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.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, August 4, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, July 18, 2008
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)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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.
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.
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