American Socialism

We've been watching what our financial system and government very closely - especially these last few weeks.

First, THANK YOU to all those who see importance of holding fast to our values and understand that those who work hard at any level are those who make up our country!

Second, We understand not everyone has the same opinions. Our values may differ. But EVERYONE has got to wake up and see that the choices being made are the same as giving up on our country, throwing the towel in.

Our system was built upon an awesome opportunity - one that gives us all the chance to succeed.

Please understand SUCCESS does not mean becoming a billionaire. It means so much more. The chance to have a family, the chance to move freely within the United States, the chance to share your opinions, and more. No one can give you happiness. That is up to you. Happiness is a choice. Happiness is your choice.

The choices our government is making for us is CREATING AMERICAN SOCIALISM. There are a few congressmen and senators out there trying to stand up for us and it is IMPERATIVE that we elect more like them.

With the signing of each bailout, with the passing of enormous global warming issues, our lives may look very different before anyone my age can attempt to help save our country. We could very well be told where we can travel within the country or how many times we can leave state lines all in the name of carbon footprints. We could be handing over our income to the "squirrels" (don't feed the squirrels - we're finding out why).

We aren't happy with the choices for President but we aren't willing to throw our country away so we can be politically correct. SINCE WHEN DID POLITICALLY CORRECT HIT OUR VOCABULARY - THINK OF IT!!

WE SHOULD VOTE FOR, HIRE, AND MAKE OUR CHOICES ON THE ACTUAL INDIVIDUAL!!!

We believe in you America!

Book update

Several people have asked for an update to book sales or if we know how many books we've sold in the last two weeks. We know that a total of 7000 copies have been ordered by Amazon and Barnes and Nobles (combined) but do not know exactly how many actual copies have been sold.

We get proceeds based on actual sales less any returns. Our percentage is small and based on the selling price.

Devin and I are currently working on a new book that is based off of your views of our country and what it means to you to be an American. We are talking to 1000+ people across the country and asking a series of 5-7 questions and basing the book off the answers we recieve.

We are submitting it manuscript to our publisher this December. Depending on turn around time we will also use these proceeds as well!! This book will be more indepth and longer.

Pulling Weeds to Picking Stocks was written to reflect all three of us and is basic in nature, but never the less we hope people can gain something from reading it.

Thank you for your questions and as always look forward to hearing from you!
-David

Question from Anonymous

We got the following question from someone named Anonymous: Why did our website originally state $50,000 donation and we changed it to a $25,000 donation?

Yes, our real goal is $50,000 but we got a great taste of reality and it is very difficult to raise $50,000 as an unknown kid (kids). We are doing our best and no matter how much we sell...500 or 1 million The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation will get a large amount. The first $25,000 we make (if we make it) will go to them. Then we need to repay our parents for investing in us (so we could publish the book). Then we will work on our goal of $50,000 dollars.

So to answer your question, we are doing our best. Anyone who buys a book needs to know we are giving the money to a great foundation, we are doing this for the families and for our mother. If anything please understand we have no control over how much we raise but our intent is pure and we will let everyone know when we donate how much we gave!

With the purchase price of the book reducing that means our portion is reduced greatly, so we need to sell a tramendous amount of books.

Another question is the Amazon rankings. Moving from 580,000 to 5 does not mean we sold 579,995 books, it means we outsold all the books in front of us. So it could be that 500 books sold and that was enough to put us in the top 10. We don't know at this time how many have sold.

And lastly, not for a moment have we forgotten what has transpired here. Over the weekend we continuosly thought of Rush Limbaugh, our mother, and the many people who have written in support of us, they all have truly enriched our lives, it has been very humbling. We will never forget, not for a moment.

Thank you!

Yesterday David got the opportunity to speak with Rush Limbaugh. And thanks to the many listeners out there...... our book Pulling weeds to Picking Stocks jumped briefly to it highest Amazon ranking at #5!!!!

We have a long way to go to reach our goal for the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation but you all have done something that is beyond words. We cannot extend our thanks on paper and have it correctly reflect what we feel.

When we hear the words to America the Beautiful, the Star Spangled Banner, and understand what this great country was built upon - that is how we feel as we learn about you.

Thank you for your inspiration!
Respectfully,
David, Devin, and Deric

Total estimated Book sales: 600!

