Protect your heart - Chris Otto

What's up Freedom Seeker? How's it going!?

Only a few short days until Fall is officially here. And with a change in season usually comes a change in your lifestyle... whether it's spending more time indoors, being a lot busier with work and family, or simply just getting into a different routine. In today's article, there's something I think you need to add IMMEDIATELY to your daily routine, no matter what changes might be taking place. It just may save your life...
Stay Fit, Chris Otto Body RescYou
Virginia Beach's Premier Fitness & Fat Loss Expert
chrisotto@bodyrescyou.com

Protect Your Heart From Disease And Disaster 
No muscle in your body works harder than you heart. That's why you should always strive to take good care of it! What's the best way to do that? Well, I'm sure you've already had it pounded into your head that working out and eating right are the first two major steps to protecting your 'ticker.' No surprise there, right? But here's something you probably haven't heard: A simple essential mineral can practically "bulletproof" your heart against disaster (and disease). I'm talking about magnesium. This little mineral does SO much for your body. And now research shows it can do WONDERS for your heart.

So what exactly can this commonly overlooked mineral do for you? A study in the American Heart Journal found that magnesium is incredibly effective at slashing the risk of sudden cardiac death. In fact, the researchers found that folks with high amounts of magnesium circulating in their bloodstream are 41 percent less likely to die of a sudden heart disaster. [1] But that's not all... A study published in the Journal of Hypertension links low magnesium levels to the development of heart disease (the formation of plaque on the inner lining of your arterial walls). [2] On the other hand, if you get plenty of magnesium, you're in luck. The University of Virginia School of Medicine studied over 7,000 men for 30 years.

After the long study, researchers concluded that the intake of dietary magnesium is associated with a significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease. In fact, the men in the study that had the lower intake of magnesium had a 50-100 percent GREATER chance of developing heart disease than those with higher intakes.[3] Bottom line? Get your magnesium! The USDA reports that 68 percent of Americans don't get enough - and that's just for the basic Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium. Even the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) states that "...many people may not have enough body stores of magnesium because dietary intake may not be high enough.

Having enough body stores of magnesium may be protective against disorders such as cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction." Magnesium is not only important to protect your heart - it's involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps bones strong, and even keeps your heart rhythm steady. Magnesium supplements are so commonplace, you can probably find it at your local grocery store. Start off with 200mg a day. Taking too much may have a laxative effect. Other than that, there are no reported dangers according to the National Institutes of Health. [4] You can also get your daily quota of magnesium by eating plenty of legumes (beans) and dark, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. So make sure to get your daily magnesium "fix" to give your heart the best protection it deserves.

And by the way ... if you're serious about taking your overall health and fitness to the next level, why not take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation? (an $87 value) During this consult, you'll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that's tailored to YOUR body. There's no obligation and it's totally and completely free.

To sign up, click here

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is the lead recruiter for Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agent. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit http://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Sunday Schooled - My father is now my ancestor

3 years ago ! Ashee, ashee, ashee. For three years the memory of my father, and his crossing the bar into ancestor-ship brought pains to my stomach, tension in my voice, and very often uncontrollable tears.
Today I rejoice that he is home, or closer to his home in Glory.... Tears, pains, and all. May the almighty be praised. May my father's memory and legacy continue to be a blessing. May his 'ancestorship' remain a blessing. May my mother's heart heal. As Luther said...... "Dear Lord she dying, to dance with my father again." - Seko Varner 09/22/2012

'Sunday Schooled' is a collection of blog posts from Seko Varner's former blogs. This original post is dated 09/25/2009 a few days after Seko's father died. Originally posted here: http://drivingmrdaddy.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-father-is-now-my-ancestor.html   

Dr. Rev. Samuel Lee Varner: Sunrise 10/19/1937. 
Sunset 09/22/2009.
9.22.2009 I was awoken suddenly at 1:37 a.m. I couldn't determine what awoke me. I couldn't immediately return to sleep. 10 minutes or so later I was snoring. At 1:51 a.m. I'm awakened by a phone call. I hear my mother's muffled voice crying hysterically. My sister in-law then appears on the line saying "Seko, Papi's gone. He's gone."

