Greece & Debt

There was a segment on "60 Minutes" last night about the debt crisis in Europe. The bottom line is the countries who are in crisis have incurred too much debt and are in danger of defaulting on it. And all the social welfare programs they have implemented over the years are unaffordable and creating social unrest in those countries.

How far are we away from this situation?

Elections

Certainly one of the main challenges of political leaders is building consensus among opposing sides. I am concerned that we have allowed our financial situation to deteriorate to the point where I am not sure if we have the time it will take to build this consensus.

Almost Here

While this weekend's college basketball NCAA finals are truly exciting, my eye is on the Brewer opener next Friday, April 6. A lot of pundits are picking the Cardinals to win the NL Central but I think the Brewers could actually be better this year than last when they won the division. Whatever, the start of baseball means summer isn't far off.

New Technology

On the back of my business card I now include a QR code which when scanned by a smart phone will automatically add all my contact data directly to your contact list. If you'd like to see what I've done, just e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep the benchmark Fed Funds Target Rate at a range of 0.00 - 0.25%. They also decided yesterday to keep the Discount Rate at 0.75%. They stated, "Labor market conditions have improved further; the unemployment rate has declined notably in recent months but remains elevated. Strains in global financial markets have eased, though they continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook."

Home loan rates will continue to be at historical lows. However, the bad news is that those on fixed incomes who depend on deposit interest income are negatively impacted.

Spring

We'd all like to think spring is here. But I fully expect we will see at least one more snowy blast.

It appears interest rates are going to remain at these historical low levels through mid-2014. At least, that's what Chairman Bernanke of the Fed leads us to believe. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced, you need to check with us. If your loan balance is over $200k and you can lower the rate 0.50% or more, it makes sense. For smaller loan balances you need more of a spread.

Rhetoric Continues

I listen to the Mitch Henck show on WIBA-AM each morning. I find his talk show one of the more sensible; not all the ranting and raving you hear on other talk shows. But the division of views in our state and country is still evident. It becomes difficult to really know who is right. Compromise is needed but it doesn't appear to be in the making.

Country Divided

For some time I have been bothered about the political extremes and the tension it has created in this country. Never have I felt the divisiveness I do now. Compromise seems so difficult to be reached in our state house or Washington. Here's a wild idea: An Obama/Santorum ticket in 2012!

Winter is Over

Regardless of the snow storms we will get this month of March, winter is all but over. What a winter! Now we get to Big 10 basketball tourneys; NCAA tourney. Great beginning to the spring.

Fiddler

I recently attended the play, Fiddler on the Roof, at the Overture Center in Madison. What a wonderful show! Highly recommened.

North Dakota

I was in Grand Forks, ND this past weekend. Man, it was cold! But its good to see an economy that seems to be booming. The new oil patch and the employment it is creating is wonderful.

Super Bowl XLVI

This was best Super Bowl game in sometime. And the best team won!

Puerto Rico

It has been several years since I have been in Puerto Rico. Will be there this coming week. I will be interested in what changes have occurred over the years. And I am quite sure the weather will be a welcome change.

Listened with interest to Governor Walker's state of the state message last night. Why can't people, regardless of opinions, treat people with respect? Both sides of the collective bargaining issue have acted like school children, at times. C'mon folks. Why can't they do what is best for their constituencies, even if there has to be compromise?

Depression in Packerland

I attended the game in Green Bay Sunday. Unbelievable. Had to be the poorest game they have played in over 3 years. But you know, there are lots of people who would trade a Packer loss for their ailment. Be thankful if you and your loved ones enjoy good health and happiness.

First Big Storm

Being originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I am always amused by the attention given to a 4 inch snowfall.

Interest rates continue to be at historic lows. If you have a home loan you should be checking with your lender about refinancing options. If you can reduce your rate enough to offset the refinancing costs, why not refinance?

Call us at 441-6000 or check out www.oakbankonline.com.

Weather

There is really something to be said about this kind of weather. January 10 and no snow on the ground!! And I think the best team clearly won the national college footbabll championship game last night.

Rose Bowl

I just returned from the Rose Bowl. What a game! And being with first time attendees like my daughter Amy and grandson Prentice was truly special. It's one of those events where you wish everyone who is or has been close to you could be there with you. The Badgers have nothing to be ashamed about. They played a very good team and except for having one turnover too many, would have won. I am already looking forward to next year.

