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Articles by Mathew Owens

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36 articles by Mathew Owens · showing 36

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By Mathew OwensRecently publishedTopic pending

The Stock Market Is The Biggest Ponzi Scheme Of All

With the stock market tumbling, many investors are looking to stable cash flow investments backed by a hard asset such as real estate. Most investors realize that the ponzi scheme of the stock market keeps investors in high risk and highly volatile investments. Simply put, its gambling! The stock market only rises if you continue to pump more money into it, just like a ponzi scheme. What do you think is going to happen when the baby boomers start to slowly take all of their money out of the stock market to live on because their investments do not cash flow well enough to retire off of?

Primary topic: Recently published

Recently published

1,224 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The Middle Class are Doing Worse in the Current So Called Economic Recovery than the Actual Recession

Newspaper headlines of late are quick to detail what little sign of national economic stability they can; some job growth here or a sign of stock market recovery there. And while it may be true that the S&P 500 is up 77 percent from the lows of March 2009–especially good for big-time stock market gamblers–median household incomes are falling at faster rates during this so-called “recovery period,” than they were during the actual recession years. As you can see from the chart below since the beginning of 2009 the median income has dropped sharply while unemployment rises significantly.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

810 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The U.S. Debt Disease

Read any introductory college economics book you wish, most will tell you that there is no way the amount of public debt can outstrip the productive capacity of a wealthy, developed nation like the United States. Just five year ago this claim may have been plausible but at present the US has realized a public debt of over $15 trillion–an amount roughly 100 percent of GDP!

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,081 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate Instead of Paper Assets

(1) CONTROL - Many money managers will advise you to diversify your investments in paper assets such as mutual funds and cd's. Yet as investors search for investments with lower risk, they increase the level of risk for themselves by investing mainly in mutual funds. The problem being you have no real control over the assets value since you cannot renovate or improve its value like you would real estate.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,073 views3/5 (1)

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Self-Direct Your Retirement Instead Of Investing In Mutual Funds

There are thousands of so called financial advisors that tell you that you should invest in mutual funds, money market accounts, stocks, bonds and life insurance policies and diversify your retirement portfolio. This is some of the worst financial advice you can get and the general public has been duped by the large investment companies like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and the large banks for years. These so called financial advisors that work for these big companies have very limited to no training and are not incentivized in the right ways.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,024 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Bureaucrats, Taxes and Income

As we all have come to be aware, taxes are our single largest expense in our lives. Our hard earned tax dollars go to bureaucrats that find many creative ways to spend it as well as many creative ways to continue taxing us. However, the really rich find different ways to not pay these taxes by structuring their income sources in various ways.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

891 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Most Real Estate Investors Invest Incorrectly

Most real estate investors invest incorrectly or at a higher risk level than needed. As we have just seen through this gigantic mortgage fiasco and the failing of multiple banks most people buy properties with the hope that they will go up in value over time and do not take into account the financial implications this puts on themselves. That type of investment objective is considered capital gain investing, investing for increases in equity on your property based on an appraiser’s opinion of value.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

850 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

A Better Perspective About Money

“Having fewer nuts does not make us better squirrels…” Given our druthers, most of us would choose to be financially independent, comfortable and free of worry about money. Most still have that choice. It’s not too late, but a shift may need to occur…

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,129 views2/5 (1)

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Banks Try And Say They Are increasing Capital Buffers To Acceptable Level, But Are They Really?

There has been major debate lately regarding the financial stability of the banks. Given the large bail out of the banks coming from taxpayer money and the massive under capitalization of some of the major banks it is apparent that there is a huge need for change in some of the bank’s capital reserve structures. The banks have been getting pressure from the “Basel Committee on Banking Supervision” to increase reserves and prevent another hit to the global financial system.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

816 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

$4.8 Million Grant for Memphis

As part of a new government innovation program aptly named the Mayors Project, New York City Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is doling out a combined $24 million in grants to five of his colleagues around the country. The grants will go to the mayors of Memphis, Tenn; Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Ky; and New Orleans.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

794 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Southern Califo ia Real Estate

Riverside and San Be adino were recently rated as two of the most affordable regions in the state of Califo ia, undoubtedly due to their price collapses in real estate. This report came from the Califo ia Association of Realtors and actually used household income and home values as a measure of affordability. Looking back on the history of home values in Califo ia, the Inland Empire appears to be making its way closer to a nominal lost decade, never mind already being at an inflation adjusted one.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,227 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Memphis Named One of Top 10 Performing Real Estate Markets

Clear Capital’s latest Home Data Index monthly Market Report named Memphis, Tennessee as one of the top 10 performing markets in the first half of 2011. The following is the complete list of high performing major markets based on data from January to June: 1. Washington D.C.-Arlington, VA. 2. New York-Long Island, N.Y.-New Jersey, N.J. 3. Orlando, FL 4. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas 5. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif. 6. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass. 7. Honolulu, HI 8. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, Calif. 9. Rochester, N.Y. 10. Memphis, Tenn.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