I couldn't breathe......... "Are you saying that he's dead ? Is that what you're saying ?" hoping that Dad was moved to another room in the Rehab' Center. Life nudged me and I fought back throwing the telephone receiver at the mirror shocking my wife awake. "What, what is it Seko ?" I couldn't answer........Too busy screaming.......Too busy crying.....I wanted to break everything in sight. I ran out of the room yelling and grabbed a lamp on the way out hurling it towards the window. Rhonda's trying to calm me down while I run down the stairs and out of the house screaming. "Don't drive, don't get in the car" she begged as I ran down the streets of my neighborhood. I had to get somewhere where I couldn't break anything else. Finally I fell to my knees on a patch of grass near the main street. After a while I sobbingly returned to my house, dried my eyes, and gathered myself........ Until I looked into the worried face of my 7 year old daughter. The look on her face weakened me as I fell to the floor crying and trying to catch my breath. I couldn't look at my son, I didn't want to make eye contact with him as I couldn't be a strong supportive father at this moment in time. I hated that he saw me completely floored and unable to control myself. I tried to breathe to calm myself but I couldn't. I felt as if I lost the reason to breathe.






Eight hours ago I returned from an anniversary trip to New Orleans with my wife of twelve years. I planned to see Dad as soon as I returned, but became wrapped up in seeing a few counseling client's instead thinking that I'd be able to see Dad tomorrow. Tomorrow never came, tomorrow will never come. Enroute to the nursing home to hold the lifeless hand of my father I sent the text: "My father is now my ancestor."

Seko Benjamin-Eric Varner, 09/22/2009
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

How much do you need to save for retirement? - Clark Howard

I'm a big fan of Clark Howard, Dave Ramsey, and Michelle Singletary (obvious bias for Michelle..eye-candy). While listening to Clark the other day he noted that Fidelity has a new way of guiding people into the the amount they need to "retire with dignity" (As Dave Ramsey says). I wish I would have listened to this particular show a day earlier as I met with a couple the night before to prepare their retirement planning. As I noted that they might need to save 10% - 15% of their current take home pay to be able to have a similar or possibly higher amount of income from their retire-investments they both glazed over in the eyes. "We haven't done that, how do we know how much we need ?" was their question. We began to complete a full analysis just to answer that question. We still have work to do. Then the next day I hear Clark Howard share his recent find from Fidelity Investments (who handles one of my 401-K accounts) which easily provides an answer to that couples question. Here is the simple approach from Fidelity. To "Retire with dignity...."

• By 35, save 1x gross annual salary
• By 40, save 2x gross annual salary
• By 45, save 3x gross annual salary
• By 50, save 4x gross annual salary
• By 55, save 5x gross annual salary
• By 60, save 6x gross annual salary
• By 67, save 8x gross annual salary

Here is the link to the full post by Clark Howard:

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/personal-finance-credit/fidelity-issues-new-guidelines-about-how-much-save/nSDFY/

  

Keep in mind to keep your retirement planning diversified. In addition to putting 6% in your company's matching 401-K plan, be sure to fully fund a Roth-IRA (if you qualify) and consider a 7702 plan as both the 7702 plan and the Roth IRA are financial products that do not currently face taxes on the growth of the investments.With 401-K and similar plans one will pay taxes on the seed and the growth of the investment. If you are not preparing for your retirement, it's never to late. Contact or obtain a financial planner, contact me if you feel comfortable, or I can refer you to another financial planner in the United States. Be ye' prepared !

Seko

Enjoy a lil' Michelle !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCvdS8aKhTM

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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

15 Years ! I can't believe she's still with me.

This post is a bit self serving ! Today serves as the 15th anniversary of my marriage. I can't believe she's still with me. Here's to 15 more !
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Let's be improved !
Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team specializes in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJs and owns the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and special education. He has been real estate agent, a school  counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. In addition Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit http://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Your ol' pal bellyfat talking - Chris Otto

Hey there,
This is your ol' pal bellyfat talking.
Now I know that might sound a bit weird.... And I've never contacted you by email before. But this is an emergency and I was worried enough to learn how to type.

We sure had a great time this summer didn't we? Lots of good times, great food, and plain ol' sitting around eating and drinking too much.

Here's the deal. I'm considering sticking around for another year or so if you don't mind. You don't mind do you? However you might need to get a bigger pair of pants or dress size to accommodate my expansion down here.

But do me a favor, avoid that metabolic resistance training you were thinking of doing.

Please just hear me out and don't do anything crazy...

The last time you tried that stuff I nearly had to evacuate the premises. It got so hot down here I was like the wicked witch of the west "I'm melting, I'm melting!" I think they heard me all the way back in Oz.

Instead, stick to that slow, boring, useless cardio stuff.Yeah, I may get a little hot down here and break a mild sweat, and the ol' brain up there thinks it's getting in a real "burner," but it's never enough to melt ME outta here.

