First as we get closer to the election, I invite you to participate in early voting. You will see more turnout this year than ever, so be smart and find out about early voting in your area. It is easy, no lines and it makes sense. Then I suggest you keep looking at the following websites. I got two more from a blog reader (Teresa) Besides http://www.factcheck.com/; go to http://www.newstrust.net/ and http://www.themoderatevoice.com/.
Both candidates will step up the personal attacks because they don't know how to win otherwise do they? How about sticking to the facts. Americans are worried, angry and scared. We need an optimist and someone brilliant who can choose the right team to get out of this mess.
The next topics for next season of Living Smart deal precicely with very timely topics. We will have experts on the future, integrity, ethics, civility. Does that interest you? Have we lost our way? We will also cover how to enjoy life more by spending less, the value of music in child development and how to raise healthy children. One of my favorite topics is how to deal with prickly people and keep a balanced spiritual life. I can't wait!
I would like to share with you some thoughts on how to deal with the financial meltdown. First of all keep calm. This will pass. We may face a recession but getting upset, frazzled and worried can't solve anything. We have to be smart. If you are young and have money in the stock market, talk to your financial advisor. I have heard it is best to wait it out but I am not an expert. If you are older, your options change. Is it smart to stay in cash now? In the first six days of October , Americans pulled more than 19 billion dollars out of mutal funds that investing US stocks. If you switch to cash now however, you are likely to lose money because inflation will probably eat up you after tax return you earn from saving or money market accounts.
The 700 bailout has not worked YET. We still have no idea how the stock market will do in the short or medium term (not good so far) but what is it you can do? Start looking at your own budget. What can you cut? Do you have to go to dinner every week? Can you wait on a new wardrobe? Find out what you spend on a single area of discretionary spending. What about restaurants, entertainment and shopping? Yesterday instead of eating at a restaurant. I got together with friends and had a picnic. WE saved money and enjoyed nature. Just consider that.
If start taking small steps with your finances, you will feel a bit more control. No one can really predict the future, but I have faith in America and what we are capable of doing once we work together. Remember a lot of the uncertainty in the markets is stricly psychological, based on what people think may or may not happen. In the mean time try to focus on what YOU can do yourself. For example, consider cutting up a couple of your extra credits cards you don't need.
Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursday nights at 10:30pm. My new show Latina Voices, I co host with executive producer/anchor Minerva Perez and super lawyer Sofia Adrogue airs on the municipal channel 16 on Tuesdays and Sundays at 10 am and 10pm.
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