821 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

BANK OF AMERICA METHODICALLY LEAKING OUT SHADOW INVENTORY OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS

Close to 7 million mortgages amounting to over a trillion dollars are being transferred by Bank of America into a Bad Bank Model in order to start dealing with the massive shadow inventory being held. They are putting these loans into a "Bad Bank" to liquidate them. This is about half of all of Bank of America's mortgages. We are seeing more and more homes hit the market to slowly leak out the inventory.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,052 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Real Estate Investors

Conditions now exist for near risk-free real estate investing in some areas of the United States. This has created great income opportunities for knowledgeable investors (and their clients) that perform the proper due diligence, develop a sound investment model, engage/manage the correct resources (people and organizations) and execute associated business transactions in an expeditious manner. So, what separates those who succeed at real estate investing and those who are less apt to produce a winning formula?

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,401 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The American Saver is Now the American Poor

In a recent effort to encourage spending by consumers, the Federal Reserve promised to hold short-term interest rates near zero at least through mid-2013. A plan to lower long-term rates followed suit in September. Unfortunately these lower rates make it harder for savers to hold onto their cash and still beat inflation. Even the typical money market account, having seen an 80 percent decline since 2006 is no longer a safe bet with inflation rates exceeding interest rates; the overall effect being diminished purchasing power.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

794 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Why Invest In Memphis Tennessee Real Estate

People constantly ask me how to choose a market to invest in and what factors must be considered before investing This is a very important question as real estate is very much market specific. It is crucial to analyze the market you are interested in. Job, population growth expectations, market affordability, economic volatility, and market stability are all vital data that you should consider before investing. Neglecting to do so could put you in a riskier position than intended, even if you do your homework correctly on the investment itself.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,616 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The True Picture of the Califo ia Housing Market

According to first quarter data for this fiscal year 2012 in the state of Califo ia, roughly 55 percent of occupied housing is owner-occupied, with the remaining 45 percent being renter-occupied. Of those who are statistically classified as owning a home, over 75 percent carry it with a mortgage and about 35 percent, or about 5,100,000 homes are near negative equity. It’s no wonder such a large number of people are choosing to rent homes in Califo ia when a majority of those who “own” a house would likely end up paying to sell.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,417 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Student’s College Education Overpriced and Not Showing a High Return on Investment

The student loan market relentlessly makes it way to and past the $1 trillion mark, having outstripped credit card debt, estimated at around $850 billion. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the national student loan cohort default rate increased from 7.0 percent in the fiscal year 2008 to 8.8 percent in 2009–the rate for for-profit institutions was up to 15 percent from 11.6 percent.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,064 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The Successful Real Estate Investor Mindset

Consider this: “The majority of wealthy people in the world have either made their money in real estate or invested in real estate after they built and operated successful businesses.” Clearly many who wish to be wealthy and financially secure gravitate towards real estate as a means to accommodate those desires. They know to “follow the money.”

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,560 views2/5 (1)

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Visualization of the National Debt

These days the average American household has an average of $15,799 in debt, a number found by dividing the total revolving debt in the United Sates ($793.1 billion as of May 2011 as listed in the Federal Reserve’s July 2011 report on consumer credit) by the estimated number of households carrying credit card debt (50.2 million). Relatively, the average student after college has an estimated $24,000 in debt–based on the amount taken out in loans–according to the New York Times in the year 2009.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

896 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The Importance Of Cash Flow Investing

There is a common argument in the investment community between people that invest in lump sum pay outs or those that focus on cash flow returns. I believe there are many reasons to concentrate on investments that produce cash flow on a monthly or quarterly basis. Essentially, if your goal is to make passive income, cash flow should be your main goal as your expenses come in an interval schedule, rather than all at once.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

963 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

CNN Money Says Memphis Tennessee Is One Of The Most Affordable Retirement Locations

There is so much positive information going around about the Memphis Tennessee real estate market lately its staggering. From the influx of Electrolux, the appliance manufacturing company, to Mitsubishi opening a manufacturing plant in Tennessee bringing thousands of jobs, to Pass Pro building the second largest Bass fishing outlet in the U.S. at the Pyramid in downtow Memphis. Things look great for the Memphis market. We even have the Tennessee Brewing Company adding quite a few jobs. Now CNN comes out saying that Memphis is the number one most affordable retirement spot.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,293 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Real Estate Investing and the Importance of Education

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” With the exception of a couple of rare exceptions (lottery, inheritance, etc.), there’s really only three main areas a person can realistically choose from to generate wealth and true financial independence for themselves: • Successfully investing in the stock market • Operating a successful business • Successfully investing in real estate

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,682 views2/5 (3)

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Memphis Second Best Place For Boomers to Retire, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by the Washington Economics Group ranks Memphis, Tennessee as the No. 2 destination for millions of baby boomers looking to retire, second only to Tallahassee, Florida, which ranked No. 1. Through analysis of baby boomer trends and preferences, as well as scientific comparisons of over 20 potential ideal retirement communities, it was noted that pending retirees should and do, for the most part, look to Southern college towns for the best combination of climate, cost of living, health care, and other priorities.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,094 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Invest and Grow Rich