Let's punish the wealthy

In the last few months we've heard many things due to the presidential elections. Taxes and energy seem to be topping the cake right now. So we thought we'd show you what happens if some of these ideas are put into place.

Let us start at the bottom. The people with little or no money. They have become accustom to thinking the deserve financial help from our government. When historically (a long time ago) family was who they'd turn to.

In order for our government to help all these millions of people they need to have some sort of revenue. They use taxes for this revenue (like an income to the government).

This income then pays the people who work for the government program. These people then try to give what ever money is left over (after their pay and research ect) to the people "in need".

Now these "need" people may have low paying jobs and have taxes taken out of their check each month. At the end of the year the government returns this money to them plus a little extra if they have kids.

There are still the middle people who do not qualify as "need" but still have their taxes returned to them each year.

These two make up most of the United States.

But where does the government get this money?

There are people who make a "good" living and some who are very wealthy. These people have to pay taxes. The government keeps this tax money.

Now this is a very very basic example.

So this is what happens when good intentions aren't thought through:

When we start taking money from our "big" businesses and handing it out to those who didn't work for it - the business is not only going to do what it can to hold onto all it can but it won't hire as many people and quite possibly fire people, and it won't be inclined to make donations on it own.

When we over tax something or someone the instant response is to hold onto what you have hard.

If we lighten the tax load on these "big and wealthy" they are much much more inclined to share/donate, help, and hire. They are much more inclined to start businesses and hire employees.

By doing this it brings money into our economy. Strengthens the base because people are working.

But when we tax and "bail out" all those people who made poor choices by pumping in imaginary money and taxing we are not only weakening our base, we are creating inflation.

The government needs to step back and let things happen. We know this is a tough thing to do. But in the long run we will be a stronger nation. Our flag will hold value in more of our hearts because we did our own personal best whether or not be became millionaires.

There is something to be said about personally creating success and learning from our mistakes.

We know there are many more issues that surround what is happening, shipping jobs over seas... but we also know you can succeed. You can be proud of who you are and be proud to be part of our great nation - the United States of America.

Remember NO ONE can do it for you
YOU are who make you what you are.

Should kids get allowance?

The question of allowance is often brought up. Traditionally people think that by giving kids "money for chores" will help teach them how to spend and save. However, it really depends on the age of your children.

The primary lesson that needs to be taught is responsibility. This responsibility is not necessarily putting your clothes away as much as taking responsibility for your actions. Teaching your children to have the strength of their own convictions is imperative.

You can start with little things such as not chewing gum. This seems simple but what it is teaching is believing in yourself and understanding that just because other people do it you can be just as happy without it.

Then establishing chores as the child grows up. Making their bed (doesn't have to be perfect), helping in the kitchen, taking the trash out, are all things that your children will need to do when they grow up. You do not get paid to be a productive part of the family/household. When you see that your children have learned these simple lessons you can offer "jobs" that are above their normal duties.

In our house we use a job board. We have a list of things that need to be done (the list changes each weekend or as needed). Next to each job we show what the pay is for that particular one. Our children sign their names next to the jobs they will do. Once their name is signed they have an allotted amount of time to get it done - if it does not get done they pay us (you don't have to do this part if you don't want to).

By doing this they have chosen to work, they have actually earned their money. Then you can show them ways to save and spend because they will be more inclined to listen and learn.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Maren

maren@marconect.com

(David, Devin, and Deric's mom)

When the cows come home

There are farmers producing corn for feed, there are farmers producing corn for cars. But what happens when we run short? Who gets the corn. The cows or the cars? If the cows don't the price of beef rises - after it falls. It falls because many cows will need to be harvested at the same time; creating a surplus. When the balance between cows and corn equals out then the price will reflect the amount of milk/beef to the demand.

This is kind of what is going on today. But it is not just car fuel that is helping to raise inflation, it is a number of things hitting all at once. We've got many of our fields overrun with floods, extreme heat in some areas and cold in others. We've got people crying wolf just to hear their voices and people wanting taxation on the use of our natural resources hindering our future energy production....and more.

But what can we do? For those of you caught in the middle of this mess. Who are paying $80 to fill their tank and spending $100's of dollars more each month on groceries, don't panic (yet). Assuming prices will not fall and the prices you see now are the new regular price, it is time for you to stop looking to someone else to fix your situation. You live in your home, you buy your own food (we hope), and you have a brain.

