RichardBejah.com BLOG

Retirement Adequacy

Richard Bejah — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:50:00 GMT

Financial Quote
"Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days... What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1749-1832, Poet, Novelist and Scientist

Retirement Adequacy
Markets have improved but over 40% of workers are still behind in retirement savings

For most Australians improvements in the stock markets have enhanced the retirement lifestyle they will be able to afford but over 40% of the workforce is not saving enough for a comfortable retirement, according to the latest AMP Retirement Adequacy Index.

The Retirement Adequacy Index
(based on data to from June 2009 and produced by Access Economics for AMP)

Compares Australians’ savings against a target set at 65% of pre-retirement living standards. It also takes into account all 3 elements of the Australian retirement savings system: superannuation, the age pension and personal savings.

The Index found around 4.5 million Australians do not have sufficient savings for a comfortable retirement; an increase compared to six months ago. Among this group, the average shortfall is 9%.

In the six months to June 2009, super balances rose on average by 6.9% per member, thanks to improvements in the Australian share market, which regained nearly half of the losses seen during 2008.

Average super contribution rates held steady at 12.5%. This was due to members aged over 55 who increased their contributions by 3.5 percentage points. Those under 40 years decreased their super contribution rates and as a result, more younger workers are now slipping behind the savings they need to fund a comfortable retirement, while comfortable retirement incomes are within reach for most older workers.

The Retirement Adequacy Index showed no improvements in women’s superannuation balances with women remaining far behind their male counterparts. Female workers now face retirement incomes 17% lower than male workers. Females aged between 30 to 39 years are experiencing the greatest shortfall in superannuation.

To download the full report go to www.amp.com.au/adequacy.

To find out how to make the most of your super, go to www.amp.com.au/super.

If you have any questions or need help to understand how these strategies affect your personal situation we would be happy to help.

What you need to know

The Retirement Adequacy Index has been prepared by financial forecaster, Access Economics, based on a number of assumptions which are set out in the full report. You will need to read the assumptions carefully to properly assess and understand the Index’s findings.

Information current as of February 2010. This article contains general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your personal circumstances. If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial planner, AMP Financial Planning and other companies within the AMP Group will receive fees and other benefits, which will be a percentage of either the premium you pay or the value of your investment. You can ask us for further details about this.

*Richard G Bejah CFP is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

Richard G Bejah Dip FP, ANZIIF(Aff) CIP, AFPA,

Certified Financial Planner
& Authorised Representative
AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited
ABN 89 051 208 327
AFS License Number 232706

Richard G Bejah
Trading as:- bejahfinancial.com.au
ABN 86 060 700 547

1 Alpine Crescent Grindelwald Tasmania 7277
Tel:- (03) 6330 2510
Fax:- (03) 6330 2149
Mobile 0417 399463
e-mail: richardg.bejah@ampfp.com.au

Internet: http://onlinefinancialplanner.net

CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM and are certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Australia Limited is the marks licensing authority for the CFP Marks in Australia, through agreement with FPSB.

@bejahfinancial

DISCLAIMER:
The information in this article does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore before acting on the information, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Although this information was obtained from sources considered reliable, it is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This publication was taken from an article prepared by AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 89 051 208 327. The information when published February 2010 was correct and may change over time.

AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited ABN 89 051 208 327, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 232706. Information from this site is only made available through our terms and conditions.

Please also view our privacy statement and Financial Services Guide.

I found this video on You tube today thought it appropriate and relevent to this story even though from another Financial Planning group based in Canberra ACT Australia. Please enjoy...

I do hope you enjoyed ...

