Newsletters - Past Issues

Money Matters airs October 5, 2017 Noon Read below

 

Money Matters airs tomorrow at noon, PST on KVMR FM and all related stations.

October 5, 2017

Fall Line up starts with 2 great interviews

 

Interviews with AirMedCare, the life flight folks, their helicopter service and insurance program. Then hear Pride Industries discuss their great service to give employment to those with handicaps. Great topics and great guest so tune in.

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Interested in discussing your portfolio, our new strategies and more? Email or call me for an appointment- (530) 559-1214 or mcuniberti@cambridgesecure.com.

 

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I have been wanting to do an economic piece about people with disabilities for some time now and with the month of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), I couldn’t think of a more fitting opportunity to bring to light an incredible story about a local entity I discovered here in my home town of Grass Valley.

 

A recent conversation with a friend led me to PRIDE Industries, a multi-state, non-profit social enterprise that assists people with disabilities find employment. 

 

Originally founded in 1966 by a group of parents in Auburn, California, its initial focus was to find meaningful employment for their adult children with disabilities. PRIDE has offices in 14 states and in Washington DC and is still growing. With one in every five Americans having a disability, the need for such an entity is more than obvious. People with disabilities want to contribute, yet finding gainful employment can be challenging. PRIDE Industries opens a whole new world of possibilities for people with disabilities while serving the needs of businesses and the community in the process.

 

PRIDE’s main goal is employment, its mission is “To create jobs for people with disabilities.”  It accomplishes this in a win-win scenario synergistically with the community, government and the many companies they serve.

 

The PRIDE formula is a simple one: hire people with disabilities and give them jobs that complements their skill sets. From simple assembly to more complex employment, PRIDE matches the specific job to the employee.  Since the requirements of business can be complex and varied, a workforce of people with different skillsets fits nicely into whatever job may be required.

 

On the day of my visit to our local PRIDE location, I witnessed workers doing different jobs of all levels of complexity including the simplest of assembly and packaging to the more complicated job of accurately shipping product to multiple locations for a national retailer. 

 

The many supervisors present maintained a safe environment for the employees while insuring the highest level of quality control. From shipping umbrellas manufactured by a well-known national retailer to assembling medical test kits for a local company with products from Finland, the scope of customers and products was impressive.

 

The organization is truly an example of everybody wins. People with disabilities have an opportunity to learn new skills and hold employment they might otherwise not be able to. By earning their own paychecks, the assistance from public programs is minimized, their self-esteem is boosted and they get much needed mental stimulation. Their families and loved ones have time for themselves while their family members with disabilities are supervised by a loving and experienced staff at PRIDE.

 

The businesses they serve benefit by finding employees who are more than happy to perform jobs that others might find mundane all while maintaining the highest of quality due to the amount of supervision that PRIDE provides along each step of the process.

 

PRIDE’s outreach program places higher functioning adults in off-site employment and guides both the employee and employer through every step of the process. Job development, coaching, training and placement are an ongoing function of the organization. The Supported Employment Program provides additional training to help overcome barriers to employment in the community at large.

 

Although PRIDE focuses on employment, many offices go a step further. Some offer adult day services where people with more severe disabilities can have a safe yet entertaining place to go. Arts, crafts, games and daily outside excursions maintain a semblance of normalcy for those that otherwise may not experience such things due to their disability.

 

Outreach programs for self- sufficiency, improvement and education include the Independent Living Services programs which maintains an army of staff to navigate the community and make connections in a variety of capabilities and functions. Their goal is to enable an independent lifestyle for those that can, yet still have a resource to fall back on should the need arise.

 

With 51 years of experience under its belt in merging people with disabilities to employment of all kinds, PRIDE enables adults with disabilities to reach their full potential while providing the resources for businesses to bring their products and services to the marketplace. This is truly a win-win scenario for all parties involved with PRIDE Industries performing an invaluable service to the community.

 

You may view a video on PRIDE Industries here:  (https://www.facebook.com/marc.cuniberti)

The local Nevada County Pride office is located at 12451 Loma Rica Drive in Grass Valley.