What we've done in our house is meal planning. We consolidate trips when driving (because it makes sense anytime not just stress time - because it saves time). STOP watching the news. All this does is worry you, sets ideas of failure and despair, if you watch you will find news is more like gossip. Unless it is real. But a lot of this junk is just fluff trying to fill in time.

People who want you to worry about all the things you are doing -pretty much everything you eat or touch will kill you, if you don't say a million words to a baby before they are 1 they are destined to stupidity for the rest of their life (that is why we are who we are - our mother was silent - come on!). If anything this economy is the economy of opportunity!!

Come up with a job, come up with a business. It is time for the cows to come home so get ready and prosper - no matter what the inflation or recession numbers may be. America is still the land of opportunity and it is still the wealthiest in natural resources. You can succeed don't let any tell you different!

How to make a million

It has been a few days since our last posting - finals in school.....

However, our teachers and other adults have been asking about investments. The truth is there are still very good opportunities out there, if you are willing to invest and wait.

In our book Pulling Weeds to Picking Stocks we taught you how to research an investment. Well, today we would like to ask you to look at the economy and ask yourself where is it heading.

Look at what is in play right now. First, the environment is big. We are trying to reduce pollutants and conserve in energy usage. Now look at food and transportation prices.

Because we are not financial advisers we will only give you sectors and ask that you do some research. Because you can make a million (or two).

Sectors we are personally looking at include transportation; rail and shipping
Agriculture and metals - both base metals and precious metals. Now is the time to look at the base of our economy and what is needed to make all the things we use.

Good luck and remember when investing use your brain. Don't just follow someones advice. Its your money, its your brain, its your future. Invest in it wisely.

Don't be dumb, learn some math!

Today we are going to learn math.
Traditionally if we add 7 to the number 1 you increase or rise the number 1 by 7 equaling a total of 8.

Now, in today's math we are going to show you how adding 5 to 1 actually lowers or reduces the number.

1+ 5 = 6
1+ 7 = 8

Because 7 adds more to the end number we can assume that the total has been reduced when we replace the 7 with 5.

This is the same with how inflation or government numbers are calculated.

We will say that the 7 represents last year and the 5 represents this year. Although we are still adding 5 to our original 1 + 7 we can say that we've actually decreased the number by 2. We decreased the number because of this equation:

1+7=8 (8 is now last year's number and the number 8 replaces the number 1 because that is our new start point)

* Before we go on we must let you know that the number 7 is now equal to zero. This is because if we use the +7 each time then it can be considered a constant; a non changing number. So any variation of the number 7 will either increase or decrease just as it would if we looked at a number line where zero is in the middle; any move to the left creates a negative and any move to the right creates a positive.

Continuing on:

remember: (8 is last year's number and the number 8 replaces the number 1 because that is our new starting point)

8+5=13 (now the number 13 actually equals -2. This is because we did not use the number 7 again, we used a number less than 7. And because we added a number less than 7 we get a negative.)

If we do this every year we will find it easy to say, "little to no inflation". Let's look at no inflation over a 10 year period. We'll be nice and start with the number 0 and use a typical +2 for standard inflation.

0+2=2
2+2=4
4+2=6
6+2=8
8+2=10
10+2=12
12+2=14
14+2=16
6+2=18
18+2=20

As you can see the middle number has remained the same. Therefore the end number has not increased. So now you can see if there isn't inflation you can rest assure that higher prices won't become reality.

Consuming wealth

When most people think of consuming they imagine eating food, a gas gussling car,... But do people ever think about consuming wealth?

Sure they do! If you consume wealth they you are storing your money and watching it pile up, right?

Wrong. Today a report shows consumer confidence is down big. Well duh. Look at what people did with their potential wealth (example: income). They bought. They bought the latest and greatest. Does anyone really need a TV that may cost 10% of their annual income? What about the latest and greatest game systems, cells phones, newly released dvds?

In the past, the build up to our inflation (which we are just barely starting to feel) we had money. So much money it was like water. Credit card companies - well loans in general were practically given away. But we all know that - it is old news.

But let us look at what would have happened if we lived a moderate lifestyle. Would we have died because we didn't have a top of the line gaming system? Would we have died if we actually ate food at home? Would we have died if we had a TV that worked and only took up an 1/8 of a wall? No.

Consumer confidence is not low, consumers are just waking up and saying, "maybe I should just hang on for a second and see what it is I really need".