Our Wishes

It is my hope you will take time to reflect on the many blessings we all share and begin the new year with a renewed vision, focus and energy for your family, job and community.

And may our politicians get their acts together in 2012!

Smell the Roses

Rose Bowl.... here we come.

Idea for the Holidays

Each year our entire family rents a cabin at the Wilderness in Lake Delton. Kids love the waterpark. Beautiful cabins. Recommend it.

Bells Ringing

I hope everyone empties their pockets of loose change whenever you pass a Salvation Army bell ringer. This organization does such a great job of serving the less fortunate during this time of the year. You will never miss what you give!

Payback Time

Well, the big game is almost here. Go Badgers! It certainly has been a good year to be a Wisconsin resident. Brewers, Badgers, Packers. Now if we could just get civil discourse among politicians!

Recall

I hope we have not entered a new era where dissatisfaction with enacted legislation results in a recall effort. I have always thought election days were for expressing our agreement or displeasure with elected officials.

Give Thanx

If you are looking for something special to do on Thanksgiving Day morning, check out the Berbee Derby in Fitchburg. It is a 5K run/walk or 10k run. Great way to start off the day of food, football and giving thanx for all the blessings we share.

Philanthropy

Last Friday I was presented with the Lifetime Achievement of Philanthropy by the Association of Fund Professionals. The luncheon was held at the Overture Center and was attended by some 400 persons. It was a wonderful event. It is at times like this that you are reminded of how much generosity truly exists in our Dane County community.

The Beauty of Wisconsin

On some of the recent beautiful days, I have taken short bike rides out into the rural areas. Observing all the farm machinery working in the fields reminds me how important those folks are to all of us. Long hours, big risks and love of independence gives us farmers who provide for our food needs. But it is so difficult for the smaller farm to survive. It is encouraging, however, to occasionally see signage that some farm land is a "No Spray Zone" and is organic.

Economics

You likely notice any new economic news on this blog. There is really not much to report on. Interest rates still historically low. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced within the last six months, you really should go to our web site at oakbankonline.com and check out the rates. My guideline: if your loan balance is over $200,000 and you can reduce your rate 1/2 percent, you should consider refinancing.

How About Those Cardinals?!

Two months ago the Cardinals were so far out of the pennant race that next season was already being planned. But here they are.... world champs! Just another example of Jimmy Valvano's "Never give up".

Hail Mary

I'm still suffering from the UW loss Saturday at East Lansing. It is always exciting to watch these Hail Mary attempts when it involves other teams; but hurts like h--- when it happens to your team AND it is successful! MSU is a good football team but I hope we get another shot at them in Indy on Dec 3!

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Well, it was a great run for the Brewers. I was at the game last night. Not usual for me to leave a game early, but I did. Couldn't stand to watch Cardinals celebrate on our lawn! I wonder where my grandkids get their competiveness?

Still got the Pack and Badgers!

Wow!

Can you ever remember a nicer week of weather than this? Brewers better cap off things tomorrow night. Don't want to be the first National League team to lose playoff series after leading 2-0 in best of five!

What a Weekend!

Has anyone experienced a more exciting sports weekend in Wisconsin than this weekend!? I had to give up Brewer playoff tickets for today's game, but will be going to Brewer game tomorrow. But had to give up Packers tickets for tomorrow! Thank goodness for grandkids!

Autumn

Ah, Autumn! My favorite season. Beautiful Wisconsin weather; Badger and Packer football. And this year.... the Brewers possibly in the playoffs!

I've been attending a lot of funerals lately. Reminds you that life is like a strand on a spider web. Fragile and too brief.

Enjoy every day. Especially this time of year!

T'is The Season

This is the best time of the year, in my opinion. Brewers in contention; big expectations of both the Badgers and Packers; wonderful weather and the anticipation of the changing colors of nature!

Enjoy every day!

Here and There

It is refreshing to see the political scene quieting down. There has to be compromise but the huge debt our grandchildren are going to have to service is a major problem. It will take sacrifice and courage to solve that dilemma.

Is this a great time for sports in Wisconsin! The Brewers, Badgers and Packers are among the best, if not the best, in each of their sports. A great time to be in Wisconsin!

As Madison trys to find a way to meet its budget problems, why is no one talking about the raises given public employees prior to the collective bargaining law taking effect??

