Hi Cheri, You are providing a pathway to understanding the most valuable component of any financial foundation. I learnt many years ago that if I didn't spend a dollar that I would get 100% return on my money. Once a person eliminate debt or at the very least implements a debt management strategy, they become well positioned for their financial future. Financial Risk management and in particular, Investment Risk Management is probably the least understood topics, that is, judging from the number of people who cannot see beyond the quick buck syndrome. You have no idea, well you probably do, the number of times I have thought of replying to the countless number of post that suggest some money making idea is an investment. Education is the answer and it's great to read informative post from you and of course our knowledgeable moderator, Linda. Jack

Hi, Jack. Thank you (and the others who have replied to my comment) for your kind words. I didn't want to take Linda's forum too far afield with this, so I haven't answered as much as I would in my own forum. But you have touched on something that I've been thinking about for a while in relation to your expertise. It would be extremely valuable to me to have your insight on investment risk management. You see, I know nothing about investing, except in real estate which I understand. If I'm to diversify, I've got a steep learning curve before I can get into your kind of investments. If you don't want to reply to a post, why not post a forum for that kind of education yourself? I have put my trust in Linda because she's here putting her expertise on view and her credibility just keeps growing in my opinion. I would love to see you share some of yours, too. It's a subject I'm interested in and not expert in myself, just like Linda's subjects. How about it? Cheri

Hi! Jack said; ========================================= You are providing a pathway to understanding the most valuable component of any financial foundation. ========================================= and then Cheri said; ========================================= I didn't want to take Linda's forum too far afield with this, so I haven't answered as much as I would in my own forum. ========================================= One of the things I discovered long ago is that people who struggle to manage money often also struggle to run their businesses. Often times, they find that no matter how much they make, they're still always broke or just breaking even and never really getting ahead. Among the steps of my course, one of the things I very briefly touch on is that I recommend every business owner pull out 10% of what they earn right off the top to "pay themselves first; funds that will be saved or invested or used to pay down debt." But, I don't go beyond that. It's not my area of expertise. But, even though it's not my field, that doesn't make it any less important to successfully running a profitable business. Cheri, I'd be very happy to add a "managing finances" thread to this forum if you'd be willing to oversee it in a Q/A kind of way. You can cross reference your forum to your heart's content. I know you have your forum, but I figure that the 'Advisors' area has good visibility, and it's another way people who need what you know can find you. If this forum grows so that it offers people help on making profit, and managing that profit wisely, that's a good thing in my mind. : ) Linda

Linda, You said: ============================================ Cheri, I'd be very happy to add a "managing finances" thread to this forum if you'd be willing to oversee it in a Q/A kind of way. ============================================ Willing? I'd love to! What an opportunity! Just let me know when and where, and I'll be there, with bells on. Cheri

Hi Cheri; Here you go! I posted the first question, too. lol http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShowPost.aspx?PostID=265558 : ) Linda