Why we don’t lose money when the market crashes

Why we don’t lose money when the market crashes

We bought our stock or mutual fund shares at a certain price. When prices go down, the market is said to have fallen. BUT, and this is the point, we did not lose any of the shares we purchased (unless we sold in a panic). In most cases for our broad-market fund shares, the value of our account will go up when prices go up again. If we didn’t sell in 2007-8 when the market index fell from $150 to $69, our same shares are now worth $330. Our fund shares represent our part ownership in real producing companies. IT IS THE SHARES that have value and if we buy and hold as Buffett recommends, we won’t lose money when the market crashes. Unless we have insider information, we don’t know when an individual stock we bought for $20 will go to $1 or to $200. Speculating on a certain stock price has been shown to be a Loser’s Game. Remember when sellers give us an ‘inside tip’ they only make money when we trade: buying and selling. Even if your broker gives you bad advice, it takes years to recoup your loses (IF you can prove it). Make a killing when markets collapse: buy when share prices, NOT shares, fall—when they are ‘on sale’ as Buffett advises. Just keep buying shares in proven winners.

Vanguard’s proven Top Ten: https://www.amazon.com/Vanguards-Top-Ten-mutual-funds/dp/150073909X

What can we do now that Trump says he will cut Medicare and Social Security?

Recently, Trump told the world he will cut Medicare & Social Security by “end of the year.” The GOP may actually do it since they passed his big 2017 tax cut for the rich. His tax cut for his tax-credit class only increased the deficit to $1Trillion. Now he needs to cut our benefits to pay for making the rich richer. What can we do now to supplement the cuts in our benefits in the future? Some have already started a tax-FREE account that they can use in retirement. Others have been converting some of their IRA money to this tax-FREE account. Future accumulations will not be taxed so these folks can make up for the cuts in benefits using the growth with no taxes due. They recognized early that the GOP would take our earned Social Security and Medicare benefits to pay off the deficit. The GOP is certainly NOT going to raise taxes on those who pay for their elections.

Build your own benefits fund: https://www.amazon.com/Forget-Social-Security-Medicare-Lifestyle/dp/1466394285

Lower your tax: We can continue to contribute to deductible IRAs

Previously, we were not allowed to continue making contributions to Traditional IRAs once we reached age 70½. But the SECURE Act removes this age limit, effective this year. This could be beneficial for the growing number of people who are working past age 70 since they can now continue making IRA contributions indefinitely, thus enhancing their long-term retirement financial security. They can also make non-deductible contributions to their Roth IRA which is never taxes later. On the other hand, distributions from traditional IRAs must begin when we reach 72 up from age 70 1/2. However, the new rule does not apply to those already older than 70 ½ or turned 70 ½ in 2019 (born on or before June 30, 1949). Those individuals must continue or begin taking RMDs under the old rule. The SECURE Act effectively eliminated stretch IRAs as an estate planning tool. Effective for deaths occurring after December 31, 2019, funds from inherited IRAs must now be fully withdrawn by beneficiaries within 10 years of the account owner’s death. Exceptions for spouse and disabled. See a professional.

https://www.amazon.com/Pay-No-Taxes-Retirement-legally/dp/1507527977

Why are annuities popular despite falling interest rates?

Sales of all types of annuities rose nearly 15% in 2018 over 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute, with fixed-annuity sales far surpassing variable annuities. It is claimed that annuities protect us against longevity risk by promising a stream of income we can’t outlive. Now more retirees will be enticed by the annuity offer because the new SECURE Act frees employers from the liability of annuity failure. Unfortunately, many retirees will be convinced that their employer’s annuity choice for their pension income is the best way to provide it. The employer is protected from liability when the annuity-income buying-power is cut in half later in life: $500 a month now will be worth $250 in 20 years. The employer will not have to worry about the possible failure of its insurance company. The employer will not be concerned about an escalating inflation rate and rising living costs. Yes, retirees will have a guaranteed income but as it’s value decreases, retirees will have no alternatives to maintain their buying power. Retirees will be stuck with today’s low interest-rate income payouts.

Consider options: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Buy-That-Annuity-Guaranteed-Low/dp/1466494573

How to negotiate when you have a dispute  

Famous FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss says don’t compromise: there isn’t a real big difference between compromising and caving. Let opponent think your solution is their own so they own it. Accommodator’s demeanor is your competitive edge. You are listening to and getting along with everyone. Listen first: opponent will share things you would never know. Commiserate with their real fears: “sounds like you have been burned in the past.” Instead of getting to ‘yes’ getting to ‘that’s right’ creates agreement. Rapport allows opponent to feel comfortable sharing. Sharing frees them from feeling judged and attacked. Say: “It seems like I haven’t earned your trust yet.” Speak quietly. Empathize. Paraphrase what they just blamed you for. Instead of ‘no’, “How can I do that.”