Richard Bejah :0)

IF you liked this Financial Services Business BLOG checkout
my Last 3 Blogs:-

http://richardbejah.com/2010/02/27/2010--an-interesting-year.aspx

http://richardbejah.com/2010/02/27/market-snapshot--whats-on-the-horizon.aspx

http://richardbejah.com/2010/01/31/laughing-your-way-to-good-health-and-fitness.aspx

Story of the Rose

Richard Bejah — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:34:00 GMT

http://bejah.iSofa.tv

\

Take a 1 minute break.       Today's TOPIC

"Make A Difference - Being LOVED!"
Click to play...>>

~ by Mal Garvin BreakThru GENERATION

Daily Quote:- "You are the conductor of your own attitude! Nobody else can compose your thoughts for you." ~ Lee J. Colan

"…not only nobody can compose your thoughts - BUT nobody has the right to even try to compose or manipulate your thoughts. You are the conductor of your future (via your choices)!" ~ Terry Osborne

Story of the Rose

The old man eased into a booth next to a window and made himself comfortable as he watched his grandson while he waited for their order at the counter. The old man looked forward to these Saturday visits with his grandson. This had become a tradition, which had started twelve years earlier when Bobby was four.

One morning the old man had taken Bobby’s chubby little hand in his, and without telling Bobby where they were going, led him along as they walked the three blocks to McDonalds. Once at McDonalds the old man treated Bobby to a Happy Meal and he had a cup of coffee while they talked about puppies, broken crayons or some other earth-shaking event in a four year olds life. Then on the next Saturday, Bobby grabbed the old man’s hand and said "C’mon Poppy, sgo to M’Donnel’s", ..... and so it was, each Saturday there after. Every now and again they would miss a Saturday for some reason or another but most Saturday’s you could find them sharing a booth, talking about things in general and nothing in particular.

This Saturday was going to be a little different. The old man had seen a change in his grandson and he was hoping that he would be able to talk with him about it.

Over the years the old man had watched closely as his grandson grew. He had seen many changes take place, most were expected and for the most part, the old man was pleased in the way Bobby had developed, but lately he had seen some things that were disturbing to him. Bobby was raised in a Christian home and had a practical knowledge of the bible, however, this area in Bobby’s life still needed some nurturing. Some months earlier the old man had noticed that Bobby was not as faithful in attending church services as he had been. When he asked Bobby about his declining attendance, Bobby told him that he needed to study for finals. The final exams had come and gone and Bobby’s attendance had not improved; yet seemed to slack off even more. The old man had also seen a change in Bobby’s attitude toward his parents. Bobby had always been cheerful and happy, he had always been obedient, doing what he was told and not daring to do what was forbidden, but that had changed. At first Bobby continued to obey his parents, although with noted reluctance, then slowly his attitude deteriorated into outright rebellion and now Bobby was starting to do the things that were forbidden. The old man knew it was past time for a talk and hoped that he would be able to reach Bobby, to once again grab that chubby little hand and lead him.

Bobby slid into the booth facing his grandfather and held a cup of coffee across the table with an outstretched arm,

"Here you go Poppy."

The old man reached out and took the cup into both hands, placing it on the table in front of him. The old man stared into the cup for a long while, contemplating what to say, he knew he would have to choose his words carefully. He thought of telling Bobby the parable of the prodigal son, but he knew that in Bobby’s present state that story would not work. Bobby was no dummy, he would quickly see where the conversation was headed and shut the old man out long before his point was made. Silently the old man turned to his constant companion and said, "Lord, help me, give me the words."

To buy a little time the old man looked up into Bobby’s eyes and asked, "How’s it going?"

"Okay, I guess.” Bobby replied.

"You don’t seem very happy. Is everything okay?"

"Ahh, you know, Mom and Dad are always on my case, I can’t do nothin’. I wanna hang with the guys and they just want me to stay home, mow the yard and clean my room. They’re always hassling me. I need some excitement, I wanna get out more. I wanna go do things and be where it’s at! You know!"

There was a short pause and the old man could see that Bobby was trying to decide if he should speak the next words. Finally Bobby said, " I’ve been thinking ‘bout getting out on my own, you know, leavin’ home, movin’ out."

