Building a Portfolio for Retirement Essay -- Economics

Building a Portfolio for Retirement â€Å"According to a survey conducted by the Savings Education Council last year, 24% of all workers were not confident that they were prepared to retire comfortably.† Upon retirement we would like to maintain a certain level of income and lifestyle such as that established in the prime of our earning career. Through proper planning this goal can be achieved. I am going to establish the need for investments/ savings through the life-cycle model of consumption. I will then walk through standard retirement plans showing that additional funding will likely be needed for the upper-middle class, leading to stock and bond investments, risk tolerance of an individual investor, how that affects diversity and rates of return. On average Americans save approximately 5% of their earnings. This is the lowest among industrialized countries; Japan saves on average 24%, they are the highest savers. The US saves so little in part because of the availability and ease of credit, the financial system; as well as an effective Social Security system. However, the US is changing, to depend on today’s Social Security for tomorrow alone is a risky venture to say the least. Throughout one’s career their earning levels will fluctuate; the highest level of earnings is most likely achieved around middle age or mid-career. It is at this time most Americans begin to think about retirement and savings. The life-cycle model of consumption indicates that we desire a constant level of consumption throughout our lifetime. We, therefore, will go into debt when we are young, repaying the debt and begin saving in middle age, and dissave in retirement. While I personally believe that savin... ...o fund banks in the big picture of money. My 95-year-old Grandfather has successfully funded his retirement through CDs, a pension, and Social Security. To this day he still invest in CDs and his net worth is six figures. In large, most investors do not want to do the research in selecting stocks, bonds, and money market accounts for their portfolio themselves; at the prime of their career they may not have the time either. A managed fund is an appealing option. A managed fund may cost slightly more, there are management fees involved, typically not more than 2%. Picking a fund lessens the workload, pick a well know fund such as Janis, Fidelity, USAA, Templeton, Putnam, etc. If you have the money, pay someone; an investment fund manager who will take into account who you are. The name on the fund you choose is not so important as they type of fund you choose.

Political Culture Essay

How to face difficulty appealing to voters across gender or racial lines in the 2008 Presidential elections candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. For the first time in the U.S. history, the presidential nominees is an African-American man (Barack Obama) and a woman (Hillary Clinton) has been recognized by political expert as a ground-breaking.     The defining issues of the United States presidential campaign are gender and racial identity. 1) Do gender or race issues pose challenges to Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama? Why or why not? Whether they like it or not gender and race issues will pose challenges to Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.   Since Obama is an African-American black guy and Clinton is a woman, they can ¢t help voters divide according to gender and race as much as they prevent that to happen. In terms of my personal preference this is a no contest.   But of course they have different tactics to win for the Democratic vote.   For one moment let ¢s forget about race and gender that Obama and Clinton lie outside  ¡the norms of United States politics.   Every day in business the clash between them is being played out.   Barack as new and Young Pretender.   They are both energetic and full of ideas.   We always know they are destined to do very well but we never know when, or if, they will reach that level.   They are thoroughly likeable but sometimes selfish.   Clinton the executive who has risen over the years by undramatic effort and symbolize experience.   They ¢re both ready to compromise because they know no one ever gets all they want, but they are both steady and intelligent. I think that the emphasis of this election should be on the things that Clinton and Barack represent in terms of National choices rather than on the individuals.   2) Are American voters capable of voting across gender or racial lines? Why or why not? No.   The current generation of American voters according to political experts, argue that casting votes for candidates are capable regardless of race or gender. I think the most important thing in voting is that people simply have to follow the content of their hearts.   What they think and what’s on their mind that is going to be in the best interest of the country.   Even for those who are non-partisan, the important thing is that the issue that comes across most is the need for a change in the United States.