Negotiate with liars: https://www.amazon.com/Confess-Things-Your-Advisors-Will/dp/1463712154

Complete your tax filing for FREE

If you meet certain criteria and have your documents already, federal and state can cost you nothing at https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/. Another site has no income/forms restrictions: https://www.creditkarma.com/tax. The software helps you avoid common mistakes before you file. Even if you make a tiny mistake, the IRS usually catches it without penalty. I have used most of these programs for years even though my income is above the limits. Most charge nothing for the federal and state. Some charge only $12.95 for the state. In 2019, NJ has kept the ObamaCare mandate tax if you don’t have health care cover so that state return may get complicated. Once you file your first year, your previous years’ data is there and pre-fills your forms: Saves a lot of time and money. Try it before you spend $200-300 at a for-profit preparer. No refund due? File to keep your ID from scammers. Your W-2 should be sent to you by Jan 31 according to IRS.

Plan now for a Tax FREE retirement: https://www.amazon.com/Trump-Tax-Shelter-Avoid-taxes/dp/1985448300 

**********ACCOUNTABILITY**************

Like 1776, this period is a test of democracy—do we really want ‘low-IQ’ Mobster?

Claim: Impeachment not possible because anything Trump does is in the national interest

Trump tells the world he will cut Medicare & Social Security by “end of the year.”

Trump promises another tax cut before the election despite rising deficits.

Trump to suppress book proving his extortion ‘high crimes’

How Govt wastes our money: Congress spends another 1.7 Trillion we don’t have! 

Trump wants to have us taxpayers pay for religious education of some kids: Constitution?

Trump allows states to undermine health coverage for poor with caps/block grants.

On this 75^th anniversary, would our soldiers defy the commander in chief if he gave an order to arrest without warrants all the people from ‘shithole’ countries?

Former Treasury Sec Summers plans to close rich loopholes/bump IRS not ‘wealth tax’.

SCAMS/SPINS:

Treasury admits reasons for tariffs were ‘trumped’ up for propaganda purposes

Jeff Carpoff CA caught wire fraud, money laundering $1 billion mobile solar generator

Alex Gierbolini caught making $2 million unsuitable sales over time to a wealthy client

Brian Simms IN caught making $1 million unsuitable sales

Edward Matthes WI caught stealing $2.4 million promised guaranteed 4% return

Jerry Szilagyi Catalyst Capital mislead investors lost $ 100 million risky deals

Kerry Wills caught ‘borrowing’ from client and taking $19,500 gift.

Citizens Bank RI caught failing to properly manage\respond to credit card disputes.

Some Americans have already voted for prez: our long process from 1800s out of date?

IPhone of Amazon CEO hacked by Saudis: Nothing safe from hackers: DO NOT OPEN

Ring and other apps sell your info to others: you gave app OK to collect info. Not sell it.

TrumpCare puts onus on you if your employer uses ICHRAs: you alone pick/pay for plan

Blue Cross to fund generic drug price cuts

Practice Fusion caught taking drug maker kickbacks to push opioids to docs

Jobs

Nurses, electricians, artists, mechanics, researchers for CA labor unions hiring

Bed Bath Beyond closing 40 stores: Macy’s closing 30 stores

Who owns your account now?

Lockheed Martin secures $1.9 billion pension plan buyout: pension now at insurance co.

IRS claims you have rights when you have to deal with them: no calls just letters

Miracle:

People die here: America’s concentration camps

NFL owner Benson pays lawyers to help hide child abuse by priests/bishop LIST

How did Billie Eilish win 4 Grammys: ‘song and record of the year’?

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ   07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts 

Who do you think will pay for Trump's tax cuts?

Tax cuts:  Who will pay for all these cuts?

We will, of course. Wealthy people have lawyers/accountants/tax shelters/tax loopholes to make sure they are not going to pay. When the interest on our national debt gets more expensive and the world decides not to buy Trump bonds, what will happen? GOP adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit, cuts $4 trillion in spending including nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and $1 trillion to Medicaid. We will have a tax increase as our SS and Medicare/Medicaid benefits “dry up.” We know the Congress NEVER cuts Pentagon waste and Trump wants 10 times the missiles. Don’t believe that a explosive economic growth, jobs and high wages will make up for it. KS tried tax cuts and nearly went bankrupt. Quality of life fell. Corporations already have the solution—send the profits to other countries so they are not taxed here. Corporations used to pay 33% of Federal revenue. Now it is 9%. Since 1979, the top 1% has grown income by 137% while wages of the bottom 90% have grown just 21%, mostly in the 90s. Bush cuts made deficit grow.

Time for YOUR tax shelter: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Shelter-for-Americans/dp/1500426520

How much retirement income will you have?

