Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Long Weekend Madness
No post this week due to the frantic last few days. My parents had their 25th wedding anniversary this Friday and Saturday, which was a fantastic party. Thank you to all those that came and for dropping beats not bombs, :). Have been able to spend the last few days and next couple with my family from Alberta and Newfoundland which has been absolutely wonderful, and of course Jessica was here. I hope everybody has been having a wonderful long weekend and everybody has kept safe. Enjoy your short work week and make sure to return next Monday for something far better than this.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Experience of Music
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent" -- Victor Hugo (French poet, playwright, novelist, etc...)
I have a real love for music, and I believe that most people would also agree that they also do as well. I have always played a musical instrument; - piano, percussion, trumpet, trombone, guitar - and I am master of none. :). But, I still find myself sitting down at the piano once a week, fooling around, playing some progressions, stringing some chords together for the simple reason that it is enjoyable.
But in listening to music, ah, that is where I find real enjoyment. What amazes me the most is how a tempo, tone, or crescendo can create such contrasting feelings inside of you. That's just the music, then there is that lyrical poetry that accompanies those sounds.
We can almost define moments in our life by the music that accompanies them. I will forever remember the songs that I listened to before every basketball game, as if I was going into battle. Those songs that were with you when you felt like you were at the bottom, and the songs that were with you when you reached the pinnacle. That song that means absolutely nothing to you, but still, makes your hair stand, your heart beat faster, or sends a single tear rolling down your cheek.
I wanted to share 10 songs that I personally feel each show us what music is. Songs that have lyrics of poets, songs that make your heart beat, songs that make you smile, and songs that make you say "wow." I by no means say that these are the 10 best songs, or you should like these songs. Everybody has there preference, these are just 10 songs I would like to share with you.
Enjoy, and turn those speakers up!
Look at the end of this blog for the link to get this soundtrack!
1. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths
The Smiths are lyrical geniuses, and this is one of my favourite songs by them. Enjoy the story that is told.
2. Con Te Partiro - Andrea Bocelli
He gets criticized, but every time I listening to this song I feel like I must stand on my chair and conduct the orchestra. Close your eyes and enjoy.
3. In The House, In A Heartbeat - John Murphy
Found in the 28 days/weeks later movies, this instrumental track is so good it actually scares me. I don't even need the zombies.
4. Hands In The Sky - Straylight Run
You may not have heard of them, and don't plan on hearing about them any time soon. The music is raw, and the singer is average at best, but put them together and for whatever reason this song will never leave my library.
5. Keeping the Blade - Coheed and Cambria
If you have not listened to a Coheed & Cambria album yet, go do it right now. What they do with music is astonishing.
6. Hurt - Nine Inch Nails
What to you say about Trent Reznor, he has his problems, but Mr. Reznor, thank you. Producer, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist. Listening is an honour.
7. Where Is My Mind - The Pixies
Ah, yes, The Pixies. When The Pixies come on, you just know everything is going to be fine. You could be falling from a plane to your death, but when this song comes on you will still smile. :)
8. Requiem For A Dream - Clint Mansell
I hope that neither you or myself ever have a moment in our lives where this song will be the theme music. But "wow" can't even begin to describe how this song gives me goose bumps.
9. Moonlight in C sharp minor - Beethoven
Beautiful. What else can I say.
10. Crazy Game Of Poker (Live) - O.A.R.
There is a reason why I ended with this song. Band Bio: Four high school graduates without any formal marketing or advertising plans went from playing fraternities to their third album Risen debuting at #11 on the Billboard Top Internet Sales chart solely from word of mouth. After receiving offers from various major labels, they signed with Lava Records because they promised not to change the band.
That is why we listen to music and that is why we play music.
This soundtrack can be found by following this link Must Have Songs If you have any issues with the link or how to download the soundtrack, please message me.
"Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it."
-- John Lennon
Have a great week!
Matthew George
I have a real love for music, and I believe that most people would also agree that they also do as well. I have always played a musical instrument; - piano, percussion, trumpet, trombone, guitar - and I am master of none. :). But, I still find myself sitting down at the piano once a week, fooling around, playing some progressions, stringing some chords together for the simple reason that it is enjoyable.
But in listening to music, ah, that is where I find real enjoyment. What amazes me the most is how a tempo, tone, or crescendo can create such contrasting feelings inside of you. That's just the music, then there is that lyrical poetry that accompanies those sounds.