Their phone number is (530) 477-1832

 

 

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It is time again for Turkey Matters. Please help me feed the poor and low income families in our county by helping me buy turkeys for their holiday meals. It’s simple to do.

Mail in a check made out to the food bank of your choice. Our local one is the Food Bank of Nevada County but any food bank will do if you prefer another. Mail it to:
KVMR FM RADIO
ATTENTION TURKEY MATTERS

120 Bridge St

Nevada City, Ca 95959

 

I will match a portion of your funds and mail in your check AND mine. In this way your money goes much farther and we feed MORE families. That’s all there is to it! My maximum donation amount will be $5,000.00 (I have kids to put through school!) but please help me reach this goal!

 

Your turkey will taste a lot better knowing you helped feed hundreds of others for Thanksgiving and Christmas and those celebrating other religious holidays around this time of year.

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from the many people that will benefit from this program.

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Thanks to all who came out to the Celtic Fair, said hi and had a great time. Sillyness and great music. It was fun and I saw a lot of fans of Money Matters. Yes, I know it is silly to see your financial guy all dressed up in silly gear but it is for a good cause- KVMR FM Community Radio so cut me some slack!

Interested in having me set up a financial plan for you and your family? Email me or call (530) 559-1214


 

Money Matters Update September 4, 2017

 

Next Show Noon PST
Thursday September 21, 2017

(Covering the economy and markets of 2017 and beyond)

"Hear some of our strategies for the Fall"

 

Market news in these turbulent times.

Money Matters ~ KVMR FM ~ 12:00 PM 
with Marc Cuniberti

Money Matters is about your money, your country, your livelyhood,
in short, its about you.  

And of course more on your money and the markets

Almost time for football!

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Dividends are payments by companies to shareholders. They are at the discretion of the company and can be changed usually at any time in a variety of ways including to increase, reduce or eliminate them.

 

Companies may utilize dividends to entice people to buy their shares and hold on to those shares for the payments. Some companies pay dividends and others do not. Some companies never paid them, some used to and some may even start to pay them in the future. The point being made here is companies can do whatever the heck they want as long as they don’t break the law. And fooling around with dividends is usually a common occurrence.

 

An obvious observation to make is in order to pay out money, the company first has to have it. And therein lies the caution. Like any other entity needing cash for whatever reason, a company short on cash could still pay out a dividend or a series of dividends by borrowing the money to do so. But having to borrow money only to turn around and pay it out might not seem like a prudent financial decision and in many case it isn’t.

 

When an investor buys a stock for its dividend and that dividend is increased, it makes for a happy investor. Usually it also makes for more investors buying the stock. When a dividend is cut, the reverse might be true and the stock may fall as investors head for the exits once the payments go away.

 

How can you tell if a company can afford its dividend or is living on borrowed time (literally) in order not to spook investors by reducing or cutting its dividend?

 

There are a variety of indications but unless you are on the Board of Directors making that decision, an investor can only make an educated guess based on the public information about the company’s financials.

 

Without getting too complicated, your question is: does the company have the cash to pay out its dividend and for how long?  If not, when will it cut or eliminate its dividend in the future?

 

A lot of it boils down to what is called “free cash flow”. One obvious question is if a company pays out five million in dividends, does it have the cash after paying its bills to pay the investor?

Another question would be even if the company is making enough in profit to pay, is the company banking that profit when dividend time comes around.

 

It can all boil down to it free cash flow. Is there enough cash left over after all expenses to pay out the dividends promised and is the cash received in time to pay the dividend when it’s due. The other issues are can the company continue to make enough money to continue to pay its current dividend over the long haul or will it eventually have to cut or eliminate it because profits and the receipt of such profits eventually fail to meet the obligation?

 

The ability to pay dividends hinges on many events but the first question investors can ask is the basic one: can it afford to? A good place to look for that answer starts with its cash flow. An old saying in business is “cash flow kills”, and when it comes to dividends, those words couldn’t be truer.

 

Tune in this Thursday for more strategies!