Glorious Ride

Last Saturday I did a 100 mile bicycle ride as a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We had 400 riders from all over the country and raised over $1 million, a record for a ride. We started in LaCrosse, crossed into Minnesota, then down the Mississippi to Lansing, Iowa. Then a 20 mile loop in the hills and back to Lansing for the return trip up the Missisip.

What a great group of riders. We had about 80 riders from the Madison Chapter of JDRF who will be friends forever. Hopefully a cure is in the near future.

Build Consensus

Hopefully our adverse political climate will return to some form of sanity. We need leaders who have courage to do what is right rather than cowtowing to special interest groups who contribute the money to get them reelected or elected. There is something wrong when it becomes all about money. And I am not against money, but it should not buy power.

Brewers, Badgers and Packers

I know of no other state that can be as proud of its three major sports teams as we are in Wisconsin! Brewers in first place in their division; Packers strong contenders for another Super Bowl; and the football Badgers talking about a National Championship!

Beauty in Wisconsin

If you have never taken a drive on the country roads in and around Hollandale, you need to do so. Just go out toward Barneveld on 12/18. Just before Barneveld, turn left on County Hwy K. A stop at Botham Winery is suggested. Then just meander. Incredible views.

Rocky Mountain High

Just got back from Denver. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the city. The views of the Rockies are awesome! And 300+ days of sunshine! But most of all, I was impressed by the friendliness of the people in Denver. Especially the police. How refreshing to meet public employees who really want to please you; unlike those who have forgotten who their "customers" are.

Summer is Here

Hopefully this summer will give our society time to discern the serious predicament we are in internationally, nationally, state-wide and locally as to the amount of debt we have accumulated. Keep in mind that the debt service requirements for interest alone accounts for a significant portion of our total governmental revenues. And this is during a historically low interest rate environment. Think of the additional burden when interest rates rise to more normal levels!

High Schools

I had the pleasure of attending one of my grandson's high school graduation this past weekend. He graduated from Evansville High. Over the years this grandson has participated in many musical and dramas at the school. I have been so impressed with this school's arts and music program. The school does an excellent job of balancing its arts and music program with its athletic program.

Hot Hot Hot

While one should drink lots of water in heat and humidity like this, one should also supplement the water with some form of electrolyte drink or tablets.

Memorial Day

Hopefully we will all take a minute or two to pause during this coming weekend and give thanks, each in our own way, to all those who have gone before us. But for many of them, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. We take our blessings for granted. And God bless those who still serve in our military putting themselves at risk of death each day.

Final Test

The fourth and final fundamental test every stock investor should use is the Debt Ratio Trend.

The debt ratio (long-term debt divided by total capital, which is combined long-term debt and stockholder's equity) can be overlooked, but it is the most important test of working capital.

The current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) can be misleading, especially if the company has allowed its long-term debt to grow in order to bolster cash, accounts receivable and inventory to keep the current test steady. A growing long-term debt is a big problem, because it translates to ever-higher interest and debt service in the future, and that means less capital remains for expansion or dividends. You want to see a steady or declining debt ratio from year to year, not growing levels.

Maps

Each year I offer readers of my blog the opportunity to get a copy of maps of Dane County Day Trips. If interested, send me an e-mail at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Another Test

A third fundamental test every stock investor should use is Dividends per Share. You will prefer to invest in companies whose dividend is growing each year. The dividend is easily overlooked, but it represents a major factor in your overall return from investing in stock. Reinvesting dividends increases dividend yield.


The best managed companies increase dividends each year, which is also a reflection of growing profits and well-managed working capital.

Fundamental Test #2

Here is the second fundamental test to apply when buying a stock for your investment portfolio.

Price-Earnings Ratio (P/E):

The price-earnings ratio is calculated by simply dividing the price by earnings per share. The multiple represents how many years of per share net earnings are reflected in the current stock price. A P/E ratio that is too high means the stock is probably overpriced; a P/E ratio that is too low indicates lack of interest in the company. As a general rule, the desirable middle ground is between 10 and 25.

Tools to Investing

As a follow up on last posting..... Tests to apply when considering the purchase of a stock.

1. Revenue & Earnings: You want to watch out for companies whose revenues are growing while profits are shrinking -- a very negative trend. The same observation applies when revenues are on the decline but net profit margin is declining more rapidly, also a big negative.