Does your advisor calculate how much retirement income you will have? How do they calculate the amount? Are you comfortable with their assumptions? Your advisor may not be with you when you retire so you need to have them explain it in writing (you can understand). Given where you are in all your accounts and SS, how do they project your totals at age 66, 70, 75? If you do achieve those results, which egg do you crack first? How much inflation-proof income will you receive based on their current projected plan? Are they selling you an annuity? Which type and when purchased and annuitized? Make sure you understand how they achieve their projections. For instance, my projections show I have an 85% chance of receiving 6% for 20 years with 34% stock 66% bond portfolio like Vanguard Wellesley Income. I have a good chance of growing my nest egg depending on what the market does in 10-20 years. It is better that you and your spouse know the situation now so you can do something about it. Check the advisor’s work. Remember, they get paid whether you have enough or not. Costs matter.

Will you have enough? https://www.amazon.com/Your-Retirement-Spending-Plan-enough/dp/1461084016

Another corporate loophole for wealthy to avoid taxes

Investors in start up firms like Pandora, the subscription music player, may owe no tax when they sell their shares. For some investors, that means a $ million tax break. Congress gave the lobbyists another present: the PATH Act (the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015”) the 100% exclusion is permanent. Even if Pandora had not grown to $6 billion, investors can exchange the losing stock for another promising stock. No tax on the sale. When investors use a pass-through entity from a no income tax state like FL, they avoid state tax too. Of course there are hundreds of other money tricks lobbyists have created for their sponsors which help many firms avoid costs. Our ‘reps’ are participants and enablers of this process. Banks write bank bills, oilers write energy bills, agribusiness writes agriculture bills and so on. The GOP has not cut any subsidies or loopholes for big business in the new tax giveaway to the rich. Just health subsidies!

Pay only your fair share: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Credit-Class-your-credits-ZERO-tax/dp/1539462382

TrumpCare is hated by everyone except Rand Paul—“Free” Market Health

TrumpCare means you can buy whatever coverage you can afford. If junk insurance with no ObamaCare guarantees is what you need then you can save money. Paul says that insurers will compete for your coverage and lower the price, just like they do for 500-member corporate plans. Unfortunately, Paul and Trump are living in the past. They had ‘Free Market’ plans 40 years ago. People went bankrupt. Insurers don’t want the sick. Medicare was started because no insurer wanted sick/old. Every insurer wants the young healthy people so they pay out little and reap huge profits. They call it underwriting. Paul thinks all the poor and sick can form a group and obtain great coverage like Congress people have. Group coverage has limits and insurers are not going to want to accept everyone with “pre-existing conditions” without charging higher premiums. Higher premiums mean higher tax credits—less Federal revenue by $194 Billions. Since TrumpCare has eliminated $7 B subsidies, the groups will need to reduce coverage so the members can afford the plan. Insurers run group plans at an extra cost. Old group plans failed. For family coverage, the average policy totaled $17,545 a year with employers contributing 72% or $12,591. Employees paid the remaining 28 percent or $4,955 a year. The average after-subsidy premium paid by the millions of enrollees who got premium subsidies was $153 per month. Paul and Trump get their ObamaCare at reduced cost so they have not shopped lately. They don’t know a Junk policy since they have ObamaCare

You may still obtain a real policy with subsidies at https://www.healthcare.gov/.

Mortgage interest deduction gone?

In 2015, the federal government spent about $71 billion on this tax credit. It helped higher income households who itemized deductions. Almost 90 percent of the deduction’s benefits went to households earning more than $100,000. Currently, interest rates are low so the credit is not as important as it used to be when mortgages cost 8-18%. 

We refinanced 5 times since 1981. The points are deductible too. Deductible property tax can be $18,000 on an average property in some areas. If you own a multi-family, the mortgage and interest can be a huge deduction on your rental property. House GOP and The Don own real estate so that is not likely to be on their list of cuts. They own other assets that will be taxed at Trump’s lower business rate of 25%. Many wealthy people don’t take “wages” so they don’t pay the average 33% we pay. Like Buffett, Kerry and Romney, they pay 17, 15 and 13%, living on capital gains and tax-sheltered income.

Get yours now: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Tax-FREE-Low-Cost-Mutual-Funds/dp/1484080920

How about the most awarded cars of 2017?

High ratings from new owners for these 10 according to KelleyBB. Why? Design, reliable, features, fads. For instance, Fiat Chrysler TV ad says the Pacifica is “imported from Detroit” when it is actually made in Ontario. Fake news. Honda tops the list. But what will happen after 3 years? Perhaps you can get the 3 year old model for 30-40% off. New car kinks need time to become better: especially Impreza https://www.yahoo.com/ news/car-reliability-u-automakers-vs-world-164336411.html. You still need to consider which cars have the best records not just awards. Jeep is on this list but has disappointed owners in the past. JD Power http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/2017-Vehicle-Dependability-Study/1882ENG/Compact-SUV/1131. JD Power lists the most problematic car brands with Jeep, Audi, Subaru, Jags and Fiats: https://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/most-trouble-prone-car-brands-jd-power-associates.html

Consider most awarded insurance too: https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Insurance-Beware-Double-Coverage/dp/1480027634

FREE education online

Did you ever want to know more about what the universe is made of, or how to calculate the time value of money, or the history of disease? Whatever your interest, there are courses to help you understand at your own PACE. Some even let you ask questions. Where are the courses? Universities, blogs, sites, tech sites, and others.