"There’s the youth group at church, you could..."

"Nahhh!" Bobby cut the old man off in mid sentence, "They never do anything good, they just play stupid games or study the bible, never anything worth while, never anything that is any fun."

The old man looked out of the window and there he saw a rose bush in bloom. He noted how some of the roses were mature flowers, while others were beginning to blossom and some were just a bud. "How beautiful!” thought the old man, ... and as he gazed at the rose bush, a story unfolded within him.

"Did I ever tell you the story about the rose?" asked the old man.

Bobby, who had heard many of his grandfather’s stories, sucked noisily on his straw as he squinted one eye and glanced towards the ceiling, deep in thought. Finally his lips reluctantly released the straw as he replied,

"Nope, don’t remember a story ‘bout a rose."

"Well, there was this beautiful rose bush, kind of like that one there,” the old man pointed to the rose bush just outside the window as be began to unwind his tale. Bobby glanced out the window at the rose bush as he took a long suck on his straw; he then turned his attention back to the old man. When the old man saw that he had Bobby’s attention he continued, "Instead of being outside of a fast food restaurant, this rose bush was in the garden of a home, very much like the one in front of my house. This one rose had just begun to bloom and was opening it’s petals for all the world to see. Ever since he was just a little bud the rose liked being on the bush with the other roses. The rose became accustomed to the gentle breezes that swayed it back and forth causing it to frolic and play with the other roses on the bush. Each morning the rose looked forward to the warm rays of the sun on its petals after the coolness of the night.

During the day the rose would raise its blossom toward the sky and watch the clouds as they sailed along and made themselves into different shapes.

People would walk by on the sidewalk, glance at the rose and make remarks like,

‘Oh, how pretty!’ or ‘What a beautiful flower!’

Each day the rose would blossom a little more and was well on its way to becoming a magnificent flower. The rose looked forward to the frequent visits of a bumble bee who would gently land upon its petals and poke around, looking for nectar, it tickled and made the rose very happy. Then one day the rose happened to look toward the house and through a window it saw another rose. This rose was standing majestically in a tall slender vase that sat in the middle of the dining room table. The rose watched as the family gathered around the table as a meal was served, there was talking and laughing and stories being told. ‘Oh! Wow!’ said the rose, ‘That’s where I want to be. If only I could be a rose in a vase on the dining room table, instead of having to be out here in the garden.’ After seeing that other rose in the house, standing so tall and majestic on the dining room table, that was all the rose could think about, it wanted to be in the center of all of that excitement, like that other rose. No longer did the rose become excited over the visits of the bumble bee, no longer did it think the warm rays of the sun felt good, no longer did it enjoy being swayed by the breeze, it quit frolicking with the other roses and stopped watching the clouds, ‘That’s boring!’ thought the rose.

Then one day the rose saw the owner of the house coming toward the rose bush with clippers in his hand. ‘Oh! This is my chance.’ thought the rose. The rose opened its petals as wide as it could and strained to stand tall so the owner would notice. Excitement surged through the rose as it saw that the owner drew near, then it felt the owner’s grasp and felt the clippers tighten against its stem ... and then, "SNIP". It was a little painful at first, but the new felt freedom quickly overcame the pain of being cut from the bush.

‘I’m free, I’m free!’ thought the rose.

The rose was taken into the house, placed into a vase, which was filled with water, and sure enough, its dream was fulfilled, the owner set the vase in the middle of the dining room table. The rose was so excited everything seemed so wonderful. The rose had achieved what it had desired for so long. The rose surveyed its new world; the vase was very pretty, although it was a bit confining and didn’t allow for much moving around. The room was small, dim, and somewhat plain, not at all like being outside, but the rose could see out of the window. Of course the view was limited, the rose could not see the sky and it wondered what shapes the clouds were in. Suddenly the rose realized that it was hungry. While it was growing up the bush had liberally supplied all of the necessary nourishment that the rose had required, but now it no longer received that nourishment. The rose had to suck hard at the water in the vase to draw just a little up through its stem. This was not at all what the rose was used to, this was difficult and it was tiring. It was hard work to draw the water up through its stem and it required much of the rose’s time just to get enough nourishment to sustain life.