We can almost define moments in our life by the music that accompanies them. I will forever remember the songs that I listened to before every basketball game, as if I was going into battle. Those songs that were with you when you felt like you were at the bottom, and the songs that were with you when you reached the pinnacle. That song that means absolutely nothing to you, but still, makes your hair stand, your heart beat faster, or sends a single tear rolling down your cheek.
I wanted to share 10 songs that I personally feel each show us what music is. Songs that have lyrics of poets, songs that make your heart beat, songs that make you smile, and songs that make you say "wow." I by no means say that these are the 10 best songs, or you should like these songs. Everybody has there preference, these are just 10 songs I would like to share with you.
Enjoy, and turn those speakers up!
Look at the end of this blog for the link to get this soundtrack!
1. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths
The Smiths are lyrical geniuses, and this is one of my favourite songs by them. Enjoy the story that is told.
2. Con Te Partiro - Andrea Bocelli
He gets criticized, but every time I listening to this song I feel like I must stand on my chair and conduct the orchestra. Close your eyes and enjoy.
3. In The House, In A Heartbeat - John Murphy
Found in the 28 days/weeks later movies, this instrumental track is so good it actually scares me. I don't even need the zombies.
4. Hands In The Sky - Straylight Run
You may not have heard of them, and don't plan on hearing about them any time soon. The music is raw, and the singer is average at best, but put them together and for whatever reason this song will never leave my library.
5. Keeping the Blade - Coheed and Cambria
If you have not listened to a Coheed & Cambria album yet, go do it right now. What they do with music is astonishing.
6. Hurt - Nine Inch Nails
What to you say about Trent Reznor, he has his problems, but Mr. Reznor, thank you. Producer, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist. Listening is an honour.
7. Where Is My Mind - The Pixies
Ah, yes, The Pixies. When The Pixies come on, you just know everything is going to be fine. You could be falling from a plane to your death, but when this song comes on you will still smile. :)
8. Requiem For A Dream - Clint Mansell
I hope that neither you or myself ever have a moment in our lives where this song will be the theme music. But "wow" can't even begin to describe how this song gives me goose bumps.
9. Moonlight in C sharp minor - Beethoven
Beautiful. What else can I say.
10. Crazy Game Of Poker (Live) - O.A.R.
There is a reason why I ended with this song. Band Bio: Four high school graduates without any formal marketing or advertising plans went from playing fraternities to their third album Risen debuting at #11 on the Billboard Top Internet Sales chart solely from word of mouth. After receiving offers from various major labels, they signed with Lava Records because they promised not to change the band.
That is why we listen to music and that is why we play music.
This soundtrack can be found by following this link Must Have Songs If you have any issues with the link or how to download the soundtrack, please message me.
"Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it."
-- John Lennon
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Monday, May 4, 2009
Four Levels to Diversification
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Does that sound familiar? There is one word that seems to be found in every investor's vocabulary, and that is diversified. It seems to be the word that everybody feels comfortable using when there's a conversation going on about the market or investing: "Yes, well I am diversified." Instantly you feel like you should be sitting down for lunch with Warren Buffet discussing the opportunities that will arise in the next 3 quarters...
But how diversified are you? The common view on having a diversified portfolio is to have investments of different risk class and have your money weighted either aggressively or conservatively within that portfolio. For Example:
Your portfolio has 35% of its money invested in Canadian Energy (aggressive) and 65% of its money invested in Bonds (conservative). That is almost exactly how your portfolio should be arranged. :)
Here is the diversification blunder that most investors make, and it is something I see often. Here is an example of a portfolio that I may see:
John Smith
Fund Company RBC
Fund Manager RBC
15% RBC Canadian Energy Fund
30% RBC Balanced Fund
30% RBC GICs
10% RBC US Equity Fund
15% RBC Specialty Fund
Do you see the diversification blunder?
You may have said that the percentages don't look quite right, and that might be correct but without understanding the type of investor John Smith is we don't really know how aggressive he should be.
That is the biggest mistake both advisors and investors make: looking only at diversification within the percentages. You need to expand your diversification view by looking up a few more levels. This is what I mean.
