November 13, 2013

Goodbye Charlie Mae Matthews (October 6, 1919 - October 15, 2013) – Thanks For Being Such an Awesome MaMa to Carmece
 
Carmece Cunningham, our sister physical therapist extraordinaire, lost her grandmotherm Charlie Mae Matthews, last month. Mrs. Matthews was an active member at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas, and served in 8 different committees for 70+ years until her health began to fail. She was active in the community by being a part of the "I Have a Dream" Garden Club for over 30 years as well as being active in the PTA over 25 years while her children were still in school. She is best known for her baking, love for fishing, sewing, and making quilts for family and friends. Left to cherish her memories are one daughter and one son, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren.
 
“MaMa loved people unconditionally and wholeheartedly. She made it her responsibility to serve others as well as the Lord. MaMa, I will always love you, and you are missed. I will see you soon one day!!” -Carmece
 
Tricia
 
Having been married to her soul-mate for over 40 years, our sister Tricia is not doing well after losing Colman last month (October 11). Nevertheless, Tricia is one of the toughest people I know, and she is hanging in there. Also, all of your calls expressing concern are very helpful. Granted, she might start crying (she calls it “blubbering”), but that is all part of the healing process. So don’t be afraid to call Tricia and ask how she is. And don’t feel bad if she starts “blubbering”. She has also been known to laugh at her own “blubbering” the next instant. For instance, Fred and I recently took Tricia to eat sushi at Sushi King. Yes, she blubbered there too but before Fred and I could start “blubbering” with her, she stopped and laughed at herself.
 
So, that is the status of our beloved Tricia. This is by far the worst thing that has ever happened to her, but she knows she is here for a reason and is determined to maximize her potential; and no amount of “blubbering” is going to stop her.
 
401K Transfer
 
It has taken too long, but the 401K transfer should be completed any day. And while I am upset at how long this has taken, I know that if we invest correctly, it will all be worth it because we are going to a place where we pay less fees because many of us will be in Vanguard Index Funds. And the less we pay the more we keep. No, I can’t guarantee that we will all be super rich from investing, but I can promise I want you all to be rich, healthy, and happy when you leave Stambush, and part of that goal can only be accomplished by our 401K doing well. Again, lower fees in index funds are a great way to reach that goal. Also, we have an Investment Advisor that is our fiduciary. And as our fiduciary, he MUST give us advice that is in our best interest. This is not to say the previous folks did not, but I am saying I want us all to be in the best position to grow our retirement money, and that is why I have aligned us with the low fee Vanguard Index Funds and a fiduciary to watch over us.
 
In addition to the above, our third party administrator (Expert Plan) recently told me that we can put 100% of our Self Directed 401K money into our Ameritrade as opposed to Nationwide’s 90% rule. That is a big deal to me because I love buying stocks directly. However, be warned: it is not as diversified as an index fund and it is NOT for everyone. So chart your course to big money carefully…..and good luck.