Time
Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way
Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
And you run and you run to catch up with the sun, but its sinking
And racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in the relative way, but you’re older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death
Pink Floyd
Stop & Ask…Are You More Wealthy Today than Yesterday? What about a year ago? Do you have more time and money? How are you really doing in this race we call life?
According to a Census report released a few weeks ago, most Americans are not better off than they were a few years ago…in fact, the median family income fell by over $2,000 annually.
What’s even worse, this news reflects census data from 2007 – the most recent data the government has compiled. Stop and allow this to sink in a bit; median household income actually fell by $2,000 during a relatively steady and prosperous economic era. Once you factor in inflation, the number was even worse…bringing the typical family down to pre-1998 levels. Just imagine what is taking place after the recent rise in unemployment, downsizing and other cut-backs.
Here are a few relevant facts every short sale investor should keep in mind:
U.S. GDP shrank well over 2% while unemployment races toward double-digits.
The median household income – not adjusted for inflation – fell to $50,300 in 2007 and is expected to drop substantially more once data for the current economic downturn becomes fully available.
Over 13% of Americans lived in poverty by 2008...a point higher than during 2007 and expected to climb substantially during 2009. For those fortunate souls that don’t know what the official poverty level is...hold on to your hat; it’s a mere $22,025 per year for a family of four! Yes, you read that right…for a family of four persons.
Should you fall on tough times, what type of help can you expect to receive from your good old Uncle Sam? Maybe $400 in unemployment benefits for a few months but even those will be reduced by any amount you make by working. Ditto goes for food or other forms of assistance assuming you can even qualify. The simple truth of the matter is that many people fail to “qualify” for any form of assistance even during a desperate downturn in their own personal financial situation.
On the other hand, my real estate investors never need to worry about a government sponsored safety net or jumping hoops trying to get by on meager subsidy payments because they have created their own source of income via real estate. Whether buying to hold for the long term or flipping for a fast profit, my investment projects have generated substantial income potential far above and beyond that of the typical American family. Case in point, the average rent for a 3 bedroom home is $820 per month or $9820 per year. Just five paid in full properties could generate nearly enough rental income to equal the median household income exclusive of price appreciation. Better yet, that same income does not require getting up five days a week to spend most of your time in a cubicle or other 9 to 5 grind plus provides distinct tax advantages.
Take stock of how you are spending your time…it is productive and leading to the creation of real wealth that allows you sufficient time and income to enjoy life or are you merely getting by while growing older, broke and one day closer to death?
Why wait any longer when you have finally found the source of inspiration and information capable of showing you a new and better way? Try it and see for yourself or fall in line behind the rest of the crowd seeking solace from their own quiet desperation.
Very Cool. Thanks.
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