To have a properly diversified portfolio you need to be diversified in four different areas:
1. Risk Weighting (aggressive/conservative)
2. Geographically (canadian/international)
3. Fund Managers
4. Fund Companies
In the example of John Smith he had 1) and a stab at 2). He had aggressive and conservative funds and he had also invested a little into a US fund. The biggest issue is that John's portfolio is managed by four fund managers, all with RBC and one fund company within RBC. What this means is that those four fund managers all have the same style of investing, the RBC way of investing. And all of John's money is with the RBC fund company.
I illustrate it this way: John may have his eggs all in different baskets but those baskets are all in the same car (RBC fund company), being driven by one driver (RBC fund managers).
So, then, how should John fully diversify? Well, simply, he needs to put his many baskets of eggs into different cars being driven by different drivers. He should have four to five different fund companies within his personal portfolio managed by different portfolio managers with distinct styles of investing. Why is that a good idea?
In simple terms, if you're only in the RBC car, you better be hoping it doesn't run out of gas, or, even worse, crash.
Beyond protecting yourself, by diversifying more then just the percentages, you're building a portfolio that you could proudly talk to Warren Buffet about.
Is your portfolio diversified?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
But how diversified are you? The common view on having a diversified portfolio is to have investments of different risk class and have your money weighted either aggressively or conservatively within that portfolio. For Example:
Your portfolio has 35% of its money invested in Canadian Energy (aggressive) and 65% of its money invested in Bonds (conservative). That is almost exactly how your portfolio should be arranged. :)
Here is the diversification blunder that most investors make, and it is something I see often. Here is an example of a portfolio that I may see:
John Smith
Fund Company RBC
Fund Manager RBC
15% RBC Canadian Energy Fund
30% RBC Balanced Fund
30% RBC GICs
10% RBC US Equity Fund
15% RBC Specialty Fund
Do you see the diversification blunder?
You may have said that the percentages don't look quite right, and that might be correct but without understanding the type of investor John Smith is we don't really know how aggressive he should be.
That is the biggest mistake both advisors and investors make: looking only at diversification within the percentages. You need to expand your diversification view by looking up a few more levels. This is what I mean.
To have a properly diversified portfolio you need to be diversified in four different areas:
1. Risk Weighting (aggressive/conservative)
2. Geographically (canadian/international)
3. Fund Managers
4. Fund Companies
In the example of John Smith he had 1) and a stab at 2). He had aggressive and conservative funds and he had also invested a little into a US fund. The biggest issue is that John's portfolio is managed by four fund managers, all with RBC and one fund company within RBC. What this means is that those four fund managers all have the same style of investing, the RBC way of investing. And all of John's money is with the RBC fund company.
I illustrate it this way: John may have his eggs all in different baskets but those baskets are all in the same car (RBC fund company), being driven by one driver (RBC fund managers).
So, then, how should John fully diversify? Well, simply, he needs to put his many baskets of eggs into different cars being driven by different drivers. He should have four to five different fund companies within his personal portfolio managed by different portfolio managers with distinct styles of investing. Why is that a good idea?
In simple terms, if you're only in the RBC car, you better be hoping it doesn't run out of gas, or, even worse, crash.
Beyond protecting yourself, by diversifying more then just the percentages, you're building a portfolio that you could proudly talk to Warren Buffet about.
Is your portfolio diversified?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, April 26, 2009
20,000 Feet vs 2 Feet
One of the keys to problem solving is stepping back and analyzing the problem/situation at hand. There are basically two ways we look at problems, from 2ft and from 20,000ft.
A 2ft viewpoint seems to be the view of choice when we embark on any problem solving missions, yet it doesn't always give us the entire picture. Let's illustrate this:
Grab a piece of paper, write "the black ant went over to the yellow ladybug" in the middle of the page, reaching from the left side of the paper over to the right side of the paper.
Now grab another piece of paper roll it up just like a telescope. Sitting down place the piece of paper on your table or desk and look through your telescope. Keeping your telescope fixed on the middle of the page, can you see the whole sentence? Can you tell me where the black ant is going?
Now stand up and look through your telescope, fixed on the middle of your page.
Now you can tell me the whole story of the ant and the ladybug. And a captivating story it is.... :)
When making decisions do you find that people never stand up? Do you find yourself sitting to much?
Successful marketers/business-owners/entrepreneurs will tell you that it is impossible to make a well-informed decision without first standing up and taking a 20,000ft view. How could you? You can't even see all the information!
