Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Time to Leave the United States?

Things aren't always as they seem.  Even though the United States has the highest GDP by far, we rank lower in other scores compared to other nations.  This video shows how we compare.


Monday, May 21, 2012

Zuckerberg Does NOT File a Prenup



Mark Zuckerberg married long-time girlfriend Priscilla Chan Saturday.  What a surprise after Facebook just went public with the IPO launch on Friday.

"Mark Zuckerberg does NO file a prenup" is the headlines I hope to see over the coming weeks.  It would be nice to see a celebrity couple get married without worrying about what money they move IF they get divorced.  Marriage is a sacred commitment that should supersede financial considerations.  You should get married because you love your companion and you are willing to share everything with that person.

What do you think?  Should you get a prenuptial agreement just because there is a large amount of money in play?  Or should you go into a marriage relationship with a mindset that you will be married for better or worse and richer or poor?

Friday, May 18, 2012

Facebook IPO Falls Flat




The introduction of Facebook onto Wall Street began with a flop.  As the opening trading day came to a close, the share price for Facebook was back where it started, at $38.00.

I have personally witnessed activity from my Facebook friends steadily declining over the last year.  It seems like people are not as interested in sharing their daily activities as frequently as they once did on the dominant social network.  Have people started to spend more time on Twitter?  On Google Plus?  On Pinterest?

How will this lack of activity play out as we move forward?  I have a feeling Facebook will have a hard time growing from here on out.  As a result, I am not planning on purchasing any shares of newly minted IPO.  Not that I would buy single shares as I believe in buying a vast selection of companies and investing in the long haul.

Where do you think the share price will head next?

Verse of the Day - 2 Peter 3:18

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.


I struggle with this, but it is my desire to continually grow to know the grace that Jesus Christ has given me.  I also strive to know who Jesus Christ is and also the Father who sent him.  What an amazing creator we have!  

Thursday, May 17, 2012

How to Get Out of Paying Taxes in the United States



Have you ever wanted to avoid paying federal income taxes in a legal way?  Yes, you can claim tax deductions, tax credits or you could stop working.  All of these methods is a legal way of avoiding some your federal tax bill.  However, I have found a full proof way of avoiding paying your taxes and remaining a free person (without the worry of the United States IRS in full pursuit).

Apparently, you can renounce your US citizenship and get out of paying your taxes.  I don't know the details of how this is done, but apparently it is a tactic being used by some to avoid that hefty bill.  After thinking about it, I am not sure I would go that route.

As much as I believe the United States has it problems, I am also a proud citizen and one who is willing to pay his fair share in order to remain in the country.

What would you do?

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 


You may know something, but you will never truly have knowledge and wisdom until you start to fear the Lord.  After all, the Lord made everything.  He made the heavens and earth and everything in them.  And by fear, I do not mean actually being afraid of Him, but fearing Him in such a way that you truly believe He exists and believe what he says in his Holy scriptures.


Chew on that.  How do you fear the Lord?

DOW Down 5% in 2 weeks

DOW Down 5% after 2 Weeks in May


Are we headed off a cliff or is this just a slight correction?  Is it a good time to buy or time to panic?

I may be wrong, but you should ignore the ups and downs of the market and invest for the long term, especially if this if for your retirement or a long term savings goal.

What are your thoughts?