Well, even though many of you have not noticed, I have been gone for a while. Spring break came about rather quickly and thus, taking the wife and three daughters to Disney to "play" and spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa snowbird occupied a lot of time.

We all had a wonderful time and were blessed with wonderful weather, rest, golf and safe travel.

I have spent a little bit more than I would have liked over the past month or so both on vacation and other things, however, starting today, I have recomitted myself to getting back on the "mortgage prepayment" train.

Anyway, it is nice to see some familiar faces and even a couple of new one. Happy savings everyone and God Bless you all!

I was messing around online the other evening when one of those cavemen commercials came on for Geico.

I decided to try their online quotes. Well, I found out two things within a few minutes:

1. My current insurance agent who handles my home, auto, motorcycle, camper, rental and corporate insurance policies was NOT doing her job, and;

2. I saved...get this, over $700.00 a year on auto insurance. I went from paying $1200/year to about $500!!!!! I could not believe it. I knew my driving history was favorable but I never bothered to do my own homework. I thought that was what I was paying her to do.

MORAL: Surround yourselves with competant teammates, however, do your own homework as well!

Well, it is 1:00 a.m. and I am wide awake. I have been running through my head the three major purchases made on my credit card this weekend and feel very good about all of them.

First, after shopping, hunting and searching, I was able to book a flight for my wife and I and our three girls to Orlando to visit my parents and take the kids to Disney. I got it down from about 2500 to 2000, just by booking late at night?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Second, I took the whole family out to Sushi. It usually costs about $175.00 but as a nice treat, is well worth it.

Finally, I paid for my 12 month gym membership. Of the three, this was vital. I am 36 and have always been in pretty decent shape. Maintaining about 190 lbs on a 5'10" frame was perfect for me. That said, I have noticed a major decrease in my metabolism. Call it whatever you want, but when I it 200 lbs, I start snoring and that lands me on the couch. So, its off to the eliptical machine and stomach crunches. Today I weighed in at 203, down from 213 about two weeks ago so I expect in about 1 month, I will be at 190 again. Lent helps too as I give up snacks, soda, junk food, between meal eatings, food after 7 p.m. and candy.

I'll keep you all posted. Well, good night and God Bless you all!

As my wife concludes her NYC trip with some girlsfriends, I am home today with the children since they are off school this week.

I forgot a scheduled meeting with Craig, my financial advisor so I contacted my secretary and advised her to direct him to my house where we could meet.

He just left and we were able to establish a little homework for him to do.

1. ROTH IRA for my 11 year old. She assists her mother at her 13 year old dance studio, pulling down $40/week. She is also planning on taking the Baby Sitting Course in order to prepare for babysitting beginning in September. Our rules of the house clearly state that 1/2 of any/all income or gifts will be saved, the other 1/2 can be spent, saved or tithed. We are hoping this ROTH IRA in addition to the PIA account we have established for all three girls will not only establish sound saving lessons, but start them off on the right foot once they are "of age".

2. Opening an IRA Account for me. I currently max out my ROTH IRA in January every year and max out my company SIMPLE IRA. I am looking for another IRA to invest in, along with a stock broker. We are not sure another IRA is doable (because of many considerations regarding income and other holdings), so that is somthing he is going to research.

All in all, I love Craig and am very pleased with the service he provides me, my wife, my children and my company. He is a great asset to my business family. And he has become a good friend too!

One of the concepts I stress to my "teammates" is the importance of starting young along their investment path.

Although I am only 35, I understand and appreciate the value of compounding interest, time IN the market and long term vision.

As a business owner, not only do I have to monitor my personal growth and financial "moves", I must also monitor my corporations growth and financial stability as well. Both take great patience, prayer and vision. I invite any visitors to my blog to share with me their thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns and comments. Knowledge and communication are powerful tools. Let's share and learn together.