From Dr. Hayes - Be led by GOD

God's Blessings; As Men On The Mainline and Sistars United, we must devote time, thought, effort, and be led by God's word daily...I have discovered across my life that quiet time in his company is vital to the harmony and health of spirit and soul... PEACE BE WITH YOU! Rev M.Julius Hayes

When I figured it out... Brother Omi (Guest Post)

Photo Omi & Seko circa' 1998
Here's a guest post from my brother from another Mother and Father - Omi ! Omi and I have been brothers since 1997, and I have always learned something each time we link-up. I credit Omi with my entre' into electronic media. Omi is a B-boy, scholar, and freelance writer. A New Yorker born and bred who now resides in the midwest.You can find more Dan at his blogs, most notably:
http://selfra.blogspot.com/

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When I figured it out...

When I get asked how my wife and I met, I always warn the person or people who ask that it's boring. It really is. It wasn't love at first sight which I don't believe in at all. It wasn't a “moment” where the entire room stopped as if we were in some kind of emotionally controlled time shift. There is nothing spectacular about it. I am also finding out that many of us embellish the “how we met” story to make it sound more dramatic. We make it fairy tale land. Then when the relationship doesn't work out, we don't even bring up that story anymore.

One story I love telling and I thought I blogged about but never did, is when I realized my wife was definitely a keeper. I want to warn folks by telling them that its not going to be the same for everyone else. So don't try to make the same thing happen. There is just simply different strokes for different folks. We all have our own tastes, preferences, bias, etc. So my story will not be yours and vice versa.

Just keep that in mind as you read along.

It was probably our 10^th date. I think we had several dates and several times where we just hung out at my place or hers. I never counted hanging out at someone's house as a “date.” So my math could be wrong. My son was going to be in this wedding as a Bible bearer. Yes, they have those, too. I thought it would be a great time to introduce X to her. At that time, we weren't actually official either. I really dug her and loved her company. We spent hours talking. The sex was great as well. In the back of my mind, I did want to commit. At that time, she wanted us to ease into it. So I obliged her.

To be honest, I thought she would be weirded out if I asked out to a wedding. Especially one where my ex would be there. If there is a saboteur out there, it would be her. Back then I always threw an olive branch to her and she always burned it. Heck, she still does it's just that I stopped extending them joints to her. She thought it was a great idea. That's one thing I always loved about my wife, she was down for anything.

The wedding location was about a half a mile from my place and it began at 1:30pm. She asked if she could come by my place at around 11:30. I thought it would be great. She showed up right on time but I noticed she wasn't dressed for a wedding. I know what you are thinking. She wasn't dressed for a club either. She was more dressed to help me put up a shelf. She looked great but not wedding great. A red flag went up.

We talked as I ironed. It was a wonderful conversation. In the back of my mind, I thought to myself “I hope this heffer ain't thinking about going to the store to buy some clothes before the wedding. We definitely don't have time for that.” Yet she never mentioned anything and we kept talking. At around 12:45pm, I asked, “are you ready?”

I expected her to say “can we go to a department store so I can pick up some stuff?” If she did, I had a speech prepared.

“Can I borrow your iron?” She asked.

After I agreed, she pulled out some fabric from her bag. She cut the fabric into two pieces and ironed it. Then she pulled out a beautiful top and ironed that as well. When she was done, she made a skirt with a matching head wrap. I was enthralled. I never saw anything like that in my entire life. The entire transformation took about 15 minutes. I was breathless.

I thought to myself, “if you let her go you are an idiot...”

I remember heading to the church. Everyone stopped with their jaws opened. Some people even asked “are you a princess of some sort?” I wanted to say “yes!”

And that was the beginning...

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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes' Entertainment and Financial Departments. They specialize in Debt Reduction Finances, and Fun. Seko is also in high demand as a special events DJ. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Guest Post - Reflecting On Commitment by AngelinaD

Reflecting On ~ Commitment

By angelinad

I’m beginning to find it interesting that people have asked me to blog about specific topics; that my reflection and introspection is both relevant and personal to those who can receive it. I’ve shared this with you to say that I am thankful for this gift as it has been given to me; and every word I print or speak carries with it the Spirit of the Gift…and so for my Sunshine who requested it, I reflect on ~ Commitment…

com·mit·ment n. The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons.

