This edition of Footsteps Along the Path was initially issued by Clear Path Financial Education Services which has now become Kuehn Financial Education Services LLC. For more information about Kuehn Financial Education Services LLC, please email or visit www.kuehnservices.com.

Clear Path Financial Education Services believes:
If you build on your own skills,
Rely on your own abilities,
Increase your range of knowledge,
And get help when you need it,
You are the investment that will succeed above all others.

Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Clear Path Financial Education Services' Footsteps Along the Path. The goal of this newsletter is to provide relevant and succinct information on financial management to consumers and small business owners. It is designed to build upon previous issues, developing a clear path to financial freedom. Reader feedback is encouraged.
Please feel free to forward Footsteps Along the Path. If you have received this from a friend or colleague, and wish to be added to the newsletter distribution list, simply provide a response e-mail with this request. The same applies if you do not desire further contact; your name will immediately be deleted from the list. dkuehn@clearpathservices.com

In this issue:
* Debi Kuehn in the Media
* Path to Achievement
* Article: Investing Your Way to Poverty
* A Knowledgeable Consumer is Powerful
* Seminars Worth Your Time ... including Debi Kuehn's first series of workshops

Visit www.clearpathservices.com

Debi Kuehn in the Media
7/21/04 The Arizona Republic: "Inflation Will Guide Rate Hikes", Kuehn recommends how to handle interest rate increases.
7/25/04 The Arizona Republic: "Snapshot Arizona's Economy", Kuehn discusses higher interest rates for business loans impact on consumers.

Have you read the latest Path to Achievement?
Are you struggling to reach financial freedom and don't know why? This article has the answer, which may surprise you!
http://www.clearpathservices.com/achievement/pta_ed2.htm

Investing Your Way to Poverty
Currently, I have been rummaging through Robert T. Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad series of books. I say rummaging because I have a habit of not reading a book from beginning to end, but choosing chapters by simply seeing what page I open to. Granted I do not recommend this method to comprehend what an author has to say, but somehow it is imbedded in my psyche not to be so structured. With this said, here are bits and pieces of what my brain has been mulling over regarding our government and retirement investing.

In the media I constantly read and hear two phrases: "The United States is the richest country in the world" and "We are a nation of debtors". Talk about a polarized view. We are the wealthiest country on the face of mother earth, but we spend $1.22 for every $1.00 we earn. This along with a historic national deficit is a concern.

In past e-newsletter editions, I have written, "a nation must balance its budget just as a household". Why? Because who we owe owns us. Sounds harsh, but think about it. Debt is a selfish master. If we don't pay Visa the $10,000 owed, debt collectors come hounding. We can't choose what we want to spend our money on because Visa has already decided it will be their company. Just like your mortgage lender decides your $1,000 payment will be received timely or you won't have a roof over your head. But, perhaps this $1,000 should flow to making your elderly mother more comfortable during a terminal illness. It doesn't matter ... you have no choice if you want to keep your home sweet home. We are owned by those we owe.

Apply this to the government. Citizens are owned by the government because of our national debt. Taxes will increase and social services will be cut to pay "master government". We do not have a choice in where our money will be spent. Our tax money that will go towards interest only deficit payments and leave the country with depleted social services. The poor depend on social services and many retirees depend on Social Security.

One solution the Bush administration proposes is to allow citizens to invest their social security money. This is a train wreck. Car after car derailing. Those train cars are us. Because there is no government program promoting adult financial education.

This is where Robert T. Kiyosaki comes in. He suggests Social Security will begin to run at a negative because workers will be investing money under the future government plan either in personal savings or the stock market, leaving less money entering the Social Security system for current retirees.

Also, Kiyosaki highlights there are a difference between investing and being an investor. In addition, he explains a pension is safer than a 401 K plan. Pensions will pay the retiree a set amount until the day s/he dies. Not true with investments. Your mutual fund can tank, leaving financial hardship during the so called golden years. However, safe equates to security, which is not the same as freedom! So, Kiyosaki emphasizes being a critical thinker and understanding your investments.

In conclusion, by 2010-2012 the majority of baby boomers will be retired. They will sell stock to support financial needs. The flood of available stocks may diminish the value. Think supply and demand. Is the Bush administration's idea for retirement security of value when the big picture is viewed? There is no crystal ball to predict the stock market. Please get financially educated. Ignorance is much more expensive than education.

If you are seeking an ethical financial professional contact Debi Kuehn MBA at 623.580.9293 or visit: http://wwwclearpathservices.com/education.htm#human

A Knowledgeable Consumer is Powerful
Arizona residents will receive an annual free credit report upon request starting December 1, 2004. This is in response to the new legislation, FACT (Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act). The process is to be streamlined with a centralized phone number and website for ordering the complimentary report from all three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.

Currently, the contact information has not been released. I will update my readers when the information is offered. However, the government is concerned with extraordinary request volume once the service is available. Thus, your request for free credit reports may be declined!

If you are interested in more information please read Footsteps Along the Path edition XI
http://www.clearpathservices.com/footsteps/issue11.htm and the government document: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-6268.htm

Seminars Worth Your Time
September 13: The Write Way to Manage Business Finances
3:30 p.m. Rio Salado College, 12535 Smokey Drive, Surprise AZ
To RSVP contact Jeanette Chaplin 602.309.9931

This presentation brings a creative side to financially supporting the lifestyle of an author. Join Debi Kuehn MBA for an interactive discussion on cash flow, funding and ROI as it pertains to publishing literary work.

October 11 - November 1: Financial Foundations: Personal Money Management Seminars
7:00 p.m. Foothills Christian Church, 3951 W. Happy Valley Road, Glendale AZ
To RSVP contact Allison Albertson 623.516.9192

Financial Foundations is a free seminar series that will boost your prosperity! Want to control cash to your advantage? Join Debi Kuehn MBA and Susan Nicome, investment representative for Edward Jones. They will provide practical and insightful knowledge on the mechanics of money. For specific information on each week’s topics and registration please visit: www.azfoothillscc.org

Deborah A. Kuehn is the owner, educator and consumer advocate of Clear Path Financial Education Services. Clear Path believes knowledge is power and prosperity.

Written by Deborah A. Kuehn, MBA
All rights reserved
Clear Path Financial Education Services is a registered trade name

Issue XIV

August 23, 2004

PH: 623-580-9293

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