The rose sighed and took a deep breath realizing that the air in the house was stale, and it was so hot in the house, there was no breeze what so ever.

The rose looked out of the window and saw the bush on which it had budded. The rose saw that outside the breeze was blowing and the other roses were swaying and frolicking together. ‘Oh! It would be so nice, just to feel a little breeze.’ thought the rose, ‘but then after all, wasn’t this where it wanted to be? Wasn’t it better to be here in the house? Wasn’t it better to be here in the middle of all of the excitement? Wait a minute’, ... the rose looked around, it was quiet in the house, no one was talking, no one was laughing no one was sitting at the table. Listening carefully the rose thought that it heard voices in another part of the house but was not sure. ‘Where is all of the excitement?’ thought the rose, ‘There isn’t any here that’s for sure.’

Glancing out the window the rose saw the bumblebee flitting among the other roses on the bush, it was sure the bumblebee was looking for him.

The rose waved its petals and stood as tall as it could, trying to attract the bumblebee, but the bumblebee didn’t notice. The rose suddenly felt very tired and noticed that it was difficult to hold up its petals and that its stem was beginning to get a little limp. The rose sucked hard at the water in the vase but it didn’t seem to help much. Darkness came quickly and the house grew very quiet. The rose was lonely and felt forsaken. Finally it fell asleep, hoping that things would look brighter on the next day.

The rose awoke early on the next morning and was anxious for the sun’s rays to warm it. There on the edge of the table was a shaft of sun light which moved slowly toward the rose. The rose prepared itself to receive the warming ray, but the ray stopped short just inches away. ‘What’s this?’, thought the rose. Then the rose noticed that the sun was blocked by the edge of the window and the ray could never reach where the rose sat in the vase on the dining room table.

The rose was very sad and hung its blossom, glancing down at the tabletop. ‘

What’s that?’ thought the rose. Looking closer the rose noticed that several of its petals had fallen out during the night and were lying on the table top near the bottom of the vase. ‘I can’t let this happen!’ thought the rose and it tried to lift its blossom, but it was just too weak. The rose drew hard on the water in the vase, but now found it was even more difficult to get nourishment than it had been on the previous day.

‘What’s happening to me?’ thought the rose. ‘My stem is so very limp and my petals are falling out. It’s so stuffy in this house, ... if only I could get some fresh air.’

The day drug on slowly for the rose, on several occasions it tried to look outside but it was just too weak. It was unable to even turn its blossom towards the window and even if it had been able to face the window, it did not have the strength to raise up high enough to see outside. By mid day its stem was drooped over the edge of the vase and the rose’s blossom was hanging so low it almost touched the tabletop. More of the rose’s petals had fallen out and lay on the table just beneath the rose. Just then the rose felt its stem being grasped by the owner’s hand. It was lifted out of the vase and carried towards the back door. Hope sprang up in the rose as it saw that it was being taken outside. Once in the fresh air the rose felt a sudden exhilaration and it tried to look around to see where it was. Then the rose felt itself falling, the wind rushed past, and the rose saw the sky rushing away as it fell. Then, "PLOP!"... Being outside in the open air had refreshed the rose, some of its strength had returned and it managed to lift its blossom to look around. There it lay, right on top of the compost heap, among the hedge clippings, potato peelings and rotting melon rind. The sudden realization of what had happened to the rose was a terrible blow, from which it would not recover... Now, all hope was gone, the rose was so very very weak. Even though it was just past midday, darkness began to close around the rose. The rose managed to get one last glimpse of sunlight just before being completely covered over by grass clippings that were added to the heap.