As investors we can find ourselves getting sucked into sitting too much. Therefore we look at things only from a 2ft vantage point. What is the outcome? Well every once in awhile you might guess that the ant is going to see the ladybug but the rest of the time you don't see that that ant is getting burned by a magnifying glass.
Stand up, it's good for you.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
A 2ft viewpoint seems to be the view of choice when we embark on any problem solving missions, yet it doesn't always give us the entire picture. Let's illustrate this:
Grab a piece of paper, write "the black ant went over to the yellow ladybug" in the middle of the page, reaching from the left side of the paper over to the right side of the paper.
Now grab another piece of paper roll it up just like a telescope. Sitting down place the piece of paper on your table or desk and look through your telescope. Keeping your telescope fixed on the middle of the page, can you see the whole sentence? Can you tell me where the black ant is going?
Now stand up and look through your telescope, fixed on the middle of your page.
Now you can tell me the whole story of the ant and the ladybug. And a captivating story it is.... :)
When making decisions do you find that people never stand up? Do you find yourself sitting to much?
Successful marketers/business-owners/entrepreneurs will tell you that it is impossible to make a well-informed decision without first standing up and taking a 20,000ft view. How could you? You can't even see all the information!
As investors we can find ourselves getting sucked into sitting too much. Therefore we look at things only from a 2ft vantage point. What is the outcome? Well every once in awhile you might guess that the ant is going to see the ladybug but the rest of the time you don't see that that ant is getting burned by a magnifying glass.
Stand up, it's good for you.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Q & A Time
The reason for starting this blog was to add value to those reading it and possibly clarify some questions you might have on certain topics. I love writing about topics that I find interesting and that I think you, the reader, do as well. But I would like to know what you're really looking for answers to.
I would love to hear from you and whats on your mind. It could be about anything: something you have heard on the news or read in the newspaper, or heard someone talking about at work, etc.
Every week I encourage any input you would like to make, but I would like to dedicate this week to allowing you to ask me something that you would like another view point on. Take the week to think about it, it can be anything from simple definitions to the most complicated topic. I will do my best to answer it.
You can leave a comment attached to this blog or send me an email at matthew.george.01@gmail.com or matthew.george@freedom55financial.com
Keep your ears and eyes open and remember asking a question is the easiest way to gain knowledge.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
I would love to hear from you and whats on your mind. It could be about anything: something you have heard on the news or read in the newspaper, or heard someone talking about at work, etc.
Every week I encourage any input you would like to make, but I would like to dedicate this week to allowing you to ask me something that you would like another view point on. Take the week to think about it, it can be anything from simple definitions to the most complicated topic. I will do my best to answer it.
You can leave a comment attached to this blog or send me an email at matthew.george.01@gmail.com or matthew.george@freedom55financial.com
Keep your ears and eyes open and remember asking a question is the easiest way to gain knowledge.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Gift of Love
Short one this week, but powerful.
This is why I do what I do. I have the privilege of being a small part of such humbling experiences everyday. Please watch this video.
Your Gift
Life insurance can protect your family and leave a legacy for your children, but also provides a unique and significant source of personal monetary value to your life.
Ask me how.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
This is why I do what I do. I have the privilege of being a small part of such humbling experiences everyday. Please watch this video.
Your Gift
Life insurance can protect your family and leave a legacy for your children, but also provides a unique and significant source of personal monetary value to your life.
Ask me how.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Building a Bridge over the Generation Gap
I had indicated that this blog would have more in it then just topics dealing with explanations on how to find and understand financial success. So I will begin my first post along those lines.
Through my studies in marketing I was introduced to many interesting strategies, theories and principles. I studied many past events in corporations’ lives and created my own solutions to problems presented in in-depth case studies. One of the most intriguing thoughts that I came across in a couple of papers I read was one about how one can better set themselves up for success in the business world. It was based on looking at the daily relationship that the “generations” have with each other in the business world, both internally in a company and externally with customers or partners.
“Generations:” the distinctive gaps that we have in age in our society; you, no doubt, have heard of them. Traditionalists, Baby boomers, Gen-Xs and Gen-Ys are the 4 main generations in today’s workplace. The papers’ basic themes were that to fast track your success, you need to understand that the person you are sitting across from more than likely has a completely different outlook and perception on how to achieve the same form of success than you do. There are different ways of completing the same task and still come to the same outcome: Work styles, control styles, language, tools, processes, habits, etc. vary from person to person, from generation to generation.
