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Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Maximization Strategies - December 2010

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This month's newsletter features the following articles:

The Case for Rational Optimism

With a steady stream of bad news about the economy over the past few years, there is a tendency for many commentators to see a dark and stormy future. But is this a rational response? From a longer-term perspective, the facts suggest that daily life for most people has never been better. And while there may be some bumps in the road, there is a strong likelihood that things will continue to improve.

An Optimistic Look at Inflation

In the past, governments have occasionally manipulated their currencies to stimulate struggling economies and refinance their debts. Often, a negative by-product of this strategy is inflation, and based on previous events, some economists are worried that excessive inflation could cause our financial system to grind to a halt. But advancements in technology and global exchange have made inflation a less-attractive option for governments.

Private Loans

For savers, the average annual rate of return for Certificates of Deposit has dropped below 1 percent. For potential borrowers, tighter lending standards have made it harder to get money. This combination of circumstances has spawned an increase in private loans, often by parents to their adult children, but also from online companies that connect individual lenders and borrowers. For a variety of reasons, people who consider these arrangements should be sure to do their homework before taking the plunge.

Buy or Lease, New or Used?

Every three to five years, most Americans replace their transportation. Each time they face two major financial decisions: buy or lease, new or used? Even if you understand the financial implications of these choices, the decision that works today may not be the right one five years from now. As an example, some 1-year-old used cars actually have higher monthly payments than a new car of the same model. Do you know the best answer for your situation?

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Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Maximization Strategies - December 2010

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** Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346. Securities products/services and adv isory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, (770) 390-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC.

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