I am committed to my faith. I am committed to the upbringing of my children. I am committed to supporting my mother. I am committed to using my gifts. I am committed to the man I love. Commitment is relational; so by my own declaration, if I am committed to my faith, then my commitment to all the other things goes without saying.

Faith is the complete trust or confidence in someone or something, and it is not based in proof. It is, quite simply, belief. Faith is the gut feeling.  Faith is the knowing. Faith is the – say what you want, but I believe that _______. It does not require justification or explanation, and people can have faith in whatever or whomever they so choose. Do you agree?

Stay with me now…

Commitment is the state of being bound emotionally or intellectually – emotion and thought. It is the response to the things you can see and touch and contemplate. Commitment is the responsibility to do and act based on – faith.

When you are committed to faith, you will act in a manner that is a constant demonstration of that commitment, that responsibility. You see, you are the representative of that which you declare and any shared commitment rests in shared faith and shared understanding of what that means to any persons involved.

Take a moment to consider your observations of the actions of others. Do their actions represent the faith commitment they declare? Why or why not? If your response is based solely on outcomes that affect you, you may have misinterpreted to what they were committed.

Also, consider your own actions in situations. Do your actions represent the faith commitment you declare? Why or why not? If you are acting in a way that solely suits you, then perhaps you may need to reevaluate your commitments as well.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”
~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is my belief that commitment is responsibility. It can do good or harm, depending upon who declares it. It is the act of being responsible to and for situations, atmospheres, and at times, people.

Be committed to right; and anything or anyone who does not share your level commitment will show themselves – wrong.

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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 also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. 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.

Guest Post - Feelin’ Some Kinda Way About Boredom

Feelin’ Some Kinda Way ~ About Boredom

By angelinad

We get busy. We often find ourselves at certain points in our lives trying to figure out when we can claim some down time. We are frustrated with our day-to-day because there never seems to be an empty moment.

We are trying to determine a way to add another few minutes or hours to the day because it seems as though there is so much to be done; and we are either running out of energy or we realize that we are only one person and simply cannot do it all.

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This is a guest post from AngelinaD. The full original post may be found here:
http://angelinad.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/feelin-some-kinda-way-about-boredom/
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Be thankful. You have things to do and the ability to do them. Somewhere, more than one someone is not feeling well today. Their health is failing them. They were not well yesterday; and perhaps, they will not be well tomorrow. So, while you run around in the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day, that person may not wish for all the things that you have to do. It’s not their desire because, simply put – they’re not you. They don’t want to do what you do. However, they would just like the opportunity to do one of the things you needed to get done today. They crave a place they need to be, a new opportunity…something to do.

I’m feelin’ some kinda way about boredom because I realize that sometimes I get bored with my day-to-day; and yet, my day-to-day is not bedridden, institutionalized. Ultimately, I have limitless options to find a way to do something different. Everybody doesn’t have the choice I have. So, the next time you get bored, think of someone who doesn’t have the ability to choose today, and do something different –
with them.


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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 also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. 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.

Guest post - Feelin’ Some Kinda Way About Fear

Feelin’ Some Kinda Way ~ About Fear, Insecurity & The Bubbleguts

By angelinad

One morning I awoke to fear. I didn’t immediately know what I was afraid of; I just opened my eyes to this quiet sense that I was troubled, worried, something’s just not right in my world this morning – at 4am. I promised God and myself some time ago that I wasn’t going to complain when I had these 4am wakeups. Whatever the feeling I have when waking during this time, I’m convinced that God has something to say. The question is whether I plan to talk, listen, or write.

I talked, listened, and wrote.
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This is a guest post by AngelinaD. The original post can be found here:
http://angelinad.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/feelin-some-kinda-way-about-fear-insecurity-the-bubbleguts/
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Fears often come to us in the form of people, places, things, events, tasks, etc. It’s the fear of ________. You can easily define what fits in the blank. But, I have come to understand that when I cannot define fear, it’s because I’m not really afraid. I no longer carry the spirit of fear. I, like you, must face things of this world, but I am not afraid anymore because I KNOW that God has my back. Whatever the outcome of whatever I undertake or whatever is thrown at me, I am going to be ok. I’m not troubled by fear. We don’t need to be afraid.