Look, we've been friends for such a long time. We're used to each other. Hell, we're GREAT together! How many times have your friends poked me with an index finger and said "Hey chubbs!"? You know you giggled like the pillsbury doughboy! And it wasn't just an act to save your feelings.

You and me -- we're Pleasantly Plump! I give you your shape. I keep you warm on those cold winter nights. I jiggle when you run, and you know that gives you extra momentum. It's a scientific fact. Trust me, I understand these things.

You can't imagine your life without me. I know you tried some crazy diet stuff before, but thank my twinkies it didn't work. And I forgive you for trying to evict me.

Well it sure was good catching up with you. I'm sure we'll be in touch more often, as long as you stay away from that metabolic resistance training stuff that's guaranteed to put me out on the street...

Especially that new 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge that everyone is raving about.

Sounds Hot. Too Hot.

Me no likey Xtreme Fat Loss workouts.

Brings tears to my eyes whenever I even hear a mere whisper about that 21-day challenge and all the belly fat that's burned. Hell, it's fried more fat than the cook at your local Waffle House joint.

So again, if you want to keep me, your dear old belly fat, around for another year and another summer, don't register for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge. - otherwise, its all over friend, and you can kiss me goodbye. Gosh I hate goodbyes. **sad face**

Belly fat says do not register for this 21-Day program.

Your pal and faithful spare tire,

Belly fat, your BF-BFF
(Belly Fat Best Friend Forever)

PS - Seriously, don't even think about registering for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge.

...unless you want to see me, Thunder Thighs, Jigg Lee, Man Boobs, Arm Fat, and Luv Handles pack our bags and hit the road jack.

It will be a teary eyed fair well, and you'd be stuck with a tight, toned, midsection, gorgeous glutes, toned arms, and do you know how much attention you would get from the opposite sex?

Who the heck needs it, I say.

But if YOU do, you can get it here with the 21-Day
Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge.

Down right crazy if you ask me.

PPS - Don't do what this guy and gal did.

They used Metabolic Resistance Training (or what I like to call Flash Point Training) to kick their belly fat to the curb. Now please go get some more of that good ol' comfort food like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and some really cheesy Mac N' Cheese. "mmmmmm nom-nom-nom-nom...

Register for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge right here:

21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge
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Chris Otto, NSCA-CPT

757-639-6133
www.bodyrescyou.com

PS -- If you liked today's comedic email, please fwd this on to any of your friends, family, co-workers, or anyone you feel would enjoy it.

Body RescYou, 5353 Commons Court, Virginia Beach VA, 23462© 2012 All rights reserved.

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be.

Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Sunday Schooled - First feelings of Fatherhood

The 1st Feelings of Fatherhood
'Sunday Schooled' is a collection of blog posts from Seko Varner's former blogs. This original post is dated 09/06/2008 while Seko's father was alive. Originally posted here: http://daddyvarner.blogspot.com/2008/09/first-feelings-of-fatherhood.html 
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Roman calendar June ninth in the Christian year 2000. This was a Friday morning. I'd secretly call him Kofi (male child born on a friday) and he would be known as "Trooper" for the first seven days of his life. The hospital recorded him as Baby Varner. Weeks prior the staff at the hospital shared with me and the expectant Wifey that a child had to have a name prior to leaving the hospital. I told her than it wasn't the tradition of my culture to name the child upon birth. She asked me what my culture was. I said 'Pan-African' (I had to come up with something, I wasn't prepared for that question). I then asked her if she would have this conversation with me if she thought I was Jewish. She admitted that if she thought I was Jewish she wouldn't have asked for the name prior to birth. Seventeen months later as the Wifey and I had our pre-delivery session at the hospital the hospital staff smiled at me when she omitted the section for the child's name saying "You'll name the child in seven days right...?"

The first time I held my child was marvelous, magnificent, and truthfully ............ I don't remember it. I remember doing the counter-pressure pushing against Wifey's back as she screamed bloody murder providing me with the 'natural' birth that she knew that I wanted our child to have. She was a trooper also. He came out screaming bloody murder as I fell onto my knees to worship but ended up barking like an Omega as the doctor stated "You have a son." The look on the doctors face was priceless. He didn't know what to think of me in earlier sessions and today I'm in the Grand Buba that I wore at my nuptials, and that I plan to be buried in barking loudly. The family was in the room outside the delivery room and they came rushing in after I scared the Doctor and delivery staff excited awaiting the newest VArner child. My brother Daniel videotaped the whole event, he almost fainted when the son came through the delivery canal. On the video that he captured you can see the baby's head pop though and then Daniel says "Oh my God" and the camera lens goes from the delivery scene to the ceiling with the sound of a thud as his head hit the wall. That day: I remember pouring libation and praying, thanking God for a safe delivery and a son. I remember taking him to the nursery and I remember how he wouldn't stop crying in the hospital room. I don't remember touching my son. I know I cut his umbilical cord. I know I changed his diaper. I know I fed him. I know I cleaned him. I know I wrapped him in swaddles. I just don't remember holding him.

