American small businesses, or buy American raw materials. If they do, they only do so for profit, and not to help the American worker.

QUESTION:

Which is a better group to do the spending to stimulate the American economy?

A) The government which forces itself to buy, do business with, and hire Americans, keeping money in the local markets.

-or-

B) A private multi-billion dollar corporation, who historically have hired more workers in foreign markets, bought foreign raw materials, and even manufactured goods overseas, dumping trillions into foreign markets, making the trade deficit higher and higher each year.

Question #15:

Is this a good computer?

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a computer for video editing/graphic design and I'm wondering if this would be a good investment...

It's a 2 year old gaming computer with the following specs:

Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400 PC w/ 4GB DDR2 Ram; DVI/VGA GPU; 750GB; DVDRW

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


• Antec SLK 3000 AMB Mid-tower ATX Case ← Super Mint Condition w/ 2 Front USB Ports; 120mm Rear Exhaust Fan; Complete Accessories Included
• OCZ 500Watt StealthXStream OCZ500SXS Power Supply ← BRAND NEW; Quiet Operation w/ 120mm Fan
• Intel Core 2 Quad Desktop Processor Q8400 2.66 GHz 1333Hz FSB CPU ← Intel Factory Warranty Until Sep 2012
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Rev 2.0 ATX Motherboard (PCI-E x16, 4 SATA ports, S/PDIF Output, 4 USB ports) ← Balanced Factory Waranty
• Patriot Extreme Performance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Memory ← Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty!!!
• Seagate Barracuda 750GB Hard Drive Running Windows 7 Ultimate Edition ← Warranty Until Jun 2012
• PNY GeForce 8500GT 512MB DVI/VGA/S-video PCI-E Video Card
• Pioneer DVR-111DBK DVD?RW Dual Layer Drive Internal DVD Burner
• Samsung SEMA 3? in. Internal Flash Card Reader w/ USB port ← SDHC support!

Cost is $475
Thanks

Question #16:

Economics help please?

Buying securities in open market operations may promote economic growth because

A) the U.S. Congress guarantees the value of government securities.
B) the U.S. Congress allows the securities to be used for business expansion.
C) this action increases banks’ cash, allowing for more loans and investment.
D) this action decreases banks’ cash, preventing risky investment behavior.

Question #17:

Is Texas A&M a good school to go to If you want to be an investment banker?

My dream is to make it to Wall Street and work for a bulge bracket firm after college but my grades(3.0 GPA and 21 ACT) in HS aren't Ivy-League material so I have been thinking about applying to Texas A&M University because I hear they have one of the best business programs in the South(live in the South and want to stay close home)...i want to hopefully end up in private equity one day.

Question #18:

How is my horses conformation?

This is Shadow, his breed is unknown but it is most likely an Appendix. He is trained in second level dressage and he jumps about four feet free lunge but we have only jumped 3'6". His ground work is great and you don't need to even lead him into a trailer, he hops right in. He is great for the farrier and doesn't mind the vet but is a little testy about dewormer. He bathes, clips, and you can do just about anything with him. He is a digger but only when tied. He is 14.3hh (my perfect size because i am 5'2 and 120 lbs) and 6 years old. He is bomb proof and is a great all around horse that you can put an advance person on him and they will have fun and you can put a novice on him and he is as gentle as a therapy horse. He is exactly what I was looking for because my other mare has a lot of spice but my mother wanted to start riding so I thought he was a good investment. He is a great mover with a beautiful and steady trot and I nice and smooth canter. You just give him one cue and he hops right into what you want him to do. He isn't really good on trails yet but is getting a whole lot better but it great in a pasture or arena. He hasn't really been worked out of that sense i got him. The first time we went on trails he was like, "Where is the fence?!!" Though he didn't spook he was definitely over whelmed. He is a great and all around boy I am really happy to be forming a bond with such a great horse. The pics that I have are before I bought him and he is pretty scared up, yes but all but one on his flank is gone. These are the only pics I have of him on the computer because I lost that cord that goes to my camera. He was at the bottom (and still is) at the barn he was staying at before I got him. He still gets picked on a bit. The scar on his leg was from when he got caught in a fence and a rope was around it and basically rubbed the skin and fur off. It is healing up fine though and has a thin layer of fur over it now and he looks tons better. So tell me what you think of his conformation and also, what is his technical color bay? Dark bay? Mahogany? He turns black in the winter and stays that until later on in the spring. His coat looks tons more better now and he just looks great. The pictures were shot at a horse dealers barn.