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/, https://www.khanacademy.org/, https://www.class-central.com/report/physics-free-online-courses/, https://www.class-central.com/report/physics-free-online-courses/ http://www.worldscienceu.com/

Actually, you can shop for exactly what you want by just entering “free [subject]” at Google. World Science U has renowned scientists. Probably the most comprehensive site is https://www.coursera.org/ with links to many offerings. Most courses are video presentations by outstanding people in their fields. I liked the one on Einstein’s relativity. Did not understand it all but got the concepts. https://www.coursera.org/learn/einstein-relativity I have taken many math and financial ones at KhanAcademy. I have also done the financial planning one at UC Irvine: https://ce.uci.edu/about/releases/pr.aspx?id=78

I have also learned to fix and make things with YouTube vids. I fixed my window so it moved easily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no7BjntkFsk. I changed the headlight in my Camry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1JHnW8Ruek. A bookcase is easy even with a portable circular saw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX_PIkKEjyc.

Save $3,000 a year using my tricks of the trade: https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guides-Discount-Financial-Services/dp/143480593X

GOP religionists follow new messiah

Bannon has become the new messiah: Bannon promises that they can be “the folks who saved the Judeo-Christian West.” All that is required is to abandon the best of the Judeo-Christian tradition: a belief in the inherent value and dignity of every life.  The religious right is an interest group seeking preference and advancement from a [white] strongman — and rewarding him with loyal acceptance of his priorities. Idolatry is defined as “extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.” Christianity used to mean love of thy fellow man—all human beings—no matter what they looked like or believed. God asks us to help fulfill the promise of every person. This is the meaning of humans “created in the image of God.” Jesus: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Religionists want America to be the light of the world only for their group.

Is your 401k option stealing your retirement money?

GE employees are suing GE for using their retirement money to make GE profits look better. 56% of all the money invested in 401k pensions was used to pay higher management fees in GE’s own mutual fund firm. For example, employees in the GE Strategic Fund, which invested in a balanced mix of stock, bonds and cash, returned a cumulative 36.29% gain from 2011 through mid-2016, while Vanguard’s Wellington Fund returned 57.71%. Despite that, the GE fund’s fees were twice those of the Wellington Fund. “A prudent fiduciary … would not have offered the plan’s participants the GE Strategic Fund,” the lawsuits says. “But GE did just that.” Fees and charges can rob employees of up to 63% of their overall potential earnings. Employees are often offered the company’s own stock which can bring disaster for retirees also.

Earn more without the middleman: https://www.amazon.com/Tune-your-401k-EARN-Tax-FREE/dp/1490591028

****************

TrumpWorld

I could shoot someone on 5^th avenue and not lose voters’

GOP religion whipped up to sell TV show and Trump brand; and get elected

Trump is still just a mafia contractor from Queens—Dad taught him to be The Don.

Trump cancelled health care policy for brother’s family after they fought dad’s will

Smoking gun: “Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it,” Sater wrote in an email to lawyer Cohen. “I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this.” Manafort tells Russian mob he will keep them informed about “our boy.”

Trump’s group places mob ties above country; it’s about money POWER not US service.

Undisclosed $26 million loan from Russian to Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort.

Mob doesn’t call the FBI when Jr doing an illegal deal with fellow mobsters. Receiving stuff from ‘foreign power’ during campaign is illegal—even for idiots and morons.

Putin has full access to our 2018 elections since Trump doesn’t help states upgrade now.

Putin using Twitter now with fake followers for Trump mob—how great impact?

Trumpers colluded with Russia by pushing their propaganda as if it was own tweet.

Putin hired activists to stage demonstrations and promote divisive content. 

‘Ministry of Truth’ 1984 novel: Government propaganda is ‘truth’ when they say it!

Fake news=Trump brand Trump calls lies truth and truth fake. Why hate Obama?

My Theory:

Trump got Russian help/funding for business from business/mob ties to Putin.

No one expected him to win so no harm getting Putin help. Don owes Vlad’s mob money so they sent mob gofer Manafort to run the campaign. ‘Colluding’ Putin style.

