Monday, October 10, 2011

Book Review: Killing Sacred Cows by Garrett Gunderson

Killing Sacred Cows is about debunking financial myths that infest our society. Not only do they infest our society, but these myths keep up from reaching our full potential. The majority of people do things like contribute to their 401k, try to get out of debt, and pay down their mortgage. These are all good things, right? Then why are the majority of people strugling to get by let alone retire rich? Dave ramsey says that you have to "get mad" in order to get out of debt. You have to live on rice and beans, beans and rice. However, Kim Hubbard made a very good point when he said, "I haven't heard of anybody that wanted to stop living on account of the cost."

In economics the majority is seldom right. I would argue the same is true for personal finance. This book will open you eyes and help you start living freely, and at the same time you can start to prosper financially. Garrett addresses many of the myths I have tried to address here on Richest Man In Zion. He goes a step further and debunks other myths, chiches, and faulty retirement planning advice.

If you are wanting to go from financial jellyfish to artful swimmer, then this book is for you. I think it is a well rounded approach at creating a new financial perspective. I have long proclaimed that our current financial service industry is corrupt and faulty. With recent turbulent times, people are starting to listen. This book will help you understand what is wrong with societies finances. Garret doesn't leave you hanging there. He gives you a formula and a plan to get yourself on the right path. After destroying everything you've been taught your entire life about personal finances, he puts you on your feet again.

My rating; 8.5 of 10. I especially recomend this book for anyone just starting to educate themselves financially. It's an easy read filled with quotes and little tidbits here and there. Hang on to it a bit and learn the formula for setting things right.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

If You Are Prepared You Shall Not Fear!

I take a brief pause from my injury induced vacation to post a vital thought. We live in economically uncertain times. The financial markets more closely resemble a yoyo than an investment vehicle. Some communities experience 16-20% unemployment. Some streets look more like a massive real estate add than neighborhoods. Property values continue to fall along with retirement account balances. Europe seems like it's swimming up the debt default stream. The world is struggling to stay afloat. Anyone that thinks our economy, or the world economy, is healthy has been fooled by the same financial industry that stands to profit from it's own destruction.

From the beginning of currency, financial markets have lived and died. Some lasted longer than others, but they all die. Though many would like to think differently, our financial system is not immune to a normal life cycle. The difference is the world integration that has taken place since the 80's. Our financial system no longer belongs to the United States. It belongs to the world, and as such when it fails the world shall fail. It is possible that we may live through a time that will come to be know as the Great World Depression. It will make the Great Depression seem small and feeble. However, it is also possible that the otherwise gridlocked political systems, that we sometimes think protect us, will be able to turn the tables and bring us away from the brink of the great abyss. Today is not the first nor the last time that large portions of society believe the end is near.

Recently a group known as "Anonymous" posted a warning for Wall Street. Previously know for targeting and destroying several various websites, they say that on Oct. 10 they shall erase the New York Stock Exchange from the interent. What does this mean? It could mean nothing. It could be they will hack and crash the NYSE.com website, which would translate to nothing more than an inconvenient interruption of the NYSE. It could mean a larger interruption of trading. The point is that "Anonymous" represents an ever growing assault against our already ailing financial system.

HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE PREPARED YOU SHALL NOT FEAR! I have dedicated a large portion of my life preparing for the worst. The worst most likely will not happen, but I sleep soundly at night knowing that if it does my family and I will survive. I have studied financial markets, world and political history. I know how to prepare and I am prepared. Within the next few days I will launch my newest endeveor Financial Survivalist. It will be a website to help you prepare for the "Coming Insurrection." There is evil in this world. Evil's chosen battlefield is monetary. BE PREPARED AND YOU SHALL NOT FEAR.