This became important to me as I was watching "City of Men", the Brazilian film of one of the worst areas in Brazil. During the film a depiction of the nurse encouraging the father to hold the child for the first time. He was afraid. I had held and guided children for over 15 years prior to this day...... I was afraid too. What struck me the most was while watching this movie I realized that I can't remember holding my son for the first time. Seventeen months later I don't remember holding my daughter for the first time. Now the son is eight and the daughter is six and I'm about 50 pounds heavier and I hold them as often as I can. I perform "the blessing of the head ritual" everyday as they prepare to board their bus. I ask God to "bless their head so that they may think of you, bless their face so that they may face you, bless their eyes so that they may seek you, bless their noses so that they may breathe your spirit, bless their mouths so that they may speak of you, bless their ears to that they may hear you, and bless their shoulders to carry your cross." As I finish this the son and I try to punch each other leaving a religious/sentimental moment with a fun filled macho guy touch. The blessing of the daughter's head ends with a big huggie and blown kisses. I may not remember the first touches, but I'm ensuring that they will remember the embraces we shared. Hopefully those embraces will mean as much to them as they mean to me.

My first fatherly feelings: Struggling for cultural continuance, feeling the resistance as the wifey pushed them through, feeling a reason to worship, feeling as reason to express joy, and then fear........... Thanks Almighty, we bless your presence.
Seko
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Let's be improved ! 

Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. We are able to held reduce debt, make better use of income, and invest for the best results. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit http://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Making Your Retirement Assets Last - Anna Prior

I recently read this article written by Anna Prior from the Wall Street Journal. This article was very timely as I've recently worked with three mature clients who didn't plan for retirement and will face some very tight days ahead. In all of these recent cases I unfortunately had to advise them to leave their retirement plans alone for 5 to seven years to be able to earn the money needed to for their golden years. Here is article in it's entirety. The link to the original article is:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/making-retirement-assets-last-040100480.html

Read it. Then contact me, or your trusted financial planner to make sure that you are prepared !

Seko VArner
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Making Retirement Assets Last

By Anna Prior | The Wall Street Journal – Fri, Sep 7, 2012

It's a retiree's nightmare: outliving the assets in a retirement portfolio.
Between historically low interest rates dragging on fixed-income yields and uncertainties about taxes, not to mention the threat of future inflation and volatile markets that send skittish investors seeking shelter, retirees who are living longer are finding it challenging to keep their portfolios up to speed.
Recent calculations from the Employee Benefit Research Institute show that roughly 44% of those born between 1948 and 1978—baby boomers and Generation X—won't have adequate retirement income, and that is assuming interest rates go back up in 2014. But the current environment is weighing even on those heading into retirement with what seems like a tidy sum.
Retirees need an efficient plan of attack to squeeze all the juice out of their portfolios, ensuring they have sufficient assets for their golden years. Here are some strategies:

Retirees should map out a budget for necessities—include everything from housing to food, transportation, health expenses and utility bills—and set aside a chunk of a portfolio for these costs.
Many planners suggest putting funds to cover three to five years' worth of expenses into safe and liquid vehicles, so the retiree has cash on hand, even if the market drops.
"That way you don't have to liquidate in a down environment," says Marty Leclerc, portfolio manager for Barrack Yard Advisors in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Even though money-market funds are returning basically nothing, funds earmarked to be used within three years should go into these instruments, says Michael Gibney, a financial planner in Riverdale, N.J. "There is no reason to put money that will be used within a short time period at risk," he says.
For five-year time frames, look to add in a short-term bond fund or certificate of deposit to gain a little more yield, he says.

With many people living well into their 90s, retirees need to think carefully about how to protect themselves from running out of money in their later years.
(Longevity calculators that factor in your family history and current health can be found at websites such as gosset.wharton.upenn.edu/mortality and livingto100.com.)
Some financial advisers say retirees should consider long-term-care insurance as a hedge against the future cost of nursing-home care, which has the potential to decimate even hefty nest eggs.
With 70% of people over age 65 running into some type of health problem that could necessitate some form of long-term care, it's a big expense that many retirees initially forget about in planning, says Robert Stammers, director of investor education for the nonprofit CFA Institute.

