Understanding The Real Rate of Return!

There is one indicator more than any other which determines the health of an economy and it is the Real Rate of Return. Furthermore this is the simplest of all indicators to understand because it determines the safety of assets. Next time you hear the TALKING HEADS discussing the nuances of the markets, filter what they say through your own understanding of the Real Rate of Return.

The Real Rate of Return is the one number that determines the safety of principal. It is calculated by taking the current BOND YIELD and subtracting the expected INFLATION rate from it. The result is the REAL return on giaranteed money from the government.

Interest Rates are on the rise as we have been expecting and this pressure has put a tremendous amount of pressure on the stock market. The essential simplicity at work here is very, very basic. If Interest rates on Bonds are yielding 5.14% and inflation is forecasted at 5%. The difference is the REAL RATE of RETURN, (in this instance we are speaking about .14%). The REAL RATE of RETURN is what sparks major rallies and declines on Wall Street.

The reason for this is that the Bond market is the largest financial market in the world. There are literally trillions of dollars invested in debt denominated assets. These investors are primarily interested in the security of their principal and taking as minimal risk as possible. They historically have been thrilled with REAL RATES of RETURNS that would be in the 2% - 5% annually. During the 1970's this indicator went NEGATIVE for a while indicating INFLATION was rising faster than interest rates and BOND INVESTORS actually had substantial negative returns. During this time there was much "screaming and gnashing of teeth."

It has always been my estimation that Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan's key task is to keep the REAL RATE of RETURN as high as possible. HE has been extremely successful at doing this. If you read back over any history of the financial markets you would be WISE to view events through this indicator. The economic climate becomes remarkably different and people's opinions change dramatically when the REAL RATE of RETURN on the most SECURE investments is threatened.

A thorough understanding of this simplicity is necessary for success in any kind of investing as IT is the basic building block from which all other analysis is based. Although it is always difficult to forecast what will happen in the future, the one factor you can count on is that when THE REAL RATE OF RETURN is falling there is much SWEAT on the brows of Money Managers who monitor the trillions of dollars entrusted to them.

At this point KEEP YOUR EYES on this indicator and make your own forecast of INFLATION. You'll realize that your ANALYSIS can be better than the Big Boys.

Let's be careful other there!

Dowjonesfully,

-Harald Anderson

http://www.eOptionsTrader.com.

How To Paint the Furniture To Retain Its Elegance

When I was chatting with my friends about home renovation, many of them felt that painting the furniture is a waste of money. I argued against that point by drawing an analogy between human beings and furniture pieces. I compared human dressing with the paint applied on the furniture and I explained them in detail about the advantages of paints. Finally, I won the argument and had a treat.

I am using this space to share a few important points that helped me to win over the argument and also help you to revive the charm of the furniture. We should take a cue from the nature. The ozone protects us from harmful UV rays, similarly the furniture has to be protected from environmental issues. But be clear that the painting a wall and furniture are different except for a few points.

If you are planning to paint the furniture, spare some time to read the following points.

Primer

Firstly, the furniture has to be coated with a primer. It is an undercoat to prepare the furniture for painting. It facilitates the paint to stick on the surface instead of spreading. It also increases the durability of the paint besides protecting the furniture.

The primer must also match the paint you are going to use. For latex paints, choose a latex primer. It is easy to use and it blocks stains. It won't smell like an oil-based primer.

Similarly, Oil-based primers must be used for oil-based paints. They offer good adhesion and stain blocking compared to latex ones.

Metal enamel primer is known for its durability. This type of primer comes in satin and semi-gloss finishes.

Paint

Many often get confused what to use either Oil-based paints or Water-based paints

Oil paints have been used for centuries. They generally took long time to settle and dry.

Water-based paints are of different types namely Mud, Standard latex, Chalk and Milk paints.

Mud paints give antique appeal to the furniture. They have smooth, flat finish with great coverage. It works well with wax or any water-based coat. They also don't need a primer as it is inherently adhesive.