“Don’t buy a new car and then get rich. Get rich then buy a new car.” The sentiment above is an endorsement for delaying gratification but also contains additional ideas to be considered and understood…

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,220 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Trifecta Keeping Housing Bubble Inflated

A bit of news you may have purposefully missed: the Senate recently voted 60-38 to reinstate the elevated loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration. With the “limit” set at $729,750, prices are sure to stay inflated in bubble states like Califo ia and New York, though it is a wonder that such a figure is even plausible given that the typical American household makes roughly $50,000 a year.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,005 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

More Jobs Coming to Memphis

The Memphis-Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) board recently met on Wednesday, Dec. 21 to grant a 15-year tax freeze to Valero Energy Corp. provided that the company follows along with planned investments and upgrades to its Memphis facility totaling more than $298 million over the next five years. In a statement on the refinery’as importance to local operations, Valero spokeswoma Lisa Wheeler noted that it is a direct supplier of Memphis International Airport, as well as the only refinery in Tennessee.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

883 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Diversification, Investment Control, Financial Intelligence and Investing in the Right Asset Types

Most of what has been drilled into our heads about investing in mutual funds, CD’s paying down our mortgage and diversifying is nothing but smoke and mirrors. The financial services companies like Fidelity, Charles Schwab and financial planners are the ones making all of the money. The problem is that most people have very little financial education in order to invest for retirement properly so they hand over their money to someone they HOPE will have the right knowledge base to safely increase their wealth. The problem is that these investment types are HUGELY RISKY.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

946 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Savers Are Losers! Here Are The Top 7 Reasons You Need To Protect Your Retirement From The Upcoming Storm

There is so much instability in the current economy. The writing is on the wall for major changes in the U.S. over the next 10 years, and the global economy will also see major changes. The old ways of thinking which include investing in mutual funds, stocks, bonds and savings accounts are going to cause 99% of the baby boomers to lose half if not more of their wealth over the next decade. I know, you are thinking, ya right, that will never happen, this guy is crazy, how could he make a statement like that, I am diversified so it doesn’t apply to me, who is this loon.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,966 views5/5 (1)

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Will Fannie and Freddie Be Around For Much Longer?

The U.S. government is already starting talks about the gradual elimination of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This can be good because there would be less government backed securities bringing some trust back into the market but could come at a cost. If this phase out happens it could raise borrowing costs and jeopardize an already fragile housing market. With fewer government guarantees, limits on mortgage purchases and size it will make it harder to borrow and we should see a further reduction in some volatile markets of the country.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

786 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

An Evolving Real Estate Market: The New Normal

With historically low mortgage interest rates accompanying super-low prices and a considerable supply of homes on the market, there is no better time to buy a home. In order to be successful it is essential to not think simply in terms of a shifting real estate market, but an evolving one in which the end of large jumps in housing prices, extremely cautious mortgage lenders, new emerging markets, and long-term commitments for both buyers and investors are now contemporary orthodox.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

826 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The Crash Of The Middle Class

The life of living off of debt is at its end and our previous lifestyles are catching up with us. The keeping up with the Jones’ lifestyles are over and leaving the economy in shambles after a decade of artificial debt backed spending not supported by current income levels. Now as commodities rise and incomes stay the same or decrease the middle class is dissolving quickly into the new poor. The Federal Reserve has bailed out the banks fraudulent activity at the expense of the standard of living of the middle class.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

984 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

How To Spend $9 Trillion Over 10 Years

In the year 2001, the national debt stood at $5.8 trillion. Today that figure has more than doubled to $14.3 trillion. This $9 trillion increase over the past ten years can be attributed to government expenses, particularly with the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, additional interest costs, and also the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why is it then that we constantly hear politicians and Wall Street bankers going after Social Security payments as a key way to balance the debt? Compared to the aforementioned expenses, Social Security hardly factors into the $9 trillion in question.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

784 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Top 10 Keys To Successful Real Estate Investments

When dealing with real estate investments there are many steps to go through before investing. Here are my top 10 keys to a successful real estate investment.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

863 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

Invest in Real Estate Not Stock. Stock Is Much Riskier Than Real Estate

There are two very major differences between investing in stock and investing in real estate. When investing in stocks you are typically investing for capital gains versus cash flow and have no control. In stock you are investing for capital gains, for the hope that it goes up over time but with very little control over the value increase or decrease. Most people, other than those that invest for cash flow dividends, invest for capital gains in stocks. But without control or seeing any return on your money without selling you are in a losing situation.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,066 views

By Mathew OwensRecently published1 topic

The 401(K) Are For People Who Plan To Be Poor When They Retire

Most of the population still believes in old financial philosophies that are no longer relevant and reliable. The vast majority of the working public thinks investing is risky and you should invest in mutual funds, diversify in stocks and bonds and hand your money over to a money manager. That is traditionally deemed the right way to build your retirement and invest. They believe in the social security system, in 401(k)’s, in Medicare, saving, and to work hard for your money.

Primary topic: Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom

1,720 views5/5 (1)

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