These stimulus check that are hitting banks this week should buy something of value. Get something that will help you in the future. No, candy does not help you.

Instead of consuming your wealth - collect it.

What to do with inflation

There are many things to do with your inflation. It can be both entertaining and fun, yet it does have its down side.

First let us see what we can do with it.

1. We can watch it grow, even when things are trying to snuff it out or even hide it.
2. We have always wanted to see big numbers roll through out bank accounts and now we can!
3. Who ever thought they'd ever pay as much as they do for groceries.
4. When paychecks catch up to todays inflation then we can roll in the dough.
5. What a great conversation piece. Inflation and recession.
6. If we find ourselves without enough cash on hand we get the opportunity to experience life like a pioneer.
7. What a great weight loss program.

Now to be fair to the other side, lets look at inflation downfalls.

1. The weight loss comes from lack of available food.
   
2. Pioneer living isn't as great without a piece of land, tools, and seed.
3. Paychecks for those people who still have jobs, won't follow inflation rates close enough and even with more pay - prices will far surpass affordablity.
4. The more people try to hide inflation, place a band aid on it, the worse the situation will become.

What can we do?

1. We need to stock our pantry. Buy in bulk.
   
2. Buy silver. Yes, many people say they wouldn't buy gold or silver because it doesn't grow like a mutual fund - but it will always retain value around the world. The dollar is worth only what people around the world believe it to. Have some silver on hand.
3. Get out of consumer debt. Credit cards that hold balances, loans with variable rates.

What are ideas that you have to help prepare for the oncoming inflation.

Can the government reduce gas prices?

We saw a headline on our way out the door this morning, "Will the next president lower gas prices?"

What are people thinking? The only way for the government to truly lower gas prices is by reducing or even removing the taxes we pay per gallon. Other than that gas is an industry, it is not up to the government to raise or lower prices.

But how can you reduce your gas cost? Invest in oil companies. Stop driving so much and take public transportation. If you are looking to lose weight or get in shape - now is the time. Spring is here and good weather is on its way. Learn to walk or ride a bike. Consolidate trips. Buy in bulk. Plan ahead.

Food prices; gas prices

four years ago when we started buying food in bulk people looked as us as if we were silly. We started out with carts and carts full of food at the checkout line. One lady said we were dumb and shouldn't worry about things like stocking up on food because nothing is going to happen.

We've always been aware of commodity products, essential needs - basic products. And in reaching and studying the markets we saw oil price reach over $100 - Then with the possibility of using corn to gas up our cars that just added more stress to the food market.

It is important that people have a basic supply of food at home. Prices, with high inflation imminent, are only going to require you to stretch your dollar as far as it can go. When you purchase your flours, sugars, and long-lasting shelf items, you are hedging the food market (in your home at least).

We buy awesome food from everyday food storage (1stopfoodstorage.com).

It is time to start living life like a millionaire and stop throwing your money away at trivial items such as buying DVDs when you can get Netflix or running to the fast food center when you could pack a lunch. Little changes in your everyday living will help create a big impact on your future.

Continued thought.....

After reviewing the situation that we had a few days ago (the checkout line). I thought about it, asking some one who is in line to help pay for my items isn't so weird.. If we were to turn into a socialist country then a FAIR portion of his paycheck will come to me anyway, so if I just wait and watch like every one else soon I will not have to ask any more. This might not be good for any one who is working hard to earn a good paycheck but for anyone whose pay isn't as good (like me, as of now) then it works fine. After all we are all equal aren't we?

You deserve federal money.

Yesterday we went to the store with $5. Unfortunately the items we wanted came out to $17.30. So naturally we asked the person behind us in line to cover the $12.30 we were lacking.

Can you believe he looked at us as if we were crazy! The look on his face was priceless (if the situation had been humorous). This is what we told him.

"Look, you've obviously got more money than we do and we want this item. You should feel good about giving us your money, you should feel bad if you don't. It is only luck that gave you the job you have and because it is luck then you should understand that if you have any surplus money you should be eager to spread the wealth."

He didn't have much to say. Which is funny because he was talking to his friend about the rebate checks and how it will go to help pay for gas.

The last time we spoke to our parents about these checks it was our understanding that the government cannot just print money without any recourse. This money is not free. By taking the money it makes as much sense as asking the person next to you in line at the store to pay for your things.