But, it’s 4am. My day is not ready to start, and I thought I awoke to fear. So, I began to ask, “What is it that I’m feeling…Help me see what’s troubling me…” and in an instant, the bubbleguts tell me immediately that I’m dealing with – insecurity.

in·se·cu·ri·ty – a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty; a lack of assurance.
I had replaced fear with a lack of faith – in faith. And now, I’m waking to doubt. We only need a mustard seed of faith to be assured of salvation; and yet, I awoke with my stomach in knots because I wanted, needed assurance that I was hearing from Him. I already had assurance. I was certain of that. But, I needed confirmation.

What an uncomfortable feeling! To awake to physical discomfort rooted in seeds that I allowed to be planted. Headed to the facilities, I became more overwhelmed with self-doubt. I wondered on some current events and situations and looked for a cause rooted in me. I began to replay my actions. Did I make a misstep? Did I do something I wasn’t supposed to do? But why would I doubt me when the things I do are not for me? In the facilities, I released – waste. Waste that formed in my bowels as the result of something I ingested {ate, heard, saw}. The stench of defecated process re~assured me.

My eyesight adjusted to the darkness of the room, and I could see all that was around me – now – everything is in its place. And, I heard – “It is for ME.”

And then, I flushed.

Assurance is Confirmation.

May you experience the bubbleguts.
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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 also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. 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.

Guest post - Feelin’ Some Kinda Way About Love’s Currency

Feelin’ Some Kinda Way ~ About Love’s Currency

By angelinad

Do we pay love forward at an acceptable exchange rate?

From one country to another, currency (money) has different values, and the exchange rate describes the value of one country’s currency against another. The values can float (change) or they can be fixed and based on that of another country. Though somewhat risky, a floating rate is fluid, meaning that it can go up and down based on the economic environment.

Now, today’s blog is not intended to argue what love is or to define it. It serves as, sort of, an exploration of the value of love’s currency; a quick evaluation of exchange rates and the means we use to pay love forward.
When we understand love, we often attempt to give it to others through our actions. We make purchases of gifts. We spend time helping with tasks. And, we understand those actions to be our expression or payment of love – when love is a thing you do. It doesn’t seek to be repaid. It doesn’t need change. It is fixed in its value and is not fluid in this case. But, imagine for a moment that the person receiving your love currency (actions) as another country, and love in this country is valued differently. The exchange rate is not the same. Your gift purchase did not meet the mark. The tasks you were helping with had no value at all – in this country. If you know this, do you keep spending at your current rate or attempt to adjust to the exchange rate?
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This is a guest post by AngelinaD. The original post can be found here:
http://angelinad.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/feelin-some-kinda-way-about-loves-currency/
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When love is given, it is also received – preferably at equal value. The rate of exchange is posted and communicated clearly. When the exchange rate is fixed, it is resistant to change; and growth in value is limited. But, when the exchange rate is fluid, it allows for fluctuations in economic conditions. Whether conditions are good or bad, the value love’s currency adjusts to the climate. In this climate, people can enjoy spending; and people can enjoy getting paid with an even exchange – of Love’s Currency.

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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 also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. 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.

Guest post - Feelin’ Some Kinda Way About Single Parenthood

Feelin’ Some Kinda Way ~ About Single Parenthood

By angelinad

I woke up this morning and realized something – I’m tired!