Critics say long-term-care policies can be pricey and may have limits on the benefits they pay out, so retirees need to make sure they understand what they are getting before buying. The average annual cost of such a policy for a 57-year-old single individual is about $1,900, while a couple of the same age would pay about $2,500, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, an industry trade group. Annuities are another long-term planning tool that can provide a steady stream of income in later life, and a relatively new type of annuity known as longevity insurance is gaining in popularity.

Longevity insurance is similar to an immediate annuity in that it allows holders to take a lump sum and convert it into a lifelong income stream. It is different in that it requires policyholders to pick a date in the future to start getting that income, typically at age 85, says Christopher Jones, chief investment officer at investment adviser Financial Engines Inc.

This guarantees a retiree won't outlive a portfolio, some advisers say, plus delayed payments are typically larger than those from annuities that allow policyholders to start collecting money immediately.
"It takes a problem that has this uncertain length and turns it into a certain horizon," says Mr. Jones.
Advisers warn against falling victim to traditional wisdom: Portfolio protection through conservative investing in retirement could actually do more harm than good.


With bonds not generating enough income, "the math is scary," says Mr. Leclerc. "Retirees need a lot more money than they ever thought they would to produce simple income."
Retirees looking to generate more yield may be tempted to buy long-term bond funds, but advisers warn against locking in an investment now that could be disastrous when interest rates eventually start to rise. When rates rise, prices fall, so your principal would take a hit.

"So-called safe assets are paradoxically not safe right now," says Mr. Leclerc.
Some advisers suggest intermediate-term bond funds as a way to help mitigate interest-rate risk, while still getting more yield than what's available from short-term bond funds.
See additional numbers from Financial Engines on possible retirement spending amounts, based on an initial $100,000 nest egg. 

 

Keep the duration at about five years, says Mr. Gibney, and look for low expense ratios and a well-diversified portfolio to keep default risk low.
As a category, intermediate bond funds returned an average 5.5% in the first eight months of this year, according to researcher Morningstar Inc.
Although inflation hasn't strayed far from the historical average of 3.2% annually in recent years, advisers says retirees can't ignore this "silent killer."

"When clients come in, it isn't the first five to 10 years that projections look bad, it's the second half of their retirement where they get beat up," says Frank Fantozzi, a Cleveland-based financial adviser.
To protect themselves, retirees should add to their portfolios multiple types of assets that can keep up with or even beat rising costs. Still, many advisers maintain that the best way to combat inflation in a well-diversified portfolio is by investing in equities.

"It's the only asset class that will give them returns greater than inflation," Mr. Gibney says.
Real-estate investment trusts, or REITs, can be an inflation hedge, but advisers say retirees should be cautious about which parts of the real-estate market they invest in.
"Focus on the most stable, high-quality corporate tenants," says Tim Lee, managing director of Monument Wealth Management in Alexandria, Va.

Market volatility can be nerve-racking for retirees, prompting some to flee to ultraconservative investments.
To iron out some of the big ups and downs—and therefore quell some of the urges to swing too far to "safety"—some advisers recommend constructing a diverse portfolio that includes a slice of alternative investments, including nontraded REITs, which are similar to traditional REITs but don't trade on exchanges, managed futures, which are futures positions entered into by professional money managers on behalf of investors, and long/short funds.

"Alternatives can help control risk because they don't tie or correlate well with fixed income and equities," says Mr. Fantozzi, who suggests putting 5% to 20% of a portfolio into alternative investments, depending on market conditions.

Long/short funds, for example, employ trading strategies similar to those used by hedge funds, simultaneously betting for and against a set of stocks. In a sideways market, these funds can be useful, says Mr. Fantozzi.
It's a particularly difficult time for tax planning, given the uncertainty surrounding next year's tax rates. Still, there are things retirees can do now to keep portfolio withdrawals as tax-efficient as possible.
The required minimum distributions that most retirees have to start taking at age 70½ are based partly on the plan's account balance as of the preceding December. To reduce that total balance—and potentially the required minimum distributions later on—some retirees might want to start taking withdrawals in their 60s.
This is especially true for early retirees who are currently in lower income brackets because of a recent job loss or forced retirement, says Michael Eisenberg, a certified public accountant in Los Angeles.
Still, it's not a simple decision. Each year, retirees need to weigh the consequences of pulling funds from one account versus another.