 

Email me at mcuniberti@cambridgesecure for consults at no charge to hear our strategies and review your holdings. 


 

Market update- Possible Directional change- READ August 10, 2017

 

 

 

If you woke up this morning its because no damn fool pushed the button yet. Wow, what a world.....

 

 

Marc's Notes:

I am doing a video series called “Investing in your Community” where I profile businesses and events happening in our county and indeed the world. You can check out many of these videos on my Facebook page here; https://www.facebook.com/marc.cuniberti

If you have something that might be of interest you would like me to cover in this video series, email me. The videos are short and fun.
My son Kyle has a few spots left to earn himself a college education. He refinishes decks and fences. They look great when done and his quotes are usually way below others that do this type of work. Protect your investment! He also will do odd jobs at a very reasonable rate. Give me an email or call me at (530) 559-1214.

I am also looking to pay cash to rent a house in the Tahoe area over the winter for a week or 2. We are VERY clean and respectful renters. Email me or call me if you know of something or someone that might fit the bill. Donner Lake, Truckee, Tahoe, anywhere up there. If I rent the property I will pay a $100.00 referral fee to you!

I have a few spots for consults at no charge to review your holdings and take a look for you. There is no cost or obligation but there is a minimum of course so call or email me.

Here are some market tidbits to chew on if you feel like reading up on what is happening in this traditional slow time in the markets. As mentioned (and approved) in recent shows, in the past few weeks I am adopting more of a neutral market stance and am watching carefully these markets! Sometimes markets fall in the fall and although no one can predict market movements at any time, the rally which keeps going is keeping me more alert than in any time during the last 9 months or so

 

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 206178 approved

 

Are we in for a redo of something like this?

 

 

Urgent Update:

 

Greetings. It’s a good time to review and update you on the investment profile and reasons/causes of our trades in the last year.

As indicated in previous Money Matters shows, until Donald Trump was elected President we maintained a market neutral to market negative stance meaning a market rally of any significance was not expected. Our stance changed from market neutral/ negative to market positive after the Trump election on November 8, 2017.

With the surprise election of Donald Trump, I received a few calls about concern surrounding the markets. I did pen an article in response to the many emails and calls and it is attached below. Although the night of the actual election showed a market which was going to start in turmoil on November 9th, that morning the market moved drastically higher. The Dow rose from the 17,000 to where it is today at over 21,000.  Fixed income however sold off significantly which partially offset gains from the other sectors. Fixed income is held for income and is less volatile historically and is held as diversification.

Last month as indicated on Money Matters shows, I became concerned the rally was running out of steam. The rally was long and fierce and many sectors had risen

significantly. Utilizing trailing stops once again to retain profits, I sold out partial positions in a handful of positions including but not limited to utilities, technology, China and infrastructure.

We still hold a global position as well as a few select areas of investment. 

I actually added biotech, and energy in recent days and weeks as those sectors may be attractive areas as demonstrated by their price action and investor sentiment.

An interesting side note is commodities and energy seem to be exhibiting interesting patterns that may indicate a change is in the works in the area of inflation, something many analysts have been scratching their head while trying to analyze this phenomenon. Should these sectors continue to behave as they have been, this could be a sign inflation may be finally set to pick up noticeably. This will make for an interesting investing environment should this be occurring.

In conclusion, a mix of fixed income and equities is held to provide directional balance and income while maintaining select positions in the markets. With an eye on principal protection at all times, I remain overly cautious at this point in time. The fall season can bring market upheaval historically and the run in the markets has been historic. I am actively and with concern watching the markets especially now and in the coming weeks. Should a correction appear to be materializing I believe we are well positioned to respond accordingly. With special areas of interest being slightly overweight at this time, there also exists the possibility for positive performance. With principal protection being the most important aspect in our portfolios, we now remain in a neutral stance to the market with select holdings in certain areas.

