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Roses popular, easy to grow in Oklahoma
Roses are one of the most popular plants in Oklahoma gardens, and many are relatively easy to grow, especially the newer varieties like the Knock Out® rose. Roses offer color and fragrance in the garden, and many make wonderful cut flowers. If you have a garden, you should try your hand at growing roses!.
03/22/2012 | Comments 0From ‘Long Black Limousine’ to Elvis
That would change years later. For the next seven years, band members came and went. Finally, Black put together a group of musicians that have been with him for more than 20 years. They include guitarist Graham Pugh, bass player Rick Alongi, drummer Bob Gorley and keyboard player Phil Sapper, formerly of Harvey and the Wallbangers.
03/01/2012 | Comments 0Young artist generates new ideas for veterans memorial expansion
“This will not be done with any public money,” said Howe, an Air Force pilot who flew B-52s during the Vietnam war. “Each statue will cost $40,000, but this type of art puts us in a different realm. It will take us into the world of art, which opens new avenues for giving.
02/23/2012 | Comments 0Fleck and Flecktones to perform April 10 at Rose State
The extraordinary initial line-up of his incredible combo are touring to support their latest recording, “Rocket Science.
02/17/2012 | Comments 0Real Life
In my presentation, I told the club members about the importance of supporting their local newspaper. After all, we received numerous compliments about our publication and its new appearance, content and local ownership. In this business, compliments can be few and far between, so we enjoyed all of the positive remarks.
02/17/2012 | Comments 0‘General’-ly speaking
In fact, every night when he goes home, the general’s hat comes off – if only temporarily – and suddenly the commander of one of the most critical U.S. Air Force bases turns into father, husband, scuba diver and avid fan of New England sports teams..
02/10/2012 | Comments 0Longtime MWC fire department spokesman Jerry Lojka retires
Lojka spent 29 years at the Midwest City Fire Department and served in several roles, including firefighter, inspector, investigator, public education officer, public information officer and fire marshal.
His favorite job was that of department spokesman as he answered questions from the press, and conveyed important fire prevention tips to the public.
Real Life: Lojka will be missed at fire department
This week’s retirement of Midwest City Fire Marshal Jerry Lojka reminded
me how an effective and well-intentioned PIO does his job. During the
past 14 months I’ve discovered that he knows his job and he understands
the role reporters play in the world of news and information.
02/03/2012 | Comments 0MWC grad, Hudson to receive national awards
Midwest City School graduate Lester Claravall will receive the prestigious Lewis Hines Award for Service to Children and Youth during a ceremony in New York City on Monday.
The award will be presented by the National Child Labor Committee, which serves as the sponsor for the Lewis Hines awards...
Images of 2012 MLK Prayer Breakfast
Several hundred people attended Midwest City’s 15th annual Martin
Luther King, Jr., Prayer Breakfast Monday at the Sheraton Hotel’s Reed
Conference Center. Featured speakers were former state legislator Angela
Monson, Oklahoma City police officer Paco Balderamma and Midwest City
graduate and current University of Oklahoma student Rodney Farrow.
01/19/2012 | Comments 0
February 17th, 2012
Sound investment tips given for long-term growth
Have you ever received a really hot investment tip? How many times has it actually worked out? “Not-so-hot tips” can throw a kink in your long-term investment approach. Here are some sound tips for the long-term investor:
GET STARTED EARLY! -- It’s impossible to stress this point too much! Despite other financial pressures, this can often make the difference in reaching your goal. Historically, stock values appreciate in the long run so investing over longer periods can help your appreciation potential with managed risk.
ESTABLISH A REGULAR INVESTMENT PROGRAM -- Even experts cannot predict when prices are low and on the rise; therefore, the best strategy is to invest a set amount every month. Like any other investment, this approach cannot protect from loss or guarantee a profit, but it may help to lower the average cost of your investment purchases.
REINVEST RETURNS -- By reinvesting distributions from investments, you may be able to increase your account balance over the long term. Assuming a positive return on your investment, you will realize greater benefits from the power of compounding. This is the concept of earnings on earnings.
MAXIMIZE TAX-ADVANTAGED RETIREMENT PLANS -- If retirement is one of your objectives, be certain to invest in an employer-sponsored retirement plan if you are eligible. Most plans allow pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred account earnings. Don’t forget about IRAs either.
DON’T BE TOO “SAFE” DURING RETIREMENT -- When you retired, preservation of capital was a steadfast financial planning rule. However, because of inflation you should be more concerned with preserving your spending power. To keep ahead of the game, you must take inflation and taxes into account for the actual amount of your investment return. “Safe” investments could be a losing proposition if they offer no growth potential.
PREPARE FOR THE LONG HAUL -- Follow the plan. Don’t be tempted to over react to short term market fluctuations. Chasing “hot” tips could damage your long-term plan.
SCHEDULE REGULAR PORTFOLIO CHECKUPS -- Your financial portfolio may need gradual adjustment as your lifestyle changes. You should review your holdings with your financial advisor at least once a year. If you have a major life change (e.g. marriage, baby, job change or early retirement), make an immediate appointment.
Shawn Powell Certified Financial Planner®
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