In a taxable account, net long-term capital gains are taxed at a rate lower than the ordinary income-tax rate for withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement plans.

Be aware that taking money out of a retirement account or selling securities at a sizable taxable gain—rather than pulling cash from a certificate of deposit, money-market fund, savings or checking account—could result in higher taxes on Social Security benefits if it bumps income above a certain threshold.
"When you reach a certain level of income, then some of your Social Security becomes taxable," says Mr. Eisenberg.
Ms. Prior is a reporter for Dow Jones Newswires in New York. Email her at anna.prior@dowjones.com.

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Let's be improved ! 

Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable and Team Tenacious. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

It's your election day - Chris Otto (Tuesday Trainup)

 Hey what’s up ?

Chris here.

I want to make one thing clear to you and that is you and only YOU have the power to change your situation. There is no government that has you in bondage or that is keeping you from achieving your goals and dreams.

If you allow yourself to believe that one person or a group of people from one party or another has the power to make or break your success you are dead wrong.

By relying on someone else to CHANGE your life or future you are relinquishing any GOD given power that you have and placing it in the hands of something outside of yourself which in my opinion is bondage.

With that said…

I believe being in control of our lives and destinies is what makes life so great.

I mean, it’s the fact that YOU can go out and be, do or have THAT that thing or whatever it is you want and be the sole reason you achieved it or not.

YOU my friend are in control.

It’s time your campaign starts today:

-Wake up 10 minutes earlier.

-Spend more quality time with your spouse and kids.

-Eat less processed food.

-Eat more fresh fruits and veggies.

-Go to bed earlier.

-Exercise more.

-Hang a picture of someone with the body you would like to have on your fridge then call a Personal Trainer to help you achieve it.

-Use Olive oil and vinegar instead of ranch on your salad.

-Stop hanging around the same people all the time and find some new exciting people with common interests that lift you up and add value to your life.

-Take your passion and learn to package, market and sell it.

-Ask for a raise… Wait, demand a raise damn it, and don’t be afraid.

-Tell your spouse you love them more often and mean it and show it.

-Cut back on the alcohol.

-Talk less and listen more.

-Stop thinking you are always right.

-Eat at nicer restaurants and order better food.

-Stop eating at crappy franchise joints that microwave their food.

-Spend a little less time watching T.V. (This has no benefit to you)

-If you want to know the weather peek outside.

-Get rid of all the vampires in your life.

So…

With that said whether you are one of those who believe you are or are not in control of your destiny…

I have good and bad news for you…

You’re RIGHT.

I believe Andrew Carnegie said it best:

“Any idea held in the mind that is either feared or revered, will begin at once to clothe itself in the most convenient and appropriate physical forms available.”

This is the F.REE World.

It’s time we live up to its meaning.

Have an awesome weekend.

Chris

Body RescYou, 5353 Commons Court, Virginia Beach VA, 23462

© 2012 All rights reserved.

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Let's be improved !
Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agent. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be.

Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Beyonce's 'God Bless the U.S.A.' (9/11/2001 tribute)

Beyonce Knowles performs God Bless the U.S.A.

In memory of our ancestors who were tragically carried to Glory on 09/11/2001. God Bless The USA - Ashee, Ashee, Ashee.

Check the video !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESHHJfNj7Cg

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Sunday Schooled - Family

 'Sunday Schooled' is a collection of blog posts from Seko Varner's former blogs. This original post is dated 11/24/2007 while Seko's father was alive. The original post can be found here: http://drivingmrdaddy.blogspot.com/2007/11/family.html
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Most Friday nights we have "Family" night at Dad & Mom's/Mom & Dad's house. Dad cooks, as he has most of my life, and we all enjoy. Tonight while sitting with my arms around Mom, Dad told a story about Advent Community Church, the church he began in Columbus Ohio. The United Church of Christ intended the church to be a bi-racial church where (so-called) Blacks and Whites worshiped together as they had been aware that naturally only a 90-10 rule would apply.

The U.C.C. gathered the 5 white families for Dad although he wouldn't begin the church until he had a black group as well. The church met with 15 whites and 35 blacks until the decision for a name surfaced. Pops really wanted to name the Church 'The Emaeus Road' yet the whites wanted to name the church "The New Hope" to recognize the hope of racial conciliation through integration. Pops shared how the blacks decided, without regard to the name, that they were not going to let the whites name their church. Dad & Mom then noticed that the church was deeply into studying early christian celebrations and they were in the time of Advent. A vote allowed the divided groups to come together in a name...Advent. A name that is a big part of my life came about to bring the races together.