TrumpWorld – using presidency to make money the old fashioned way: theft

Dictator talk time:

“When the president does it, that means it is not illegal,” Richard Nixon

The Don is moving us to a dictatorship where the only people who go to jail are his enemies and non whites he does not like. Racists and nationalists get pardons. If Flynn Page and Manafort get indicted by Mueller, The Don will just give them a “get out of jail free” card so they don’t rat him out.

Gingrich: Trump compared to Andrew Jackson who also hated people of color.

Trump never mentions 4 killed for 12 days then blames Obama for not calling too.

“We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders . . . in P.R. forever!” 

Ending ObamaCare subsidies for the poor and Medicaid hits people of color.

Trump learned to hate people of color from his dad Fred in 1973 and later his own. 

“The president can’t have a conflict of interest.” The Don is above the law? Pardons?

Quid pro quo: "something for something."

Trump quit clean air to help coal owners but they have quit coal mining—no profits.

2017: Thousands died so a few wealthy rich can kill defenseless animals. Insanity?

           

Lincoln solution to TrumpWorld: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-blumenthal-lincoln-trump-20170713-story.html

Most Americans want Obama back now.  He did things we needed done.

Trump’s executive orders are all he has to show at the adult day care center!

Before we have an ‘accidental’ nuclear war, Congress could use impeachment.

Regulation is necessary: We need protection. Saves $12 billion of our money!

Trump gives OK to predatory for-profit colleges to gouge veterans.

GOP House committee passes law to OK broker predatory sales: best for broker rule

WellsFargo caught selling ETF with misleading promises: not a hedge for investments

Trump has suspended our right to bring class action lawsuits against our advisors.

Tillerson calls Trump a ‘f__king moron” ‘MORONIC’ LIAR:

If payment to health insurers is unconstitutional, so are those to oil, agribiz, coal, 965

Claims Obama and other presidents never called killed in action families—Trump didn’t.

Trump’s ‘research’ finds factory decline causes  “higher abortion rate,” “lower fertility rate,” “increased spousal abuse,” “lower marriage rate,” “higher divorce rate,” “higher crime,” “rising mortality rate” and “increased drug/opioid use.” End NAFTA.

How Govt wastes our money:

Trump ended insurer payments to cover the poor will cost us $194 billion lost revenue.

SCAMS:

‘Commission-free’ ETF offered by ‘discount’ brokers have high (1%) annual charges.

28% of 2017 vehicles don't have spares; 36% in 2015—Detroit helps local garage.

Jobs:

$1 billion to nonprofits aimed at training American workers from Google.

Jobs we have don’t pay: 90% wages have not kept pace with inflation

Who owns your account now?

T-moble and Sprint together? Better service?

Miracle:

Pence told Bachmann: Trump is now a “committed believer” of Jesus Christ and a “man of faith” who has “asked God for help and wisdom.” Really! “you shall know by deeds.”

“it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

New immunotherapy treatment which genetically alters patients’ cells to attack cancer

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alert

Tax bill leaves subsidies for oil, gas, agribiz, ethanol, coal, airlines, export bank, but not us

In the upcoming tax bill, which of these tax subsidies will Congress end? http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/sites/default/files/docs/pdf/UncleSamsFavoriteCorporations.pdf.

Here are the largest corporate welfare recipients: https://www.cheatsheet.com/ business/high-on-the-hog-the-top-8-corporate-welfare-recipients.html/?a=viewall. GOP wants to cut taxes for the rich and increase the interest payments on debt to the Chinese! GOP idea that corporations make jobs with tax cuts was proven wrong by KS in 2010, when KS cut taxes and almost went bankrupt. Tax cuts are usually invested overseas where the corporation can make more money from cheap labor. Example: Carrier got tax breaks from IN and still moved to Mexico because wages are ¼ US wages. 

Can our ‘reps’ end corporate loopholes and subsidies? How can Congress do that when our ‘reps’ get their election money from the same companies/lobbyists? They give profitable energy firms like Exxon subsidies they don’t need. GOP’s propaganda of tax reform hides the increases for us. Ask your ‘rep’ to end just one subsidy! While we wait,

Avoid the coming tax increase: https://www.amazon.com/Pay-No-Taxes-Retirement-legally/dp/1507527977

Cut taxes? Most large corporations pay no taxes already—No firm pays 35%

Trump and GOP want to cut taxes for corporations but most don’t pay taxes now. Many store their cash overseas so they can’t be taxed. We can’t do that legally! We must pay tax on all worldwide income and most of us don’t have a legal team (deductible) to avoid taxes with legal gimmicks. For instance, some like Google use the Dutch Sandwich to save $3.6 Billion in taxes. Others use the Double Irish to use foreign tax laws we can’t.

Some receive our tax money as subsidies even though they are profitable: Nike, Royal Dutch Shell, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Intel, Alcoa, Boeing. 75% of disclosed subsidy dollars have gone to 965 big companies. We don’t know the total value of subsidies to all business but it is in the $ billions. GOP targets our deductions: we end up paying more taxes instead of corporations paying their fair share and GOP can say they are NOT increasing our tax rates. But the net effect is we get less. Business keeps its subsidies!