Traveling by Plane and by Train

Traveling by plane and by train When traveling over states or over countries there are three main ways of doing so, a flight, a train ride, or driving yourself. I guess you could walk or run but, I'm talking about cross country travel. There are expensive and inexpensive ways of travel, some fast, some slow, most fun, others boring. In the developed countries, traveling by trains and traveling by planes are more popular than other transportations because they are convenient. However, traveling by train also has some differences from traveling by planes in some aspects: speed, cost and comfort.The fastest way of travel would be by plane, if time is a major issue. A flight can also be easier to schedule, there are hundreds of flights leaving every half-hour, in every direction to and from almost every airport in the world. For example if you choose a plane to go to San Francisco from Sea-Tac, it takes two hours to get there. In contrast, it would take a couple of days to go a cross cou ntry by train. If you choose a train from Seattle to San Francisco it takes almost twenty-two hours to arrive there.Also trains are slow, sometimes even slower than a car. So trains are not a good choice when timing is an issue. Moreover, it is harder to schedule for riding a train, because trains are not available any hour you want them, for instance if you choose a train to go to Vancouver the train are available on specific times, early in the morning (about 8. 30 AM), in the afternoon (about 3. 25 PM) and at night (about 7. 40 PM). The down fall is that a flight is also the most expensive way to travel.A flight from California to New York (round trip) could cost anywhere from $500. 00 to $2,500. 00+, depending on which class (or section) you purchase your ticket for. On most commercial planes there are three sections of seating, and where you sit depends on what you are willing to pay. The best section is first class; which is very luxurious. This is the most expensive section t o sit in. It has more leg room, larger and softer chairs, better service, and hand prepared meals instead of the processed food the rest of the plane gets.Next is coach or business class; which is the middle section, it is somewhat luxurious. You get some leg room, descent service but, you still get processed food. For anyone who wants real food better spend a little extra money and fly first class. At the back of the plane you will find the economy class; which is one of the cheaper ways to fly. The service is not great, the leg room is non-existent, and you are one of the last people to get off of the plane when it lands.So, you are one of the last ones to get to the baggage claim, by the time you get there either your bags have passed by, or you are stuck behind thirty people who have no clue about what they are supposed to do, so it takes you that much longer to retrieve your bags. On the other hand, when you travel by train on a cross country trip you would have sleeping quarte rs; which would have a bed and bathrooms for yourself. During the ride you could stay in your room or roam around to the different cars; which have various uses.Traveling by train can be very relaxing because you can sit by a window while having a meal or snack and enjoy the view of the countryside, or engage in conversation with another passenger at the bar while having a drink. You can enjoy your trip with a very cheaper deal. Traveling by trains and by planes both have advantage and disadvantages. If we just want to save money, we will travel by train; but if we want to save time, we will turn to the plane. It is up to yourself to choose the right one by keeping comfort, cost and timing all in your mind.

Elizabeth The Virgin Queen Essays - British Films, Free Essays

Elizabeth The Virgin Queen Essays - British Films, Free Essays Elizabeth The Virgin Queen Elizabeth the Virgin Queen The movie Elizabeth, the tale of Britains Virgin Queen, is an enthralling movie with intriguing effects, magnificent scenery and spectacular acting. With astonishing assets such as the deep storyline of a heroine, splendid cinematography, talented actors , and masterful director techniques aid the movie to become an outstanding peace of work that can not be missed. Elizabeth transports the viewer into the realm of the Monarchy and has them holding their breath. This epic drama is portrayed as a powerful and meaningful story. The film shows the rigorous rise of Queen Elizabeth from her rotten beginnings as Queen Marys hated half-sister to her reign as one of Englands most successful Monarchs. Elizabeth details a specific political process as much as anything else, a process that enables the determined young queen to assert herself over male domination and to consolidate her rule. This throws the viewer into the compelling world of Englands Monarchy during the middle ages. And simultaneously portrays Elizabeth as A role model to striving young women everywhere. This wonderful and powerful production is aided immeasurably by the photogenic quality of the twelve gothic churches and castles in North England that were used for filming locations. These locations perfectly complemented the chiaroscuro lighting effects. The engulfing soundtrack and the fluid cinematography allows the film to encompass the viewer into the depths of the middle ages. Darkly and effectively lit by cinematographer Remi Aderfarasin and lushly illustrated by production designer John Myhre and costume designer Alexandra Byrne, Elizabeth is a magnificent artwork. Cate Blanchet gives a riveting performance in the film. Blanched not only looks like Elizabeth, but she interprets the part of a determined young lady riddled by the uncertainty of a precarious position, with great precision. Her time on the screen is a performance of worth, from the energetic, naive young girl, to the hellcat virgin queen, she literally melts white steel in the hysterical, complex spectacle. She breathes life into the revered historical figure, transforming her from an old picture on an encyclopedia page to a flesh-and-blood individual whom an audience can root for and care about. The film's flowing simplicity and powerfully engaging momentum makes Elizabeth a majestic ode to a unique woman who shaped an era. The supporting cast in this feature is also extremely talented. With Geoffrey Rush as the crucial role of Walsingham he brings sinisterly to the plot and is down right evil. The hellasious Mendel played by Christopher Eccleston brings out antagonism and mutiny. Also Sir Richard Attenboroughs ,a methodical conniver who helps Elizabeth consolidate her power, performance complements Blanchetts tremendous performance with equally impressive acting. Other actors such as John Gielgud as the Pope and Fanny Ardent as Mary of Guise also give a wonderful performance in this feature. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Elizabeth is a master piece of film that often combines the poetic rolling hills of England with demented and dark pictures of battle and imprisonment. Kapurs accent on visceral and textured lighting is wonderful. His camera is always imaginative as well, for example until she shines forth at the glorious end of the film in all her frontal iconicity, Elizabeth is continuously seen through distorting glass and flowing veils. The best visual effects of all are the dynamic close-ups and always moving camera that are continuous throughout the running time. Overall this film making con not be put aside. It is a top-notch movie highly recommended not just for the beautiful scenes and impressionable costuming but for the powerful story it represents and portrays. Anyone from teenagers on can learn and appreciate this film. It is a must see that will keep you on your toes and educate you at the same time.