I recently had a conversation with a married male friend who told me that he wanted to give me props. He was just leaving from a meeting of a volunteer board in which is he is a member, headed to pick up his children from day care and take then to little league practice. I believe it was his day to do so, and his wife would be headed home from work to get dinner started and waiting for her husband and children to get home. On the average week, he and his wife split the duties of shuttling the children around. They both work full time in jobs that are not exclusively 9 to 5, have outside commitments in their community and are active in their church. I was quietly wondering when they have time for each other.
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This is a guest post from AngelinaD. The full original post ,ay be found here:
http://angelinad.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/i-woke-up-this/
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This week, I worked my 9 to 5 each day. On several days during the week, I prepared dinner (my teenage daughter is on deck the other days); I shuttled my children to alternate activities on alternating days; I did laundry; I had two meetings with potential clients, I completed some work for an existing client; I picked up prescriptions for my mother and ran errands for her; I remembered that my inspection is due and I need an oil change; I took the children to the movies; and loaded groceries in the car in the rain. I wrote some things…this is all I care to share – this week. I am not alone. There are many single parents who share my plight, and we do what we do because there is no other positive choice, and because we can.

As single parents, we often find ourselves in situations that tire us out. The best we can hope for is often that we have children that are well-behaved and easy to manage. In recent years, I’ve had the best of both worlds; and at times, the worst of both worlds. So, I can relate; and I encourage single parents to remember to find ways to take a moment for yourself – to constantly rebuild yourself and to rejuvenate your spirit. Regardless of the behaviors we are faced to deal with, our children are still children. And so, we must remember that at all times. We try things that didn’t work and try some things that did. We sometimes must penalize one child because of the behaviors of another, simply because you are only one person and cannot do it all. I’m feelin’ some kinda way about single parenthood because parenthood is hard, but when you are one person, your time and responsibilities are stretched to the point of discomfort. Some people deal with the discomfort better than others. Remember to reach out and access your resources – social services, parks & recreation, community programs. Look into mentoring programs and encourage activities. It has been said that the idle mind is the devil’s workshop; work towards little idle time for your children. Remember we are all working towards the same goal – raising kids who can take care of themselves and benefit their families and the world.

“When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go…you know…I went.” ~Forrest Gump

Maybe you asked for your single parent status, and maybe you didn’t. But, either way, do what you need…when you need…and remember your children…to give them what they need….

http://angelinad.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/i-woke-up-this/
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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 also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Trainer's Tuesday - Burn calories while you watch t.v.

Guest post from Health Guru Chris Otto !

Whats up Freedom Seekers? Most folks don't know this. But whether you're man or woman, one of the biggest secrets to burning fat is to build some muscle. Sounds crazy, I know. But it's absolutely true. The more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn -- even while you're on the couch watching Mork and Mindy re-runs. That's why I want you to read today's article with a close eye ... and discover how you can start building muscle and burning fat like crazy.

Stay Fit, Chris Otto Body RescYou Virginia Beach's Premier Health & Fitness Expert

Build Muscle and Burn Fat From The Comfort Of Your Own Home

If you want that 'ultimate' beach body, building a little muscle will help you get there. There are two main reasons for this: 1. Muscle is what gives you body that lean, sleek, sexy look. 2. The more muscle you have, the more calories -- and ultimately body fat -- your body will burn. Now if you're a woman reading this, I know what you might be thinking ... "I don't want to build muscle and get big and bulky." Rest easy. It's not easy for women to build that degree of muscle. What's more, building muscle for a woman is what gives her that toned, tight, sexy look. So don't worry. Even if you do put on a few pounds of muscle, you won't look like Arnold back in his glory days! So what can you do to build muscle? Easy.

Start with these simple exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home:
Hindu Squats - place your feet shoulder width apart. Straighten your arms in front of you, palms facing down. Inhale and as you do pull your hands straight back. Now bend your knees and squat. As you do this exhale and let your arms fall to your sides and touch the ground. Now straighten your knees back to the starting position: standing straight up with your arms extended in front of you.

Jump Squats -- Start in a crouching position, knees bent and in a full squat. Now quickly straighten your legs and jump upward as high as you can. As you jump, look up and extend your arms towards the ceiling. Soften your landing by landing toes first, then placing the heel on the ground. Now squat back down to the starting position.

Pushups -- Lie face down. Place your palms flat on the floor, a little more than shoulder width apart. Extend your legs behind you and make sure they are together. Keep your back straight and lower yourself until your nose almost touches the ground. Now push yourself back up to the starting position. There you have it. Three exercises you can do today (even as soon as you're done reading this!) that will help you build muscle and burn fat.