Standard latex require a long curing time. They are relatively durable. They need the support of the primer.

Chalk paints have many benefits over other. They don't require primer as they are normally adhesive. Another advantage is they don't even need sanding.

Milk paints are commonly available. They can be easily applied to all kinds of surfaces. They are eco-friendly and non-toxic.

Over and above, take some safety precautions while painting as many of the petroleum-based paints are toxic. Paint the furniture in open surroundings as it is a hazardous work.

Five Ways to Make Your Wireless Home Alarm Click

There are several different ways to set up a home alarm system, yet the wireless choice is becoming more and more popular by the day. Because of its versatility and low impact on any type of home, going wireless is possible whether you are renting an apartment or moving into a house without long term plans. In many cases, you can take the system and monitoring coverage with you, giving you one less thing to worry about if your plans change in the near future. Either way, there are a number of things you can do to make a wireless home alarm system really click. Look over this list of ideas when you want to create a more durable level of protection at home.

1. Do not tap your own budget on tech. The brilliant home security technology on the market will tempt anyone trying to set up a tight safety net, but you have to keep one eye on the hard materials as well. Do not let a sharp alarm system be spoiled by a soft front door or street-level windows. Often, it only takes a few extra screws connected to the wall to keep out less entering burglars.

2. Go with an alarm and monitoring plan from the same company. The advantages of working with one company are obvious. They will be able to troubleshoot your alarm when there is a problem and can offer you upgrades when they become available. At the same time, you might be able to get a price break when you join up. Beware of the 'free home alarm system' offers, as they can end up being a scam of one sort or other.

3. Do not pigeonhole your security apparatus. Because there are so many options on the table, you should not dive into an all-in-one package with different parts of your security plan. Just because one company makes a good lock does not mean that they make a superior motion sensor as well. At the end of the day, do not get lazy in your examination of the tools you need to protect your family.

4. Think outside the box with detergents. Sometimes, the best parts of a home security system could seem like the silliest. Maybe it was a sign posted on your window stating the type of alarm you have; maybe it was the puppy you adopted who grew up to be very protective of your family; maybe it is the bushes you planed in your yard. Each of these elements can have a very big impact without costing much at all.

5. Do not balk at partitioning. When you have a few different structures to protect on your property, the partitioned approach could serve you best. Do not consider it an added headache or anything out of the ordinary. This system is very common when there is a guest house or studio on a property and will not force you to learn anything new in the process.

The Benefits of Renting Forklifts and Other Material Handling Equipment

Material handling services come in all shapes and forms. When considering your option to rent equipment for a short period of time instead of purchasing it, there are several advantages to keep in mind.

• Low Cost: Renting equipment on a short-term basis simply costs less. If you are a small business and do not have the capital to invest in purchasing equipment, renting the equipment you need when you need it can help. Contacting several local dealers for quotes will help ensure you are getting the best price. If there is a particular company you want to work with which pricing is a little higher be sure to call them back. Rental rates are not usually set in stone, and many dealers are open to negotiation. Most dealers will also discount your short-term rental if you commit to having it for an extended period of time. Short-term rental rates compared to lease or loan payments are usually much more affordable. If your equipment breaks down and jeopardizes production, then paying a little extra for a rental may save you money in the long run.
• Maintenance Included: When you go with a dealer that includes maintenance with their short-term rentals you are guaranteed that if you have any trouble they will be there for you. Making a phone call and having a technician on-site within hours is much easier than trying to repair a purchased unit by yourself, or making lots of calls to various companies for technical advice and service quotes. When you rent equipment for an extended period of time, a good dealer will periodically send technicians out to check the unit for operation and fluid levels, and note any repairs it may need. The frequency of this visit is usually determined by how often you are using the unit / how many hours you are putting on it. Full coverage maintenance at no cost to you is always a good thing.
• Instant Response: When you call to order a short-term rental you can usually get it delivered quickly. This is a very positive point, especially if you suddenly find yourself in a bind and needing equipment ASAP. Unforeseen situations such as your unit breaking down, a sudden peak in business, seasonal inventories or a special application or job to complete can create create claims for short-term rentals. A good local dealer will do their best to supply you with the equipment you need, when you need it.
• Positive Relationship & Loyalty Rewards: The more often you rent from a dealer the more likely they are to discount your pricing and going the extra mile to help you reach your goals. Developing a professional relationship with your rental contact will help familiarize them with your material handling needs. For example, if you call them late on a Friday afternoon for that certain piece of equipment you always rent from them, you can be pretty sure they're going to make delivery happen for you. Once a strong relationship is established you will be able to trust that your dealer is giving you the best prices and quality customer service. This will save you the time and trouble of shopping around. It's nice to be able to pick up the phone, order the equipment you need, have it delivered when you need it and know you're in good hands. They want you to keep coming back to them, and realizing you right is their sure way to secure your business.