Fundamental Tests

I recently reviewed an article in an investment periodical I receive. The article was the four tests or indicators that every stock investor should use:

1. 5 years of revenues and earnings.
2. P/E ratio.
3. Dividends
4. Debt Ratio Trend

More on each later.

Finding More Time

I find myself gradually unwinding from some volunteer positions I have had for years and years. I am hopeful by doing so new opportunities will arise which will rejuvenate my enthusiasm for community involvement.

Budgets

Hard to know who to believe anymore in politics when it comes to budgets. But I personally feel Paul Ryan is the most capable and trustworthy elected official when it comes to fiscal soundness. It is time we all help eliminate the debt crisis, even if we have to pay higher taxes.

Time to Read

I have never read the book "Atlas Shrugged", but maybe it is time I do.

Go Brewers

I will be attending the Brewer opener in Milwaukee today. I think I have missed 2 openers in the last 36 years. The roof on Miller Park sure makes it more enjoyable that it has normally been. Thank you former Senator George Peatak for your vote making this possible!

Vote

I have always felt two of our most, if not the most, important rights are the right to a trial by jury and the right to vote. Be sure to exercise your right to vote next Tuesday, April 5. Much is at stake.

Financial Blogs

This is a long link but one you might find informative. It gets you to 25 financial blogs with various financial topics of importance. Here it is:

http://www.time/com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0.29569.2057116.00.html. Good luck.

Antics

Yesterday some of the anti-Walker protestors barged into the lobby of the M&I office on the Square with drums, signs and loud speakers. They were there demonstrating against M&I who they felt was a financial supporter of Walker. They were ignorant of the fact that corporations cannot contribute to individuals running for political office. Just another example of the mass miscommunication of information going on down on the Square.

VOTE

I was #6 to vote this a.m. at my polling place. The first nine voters were all men.

Beautiful day. Enjoy it and get out and vote.

Special Win!

One has to wonder what the impact of the Packer win will have on the state's economy. It seems to me the more positive frame of mind we are in, the more willing we are to make spending decisions. And consumer spending drives the economy. Well, anyway, just wondering.

Wow!!

Was that a storm to remember? Even by Upper Peninsula standards, that was a powerful storm! How could one not feel sorry for that UW student who was pictured in this a.m.'s "Wisconsin State Journal" trying to shovel his car out of a snow bank with a ice scraper! Oh, the power of Mother Nature!

This & That

With all the hype about the Super Bowl, the upcoming storm and Egypt, one wonders what else can be important right now.

Scary 2011 Economy

Much of the restrained economy over the last few years might be due to the rise in the savings rate. Going forward, some predict consumer spending will be around 2%. While it's not an exciting outlook, the U.S. economy will grow faster that the Congressional Budget Office anticipates it will grow.

In the meantime, a few risks in the outlook. China is trying to reign in growth; the social security system goes into a deficit in 2014; sovereign debt issues in Europe.

A Great Day

It's a great day in Packerland! Euphoria reigns!

State of the State

Come Monday, this State of Wisconsin will either be in euphoria or deep depression!!!! Go Pack!

More 2010 Highlites

Historical happenings in 2010 included the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed 230,000 people; the BP oil spill caused the largest environmental disaster in history; Wikileaks dumped thousands of pages of classified material on the internet; 33 miners are saved in Chile after being stuck a record 69 days below the earth; a Pablo Picasso painting was sold for $106 mm, setting a new world record; the Tea Party movement hosted their first convention; the Boy Scouts of America celebrated 100Ys; Don't Ask, Don't Tell was repealed and signed into law.

2010 Again

The year 2010 was interesting and many things happened. It wasn't as crazy as 2008 when the credit crisis began, nor 2009, when the regulatory crackdown followed. It was, however, certainly full of surprises, twists and turns.

In banking and the financial markets, the crisis rounded the corner on its 2nd year and brought a flight to gold bullion.

In the invention area, the iPad might have been the coolest!

More highlights later.

Rose Bowl

Had a good time in California despite the outcome of the Rose Bowl. A lot of criticism is flying around about bad decisions, etc. I have learned that sports is a matter of if, if, if, if.

2011

I am leaving for Pasadena tomorrow a.m. I'm going out on the limb and predicting a lopsided victory for Bucky.

Happy New Year to all. I kind of feel 2011 will be a transition year for our economy; moving from deep recession to gradual recovery.

Merry Christmas

A couple of things impressed me today. First, someone actually read my blog! and #2.... everyone seems in such great spirits today, Christmas Eve. Would be nice if we could be this way everyday!