Shelter in South Africa essays

Shelter in South Africa essays This is a report on the different shelters in South Africa. Africa is a huge continent that is 5,000 miles long and 4,600 miles wide. It is about three times the size of the United States. It has one of the world's largest islands: Madagascar. Many of its 52 countries constantly change their borders and names. More than 1,000 languages are spoken. The Mediterranean Sea divides this continent from Europe. The equator that divides Africa in half also makes it have enormous variety, such as its rain forests, and savanna. The fact that it has water surrounding it also has a big effect on its variety, and people. In South Africa there are many Cities and towns. In fact there are so many cities that about 44,000,000 South African citizens live in them. Cities are modern compared to Europe and the east. The native huts: the kraals and the raised huts are much less sophisticated compared to the cities. They consist of wood, mud and straw. The raised huts are good for protection from animals, and storage under it. Many herders, hunters and farmers live in these huts, though the average businessman lives in an apartment or house in the cities. Johannesburg is one of those cities. It is built on one of the richest gold deposits in the world, though the non-city huts are built on plain dirt. Johannesburg has a shortage of houses because of its growing community, though the farmers, hunters, and herder's huts get more vacant because more people are moving to the cities. The cities have large housing projects to make room, while the huts are getting torn down. The San people have houses that may appear a little more than a whole in the ground because they are always traveling, though cities obviously do not move, so they have tall buildings, and roads. The Xhosa have cylindrical houses with thatched roofs, which is extremely different from the San or the cities by the San have "hole in the ground" homes, whil ...

Profile of Richard Kuklinski

Profile of Richard Kuklinski Richard Kuklinski was one of the most diabolical, and notorious, confessed contract killers in American history. He took the credit for over 200 murders while working for various mafia families, including the murder of Jimmy Hoffa. Because of his sheer number of kills, as well as his approach to killing, many believe he should be considered a serial killer. Kuklinskis Childhood Years Richard Leonard Kuklinski was born in the projects in Jersey City, New Jersey to Stanley and Anna Kuklinski. Stanley was a severely abusive alcoholic who beat his wife and children. Anna was also abusive to her children, sometimes beating them with broom handles. In 1940, Stanleys beatings resulted in the death of Kuklinskis old brother, Florian. Stanley and Anna hid the cause of the childs death from the authorities, saying he had fallen down a flight of steps. By the age of 10, Richard Kuklinski was filled with rage and began acting out. For fun, he would torture animals, and by the age of 14, he had committed his first murder. Taking a steel clothing rod from his closet, he ambushed Charlie Lane, a local bully, and leader of a small gang who had picked on him. Unintentionally he beat Lane to death. Kuklinski felt remorse for Lanes death for a brief period, but then saw it as a way to feel powerful and in control. He then went on and nearly beat to death the remaining six gang members. Early Adulthood By his early twenties, Kuklinski had earned the reputation as being an explosive, tough street hustler who would beat or kill those who he didnt like or who offended him. According to Kuklinski, it was during this time that his association with Roy DeMeo, a member of the Gambino Crime Family, was established. As his work with DeMeo advanced his ability to be an effective killing machine was recognized. According to Kuklinski, he became a favorite hitman for the mob, resulting in the deaths of at least 200 people. The use of cyanide poison became one of his favorite weapons as well as guns, knives, and chainsaws. Brutality and torture would often precede death for many of his victims. This included his description of causing his victims to bleed, then tying them up in rat-infested areas. The rats attracted to the smell of blood would eventually eat the men alive. The Family Man Barbara Pedrici saw Kuklinski as a sweet, giving man and the two married and had three children. Much like his father, Kuklinski, who was 6 4 and weighing over 300 pounds, began to beat and terrorize Barbara and the children. On the outside, however, the Kuklinski family was admired by neighbors and friends as being happy and well adjusted. The Beginning of the End Eventually, Kuklinski started making mistakes, and the New Jersey State Police were watching him. When three associates of Kuklinskis turned up dead, a task force was organized with the New Jersey authorities and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Special Agent Dominick Polifrone went undercover and spent a year, and a half-disguised as a hit man and eventually met and gained Kuklinskis trust. Kuklinski bragged to the agent about his proficiency with cyanide and boasted about freezing a corpse to mask his time of death. Afraid Polifrone would soon become another of Kuklinskis victims; the task force moved quickly after taping some of his confessions and getting him to agree to do a hit with Polifrone. On December 17, 1986, Kuklinski was arrested and charged with five counts of murder which involved two trials. He was found guilty in the first trial and reached an agreement in the second trial and was sentenced to two life sentences. He was sent to Trenton State Prison, where his brother was serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl. Enjoying the Fame While in prison, he was interviewed by HBO for a documentary called The Iceman Confesses, then later by author Anthony Bruno, who wrote the book The Iceman as a follow-up to the documentary. In 2001, he was interviewed again by HBO for another documentary called The Iceman Tapes: Conversations With a Killer. It was during these interviews that Kuklinski confessed to several cold-blooded murders and spoke of his ability to detach himself emotionally from his own brutality. When on the subject of his family he uncharacteristically showed emotions when describing the love he felt towards them. Kuklinski Blames Childhood Abuse When asked why he had become one of the most diabolical mass murderers in history, he cast blame on his fathers abuse and admitted the one thing he was sorry for was for not killing him. Questionable Confessions Authorities do not buy everything Kuklinski claimed during the interviews. Witnesses for the government who were part of DeMeos group said Kuklinski was not involved in any murders for DeMeo. They also question the number of murders he claimed to have committed. His Suspicious Death On March 5, 2006, Kuklinski, age 70, died of unknown causes. His death came suspiciously around the same time he was scheduled to testify against Sammy Gravano. Kuklinski was going to testify that Gravano hired him to kill a police officer in the 1980s. Charges against Gravano were dropped after Kuklinskis death because of insufficient evidence. Kuklinski and the Hoffa Confession In April 2006, it was reported that Kuklinski had confessed to author Philip Carlo that he and four men had kidnapped and murdered union boss Jimmy Hoffa. In an interview aired on CNNs Larry King Live, Carlo discussed the confession in detail, explaining that Kuklinski was part of a five-member team. Under the direction of Tony Provenzano, a captain in the Genovese crime family, he kidnapped and murdered Hoffa in a restaurant parking lot in Detroit. Also on the program was Barbara Kuklinski and her daughters, who spoke about the abuse and fear they suffered at the hands of Kuklinski. There was one telling moment which described the true depth of Kuklinskis sociopathic brutality. One of the daughters, described as Kuklinskis favorite child, told of her fathers attempt to get her to understand, when she was 14, why if he killed Barbara during a fit of rage, he would also have to kill her and her brother and sister.