Interestingly enough the church my family attends has as one of it's tenants the concerted and deliberate effort to be Trans-ethnic as a ways to destroy racism. I love the church for it's children-based offerings, the trans-ethnic drive isn't really a draw for me but somehow it had a familiar twang. I then considered my desire to place my children in a Black-owned elementary school while my wifey wanted a Christian-based school. We found a mix of the two in New Light Baptist School of Excellence. I also enjoyed the fact that New Light had a diverse African-descendant experience for my kids as American, Caribbean, Hatian, Afrikan, and Latinos of African descent all placed their kids into New Light.

As my son became a first grader I/We decided that it was time for him to be placed into a school that offered a........(I hate this word).....transethnic experience that involved more than children who were of Afrikan descent to ensure that my son could conquer the world. As Dad finished his story I looked around the room at my family and realized that my Afrikan-centered family has always made strides to immerse ourselves into a morally-high quality Afrikan-experience before entering the more diverse world. I couldn't help but smile as Mom shook her head in agreement with Dad's story. My Dad, who broke racial barriers with institution-creation, my Mom who broke racial bariers by being strong enough to face the devils of the white supremacist paradigm, and our family who have always made decisions to break racial barriers only after becoming firm in our African/Indian experience. My family is your family......Let's be family.
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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Sunday Schooled - A Song For Mama

Originally posted on http://showthemtheworld.blogspot.com on 4/22/2011. The original post is located http://www.showthemtheworld.blogspot.com/2011/04/song-for-mama.html . The 'Sunday Schooled" posts are posts from Seko's former blogs. This posts is re-posted to celebrate Seko's mother's 70th birthday celebration on 9/1/2012. At this celebration a video montage spotlighting her life was showcased: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApJmyajMl0Q

From 4/22/2011:
Recently my children and I surprised their mother by creating a song, and subsequently creating a video about their Mama. Using the crazy group name 'Grandpa Crunk’ we’ve released the song “I Love My Mama” online on I-Tunes and released the video on YouTube. The song is a combination of rap verses by my children and a chorus sung by my friend Zoe Wilks. The process of writing the song, creating the music, practicing the song, recording the song, writing the storyline for the video, and shooting the video was a great joy. I had a chance to force my children to focus their creative juices on celebrating their mother. One of the lines of the song is “When I’m in doubt you tell me I can do, when I look at you (mother) I kinda’ see God too.” I’ve often told my children that in addition to being a word referring to the Supreme being, GOD can also refer to Good Orderly Direction. Later my children and I re-released the song using the group name DIVAGirl as my lil' girl has decided she wants to become a Disney star.

Many of the African-centered scholars and lecturers that I used to follow in the 1980s through the early 2000s used to urge blacks to guide their children in business ventures early on the provide them with a business background which will result in Blacks becoming and acting in a more business-like manner. The rationale at that time was to create ‘Black Owned’ businesses to employ our children to reduce the influence of the streets on our children and to eradicate the experience of poverty from the Black experience. These lecturers also described using a process of meeting with the elders in our communities to learn the stories of our people forcing America to become a better place. Those stories from the elders and being involved in business activities, according to these scholars, would give our children a launching path towards success. My parents heeded their call to action and involved our family in the recordings of oral history from elders in the community during my youth in New York and Ohio.

My choice to guide my children in this ‘Song for Mama’ adventure was done to celebrate their mother, to teach them about aspects of the business of the music industry, and to lead them through the process of making a commercially viable good that they might profit from . One of the things I didn’t expect were the discussions about the lyrics which centered on the Good Orderly Direction towards improvement that children should learn from their mothers. My children were emphatic in the inclusion of Aunties, Grandmothers, Church mothers, and teachers in their song as these women also taught Good Orderly Direction.

