Editor’s Note: The Palm Beach mailbag overflowed over the holidays. So today we’re taking a moment to catch up on your feedback as we enter the New Year…
On Social Security…
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From Don B.: I just saw your ad about getting another $60,000 from Social Security. You should be ashamed for trying to rip off our government (the U.S. citizens) with these kinds of tactics.
Reeves’ Comment: Don, it seems to me the rip-off is the unsustainable nature of Social Security itself. Telling our subscribers of a measure in the law worth tens of thousands of dollars is our duty. It’s made a huge impact on their lives and retirements, like Raymond’s, below…
From Raymond: I’m writing to let Mark Ford know how I’m doing in my wealth-building goals. I’ve continued to diversify my assets like he recommended. I utilized the “file and suspend” tactic you told me about. That’ll net us an extra $57,600 in Social Security benefits.
I continue to live at a moderate standard of living and save excess money. Our monthly savings rate is fantastic. I’ll only be able to generate these high free-cash flows for a limited time (before retirement)… but I’m trying to make the most of them.
I’m learning to deal with the emotions of the market by buying and selling in a planned way. Thanks for all the great work you do. It’s changing my life for the better.
Reeves’ Comment: Great news, Raymond. Thanks for sharing. For anyone who missed it, you can access our Social Security reports right here. Remember, the law is changing soon, so access the reports before it’s too late.
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Recommended Link Fits in Your Pocket, Deadly as a Gun, Allowed on a Plane… An ex-CIA officer just revealed the ONLY self-defense tool he carries with him wherever he goes.
It fits in his pocket, it’s deadly as a gun… and he’s been taking it on airplanes for years. Moreover, it’s only one of over 101 spy secrets he’s revealing to the public in one FREE book. |
On nudity…
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From Diane: I watched Mark’s video presentation for the Wealth Builders Club. In the background—behind Mark—is a painting of a naked man with his genitals clearly visible.
It doesn’t upset me much… but you might want to consider reshooting scenes with that painting in the shot.
On the Legacy Portfolio…
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From Stan O.: At the Infinity Conference, many people—myself included—asked Greg and Tom for explanatory tools for our children and grandchildren. We want to teach our children about the Legacy approach to wealth building.
I appreciate the quick turnaround in responding via the December monthly update! I’ve passed on the information and await feedback from family members. I’ll keep you updated. Thanks again, gents.
On China…
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From Anonymous: Nobody’s talking about the Chinese currency (yuan) now being an International Monetary Fund (IMF) reserve currency. This is huge news and has tremendous implications and opportunities for investors.
What will happen to the U.S. dollar and world currencies? Should we contemplate buying stocks or ETFs in Chinese companies?
Please consider having a discussion regarding your thoughts on this event.
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Mega Trends Investing Editor Teeka Tiwari’s Response: I think we’re a long way off from the yuan becoming a legitimate threat to the U.S. dollar.
China has fundamental problems in their economy… and a history of being less than transparent in their financial dealings.
The framework for safeguarding property rights for foreigners is not yet in place. Without it, the yuan can’t dethrone the dollar.
Rest assured, we’ll inform you when important moves in the currency markets are underway. Tom talks about an important one in the December issue of The Palm Beach Letter.
On the relationship between income and quality of life…
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From Larry F.: Mark, your accountant was a wise man… not a lot of those in business. He gave you an important gift while you were young.
Your essay in the December 23 Daily should be mandatory reading at all business schools—and in the “school of hard knocks” as well!
When I was in my 50s, my company experienced cutbacks. I was given the opportunity to move to New York, New Jersey, or Massachusetts. I turned it down. I accepted a severance package, sold our home, and moved to Tennessee. I had health care from the Army, enough savings, and pensions earned between my wife and I, so I retired early.
Money and material possessions don’t buy happiness. Quality of life is more important than wealth. Health is at the top. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy both of those over the years since I turned down “more money” with that job transfer.
From Bob: I’ve been energized by Mark’s writings for years… especially this essay. I’d like to share a quote by Richard Koch I think Mark would appreciate:
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Our lives are most enjoyable and valuable when we are driven by the few things that excite us. If we are not excited, nothing is of any use. If we are not ourselves, little will become of our lives. If we are excited and ourselves, however, there is no limit to our happiness or achievement. |
From Edward: Happiness is a fleeting bird. But if you have a mate you love and respect, you’re in great shape. Love your mate, and love what you do… and happiness will land on your shoulder more often than you expect.