Then, .. total darkness, ... complete stillness, ... and silence............

The old man raised the styrofoam cup up and took the last sip of coffee as he slid out into the aisle and stood up. He started walking toward the door and looked back over his shoulder to where Bobby was still sitting in the booth, "Are you coming?” he asked.

Bobby didn’t answer and sat motionless as he stared out of the window at the rose bush.

"Are you coming?" the old man asked again.

"Huh? ... Oh! ... Yeah, I’m coming.” Bobby said as he slid out into the aisle still staring at the rose bush.

Bobby was silent during their walk home. The old man ambled along with his hands in his pant’s pockets, softly humming ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’, and wondered if he had reached his grandson.

When they arrived at the house, Bobby went inside, still without saying a word. With all of the talk about roses, the old man thought that it would be nice if he would cut some roses and bring in a big bouquet for the dining room table. The old man went to the garage, got his clippers and walked back out to the front yard. He stood in front of the rose bush and examined the roses, finally selecting one; he reached out and took it in his hand. Just as he was about to clip the rose, he felt a hand on his shoulder. The old man turned to see his grandson standing there with a look of concern on his face.

"Poppy," there was a crack in Bobby’s voice, he cleared his throat and then quickly continued, "don’t you think that rose would be much happier if you left it right there on the bush?"

The old man stared into Bobby’s eyes and there he thought that he saw a tear beginning to form.

“I think you’re right." said the old man as he reached up and patted the hand that was still on his shoulder, noting that although it was not as chubby as it used to be, it was still a very nice hand, ... a very nice hand indeed.

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” ~Proverbs 4:1

Author - Mike Boudreaux   boodrow@sosinet.net

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2010 - An interesting year

Richard Bejah — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:05:00 GMT

Financial Quote "It's income tax time again, time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms, sharpen up that pencil, and stab yourself in the aorta." ~Dave Barry

2010 An Interesting Year!

With the renewed optimism in financial markets and the reported end of the recent global financial crisis, comes inevitable interest rate rises. Now is the time to think about what impact rate rises may have on your financial situation.

Recent economic data suggests that the worst of the global financial crisis has now passed and as a result, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has suggested that the recent interest rate rises we’ve seen won’t be the last.

The RBA will eventually increase interest rates to ‘neutral’ levels of around 5%, where rates will not stimulate economic activity by being too low, and not block activity by being too high. This proposed rate is significantly higher than the current level of 3.75%.

Interest rates and you

Although it might be some time before we see interest rates at 5%, it is a good idea to think about how this type of increase may affect you, before it happens.

Debt

For variable rate mortgages, higher interest rates will mean higher repayments. If interest rates are around 5%, standard variable mortgage rates are likely to be between 7.5–8.5% p.a. Interest rates on other loans, such as personal loans and credit cards, will also be around 2–2.5% pa higher than current rates. It’s important to ensure you can manage any potential increased repayment levels.

Bonds

Higher interest rates are likely to be bad news for bond holders and bond funds, because as interest rates rise, their capital value diminishes. However, as these assets are generally priced in the fixed interest market (which tends to anticipate changes in interest rates before they occur), we have already witnessed at least some of these changes.

Cash holdings

On the other hand, higher interest rates are good news for those with cash holdings. Banks will pay higher levels of interest on accounts, and term deposit rates are likely to rise. It’s now time to make sure your accounts meet your needs and have the potential to pay higher interest.

Growth assets

For growth assets, such as property and shares, rising interest rates can be a double-edged sword. The fact that interest rates are rising, means the economy is getting stronger, so the environment for these assets is positive.

However, residential property prices may become less affordable, and there may be some pressure on share prices as higher income yields for lower risk, are sought by investors.