And GOP wants to give them more: https://www.amazon.com/Most-U-S-Corporations-Pay-Taxes/dp/1514274116

If the average income went up why do I not feel it?

Household incomes have grown in 2 years. More Americans were working, and more had health insurance in 2016 than the year before. In 2016, the median income of men was $51,640 but in 1973, the inflation-adjusted median income of men working full time was $54,030— $2,400 HIGHER. We have less purchasing power but we are paying more for everything: Taxes—federal state income tax, Medicare and Social Security. Some pay union dues and discounted health insurance. If you are lucky you invest for retirement and if really lucky you are buying a home and paying property taxes. Most surveys say that you are paying at least 34% just for taxes. Add union dues of $500, family smart phone plan $2,200, family health insurance $6,471, family leave insurance $26, unemployment insurance $138, and pension $6,000. You also may be paying $7,000 on your home and $2,000 in property tax. Most people live in states with sales tax and pay 5-7% of their disposable income on stuff they need to live. All 97 taxes.

This is why the GOP talks tax cut—BUT FOR WHO? Many rich people pay under 18% total tax while we are paying 34% according to Mr Buffett. Warren Buffett pays 17.7%. The wealthy ALREADY have a flat tax. President Trump claimed he pays as little as possible—1995 return shows he got a REFUND and had charge offs for about 20 years too. Until Congress cuts our TOTAL taxes, we all should …

Avoid taxes like the rich: https://www.amazon.com/Pay-No-Taxes-Retirement-legally/dp/1507527977

Warren Buffett can be your investment 'advisor'

He does not charge trading commissions or fees. You can’t pick the wrong stocks. You can earn 11% on your long-term money and end up with HALF a million dollars or more with one phone call. The average advisor-assisted investor earned just 3.79% instead of the market rate of 11%. You use the strategy proven by Warren Buffett, the greatest investor of our time. We beat Wall Street at their own game by using Warren Buffett's strategy: buy and keep buying the largest mutual funds run at cost and owned by us, the investors. Buffett prediction: index beat best hedge fund ‘professionals’ by a mile.

            A plain market index fund beat 92-95% of the returns of "professional" managers, including hedge funds. Stock picking by geniuses works only for a short time. Insiders may have an edge but it is illegal and you could get caught like Martha Stewart. To earn more, we pay as little as we can. We own stocks of companies with certain characteristics. We pay less and get more. We use a special investment account to eliminate all future income and capital gains taxes. It is IRS approved for workers only. No one can time the market successfully over time. We don't pay Wall Street owners the $1.3 Trillion per year revenues they take from their clients. 

You can set up your account in 1 hour FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Your-First-Mutual-Fund-FREE/dp/1976074118.

New TrumpCare ends 10 Obama guarantees for all Americans except Congress

GOP is asking GOP governors to push for Cassidy-Graham passage because their state will reap $ billions to save their state budgets from default. This political settlement provides money to the states (GOP states get double) to subsidize the old, poor and disabled health care needs. Bloc grants let states spend what they want on health or new statues. Your state can decide to let insurers charge more for those with pre-existing conditions or charge an unaffordable premium or charge less for excluded cancers or heart disease. We lose protections on pre-existing, ER, screenings, Medicaid etc. Even Cassidy own state Health Commissioner says it ends care for 433,000 LA citizens. Our ‘reps’ get to keep these protections in their plan so they face no fight for coverage. We taxpayers foot their bills and insurers can jack up the premiums every year. Insurers and lobbyists win and we lose again: the 32 million without any coverage plan!

The Don says "Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare!"  Alaska bonus vote!

The Don and Congress get to keep the 10 Obama guarantees; we don’t.

Securities Commission warns investors about bogus designations/titles

Some of the letters after your advisor’s name provide little assurance of competence. Advisors make money from selling so the more gravitas they can impress on you the better. Some letters mean nothing except sales or conference attendance. Determine what the letters mean here along with a check on their complaint file. You are entitled to understand how your advisor and their firm get paid by you so don’t enter a contract without knowing what you get for how much. And consider that most charge fees forever, even when they don’t do well. Advisors become psychotherapists regarding your relationship with money. Financial success beyond the returns of simple market index account is hard to achieve over time. Always ask, “Is this plan really helping me” more than them. One study found that the most successful investors were those that ‘forgot’ their account. Warren Buffett advises us to buy and hold forever too. Buffett has a record of 20% annual returns with 2 down years since 1965. Is your advisor able to beat that record with all the titles etc? Remember, they are salespeople first. If you are paying too much, use Buffett as your ‘advisor’: https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffett-Your-Investment-Advisor/dp/1518690963

Which doctor and hospital is best if you need major surgery or treatment?