As in all areas of investing, past performance cannot guarantee future results. Dividends and interest payments will not guarantee against loss and are they themselves not guaranteed. No one can predict the direction of markets or investments. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Investing involves risk with the possibility of loss. Our clients can see your website/ brokerage statements for exact balances, fees, performance and income. Please call this office with any questions you may have. You may have me review your current financial condition and holdings by meeting with me at no cost by emailing me or calling my office to set an appointment. (530) 823-2792

 

Watching the markets so you don’t have to,

 

Regards

marc

 

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Many think the nation would have been better served by Hillary- What do you think?

 

 

198808 approved

As a financial advisor, I have to analyze and communicate market information to my clients. They likewise should communicate their needs, expectations and preferences to their advisor as to what certain areas what they want do and do not to invest in if they have a preference, how conservative or aggressive they want to be and what their financial needs are both in the short and long term.

It’s a forgone conclusion to say that many advisors may have received phone calls from their clients regarding their concern over the Trump election and how his policies and actions as President might influence markets. Some clients have expressed more than a minor concern and some have even requested an all cash positon preferring to be out of the market all together.

Although definitely the most controversial president elected in recent memory, his actual effect on markets will likely be tampered by the reality of what he actually can and cannot do.

Our political system has many checks and balances designed to limit the power any once branch or person has and in that may lie the answer to the many concerns clients might have.

Any major policy action will require the support of the legislative branch and in many cases also the judicial branch of government. Although Trump may talk a big game that his many radical ideas will be carried out, in actuality, his hands will be tied on many issues as all Presidents hands have been.

That said, clients concerned about Trump policy will take some comfort in knowing that portfolios do not have to be all “long”. This means one does not have to structure possible gains around an exclusively rising market.

Proper allocation and a diversification of assets may have a tendency to counter balance each other no matter which way the market might go. Although no one can say with certainty that the performance of any investment will go one way or the other, advisors can allocate certain contrarian positions based on their historical performance. Keep in mind past performance of any asset does not guarantee success and a knowledgeable advisor will know that.

A mix of fixed income, traditional stocks and funds, cash and cash equivalents can be tailored to reflect a more conservative posture for clients concerned with the new administration. Advisors can also look to areas the new president has pledged support by reviewing his campaign promises and Trumps suggested areas and programs where funds might be spent by.

Although investors are correct in voicing their concerns, history has a pretty good track record in demonstrating it can be difficult in today’s political structure for any one person to drastically alter the landscape of the global financial markets considerably and for an extended period of time.

That being said, history never repeats itself so the old adage “never say never” comes to mind. If you’re concerned about the direction your investments might take in light of the current administration, a meeting with your advisor will be beneficial to insure your concerns are heard and your portfolio holdings reflect that concern. An experienced advisor should possess the knowledge to structure a portfolio to reflect the client’s needs and expectations at any point in the investment cycle.  Your opinions matter and you should not be shy in voicing them, especially when it comes to your financial future.

After all, it’s your money.

 

Please remember discussions in this news piece should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. This article expresses the opinions of Marc Cuniberti. Mr. Cuniberti is an Investment Advisor Representative through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Marc can be contacted at MKB Financial Services 164 Maple St #1, Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 823-2792. MKB Financial Services and Cambridge are not affiliated. His website is www.moneymanagementradio.com. California Insurance License # OL34249

 

 

Money Matters airs Thursday August 17, 2017 at noon PST on KVMR FM and worldwide at moneymanagementradio.com.

 


 

Money Matters update! Read for new stuff July 18, 2017

 

Artichoke: Too old or in its prime? Depends on how we view things

 

 

Hello Y’all and Jambo,

Money Matters takes to the air Thursday July 20, 2017 at noon PST. Tune in and hear about our economy and our crazy markets. Some news and reminders for you:

Shows are on the website: www.moneymanagementradio.com and everything is free. Hear the show on the web there as well. 

See some new links on my video series “Investing in our community”. These are short videos about local events, businesses and other things of interest that are posting to my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/marc.cuniberti

They also get cross pasted to other FB pages like News and Information, Nevada County Happening Now, Nevada County Peeps, Grass Valley Peeps, Auburn, the local business FB page and more. I find it a great way to share what is happening in our community. Email me if you have something you think might be interesting to cover and be SURE to take a look at one of the videos up on FB already. My piece on the early leaf drop in Nevada County is up to over 4,700 views.