Sources

www.rba.gov.au

http://www.rba.gov.au “Opening Statement to House of Representatives
Standing Committee on Economics” Governor Glenn Stevens 14 August 2009

http://www.sbs.com.au “Economy to grow this year” AFP August 7 2009

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au “Reserve Bank shifts to neutral by removing easing bias” M Stutchbury August 4 2009

*Richard G Bejah CFP is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

Richard G Bejah Dip FP, ANZIIF(Aff) CIP, AFPA,

Certified Financial Planner
& Authorised Representative
AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited
ABN 89 051 208 327
AFS License Number 232706

Richard G Bejah
Trading as:- bejahfinancial.com.au
ABN 86 060 700 547

1 Alpine Crescent Grindelwald Tasmania 7277
Tel:- (03) 6330 2510
Fax:- (03) 6330 2149
Mobile 0417 399463
e-mail: richardg.bejah@ampfp.com.au

Internet: http://onlinefinancialplanner.net

@bejahfinancial

DISCLAIMER:
The information in this article does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore before acting on the information, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Although this information was obtained from sources considered reliable, it is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This publication was taken from an article prepared by AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 89 051 208 327. The information when published February 2010 was correct and may change over time.

AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited ABN 89 051 208 327, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 232706.
Information from this site is only made available through our terms and conditions.
Please also view our privacy statement and Financial Services Guide.

Copyright 1999-2010. bejahfinancial.com.au

I do hope you enjoyed ...

Richard Bejah :0)

IF you liked this Financial Services Business BLOG checkout
my Last 3 Blogs:-

http://richardbejah.com/2010/02/27/market-snapshot--whats-on-the-horizon.aspx

http://richardbejah.com/2010/01/31/laughing-your-way-to-good-health-and-fitness.aspx

http://richardbejah.com/2010/02/09/how-to-make-it-through-redundancy.aspx

Market snapshot - what’s on the horizon

Richard Bejah — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:56:00 GMT

Daily Quote "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Market snapshot - what’s on the horizon

Since worldwide markets bottomed-out in March 2009, concerted efforts by governments across the globe have resulted in significant market improvements into 2010.

Read more about how the new environment is affecting your assets.

Following significant share market falls around the world in 2008, 2009 also started on a bleak note with global share markets falling around 10% in the first quarter. However, as a result of concerted efforts by governments across the globe, most markets bottomed-out in March. Since then, global credit markets have improved significantly, while share markets have posted gains of around 50%; the median balanced fund option returning a 10.07% one-year return as at the end of November 2009*.

*SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, 30 November 2009.

What are diversified investors likely to have seen?
The following table shows the median returns for diversified investment funds, compared with the same period for the Australian share market (the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index).

Median diversified investment returns for period to:
31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009

                                                         1 Year end               1 year end           5 year end
                                                            2008*                        2009*                  2009*
Investment Profile

Conservative diversified fund               -7.2%                     9.31%                4.68%

Balanced diversified fund                   -22.0%                   12.83%                4.89%

Aggressive diversified fund             -32.8%                   17.01%                4.54%

S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index -38.44%#                37.03%             # 8.36%

One year return @ 31/12/08* One year return @ 31/12/09* 5 year return @ 31/12/09*

* Source: InTech Super Survey. Returns quoted are net of tax and ongoing fees.
# Source: Factset.

Please note: the above investment returns are not specific to your account. Your investment returns may differ from these median returns and in addition these median returns do not reflect withdrawals. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The above median returns should be used as a guide only. The period ended 31 December 2009 was the most recent data available at the time this table was prepared.

Why haven’t diversified funds shown the same recovery as share markets?

Diversified funds have a diversified mix of assets. So just as they did not fall as much as share markets in 2008, they have not risen as much as share markets in 2009.

For example, aggressive funds include assets such as property, while conservative funds include a greater allocation to defensive assets such as bonds.

Despite the recovery in share markets, some other asset classes have experienced significant setbacks over the past 12 months. For example, direct property returned around -8%, and similarly, private equity and infrastructure returned around -10%.