Side: Click Here


Hind: Click Here

Front: Click Here

Other Side: Click Here
(YOu can see the scar on his cannon bone and hock but that is gone now but if you look at his flank, can see a scar. That scar apparently has been there before they got him and it hasn't appeared to heal or bother him and the vet says there is nothing wrong with it and it isn't bother him)

Side again: Click Here
I should upload another side view pic because he isn't really down hill. He is just standing on a slope. Sorry

Question #19:

Confrontation with owners?

It seems like alot of the people I see in my town really have a disregard for safety of their dog.
Most leave them chained up in their back yard and don't take them in, and others leave their dog out in their yard, unsupervized, who run out in traffic. I've been in multiple dog scuffles, and have changed route. But no matter what route I take, there is other people liket his: Mind you, I live pretty rural.

One owner in particular, his Austerian Shepherd almost got hit by a car. I tried leaving him a friendly note about the danger to his dog, my dog, and to people - I suggested an investment in a fence, and other things like supervision, but I was ignored. I was very polite about it. I was a bit afraid to talk to him, thats why I left a note. But I did leave my name.
One time in particular the dog jumped on top of my dog and started biting her in the rear. He yelled at me to get my dog away from his house when I was walking down the road and his four dogs were unleashed off his yard.
I called animal control and they spoke to the owner.
He now lets the dogs out everytime he sees me.
I dont go that route, but Ive encountered many more owners and houses like this.

Should I begin carrying animal spray? Or what other methods can I do to keep myself and my dog safe. I am also concerned for the safety of the dogs too, but thats not much I can do on that.


Side note: I also want to apologize (For anyone who saw my question) about the type of wording I used & how rude I was. Because theres no doubt I was - Im honestly exhausted from being over-tired, and when I get tired, I get hyper & loopy. No excuse, but my main point was I ment no harm. I'm .. erm, overweight myself.
Saw my other question* Whoops typo.
Also, if you do reccamend sprays. What brand will not harm dogs, only detour them?
Is there any legal issues with possibly spraying a dog charging at me? Do I have to be sure Im in danger before I protect myself?
Thanks. I just wanted a bit more reinforcement on if carrying spray was a good thing to do, or if there was other methods of keeping dogs away.

And haha, I deleted it. I was extremly rude unneededly, lets just say that much. I do feel bad, but whats done is done. Thanks for your forgiveness! :P <3
I definutly would make a point to not be on private property. Usually when a dog is charging me, I back away on purpose so Im in my rights to defend myself. Also giving the owner a chance to get a few seconds to get their dog back (Which they dont)
This far, all the dogs other than two i've encountered were not friendly. :(
Nope. I am not in the UK. And thank you, I pass these houses daily so I get a bit nervous when it comes to reporting them. But I should keep in mind it is for the wellfare of the dog.
I live in NY. In a highly rural town.

Question #20:

INVESTMENT MATH QUESTION, PLEASE HELP!!!!?

An investment club bought a bond of an oil
corporation for $5000. The bond yields 4% per
year. The club now wants to buy shares of stock
in a windmill supply company. The stock sells at
$20 per share and earns a dividend of $0.50 per
share per year. How many shares should the club
buy so that its total investment in stocks and
bonds yields 3% per year?

How can i solve this, please explain step by step!!!





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