Jameson (2007) has defined geography as one of the possible components Essay

Jameson (2007) has defined geography as one of the possible components of cultural identity needed for cross cultural communicat - Essay Example The operations of a multinational corporation are often performed in a multicultural environment and their successes require the managers to have deeper insights about these forces. The managers of such organization cannot succeed in the global market if they only have an understanding of their domestic cultures (Becker, 2000, p.2). One of the components that constitute the culture of a group is the geographical location. This paper focuses on geography as determinant of culture as well as how managers can utilize it in corporate management. Thesis Geography is an important component culture that has to be considered when planning operational strategies like products/ services promotion, setting prices, advertising or market segmentation. The Culture of a Group of Individuals The culture of a particular group of people defines the way of life that is practiced by these people. It entails the social laws, values, beliefs, and practices that are considered appropriate for life among a given group of people. It has been termed as the ‘coherent, learned, shared view of a group of people about life’s concern that ranks what is important, furnishes attitudes about what things are appropriate, and dictates behavior’ (Jameson, 2007, p.210). The individuals in a given geographical location will tend to share beliefs and values that define their culture. The culture will define what the group of individuals consider right or wrong and it provides a check to the acceptable behavior of the individuals within the group. The culture of a particular group of people can emerge from different dimensions. It can be defined biologically, geographically, by the language, at places of work (vocation), through a social class, or based on some philosophical principles (Jameson, 2007, p.210). The culture of a given community also affects the consumer behavior in the community (Onkvisit and Shaw, 2008, p.185). The language as another important component of culture i s very influential in the ability of individuals to interact in a multicultural environment. As one traverses across cultures, he will experience tone variations in different language, ethnic or racial groups. An individual that is to operate in such diverse cultural settings is required to be conversant with the language perceptions in these distinct groups. Geography as a key Component of Culture Geography is an important component of culture that has to be considered by businesses that operate on the global scene. It has been noted that the culture of a given group of individuals can be defined by different factors. The geographical location of a group of people is one important component of their culture that creates distinct cultural groups. Individuals can develop a given culture because they are of the same nationality (Jameson, 2007, p.213). Similarly, within the national boundaries are further differences that may reflect on the culture. The way of life of individuals in a given region within a country can be significantly different from the way of life in another part of the country. The life style in the cities and other urban regions in a given country may not be the same as the life style in the rural areas. The attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors of these groups of individuals often differ. Such