This is the question every citizen should be able to answer easily. But we can’t. The medical profession has convinced Congress it is not good business to inform us about specific ‘bad’ docs or hospitals. You may be able to obtain the information from the National Practitioner Data Bank through your Congressperson. We have to do our own research and some of the information we need is withheld like ‘malpractice payments.’ When I had colonoscopy, I asked each person involved if they accepted my insurance. I got a bill from an MD never heard of and told him NO PAY. I got help from the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation. 

There are docs I call ‘floaters’ at hospitals who ‘drop by’ even when you are unconscious and then bill you. Other people have been assured the docs are ‘in-network’ and were not. Each of us needs a witness and cell recorder if we go for elective or emergency services. Some docs are on https://www.healthgrades.com/ and https://www.usnews.com/ but this is general. Publica and Consumers’ Checkbook have complication rates based on Medicare data. See https://projects.propublica.org/surgeons/ and

http://www.checkbook.org/surgeonratings/. You must ask the right questions of those who know—his/her peers, staff and coworkers if they will talk: http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/cataract/treatment.html?mcubz=0 and https://www.cbsnews.com/news/consumers-guide-to-top-doctors/

Keep searching state and consumer sites: http://www.castleconnolly.com/ddi/index.cfm

https://www.consumerreports.org/health/hospitals/ratings. Search specialty sites: AARP Bulletin lists complication occurrence rates for common events like cataracts: 20%! For example: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataract-complications.htm

Make sure your insurance covers all those involved—surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist, specialists, hospital ‘floaters’: https://www.amazon.com/Health-Insurance-ONLY-right-policy/dp/1480125083

How to buy a luxury car at 50-60% off

2015 Benz E 350 for $25,000. Original price $53,225 with lux equip and good MPG. You may find the right ride for HALF the price. Check the JD Power reliability study to see what current owners say about your choice before you research valid sales sites. Check the rating of the dealer too. Some used car salesmen continue to give the industry a bad name. And don’t forget to decline any add ons like insurance, warranties, undercoatings, transportation, clean up and ‘prep’ charges. Hey it is your money. Buy the financing from your bank or credit bureau if you have good credit. Most dealers make their money on the finance money.

What about a sports car for a change? Or one with style they can’t give away?

Ask for all your discounts too: https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Insurance-Beware-Double-Coverage/dp/1480027634

Can our ‘reps’ get elected w/o drug money?

Bernie Sanders thinks we can have health care for less cost. The only people who lose are the middlemen and women who get paid to stand between us and health care providers. They employ another group of wealthy people to tell our ‘reps’ what to do on laws. Americans pay about double what other countries pay in total for less care. Many Americans have to sit in hospitals all day to be seen. Millions who work for employers without benefits don’t get care and must get sick to go to the hospital for major problems especially in GOP states. Even if you have a plan, you get manipulated by the system. If the doc or hospital makes a mistake, your family will live through hell or worse.

Imagine paying nothing when you go to the doctor’s office—no copayments, deductibles or portion of your bill. Any prescription drugs would cost you no more than $200 per year. And for all this, you’d pay insurance premiums of just 4% of your income. Since everyone is covered, most doctors and hospitals will have to accept Medicare reimbursement. And there are no tricks from providers who lie about plan coverages.

The insurance company infrastructure would have to find something else to do. That clerk who tells you that you are not covered for the procedure your doctor recommends would need to find work. Also the hundreds at the pharmacy wholesaler who decide EpiPens should cost you $609 not $30. Also hundreds of marketing people who make TV and media adverts to sell drugs to your doctor. Yes, doctors are being told what to push.

SO:

If GOP can vote to end ObamaCare, they could help us and vote FOR Medicare for US. 

Can anyone think of spending $77,000 on a pickup?

The industry has gone crazy in the truck segment with overpriced extras that keep Detroit rich. When you pay $40,000 for the worst-rated pickup in the reliability department, you’ll struggle to get value in the Sierra 2500 when paying the most for the worst. When Consumer Reports asked its legion of subscribers for the worst-value truck on the market, Ford F-250 was the answer. Putting lipstick on a pig will costs you extra but doesn’t add to the quality. Check JD Power reliability on a 3 year old model for your pick up needs: http://www.jdpower.com/cars/awards/Vehicle-Dependability-Study-%2528VDS%2529-by-Category/1882ENG

And take your discounts too: https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Insurance-Beware-Double-Coverage/dp/1480027634

****************

TrumpWorld

I could shoot someone on 5^th avenue and not lose voters’

GOP religion whipped up to sell TV show and Trump brand; and get elected

Trump is still just a mafia contractor from Queens—Dad taught him to be The Don.

Trump cancelled health care policy for brother’s family after they fought dad’s will

The Don thanks his wife after introduction with a handshake like she’s a guy?