Merry Christmas.

Taxes

How is everyone liking their property tax bills being received this month? Fitchburg taxes are up over 17%!!!! Time to revolt! I'm afraid to open mine.

Rose Bowl

I am one of the thousands headed to the Rose Bowl! TCU looks like a formidable foe, but if Wisconsin plays the way they have been playing, I don't think there is anyone in the country they can't beat.

What's First

Every once in a while I come across a list of what constitutes effective management. I still keep and reread an article dated November 2000 because I think the list of the 10 principles the author considered necessary for effective leadership are very relevant.

Number 1: Set real priorities and real commitments.
Number 2: Grab hold of tough problems, and don't delegate them.
Number 3: Don't let the guy or gal below you make the hard decisions.
Number 4: Set and demand standards of excellence.
Number 5: Create urgency. It's always better to do something than it is to do nothing.

The other five to come in a future blog posting.

Here are the other 5:

Number 6: Pay attention to details. Getting all the facts is the key to good decision making.
Number 7: Be committed and show it. Concentrate on possibilities.
Number 8: Be willing to see failure as a stepping-stone to success.
Number 9: Be tough and be fair with people. Avoid compromise when choosing coworkers.
Number 10:Last but not least: Play! You can't accomplish anything unless you're having fun.

Black Friday

All reports this a.m. indicate lots of consumer activity at the various shopping malls. My sense is that consumer confidence is seeing a bit of a brighter sky!

Be Thankful

Many of our lives are so busy that we fail to be mindful of the many things we have to be thankful for. I think our addiction to social media further exacerbates the issue. And with the recent election results and all the negativity that preceeded the election, it is possible many of us are not in the proper attitude right now. But we all need to pause and be thankful for all the many blessings that are ours. Our health; our families; our country and its leaders. Thank you.

Enjoy.

Hi Speed Train

As I listen to the debate about the wisdom of a high speed train between Milw & Madison, I have yet to hear good research on who will use it?

Bowl Bound

My hope..... UW wins out; Penn State beats Michigan State and Iowa beats Ohio State... we go to Rose Bowl and win Big 10.

Side Trips

Periodically I offer anyone who e-mails me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com copies of six off the beaten path day trips in Dane County. They are from a series of trips former county exec Rick Phelps recommended in 1996.

Ads are Done

Everyone is expressing their thanks that the political ads are done! Why do people spend so much money to be so negative and untruthful? There is too much anger as it is without fueling the anger with ads like we've been exposed to for the past months. We need to be able to find compromise and get at the most important issues - like job creation.

Vote

Next Tuesday, November 2, is a very important day for Americans. I continue to believe one of the most important rights we have is the right to vote. So, make plans to vote. Your vote is important!

Valley of Death

Now I know why they call it Death Valley. The bike ride for JDRF can be described simply as "a beautiful, brutally awesome ride! Temps in 100's with 10% humidity. I never drank so much water and Gatorade in my life! Death Valley is one of those places (like the Grand Canyon) that you must see with your own eyes to fully appreciate its beauty.

Death Valley - Here We Come

Well, for those who care, the weekend for my bike ride in Death Valley is coming up. We leave the day after tomorrow for Vegas and then shuttle 2 hours to Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park, California. We start our ride about 6:45 a.m. on Saturday morning with a temp around 61 degrees. We finish with temp around 100. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Salt intake is equally important so one does not get what is called hyponatremia, referred to as water intoxication.

Will give you update when I return next week. If you are one of those who contributed to JDRF to support my ride, a sincere thank you.

Falk Resigns

I wonder if County Exec Falk's determination to keep office till April 1, 2011 has anything to do with her retirement benefits? Could it be that is the real reason for the April 1 date?

Here and There

Attended Packer game last Sunday. There is still something special about Lambeau Field. It is always interesting to run into people who come from all over the world to be there.

As I look out this a.m. at a perfectly cloudless sky and the beautiful leaf color changes taking place, geese flying south..... why would one question why autumn is the most beautiful season of the year!

Bike on!

Wisconsin State Journal

I am finding the articles in the "Wisconsin State Journal" that address the "honesty" of political campaign ads very helpful.

Vote

I believe the two most important freedoms we have are the right to a trial by jury and the right to vote. Exercise your right to vote today!

Go Badgers & Packers!

