The January edition of the Financial Times is linked at the bottom. Here’s my summary:

THE REASONS NOT TO–Sometimes the best way to understand why you should do something is to also understand why not to do it. An article about what you can learn from a good financial professional by asking what not to do – along with some cautions about using the reasons not to as excuses.

THE TAX YOU CAN’T PLAN FOR–The sharp differences of opinion regarding the federal estate tax have made for some unusual legislation – and as we approach 2010, the situation will get even stranger. A quick overview of the issues, and ramifications.

ONE BAD YEAR–In non-guaranteed financial instruments, there’s always the risk of losing money, but there is the expectation that over the long haul, the losses will be overcome by gains. But it’s surprising how much impact even one bad year can have. Check out the math; you’ll be amazed!

HOW LONG IS LONG-TERM?–A companion article to the one about losing money. A new article reveals the best time horizon for profit in the stock market may be a lot longer than you think.

DETAILS, DETAILS–For many, a will doesn’t become a priority until it’s too late. However, doing a few things right on a regular basis could make it easier for everyone.

For a complete PDF of the article, click here.

Healthy, Beautiful Legs for Life!

It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer from some form of vein disorder.¹ These statistics show that nearly one in three Americans over the age of 45 are affected by vein disease. Unfortunately, only 4% of those are being treated. Venous disorders are an extremely common occurrence, just like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. They also need to be taken just as seriously.

The veins in your legs have valves that keep blood moving in one direction: back toward the heart. When these valves no longer work properly the blood can flow backwards and problems begin to occur. A back up of blood results in higher pressure in the veins, especially in the lower extremities such as the legs. The higher pressure may strain the wall of the veins causing them to enlarge. This may lead to small bluish spider veins and enlarged varicose veins that become visible bulges underneath the skin. (more…)

Some Key College Admissions Facts:

• Currently, more than 17 million students are enrolled in college, an all-time high.
• Grades in college prep courses, strength of curriculum, SAT/ACT Scores, and overall Grade-Point-Averages are the top factors in the admissions decision.
• Approximately 75% of 4 year colleges reports an increase in the number of applications they are receiving
• Parents and students are left on their own in developing a college admissions plan, with little assistance from high school guidance counselors.
• College search can seem overwhelming.
• Getting started early will make senior year much less stressful.
• This time in a high school student’s life means a big change in family life, too.
• Parental involvement is critical to the college admissions and selection process.

…But College Vision can really help!

• The individualized attention of the College Vision process is priceless.
• Parents are fully involved in the process with both the student and the College Coach. This makes the process very collaborative.
• Each student is different. Each parent is different. Each student requires an individualized plan and approach to the process. There is no one-size-fits-all.
• The SYLVAN Academic Assessment will identify areas, for each student, that need to be addressed. We are identifying these areas early enough to fix them. Students that don’t go through our program will most likely find out about these gaps, after they first take the SAT, which is often too late.
• Parents have the comfort in knowing that they have a resource to call at anytime.

Click here to schedule a meeting or phone conversation.

From the American Academy of Pediatrics Web Site (http://www.aap.org)

Preschoolers

• I will clean up my toys.
• I will brush my teeth twice a day and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
• I won’t tease dogs–even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids 5-12-years old

• I will drink milk and water and limit soda and fruit drinks.
• I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
• I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
• I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
• I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.*
• I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends–like someone who is shy or is new to my school.
• I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name, or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Kids 13-years-old and up

• I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink.
• I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
• I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one-to-two hours each day–at the most–on these activities.
• I will help out in my community–through volunteering, working with community groups, or by joining a group that helps people in need.
• I will wipe negative “self-talk” (i.e., “I can’t do it” or “I’m so dumb”) out of my vocabulary.
• When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.
• I will be careful about whom I choose to date and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.
• I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
• When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.

*Virginia law now requires the use of a car seat or booster seat until age 8

by Tim Rankin Most of you know of the many benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in Fish Oil, from heart health to fighting depression. Now, more evidence is arising that consuming fish oil can also aid in weight loss! Click here to learn about an Australian Study showing participants who tooks fish oil lost significantly more fat than those who just exercised!

At Superslow Zone, we have recommended high dose pharmaceutical grade fish oil for our clients for years for the many health benefits offered. We offer Sealogix Fish Oil online, and carry a limited quantity in our studios. Tip: when ordering online, click the “People” link. Also order using the Autoship option and you can save 20% on the products.

Finally! The December issue of Financial Times, with the following official comments from your Trusted Financial Advisor:

RIPPLE EFFECTS OF PROSPERITY–When you have your financial stuff together, you make the world a better place. Most of the time, financial decisions are evaluated in terms of their personal impact, but well-managed and prosperous individuals also have a positive impact of society at large. Read about the interesting way in which your prosperity ripples out to others.

OVER-PAY YOUR WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE–Conventional financial wisdom often touts the idea of paying less for insurance of all kinds. But there are some occasions where overpaying might be better long-term strategy. A brief overview of paid-up additions and how using them can provide more long-term flexibility in your life insurance program.

SUB-PRIME SUBPLOTS–The financial fallout from the failure of many sub-prime mortgages is receiving major play in the financial press. But behind the headlines are several other stories, some that might be more interesting and revealing.

SPEND-DOWN MATH–The ultimate purpose of all accumulation is distribution. So after decades of saving, how do you start spending it? A little touch of math to illustrate the fundamental differences in the most prevalent spending strategies.

For the full PDF of the Newsletter, click here.