My calendar is again filling up for no charge- no obligation,  one on one meeting with me to review your current investments.  Meet with me personally and lets talk. You must email me at mcuniberti@cambridgesecure.com to schedule.

Here is an article about making changes to your investments and in your life in general. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it!

Love to you all and Peace,

Marc

 

 

 

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approved 203704

 

 

When you awoke this morning, were you ready to make a change?

 

Too late for change?

When is it too late to change and when is it time to?

Change is part of the universe and there are many things we are capable of changing.

First to mind might be to change clothes, our hairstyle or diet. Next could be a change in attitude or the proverbial changing of our mindset. The list is endless of the things we can change and the same would go for the things we cannot ad infinitum.

The important changes in our lives are sometimes easy and sometimes difficult but the hardest part of change is realizing the need to.

Sometime small corrections in direction or speed might do the trick when negotiating the roads, waterways or skyways if piloting a vehicle of some sort. Other changes could save our lives such as a change in lifestyle, diet or exercise. Change in financial habits can save us money or even make us more. Changing jobs or careers could make us both more money and more happy.

Changing our lifestyle might apply if one had chosen the wrong path in life which resulted in poor mental or physical health or just plain plunked us down in a group of people that were not conducive to our life expectations. Even changing locations or residences can result in monumental alterations from current situations.

What to change might be obvious or hidden. Why we should change is usually obvious but not always. Sometimes people see no reason to change and therein lies the most difficult part of altering paths.

For example, suppose an investor loses millions using a trading strategy that repeatedly fails. Or an overeater gets a note from his Dr. their blood pressure is too high and cholesterol is through the roof. In both examples, the need for change is obvious. But many times the need for change can be obscured. Ego can make change an admission of failure. Not an option for a person with a high ego. Addiction can mask the reason for change through chemical or mental euphoric and reoccurring “hits”, making any change not only undesirable but possibly painful because of the nature of withdrawal. A lack of will power might be to blame or perhaps external conditions such as finances or even incarceration might also make change impossible. The list is endless.

But the meaningful and willful positive changes in one’s life that are controllable, doable and deliberate can be rewarding in many ways. Financial changes can result in less debt and more income. Changes that address addictions can make for a happier and healthier life. Changes in lifestyle, career, residency or peer groups may make for better outcomes in the long run. Again the list is endless as are the positives from making such change.

Realizing there is need for change is step one. Regardless of what you think you need, like, require or are addicted to, taking a step backwards and being honest with yourself and your particular situation is required in order to change.

The need for change is not always self-realized. Others might drop hints, make suggestions or bring up the issue directly either through honest conversation or even the radical and often last resort of “intervention”.

No matter where you are or think you are, reoccurring negative outcomes and consequences are signs that perhaps something needs to change, and at least being open to the conversation with yourself is the beginning of possible change. If friends or family are making comments or even being ignore entirely, that could also be a red flag that perhaps something needs to change in your life.

Is it ever too late to change?

Arguably no. Eventually a change in direction albeit late in a cycle will yield at least some results. The sooner you make a change, assuming it’s a positive one, the sooner you will begin seeing positive results. Even change late in the proverbial game will likely help something.

Unfortunately there are things in life that cannot be undone as that is the way the world works. Somethings are permanent. You just can’t go back and undo them.

But I am of the belief, no matter whether it’s financial, personal, medical or what have you, the willingness to change does yield some kind of result, even if it’s just the improving the self-respect of the individual making that change.

Regardless of whether it’s early, right on time or even very late, the saying “it’s never too late to change” may be a concept we should grasp tightly and never let go.

It brings to mind something I heard once somewhere: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” (Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971).

Being a financial columnist, I will sum this up by saying it is never too late to change investing strategies. Better late than never certainly applies to revising a financial strategy that isn’t working. The longer you wait, the less money you will make by going to a more successful plan. And it goes without saying, the longer the wait to make a change, the more money you will likely lose.

 


 
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