As originally published at http://www.whitefieldconsulting.com/wordpress/?p=1655#more-1655

Written by Debra Kunz

Giving and gratitude are at the top of our minds during the holidays.  I wonder what happens to those feelings and intentions the rest of the year?

Being thankful for all that you have, all that you are and all that you will become sets a course for a joyful life; One that feeds your soul, directs your decisions, and creates abundance.  YOU define what abundance you want in your life, and in what category.

Money is usually on that list.  Though I ask you – what for?  What would you do if you had all the money you could possibly need in your life?

Most people say – “whatever I want.”  True. Though look beyond that.  What would your purpose become?  Read more

Today I participated in an investment committee meeting with nine other investment advisors from around the greater KC metro area.  We meet every six weeks, and in these meetings each advisor provides different information.  But today the basic consensus was – it’s been a nice stock market rally and we are seeing some signs of economic recovery.  However, it is by no means time to uncork the champagne.  We have uncertainty as to what legislation may or may not be enacted and its impact on the economy.  Secondly, inflation may not show its ugly head currently, but it will at some point and as a result interest rates will be going up.  In addition, emerging economies and their respective stock markets, even though quite volatile, offer more potential for investors than the U.S. and other large developed countries. 

On a much more extreme and pessimistic note, Societe Generale (a large French bank), released a report to its clients to be ready for a possible “global economic collapse” over the next two years.  Without going into much detail, their solution to such a problem is either gold, natural resources or commodities or a combination of all three.  However, I don’t know any advisor that would recommend this extreme approach and neither do I. 

Ironically, linked to this article is another titled “12 Places To Go If The World Goes To Hell.”  In this article, Kansas City is listed as one of the safe havens and the following is an excerpt from the article / slide show.  Before you delve into it, how do you like the modern picture they selected for KC?  It is obvious to me that neither of the authors of this article is familiar with nor located anywhere near KC.

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The FDIC is requiring banks to prepay their deposit insurance for the next three years in one premium payment next month.  The FDIC is doing the special invoicing to raise funds to cover all the bank failures that have taken place in the last 18 months.  

As should be the case, the premium rates are based upon the bank’s risk/stability rating by the FDIC.  Thus, a financially unstable or higher risk bank will pay dramatically higher premiums than a more prudent or healthy bank.  Ironically, this move will only accelerate bank failures in the near term.  Banks that are struggling to survive will not be able to pay the premiums and will be taken over.  Read more

Commentary for the week ending November 6, 2009

 I just want to take a moment to reflect on the tragic event that took place in Fort Hood, Texas.  It is very easy for me to get caught up with the challenges of being business owner, dad and husband, and at times I complain about these challenges.  However, what occurred yesterday makes me realize how easy I have it and how protected I am in my office and suburban life style.

 I sincerely hope that as individuals and a nation, we can take a moment and reflect on what has occurred and pray for these brave soldiers who lost their lives protecting our country.  I take the comforts I have for granted.  As such, I need to really stop and thank the past and present soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they’ve made which allow me to have the freedoms I do, and I sincerely hope you do the same.  Maybe it is an event like this that triggers many of us to take our freedoms more seriously and become more involved in the policies shaping our nation and local communities.      

 For now, I just ask God to bless our soldiers and their families!

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