11/21/2011 - We began our 2011 Spring break trip by dropping off my widowed mother (Mum) at her family’s home in Atlanta Georgia. As we traveled from Hampton Roads to Georgia my Mum and I spoke to keep me awake at the wheel. Her stories included the struggles her mother while she was a child growing up in Georgia in the early 1940s through late 1960s. En-route to Atlanta I realized that we would be in proximity of Decatur where Mum attended and graduated from theological school in 1966. She attended Columbia and according to my father, who became our ancestor in September 2009, Mum was the first Black to graduate from Columbia Theological. As a side trip I decided to visit Columbia’s campus. Mum stated years ago that she never intended to step foot on the campus again after she graduated. Since 40-some years have passed I thought it might be fun to do an impromptu campus tour to obtain some photos of Mum on her ol’ stomping grounds.
On 11/13/2007 Dad needed to go to the conference office to teach a class for the newest ministers in the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. While driving those sleepy country Suffolk Virginia roads dad began drifting into stories of Mama. Pops met mom as he returned from ministering in Scotland. A minister supervising him shared to pops "when you return to the states and go to Atlanta I want you to meet a friend of mine who is in the administration at Columbia (Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur Georgia). They took in their first female Negro student and they need help."
One of Mom's Ministers and mentors was the first Negro male to attend the school a few years prior. He did not graduate from the school and only was able to take a few classes. Pops then shared how Mom was that female “Negro graduate” and she caught hell from the other students studying to be ministers. This administrator and the administration of the school were courageous..... they courted this negro after her Presbyterian church-college, Agnes Scott College, refused to take her (since they sent their negro-money to Stillman College to help their Negro Presbyterians). Pops shared how mama would sometimes be the only student in her classes as others peers would drop the course as soon as they saw her. By providing support to this hard-headed girl catching death threats and harassment from her 'Christian' peers Dad fell in love. He was there as my grandmother lost jobs when they found out mom was marching in the civil rights marches and was going to their school. Mom took the pain, cried her tears, passed the tests, and graduated. Mom shared with me that she caught Hell from the 'Christian' professors and her 'Christian' peers because she was both a woman and Black. She shared how the only outright support came from the ladies who were attending the college as they were facing the evils of sexism. Some of the professors hated the fact that women were being trained in the ministry. Mom was leery of the women, but she accepted their support.

A female "white-peer" who supported Mom painted a masterpiece full of color with many faces looking forward. Those eyes were said to be Mom's classmates as her female peer explained to her. Interestingly enough Mom's classmate painted the faces of the evil eye folks brown. I remember seeing this painting hanging in the basement-closet of our home in New York. I always wondered why a painting would be hanging in a closet. I remember seeing this painting in our garage while living in Columbus, Ohio. I always wondered why Mom would look at this work of art and stiffen her bottom lip with tears welling in her sleep deprived eyes. I remember getting a ‘whupping’ for something I did and shouldn’t have done and mom catching a glimpse of those brightly-wicked eyes. She fell to her knees and sobbed. Then I didn't care, my beating ceased. Mom hated that painting and gave it to an aunt who hung in prominently in her college dormitory. Mama's pain, Aunties' propeller. I am thankful for those eyes and the experience it provided. Mom made history and opened doors for our people. Mom became the first Black and the first Black Woman to graduate from Columbia Theological Seminary...Daddy fell in love. Thank the creator.

Today we slowly walked around the college and allowed Mum to reminisce about her classes and the times she spent as a grad student on the campus. A bulk of her time on campus was spent solely in the classes. She left campus as soon as her classes were over as she didn’t feel brave enough to try to force herself into the school’s social life, and also felt anger towards her classmates and the school staff for the behaviors they exhibited towards her. Mom looked radiant and discussed painful memories in a very triumphant manner. Columbia was a great college who took a difficult stand against racism and sexism in the late 1960s. She shared the triumph with the administration who courted her attendance, supported her stay by finding a support for her who ultimately became her husband of over 45 years, and aided to find financial support to aid her way. She also felt humbled that she was a great part of the history of the school.

A young white female student stopped and asked if she could help us by taking a photo of the entire family. As she raised my camera to her eyes my wife noted Mum’s history. The student stopped and thanked Mum for being for her bravery and heroism. She then stopped all of the students who walked by and shared the story making Mum a Rock Star Alumnae. Mum reveled in the reverence and smiled in a deep manner that has been fairly absent since my father’s death. My children danced and smiled for the photos and shared how their grandmother was like Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges for aiding America to move in ‘Good Orderly Direction’ towards improvement.

Unexpectedly I realized that my father and those African centered lecturers were right; Every Black child should know of and revel in their family’s history of improvement. Every Black child should be involved in the creation of commercially viable and valuable products.


As the photos continued my Lil’ girl began humming the tune to her song “I Love My Mama” as she and her brother hugged their grandmother, my Mama. I extend those hugs and the song to all of the mothers who have been an intricate player in the improvement of America, and the improvement of Blacks. To you mothers we say Thank you. To you mothers we sing “I Love My Mama”! This song is for you. Be Improved Ya’ll !

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. 

He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit http://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.