In addition to the above, the appreciation of the Australian dollar has held back returns from international investments where the associated foreign currency exposure has been unhedged.

Markets continue to move and different assets may move in different directions over the same period, impacting the overall return of diversified funds.

What’s expected looking forward?
Shane Oliver, AMP Capital Chief Economist, says:

“Looking forward, our view is that unlisted assets such as direct property, private equity and infrastructure - which are a component of many diversified funds - are close to their low point and some recovery is likely in 2010. Despite the experience of the past year, we believe that these assets substantially enhance the risk and return characteristics of diversified funds over long periods as they tend to outperform at different stages of the market cycle to listed assets such as shares and listed property.

We expect further gains in share markets in 2010 due to the combination of improving economic and profit growth, low inflation and relatively low interest rates. Australian shares are likely to continue to outperform global shares, reflecting their higher dividend yields and stronger growth prospects. Asian and emerging markets are also likely to perform strongly, though with some volatility in returns.”

If you have any questions or would like to know more about these strategies please give us a call.

For the latest market updates, including a monthly market update video featuring Shane Oliver, go to www.amp.com.au/volatility.

What you need to know
Information current as of February 2010. This article contains general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your personal circumstances. If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial planner, AMP Financial Planning and other companies within the AMP Group will receive fees and other benefits, which will be a percentage of either the premium you pay or the value of your investment.

You can ask us for further details about this.

*Richard G Bejah CFP is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

Richard G Bejah Dip FP, ANZIIF(Aff) CIP, AFPA,

Certified Financial Planner
& Authorised Representative
AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited
ABN 89 051 208 327
AFS License Number 232706

Richard G Bejah
Trading as:- bejahfinancial.com.au
ABN 86 060 700 547

1 Alpine Crescent Grindelwald Tasmania 7277
Tel:- (03) 6330 2510
Fax:- (03) 6330 2149
Mobile 0417 399463
e-mail: richardg.bejah@ampfp.com.au

Internet: http://onlinefinancialplanner.net

@bejahfinancial

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Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification

Richard Bejah — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:19:00 GMT

Learn more about Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem

To learn more about the science behind the film, see a list of citations.

ACID TEST, a film produced by NRDC, was made to raise awareness about the largely unknown problem of ocean acidification, which poses a fundamental challenge to life in the seas and the health of the entire planet. Like global warming, ocean acidification stems from the increase of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Leading scientific experts on the problem, many of whom appear in the film and the outtakes below, believe that it's possible to cut back on global warming pollution, improve the overall health and durability of our oceans, and prevent serious harm to our world, but only if action is taken quickly and decisively.

The film originally aired on Discovery Planet Green. An Entertainment Industry Foundation grant provided the core funding for this film. Cinematographers Howard and Michele Hall and Nel Boshoff provided footage, and many other people assisted greatly in the making of ACID TEST.

To learn more about the movie and who was responsible for it (and get an idea of what it was like to work with narrator Sigourney Weaver), read co-director Daniel Hinerfeld's blog

Video Extras

Acid Test Trailer

See the 2 minute trailer for ACID TEST.

Acid Test mentioned in the Senate

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) describes NRDC's 'Acid Test' movie during markup of the Climate Change & Energy Bill in the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.

Acid Test Outtake: Coral Reefs

Scientists Lisa Suatoni, Ken Caldeira and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg discuss the damage ocean acidification is causing coral reefs, and Lisa Suatoni shares a personal anecdote about snorkeling with her children.

Acid Test Outtake: Food Web

Fisherman Bruce Steele shares his theory about why we care less about the oceans, and scientists Steve Palumbi and Ken Caldeira explain how the largest creatures in the ocean are dependent on the smallest ones. They explain how ocean acidification could disrupt the entire food web, with dire consequences.

Acid Test Outtake: Chemistry

What happens when excess carbon dioxide mixes with ocean water? How does that affect our planet? Fisherman Bruce Steele and several scientists (Victoria Fabry, Ken Caldeira, Steve Palumbi and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg) explain what's happening to our oceans, and why ocean acidification is such an urgent issue.