Quick Bible Translation Comparison

I've been around the Bible my whole life. If you're like other Christians, you might be wondering what translation is the best, what one is most accurate and what one is right for you. These are all things I've wondered in the past and over the many years I've used many Bible translations, such as the NASB, NIV, KJV, NKJV, etc.

While I will not go into a complete historical and in-depth break down on every translation there is, I will touch on some of the more popular Bible translations out there.

KJV Bible

The King James Version (note: the NKJV is different) was released back in 1611 and is a "word for word" translation from the Bishops Bible, Tyndale's Bible, Masoretic Texts and Textus Receptus.

While not my personal favorite, this and the NKJV are widely used.

NKJV Bible

Simply put, this is a more modern King James Bible. In 1982 it was created to "modernize" the language some so that it was easier to read by more people.

NIV Bible

Another very popular version. Like the KJV and NKJV, I own multiple Bibles that use this translation.

The NIV is easier to read than the KJV and NKJV. According to some reports, this is the best-selling version of the Bible as well. Like I said, it's very easy to digest, so adults, teens and even youngger children enjoy it.

NASB Bible

This is my favorite translation. It's a word for translation that uses the Hebrew and Greek. It's an upper-level translation from Rudolf Kittel's Biblia Hebraica Dead Sea Scrolls and Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece.

Generally speaking, adults serious about studying God's Word gravitate toward the NASB. Of course, that does not mean you can not be serious with any version of the Bible.

The Right Bible

So what version of the Bible is right for you? This really is a personal question. Regardless of the "flavor" you enjoy, I highly recommend you buy a good study Bible.

If you're new in the Lord, you may want to start out with the NIV Bible. It's very easy to understand and there are many great ones out there. Personally, I own multiple Bibles of many translations.

Brief Example of Matthew 4:19

Below is the verse Matthew 4:19 from four different translations to give you an example of the difference.

NASB: "And He said to them," Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. "

NIV: "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

NKJV: "Then He said to them," Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. "

KJV: "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
âEUR¨You'll notice they say the same thing, just a little different. The KJV did not capitalize God at all (He, Me). The differences can be seen more in other versions and other translations.

Chances are you'll end up being more loyal to one translation in time.

Car Leasing - Most Popular Form Of Car Finance in 2010

During the first six months of 2010, there were just over 530,000 new cars purchased in the UK, according to statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA).

It would not be unsurprising if you thought that a large portion of this figure was cash purchases, another large portion being made up of hire purchase agreements and then a final portion of other financing options, such as car leasing or personal loans.

Whilst cash purchases are a preferred option for buying a used car, when it comes to a new car 80% of all people buy them with car finance utilizing one of three different options.

Hire purchase agreements were once the most popular finance option. You pay an upfront payment followed by monthly payments (a portion of the money you borrowed plus interest) over an agreed period. You do not own the car until the end of the period when you pay a fee (check because this could be high).

