TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

Share the fun! You may re-distribute Top Drawer Ink as long as the entire newsletter is left intact. Please respect our copyrights.

Top Drawer Ink is self-syndicated. Send reprint, licensing, syndication or other inquiries to editor -at- TopDrawerInkCorp.com.

***

July 7, 2007
Volume 5, Number 13
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country Essay

2. Top Drawer Article

3. Top Drawer Tips

4. Top Drawer Satire

***

CARPENTER COUNTRY

What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

Bird watching can be hazardous, but it’s a fun pastime. Here in Carpenter Country we do it often.

Because the short one’s desk is near a window, she’s assigned herself the enjoyable task of keeping tabs on the bluebird house, a job she’s been doing for weeks. This morning she had the privilege of seeing five baby blues fly away.

The action began when a small feathered head poked out of the nest box. Since getting a good look-see at the small fledgling through a pane of glass left a lot to be desired, the short bird watcher quietly stepped outside.

A seat on the backyard swing offered a much better observation post. Binoculars provided an even sharper view of his feathery details.

Just then Mama Bird arrived with a moth, which he immediately latched onto. She plucked the bug away, then flew off. This back and forth continued until the little guy finally withdrew from the opening.

When he failed to reappear there was only one thing to do – peer inside the box to make sure all was well. A quick headcount revealed everyone was still at home.

Bluebirds usually don’t mind people looking into their nests. Unfortunately this mama was a bit overprotective. Her sudden fly-over and swoop-down ruffled more than a few curls.

Getting the message, the unwanted birder retreated and watched the rest of the saga from a safer location.

Then she headed for the restroom to wash the ‘good luck’ out of her hair.

***

TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Annuity Glossary

by
HL Carpenter

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You buy an annuity with a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. What you get for your money is tax-deferred growth of your investment and the company’s promise to make payments to you, either immediately or in the future.

Read the entire article here

***

TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: Make certain you understand the fees and penalties before purchasing an annuity. Fees generally include charges for administration, maintenance, management and operating expenses. Options you add to your annuity, such as death benefits, may mean additional costs. Penalties include early surrender charges and can be substantial.

Investment Glossary Term: Annuitize. Converting your annuity into a stream of payments. When you annuitize your contract, you begin collecting the money that has built up in your investment. Depending on the terms of your annuity, payments can be made in fixed amounts, or for a certain amount of time.

Financial Horoscope: You can secure your future even without the potential magical influences of today’s triple play of 07/07/07. Superstition, luck or a love of numbers are not required in order to make your savings grow. You need only persistence and common sense. Instead of waiting for the stars to align, set your sights on your goals and start your journey.

***

TOP DRAWER SATIRE

No More Happy Endings?

by
HL Carpenter

Happy Endings, Inc. may be headed for a heartbreaking Chapter 11.

Read the rest here