Seth Godin figured me out

Every day I get dozens of emails, tweets, RSS feeds and eNewsletters from some of the worlds best thinkers. But one stands out. Every morning, I wake up and look for the latest blog entry from Seth Godin. Here's why. Seth provides clear, concise, relevant topics from technology to business to education to customer service to non-profit organizations and everything in between. But here's the kicker: His approach is not "Here's a little wisdom, buy my book if you want the rest of the story." He doesn't use this forum to promote his business, seminars, best selling books, or consulting services.

And guess what? Every day I am motivated by his thoughts and pass along his articles to family and co-workers who I think would enjoy them. It helps me get in the right mindset for the day.

And guess what else? When Seth publishes his next book, I would wait in line to buy it. Because I know his information will be relevant and valuable. Just because he doesn't charge for it the first time, doesn't mean it isn't valuable. Its just the opposite. It has to be that much more valuable or it would be easy for me to disregard.

As a matter of fact, Seth- if you happen to read this- put me down for two of your next book whenever you write it. I'll keep one and give one away. And let me know when you come to Raleigh, NC. I'll be there.

Socialnomics- Are you ready?

Use your IRA to buy a home. Good idea or Bad Idea?

Did you know that first time buyers have the ability to pull money out of an IRA to use towards the purchase of a principal residence? If you act quickly, you may be able to pull money out of your retirement account, buy a home, then pay yourself back with the $8000 tax credit. You should consult your CPA for tax consequences but why not take advantage of a great loophole for first time buyers!! Act fast, only 82 days left until the tax credit deadline. Contact me to discuss your individual questions.


From Investopedia (a FORBES Digital Company)

IRA owners can make penalty-free distributions to buy a first home for themselves, their spouses, children, grandchildren or other family members. This distribution cannot exceed $10,000 for each spouse's lifetime, and exempts IRA owners from the early-distribution penalty (which applies to distributions occuring before an IRA owner reaches age 59.5). You do not have to buy a pre-existing home in order to be eligible for the waiver. The waiver also applies to building or rebuilding a home.

The distribution received must be used to pay qualified acquisition costs before the end of the 120th day after the IRA owner receives the distributed assets.

According to the IRS, you are a first-time home buyer if you have not owned an interest in a principal residence during the first two years prior to the purchase of a new home. Principal residences include mobile homes and house trailers, houseboats and stock held by a tenant-stockholder in a cooperative housing corporation.

My little monkey jumping on the bed...

For those of you who know about the "Monkey's jumping on the bed..." Enjoy!