Vegas & The Economy

On Sunday I returned from Las Vegas after being there for the Badgers football game. You want to see a hurting economy... go there. And a lot of people who earn more than $250,000 are the very people who make Vegas go. And who gets hurt when they don't go or spend less? Taxi cab drivers....waitresses......waiters......hotel workers.... etc. So while it makes some people feel good to raise taxes on higher income persons, the real hurt is felt by hard working people. And when our leaders make comments disparaging Las Vegas, it only exacerbates the economic woes of places like Vegas.

Mutual Funds

A question often raised is: How many mutual funds should I hold? Many say you should hold at least four different funds. No matter how many funds you buy, equal dollar amounts are invested in each fund initially.

Anger

I've been on this planet Earth for quite a while, but I sense an anger in America never before seen. I think most of it has to do with the persistent bad news we see, hear and read. But I also think some of it is directed at those who work and represent us in our various governmental jurisdictions. Perhaps we are tired of not being understood and made to feel that only those in government know what is right and just. I'm probably wrong, but I have a feeling.

Park St Shoe Repair

I highly recommend a front page article in the "Neighbors" portion of the 8/6/2010 "Wisconsin State Journal." The article on George Fabian aptly describes one of the most memorable persons I have ever met. He is truly a great guy!

Beer Garden

I attended an event at the Capital Brewery in Middleton last Saturday. If you've never gone there when they have live music in their outdoor area, I highly recommend it. And their new Supper Club brand beer is pretty good!!

Juvenile Diabetes

Those who know me know I like to road bike, despite what Mitch Henck thinks about bikers! Each year I do a charity ride for Juvenile Diabetes Research. This ride is normally in excess of 100 miles in one day. This year my ride is scheduled for Death Valley in October.

If you are interested in contributing to this cause, please go to www.jdrfride.com/donate; search for Bob Gorsuch. My oldest grandchild contracted Type 1 diabetes at age 8 and is now entering his 3rd year at UW - Madison. Believe me, type 1 diabetes is a "silent" disease that impacts the lives of these young people and their families. We feel we are getting close to a "cure". But it takes lots of $$$$ for the research.

Investor Sentiment

I just read an article on investor sentiment these days. Amongst professional investors, 39% are bullish; 31% neutral; and 30% bearish. The average asset allocation of these same investors is stocks - 60%; bonds - 15% and cash - 25%.

Financial Overhaul

In my opinion, the highly publicized financial regulation legislation about to be signed into law by Pres. Obama, will do little to correct the abuses that were present during the recent financial crisis. A huge new bureaucracy will be created creating all kinds of new compliance issues. These compliance issues costs the banking system billions of dollars. And guess who pays? You're right..... you the consumer!

Happy July 4

It looks like we are all going to have great weather this weekend. If you are going to be outdoors, be sure to take your Deet insect repellant!

What a great country we are blessed with. Yes, there are shortcomings, but can you think of a country you'd rather live in? God bless America!

Riding in Death Valley

In October I will be riding my road bike over 100 miles in Death Valley to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You see, my oldest grandchild, Prentice, has Type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was 8 years old.

My goal this year is to raise $10,000. For my 2007 ride in Montana and my 2009 ride in Vermont I raised $8,000 on each ride.

Contributions of any amount are welcome. Make checks payable to JDRF and mail to Bob Gorsuch; Oak Bank; 5951 McKee Rd, Suite 100; Fitchburg, Wi 53711-5114.

Thanx.

Dot Com

Wow! This past March marked the 25th anniversary - yes, 25th - of the registration of the first dot-com domain. It was over a month before the 2nd one was registered and the 100th didn't take place until 20 months later. Now there about 668,000 dot-coms registered every month!

Final Tip

Check the benficiary designations on all of your investment accounts, including any mutual funds. You want to make sure the names and contact information are accurate and up to date.

Next to Last

Here's the next to last quick financial management tip...

If you or your spouse wear a ring with a diamond or other precious stone, have a jeweler check the prongs. Even one loose prong increases the risk of the diamond falling out.

Financial Management

Another financial management tip......

Check up on your credit. This is something that should be done every year. If there is an error, file a dispute with the reporting agency and call the creditor. Higher credit scores mean lower interest rates.

Another Tip

Investigate your broker. Run a background check of your broker at www.finra.org/brokercheck. The report will show the broker's qualifications and will list any regulatory action that has been taken against him/her in the past.