Unless you’ve been living in a lean-to out on the edges of the Angeles National Forest, you’ve noticed how the price of gasoline has plummeted in recent weeks. In 2008, oil prices hit $145 a barrel and today analysts think $50-a-barrel oil isn’t out of the question. While people agree that a lower oil price is good for the economy – it’s like giving everyone a tax break – the stock market dropped like a rock on news of lower oil prices. Go figure. I cite these cases to illustrate volatility in commodity and stock prices. Oil prices are down because production...
Are you frustrated with a bank or conventional lender? At Evoque Lending we meet a lot of people who have been “given the runaround” by banks and are on the verge of losing an opportunity to buy the ideal home or investment property. Frankly, it seems like banks are failing at one of their central purposes: loaning money. And don’t just take my word for it, you can see the marketplace responding to this problem. I follow the financial news closely and it seems like almost every day I read about another startup that has a business model challenging conventional...
In one of the Rolling Stones’ earliest major hits, Mick Jagger sings, “Time, time, time, it’s on my side – Yes it is!” Considering how long the Rolling Stones have been recording and touring, I’d have to admit that time has been on their side. But, more often than not, that isn’t true for most of us. When you spend money, you can always work to replace it. Once time is spent, it’s gone forever. This is especially critical to understand in regards to our financial lives. The old saying “Opportunity only knocks...
“I don’t have a dog in that fight.” Have you heard the phrase? It’s said when there’s a dispute happening in which you really don’t have anything at stake. It came to mind the other day when I was reading about the launch of Apple’s new payment system – Apple Pay. On the exact day it launched, some major retailers announced that they were not going to participate. If you haven’t been following the drama, there’s something of a standoff occurring between the retailers on the side of Apple Pay and...
Do you see property ownership as a major contributor to the strength of your financial future? This has traditionally been the case in the United States, and despite minor ups and downs, I bet that this wealth-building strategy will continue to reap major benefits for individuals and families. I want to quickly share a powerful financial secret you need to know if you are considering a real estate purchase – your home or investment property – to grow your wealth. According to the IRS tax returns of the 400 people with the highest incomes for each year between...