Consider these traits where you are a Gen-Y and your boss or team member is a Baby Boomer.
You:
High value on helping others.
Consider getting along with a widely diverse group of people very important.
They:
Grew up in a time of great social change.
Believe in value of self-fulfillment and personal gratification.
An excellent quote from the book Geekes and Gezers: How Era, Values and Defining Moments Shape Leaders by Bennis and Thomas (2002) sums the generation gap up nicely:
"Our youngest leaders matured in the glow of computer screens; our oldest in the shadow of the Depression and World War II. With these two dichotomies of knowledge base, private and government officials need to focus on maintaining a vibrant and competitive edge; understand the organizational culture in the context of utilizing their generational competence; commit to strengthening the relationship between office teams; set up success measures and track progress, and play to the strengths of each generation and embrace generational differences and similarities to build generational competence.”
Would you not agree that if you understand the best way to frame your ideas to get a positive reaction from your team member or boss you’re more likely to find success. The difficulty is found in each individual’s desire to impart their own way of doing things.
Because if it doesn’t work out it always seems to be the other person’s doing. They didn’t understand. They’re out of date. They only care about themselves. It is impossible to work with them, we tell ourselves.
We have to get outside of what we know and understand. This means, for Gen-Ys realizing that this world didn’t start 25 years ago, and for a Gen-X ideas didn’t run dry in 1982 and new processes can still be created.
Each side can bring their positives to the relationship and create the ever so profitable symbiotic relationship by working in harmony. It is the equation to success new and old, experience and enthusiasm, creativity and strategy.
Next time you’re talking to another generation, be that one. You might be amazed at what happens.
But can you see past your own conceded generational traits?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Through my studies in marketing I was introduced to many interesting strategies, theories and principles. I studied many past events in corporations’ lives and created my own solutions to problems presented in in-depth case studies. One of the most intriguing thoughts that I came across in a couple of papers I read was one about how one can better set themselves up for success in the business world. It was based on looking at the daily relationship that the “generations” have with each other in the business world, both internally in a company and externally with customers or partners.
“Generations:” the distinctive gaps that we have in age in our society; you, no doubt, have heard of them. Traditionalists, Baby boomers, Gen-Xs and Gen-Ys are the 4 main generations in today’s workplace. The papers’ basic themes were that to fast track your success, you need to understand that the person you are sitting across from more than likely has a completely different outlook and perception on how to achieve the same form of success than you do. There are different ways of completing the same task and still come to the same outcome: Work styles, control styles, language, tools, processes, habits, etc. vary from person to person, from generation to generation.
Consider these traits where you are a Gen-Y and your boss or team member is a Baby Boomer.
You:
High value on helping others.
Consider getting along with a widely diverse group of people very important.
They:
Grew up in a time of great social change.
Believe in value of self-fulfillment and personal gratification.
An excellent quote from the book Geekes and Gezers: How Era, Values and Defining Moments Shape Leaders by Bennis and Thomas (2002) sums the generation gap up nicely:
"Our youngest leaders matured in the glow of computer screens; our oldest in the shadow of the Depression and World War II. With these two dichotomies of knowledge base, private and government officials need to focus on maintaining a vibrant and competitive edge; understand the organizational culture in the context of utilizing their generational competence; commit to strengthening the relationship between office teams; set up success measures and track progress, and play to the strengths of each generation and embrace generational differences and similarities to build generational competence.”
Would you not agree that if you understand the best way to frame your ideas to get a positive reaction from your team member or boss you’re more likely to find success. The difficulty is found in each individual’s desire to impart their own way of doing things.
Because if it doesn’t work out it always seems to be the other person’s doing. They didn’t understand. They’re out of date. They only care about themselves. It is impossible to work with them, we tell ourselves.
We have to get outside of what we know and understand. This means, for Gen-Ys realizing that this world didn’t start 25 years ago, and for a Gen-X ideas didn’t run dry in 1982 and new processes can still be created.
Each side can bring their positives to the relationship and create the ever so profitable symbiotic relationship by working in harmony. It is the equation to success new and old, experience and enthusiasm, creativity and strategy.
Next time you’re talking to another generation, be that one. You might be amazed at what happens.
But can you see past your own conceded generational traits?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
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