Are you taking advantage of every option available to your retirement plan? Many investors and consumers are taking total control of their IRA and saying “we’ll take it from here” when it comes to their investment portfolio in their IRA.

Investors are getting the information and education and building their own investment skills. They are taking the step and deciding that others will not vote on their money and are taking advantage of markets they know, understand and want to exert some say over. If this sounds like you, then you need an Entrust self-directed IRA account.

The leaders in self-directed retirement plans, Entrust has offices nationwide. To find a local office near you visit www.theentrustgroup.com

With condominium foreclosures up significantly this year, associations across the country are try innovative tactics to save themselves from financial disaster with the growing foreclosures in this particular market.

Foreclosures affect condominium association revenue. If the owner is not paying their mortgage, they certainly are not paying their condominium fees either. Many associations plan to use funds in reserve to acquire foreclosed condos and rent them out for income and to repay the association plus eventually they hope to sell them when the market improves.

If you are interested in investing in the condo market, these associations could be a gold mine of opportunity.

Is now the right time to start a new business?

More people are launching their own firms to make ends meet. Since becoming unemployed and having little success of finding their dream job, professionals are taking the leap, embracing the “I’ve got nothing to lose” philosophy and starting their own business.

If you are seriously considering do the same, contact the local chapter of SCORE. This organization is made up of retired business owners and professionals who can give you tips to success.

In addition, the SBA is still making loans to new start ups; your local chamber of commerce has a new members component to help you develop a network and referral business as well as there are lead generation/mastermind groups such as BNI (Business Networking International) that are all over the country.

Perhaps with a little help from these friends, this might be a great time to start anew!

We hear and read “we’re working our way out of a recession”, or the government is working with lenders to be more flexible with homeowners. But what is really going on?

The facts: it is getting harder then ever for consumers to manage their debt, unemployment is still high and many homeowners who have had to do loan modifications are worse off today then before and finally, most consumers believe that taxes will have no choice but to rise

What is the answer? Stash some cash for a rainy day. Try to put away as much as you can as an emergency reserve, cut back on spending, try paying by cash instead of credit and get your financial house in order. Unfortunately, the situation calls for proper planning and caution

Attention Landlords: Finally, some good news on the rental home front.

Have you heard the latest saying? “The New American Dream” – “Renting”

That’s right, many financial publications are suggesting people rent instead of buy. Foreclosures are at an all time high leaving people who once owned real estate in a desperate situation. The rental markets are tightening on properties where landlords are in a good financial position and can attract long-term tenants who will take good care of the property and are just thrilled to live in your home.

As a landlord you can increase the odds of being successful by following these simple steps.

1. Screen your tenants fairly.
2. Have them sign a credit authorization before you pull any credit.
3. Do a criminal background check to make you feel comfortable.
4. Use the internet to research them and,
5. Don’t discount their hardships but be sure to get the full story. If there are any dings on their credit it’s important that they are truthful of why they were foreclosed on or what their existing circumstances are.

Now may be the time for the long term buy and hold strategy is finally coming into vogue.

We are seeing a market of tenants with quality that has not been seen in years. However, as with everything in life, do your due diligence.

Seize the opportunity to take advantage of a brand that has engaged consumers for over 28 years!

With local offices in major metropolitan areas as well as local neighborhoods, staffed by professionals who recognize your need for control, Entrust is your solution to your self-directed retirement plan needs.

Entrust does record keeping and administration for investors who make the move to take control and grow their portfolios with investments they know, understand and select. Entrust offers no investment opportunities or advice.

If you are ready to make your move from traditional investments to investments you select, then you need Entrust. Visit their website at www.theentrustgroup.com

In the last few years companies have popped up saying they are record keepers for self-directed retirement plans, but are they really? Experience, expertise, and outstanding service along with your security should be what make you choose Entrust! Get started with a local office today.

This came to me by my friend Kathy! I hope you don’t ever have to use this advice but better to be safe.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, the people who work in your doctor’s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

If you hear a suspicious noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this; it’s a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Give it a try and test it. The panic button should work from most everywhere inside your house and the lights will flash, and your horn will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won’t stick around… After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won’t want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there ….. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or prevent a sexual abuse crime from happening.

Seize the opportunity to take advantage of a brand that has engaged consumers for over 28 years!

With local offices in major metropolitan areas as well as local neighborhoods, staffed by professionals who recognize your need for control, Entrust is your solution to your self-directed retirement plan needs.

Entrust does record keeping and administration for investors who make the move to take control and grow their portfolios with investments they know, understand and select. Entrust offers no investment opportunities or advice.

If you are ready to make your move from traditional investments to investments you select, then you need Entrust. Check them out at www.theentrustgroup.com

In the last few years companies have popped up saying they are record keepers for self-directed retirement plans, but are they? Experience, expertise, and outstanding service along with your security should be what make you choose Entrust! Get started with a local office today.

Set your TiVo or block out some tv-time this week! Maria Shriver is presenting a weeklong programming series on the state of 21st-century U.S. women which begins October 18.

The shows will be broadcast on NBC so check your local listings for times and channels near you!

Got stress? Here are 3 simple tips to leave that stress behind!

1. Play that funky music. The faster the tune, the more upbeat you will be!

2. Mix up your routine. Do something out of the ordinary. Take a different route to work, have cereal for dinner or visit that fancy restaurant and treat yourself!

3. Host a support group of other stressed out women. Let’s face it we are all stressed out about one thing or another, host a group. Make new friends and let some of your negative energy out in safe environment.