On the age (and loss) of America’s innocence…
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From Andrius: Robert Ringer’s essay on America’s lost innocence is a precious personal revelation on life in 1950s America. I’m grateful to him for sharing it.
From Leo R.: Hey, Robby Ringer: Do us all a favor and “climb into a time capsule and go back to the ’50s.” Please take the people who’ve expressed similar sentiments with you. I’m sure it was a great time to be a xenophobic, homophobic, racist white male.
Fortunately for the rest of us, progress has taken place in the struggle for equality and freedom.
Anyone who’d trade the progress that’s been achieved in the last 60 years—social, economic, and technological—for the 1950s doesn’t understand… and is living in the past.
From Jesse: I was born right after the Depression. Money was scarce, but I wouldn’t trade my childhood for today’s. We learned to respect others and live within our means—which were meager.
We didn’t expect the latest toys to be under the Christmas tree. We made lasting friendships—which continue to this day—and were guided along by caring adults in the community.
From B.S.: Well said, Robert. The innocence of that time is gone forever. “Rights” and “diversity” are the demands of the day… but it will lead to restrictions and conformity down the road.
From Bob J.: I lived through the Depression and worked hard on a job as a young teenager during World War II. I enjoyed life in the 1950s… serving in the U.S. Navy before graduating from college in 1956. Yes, those were tough but good times.
Maybe we should revisit the past to look forward to the future. Look hard at our educational system… since this is where future generations get their starts. At 86, I fear for our children and grandchildren and for the great USA we used to be.
From Keith S.: I grew up in England… but I can picture Robert’s life as mine was during that time. We all knew who we were, and we knew things would be the same the next day. I wish I could go back to those times (but knowing what I know now).
Let’s hope our children and grandchildren one day get to live in a peaceful world—like we did. Thank you for reminding me of the good old days.
From Mike D.: The country and world we live in today only vaguely resembles the time of my upbringing (the ’60s and ’70s). My grown children had some experiences of that time. But my grandchildren will never know those experiences.
The social imaginers have been too busy trying to construct a world that’s all equal: no winners, no losers, no incentives.
Our university-age children now need “safe spaces” to hide in… free speech debilitates them. We are so far from what Tom Brokaw called “the greatest generation.”
Reeves’ Comment: It is striking to note how things have changed over the years. Mike, your comment reminded me of a recent Internet meme I ran across, below…
On Kilimanjaro…
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From Ben P.: Mark’s essay about hiking Kilimanjaro put such a negative connotation on the trek. I’m afraid it’ll scare people away from going.
I know from experience climbing Kilimanjaro is difficult… but not as miserable as described in the article. Mark’s misery was caused by his extreme lack of preparation and knowledge.
Maybe another viewpoint could be sent out at some point to show the climb is possible and very enjoyable… for a prepared group.
From C.A. R.: My greatest test of will was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro around 30 years ago. Nine of us started the climb. Four of us made it to the top. I can certainly relate to Mark’s experience, but we had better weather. I enjoyed reading of his adventure.
From Mick: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Once was enough. It was three days up and two days down. I must’ve taken a different trail than Mark. We had very little rain and the temperature was bearable. The worst part was an area near the summit where we had to climb a slide of rocks. Two steps up, and you’d slide one step down. It was excruciating… and so was my headache.
On our business…
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From Penelope S.: I commend your group again for its customer service skills. Thank you, Eli, for genuinely listening to my concerns… and offering workable solutions.
From Dan B.: I have a couple of somewhat unorthodox ideas on how your subscription model could be improved. It will take an open mind… because my ideas are “different.” The concepts are a bit complicated and are best discussed over the phone.
Would you be willing to call me? If you have an appreciation for new ideas and approaches, then I offer my suggestions to you without strings, without compensation of any kind. Thank you for your excellent work. I hope to hear from you soon.
Reeves’ Comment: Thanks, Dan. We’re looking forward to hearing your ideas.
From Dave: Since you asked, I wanted to say the Weekend Edition Daily is great just the way it is. Thanks.
From Randy S.: Wishing all of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. You all do such good work the entire year through. Thank you!
Reeves’ Comment: And thank you, Randy, and all our subscribers. Here’s wishing us all a happier, healthier, wealthier 2016.