Acid Test Outtake: Policy

How can ocean acidification be prevented? NRDC's Ralph Cavanagh and scientists Ken Caldeira, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg and Steve Palumbi discuss the steps we need to take, and how helping our oceans can directly benefit for our economy.

Acid Test Outtake: Making The Choice

Scientist Steve Palumbi discusses what's at stake, and Ken Caldeira explains how this is not just an economic issue, but also a moral one. Both men talk about their frustration that we don't seem to be doing enough to prevent this catastrophe. (Also featuring fisherman Bruce Steele, and scientists Lisa Suatoni and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg.)

NRDC interviews Philippe Cousteau

Philippe Cousteau discusses the consequences of ocean acidification and offers tips on what individuals can do to help.

ACID TEST: This groundbreaking NRDC documentary explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge marine life on a scale not seen for tens of millions of years. Featuring Sigourney Weaver.

Directed by: Tristan Bayer & Daniel Hinerfeld
Produced by: Erin Kiley & Daniel Hinerfeld
Associated Produced by: Lisa Whiteman, Lisa Suitoni, Tristan Bayer
Edited by: Christopher S. Johnson
Director of Photography: Tristan Bayer
Underwater Cinematography: Howard and Michele Hall
Aerial Cinematography: Nel Boshoff
Music by: Andy Troy, Peter DiStefano and Kevin Haskins
Animations by: Jake Maymudes

Produced for the Natural Resources Defense Council. NRDC.org

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

Richard Bejah — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:27:00 GMT

http://bejah.iSofa.tv

Click to play...>>
Take a 1 minute break.       Today's TOPIC
"How do you cope with emotional conflict"
-BreakThru GENERATION

Daily Quote:- "How does one keep from "growing old inside"? Surely only in community. The only way to make friends with time is to stay friends with people…. Taking community seriously not only gives us the companionship we need, it also relieves us of the notion that we are indispensable."
~ Robert McAfee Brown

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar... he shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided.

"I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life."

The golf balls are the important things:-

- Your family

- Your children

- Your health

- Your friends

- and Your favourite passions

and if everything else was lost and only they remained, our life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else ---the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you."

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness."

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.

Set your priorities.

"The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said,

"I'm glad you asked......

The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Click to play...>>
Take a 1 minute break.       Today's TOPIC
"How do you cope with emotional conflict"
-BreakThru GENERATION

"LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS...
IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!" ~Anonymous

This Blog is to help in your life and lead to Success for you

I do hope you enjoy...

Richard Bejah :0)

IF you liked this BLOG checkout
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Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification

Learn more about Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem

To learn more about the science behind the film, see a list of citations.

Video Extras

Acid Test Trailer

Acid Test mentioned in the Senate

Acid Test Outtake: Coral Reefs

Acid Test Outtake: Food Web

Acid Test Outtake: Chemistry

Acid Test Outtake: Policy

Acid Test Outtake: Making The Choice

NRDC interviews Philippe Cousteau

More on Switchboard

Take Action Now!

Save our Oceans from Acidification

Order the DVD

Host a viewing party of Acid Test

Reviews and Promos

Credits

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

RichardBejah.com BLOG

Retirement Adequacy

Story of the Rose

2010 - An interesting year

Market snapshot - what’s on the horizon

Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification

Learn more about Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 ProblemTo learn more about the science behind the film, see a list of citations.

Video Extras

More on Switchboard

Take Action Now!

Save our Oceans from Acidification

Order the DVD

Host a viewing party of Acid Test

Reviews and Promos

Credits

Related NRDC Webpages:

Related NRDC Documents:

Related Websites:

RichardBejah

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

Learn more about Ocean Acidification: The Other CO2 Problem

To learn more about the science behind the film, see a list of citations.