Next comes car leasing. There are two types of car leasing for consumers - personal contract hire and personal contract purchase (PCP). PCP is the most popular and is vaguely similar to hire purchase, but the monthly payment s are often much lower because you are only paying for the cost of the car less an agreed balloon payment (value of the car at the end of the agreement which is typically between 24 and 60 months) and at the end of the term, you can either decide to hand the car back or pay the outstanding balance to own the vehicle.

And then you have a personal loan, which is usually the more expensive of the three options and the least favable for buyers. Beware, if you choose an unsecured loan and should you default on a payment, the lender does not simply take the car away and instead attempts to recover any outstanding monies directly from you.

Whilst cash or a hire purchase might seem like the most traditional car buying options, according to statistics provided by the FLA 49.4 percent of the total number of cars sold by dealers in the first half of 2010 - were financed by a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP ) agreement.

Seeming to have a low profile in recent years, with people Traditionally opting for the hire purchase option, it's when you take a look at PCP agreements and the flexibility it offers you that you see just why such a fundamental percentage of car buyers opted for it in the first half of 2010.

Whether you've heard of or utilized car leasing in the past or not, there's no doubt that it's the most popular car finance option of the moment. Packed full of benefits and extremely flexible, whether you're a personal user or a business, it's advised you to take a look at the benefits of car leasing and PCP when you next head out to buy a new car.

'Mobile Oil Change' Businesses Have Terrible Profit Margins

The oil change business is hard. I am not going to sugar coat it. I have been in the business for five years and I am telling you from first hand experience. I have done more research on the topic that several people put together. I am an authority. I know what I am talking about. There is no profits, at least one can actually build a business on, in oil changes.

This is coming from someone who is in the business. Whoever, no matter who he is, tells you that you can make a decent profit off oil changes, regardless of what kind, he is lying. He is either purposefully lying to you to make money or really does not know. The profit from oil changes can not, and I do repeat for emphasis can not, sustain a viable business. The whole quick lube model is so flawed its almost comical. And the typical mobile quick lube model is even more flawed at its core. I have met only one guy who has what I consider made a real profit from mobile oil changes and his name is Lance Winslow. I have spoken to the guy and he is very smart but in one of his posts he stated that he makes very little from his oil change company. It had just been one of many companies he had started that has allowed him to achieve wealth in this country.

Every quick lube, including Jiffy Lube, makes no money from oil changes. Mobile oil change businesses will quickly realize this. The cost for your typical oil change in the United States, using the cheapest oil you can find, is $ 15.00 with oil and filter. The going rate for an oil change in the US is $ 20- $ 30 per five quart oil oil change. That means that in most states the most one can profit from an oil change is $ 15.00. And that is being liberal with the numbers and not including fuel. Fifteen dollars per oil change is not going to sustain a viable business. Some vehicles are absolutely terrible to work on like certain Chevrolet Cavaliers and Land Rovers and will take you more than an hour minimum to do one oil change. What do you get for all this trouble? Maybe twenty dollars. Its the biggest joke going.

The only way most quick lube places can make money is buying really pushing add-ons. If you work at any quick lube and do not sell the customer on additional services they may or may not need than you will be terminated very fast. The quick lubes can not make money any other way. They have to push unnecessary air filter, fuel filters, coolant flushes, transmission flushes, power steering flushes, rear end flushes, cabin air filters, wiper blade replacement, fuel injection cleaners, and many others to even make a meager profit. The mobile oil change businesses have to do this a lot less because they have lower overhead but their profit margin still remains on addition services as well. As a mobile oil change owner myself I really do try to be as honest as possible. I really do not want to screw anyone. But having said that I would net very little if air filters lasted five years. I have to actively push additions services to make money. Oil changes alone, even for diesels, will not pay for my mortgage. Most fixed locations are in my position times fifty.

Before you start an oil change price think twice and think about it for a very long time. Its not an easy business. Know what you are doing. I am one of the lucky ones. Its a miracle I succeeded. I wanted to give up many times. Maybe you can be the 1/20 people who can actually make the quick lube business pan out. But it is really hard and will take you minimum two years to see a real profit.