If you want, you can do these in rounds. Start by doing 20 Hindu squats, take no rest and move straight into 20 jump squats, and then immediately go into 20 pushups. (if you can't do that many, then do as many reps as you can for each exercise. Then gradually build up.) Once you're done with this superset, rest a minute or two. Then repeat 2 - 4 more times. Do this, and I guarantee you'll be sucking flies in no time. But best of all, you'll be on the path to creating the "beach body" you've always wanted.

Oh and by the way -- if you haven't already, make sure you claim your FREE fitness consultation (an $87 value) You'll meet one-on-one with a highly-trained health professional. You'll discuss specific nutrition and exercise techniques you can use for YOUR body to start seeing amazing results in just a few weeks. To get started today,click here.

Quote Corner "Every human being is the author of his own health or disease." - Gautama Siddharta

Eat Yourself Thin 
Cold Black Bean Salad (Serves Five) 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 3 serrano chile peppers, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1/4 white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt **For increased Protein, add a grilled chicken breast cut into cubes 1. In a medium serving bowl, mix together the black beans, tomatoes, chilies, bell pepper, vinegar, oil and salt. Chill for 1 hour before serving. Prep: 20 mins Cook: 0 mins Ready: 20 mins Amount Per Serving - Calories: 66/ Total Fat: 5.6g / Cholesterol: 0mg / Sodium: 238mg / Total Carbs: 3.6g / Dietary Fiber:1.2g / Protein 0.8g

Body RescYou
5353 Commons Court Virginia Beach VA 23462
Phone: 757-639-6133
chrisotto@bodyrescyou.com 
(c) Body RescYou, LLC (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 is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable and Team Tenacious. Positive Vibes Financial is now seeking great smiling people. On the job training and great compensation available ! 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.

Trainer's Tuesday - Micro Burst - Chris Otto

GUEST POST FROM CHRIS OTTO !

Exercise is meant to be fun and enjoyable yet I find more and more people having a tough time fitting it into their busy schedules.

===> The fastest workout in the world <<===

There are 24 hours in a day and everyone has access to those same 24 hours. Not a minute more or a minute less. For me it’s about taking those 24 hours and utilizing them in the most productive way possible without being side tracked or distracted from some pesky time vampires. You know the ones that come around and suck the precious time right from under you without you even realizing what happened until its too late. For the most part these folks mean well and aren’t aware they are draining your precious time away from you yet they really don’t value your time the way YOU should. (See what I did there?) With our fast pace society and “gotta have it now” mentalities delayed gratification is just another phrase out of a self help book that doesn’t have the same meaning it used to for most people… …SOO we gotta suck it up and roll with the punches anyway.

Even if we feel there isn’t enough time to do the things we know we need to do there has got to be a way to squeeze something in there some way somehow. Because when we are dealing with our health we can’t be messin around. We have one body and one life and there ain’t a reset button. So you better take darn good care of the one you have or you just might end up broke down like a '76 Ford Pinto. (I’ve seen a broke down ’76 Ford Pinto and let me tell ya, it ain't pretty) Even with all the business and hectic schedules, of all things that are holy we should still be able to find time for exercise even if its 5-10 minutes a day and frankly you can get in a hell of an intense workout in 5-10 minutes. Just check out my video here

The workout in this video is what I call a Micro Burst where you are taking multiple exercises and movements and combining them all into one exercise which makes for a brief yet intense full body workout. Hence the term Micro Burst. (Side note: the workout in the video is intense and may be modified. The pushups can be performed on the knees.) This can be performed in sets where you aim for 6-10 reps of each movement at 3-6 sets depending on your level of fitness.

OR

You can perform these in a decreasing rep fashion where you pick a number of reps to start with say 8 for example. Your first set would be 8 reps; your second set would be 7 reps, third set 6 and so on until you get to 1 rep. This really breaks up the monotony of doing the same boring exercises over and over again and really trumps the hell out of a 45 minute jog to nowhere on a treadmill and speaking of treadmills.. You will thank me later and your body will thank YOU!!

Stay Awesome,
Chris Otto, NSCA-CPT Body RescYou
757-639-6133
www.bodyrescyou.com
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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is the lead agent 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 html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.