Smoking gun: “Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it,” Sater wrote in an email to lawyer Cohen. “I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this.” Manafort tells Russian mob he will keep them informed about “our boy.”

Trump’s group places mob ties above country; it’s about money POWER not US service.

Mob doesn’t call the FBI when Jr doing an illegal deal with fellow mobsters. Receiving stuff from ‘foreign power’ during campaign is illegal—even for idiots.

Putin has full access to our 2018 elections since Trump doesn’t help states upgrade now.

Russian agent admits to propaganda war on US. We were duped by pro-Trump agents.

‘Ministry of Truth’ 1984 novel: Government propaganda is ‘truth’

Trump: middle class is the focus of tax plan, taxes on the wealthy need to increase. B.S.

Trump Jr wants more ‘privacy’ so gives up Secret Service watch. Putin can call directly.

The Don dismisses report of positive contribution of immigrants to US: Racist ideology.

The Don apologizes to Turkey for Turkey thugs hitting kicking protestors. Thugs began it

Trump blames both Clintons for his dilemma with North Korea—they “allowed” nuclear.

My Theory:

Trump got Russian help/funding for business from business/mob ties to Putin.

No one expected him to win so no harm getting Putin help. Don owes Vlad’s mob money so they sent mob gofer Manafort to run the campaign. ‘Colluding’ Putin style.

TrumpWorld – using presidency to make money the old fashioned way: theft

Taxpayers are hit with Mar largo charge of $1,092 for The Don’s party.

Trump uses a Chinese government firm to build his Dubai golf club. Buy American?

The Don’s wife Mel sues schools to maintain Trump brand even in Croatia.

Dictator talk time:

“When the president does it, that means it is not illegal,” Richard Nixon

The Don is moving us to a dictatorship where the only people who go to jail are his enemies and non whites he does not like. Racists and nationalists get pardons. If Flynn and Manafort get indicted by Mueller, The Don will just give them a “get out of jail free” card so they don’t rat him out.

The Don Names Nixon racial profiler Malek to Smithsonian.

Dictators use “back to law and order” to limit rights, fill jails, fund army, follow enemies.

The Don singles out trans group to exclude but McCain joins fight against this discrim.

The Don rejects logic, threatens millions of people and calls out man with missiles.

     Man with missiles goes to get more firepower to protect from US threat! Wild West

“The president can’t have a conflict of interest.” The Don is above the law?

Quid pro quo: "something for something."

Trump elevates ‘ethics’ exec who OKs Pence lobbyists to pay his legal bills too.  

AL Senator plays race card for election win: racism is the foundation of GOP wins

Equifax pays $1 million to get GOP to end our right to sue for credit mistakes.

Lincoln solution to TrumpWorld: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-blumenthal-lincoln-trump-20170713-story.html

Most Americans want Obama back now.  He did things we needed done.

Regulation is necessary: We need protection. Saves $12 billion of our money!

Tye Williams, NEXT Securities, TX barred from selling securities.

Sun Trust caught misleading and selling funds at higher markups: fine no jail time.

Supremes give The Don the power to cancel all immigration to US: KKK thrilled

Equifax execs cash in on stock before telling world our data is gone: 2 quit with riches.

GOP to reduce accountability of Equifax, others so no suits for damage to credit.

Top Notch Funding caught lying to NFL, Deepwater, 9/11 victims re: settlements.

Brian Ourand, Live Nation, stole $2 million from celebrities: 33 mo jail time.

Fiat recalls 494,000 Ram trucks for bad water pump fire risk.

CVS pharmacy to control opium addition instead of doctors in US.

Can we trust credit reporting agencies to buy and sell our financial lives?

Watch FREE theft monitor: Our SS # stolen from Equifax so thieves may get new CC.

Trump has suspended our right to bring class action lawsuits against our advisors.

How Govt wastes our money:

Cassini spacecraft crashes into Saturn—we could have fixed 1000 bridges with that $3B

SCAMS:

Debit card use gets cash back but you give up all your rights and can drain account quick.

Equifax execs make killing on insider information BEFORE tell us hacking took data.

Jobs:

Trump doubled the apprenticeship program—skip college debt and earn now.

Trump sending more jobs overseas: US firms must expand with foreigners who he bans.

Tech firms need world’s best so must move overseas to hire/compete. US loses geniuses.  

Honda adds OH jobs while GM Ford cut US production: move to Mexico and China

Ford lay off thousands just before holidays to cut stock piles.

WI taxpayers pay $3 Billion for 3,000 Apple jobs:  $1million per job? regret by Brazil

Alaska farming is becoming possible with climate change and technology. 

Who owns your account now?

Who controls your digital accounts if you are not able: new laws clarify. Will enough?

Miracle:

IRS accepts reasonable estimate of loss if storm took your records; plus more time to file.

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts