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.

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August 2, 2008
Volume 6, Number 15
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country
2. Top Drawer Article
3. Top Drawer Tips
4. Top Drawer Satire

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CARPENTER COUNTRY
What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

 

Vacations are great. But there’s usually good and bad stuff that happens before the actual trip. Carpenter Country’s short one calls it the FRHW=Ah Hah factor.

The first letter stands for fun and begins during the planning stage. Brochures arrive at the office from various sections of the country, pile up on her desk, and get dog-eared from use. Where to go, what to see become important questions requiring lots of research.

After the fun is finalized and paid for, the R for reward kicks in. It goes like this: During a party, luncheon or meeting, someone will say, “Tomorrow we leave for Istanbul.” To which the short one just loves to reply, “Let me tell you where I’m going.”

While the reward is still causing euphoria, the hectic or H part of the formula rears its ugly head. A partial list includes - making honey-do lists, dragging out suitcases, cramming in blouses, jeans and shoes, then sitting on the bags until they snap shut.

When that’s done, it’s time for the big W - worry. Passport, money, credit card, where are they? Hope we get to the airport on time. Will this belt buckle make the security monitors beep? What if the flight is cancelled!

And at last, settled on board, listening to the plane roar down the runway, the short one hears the pilot say: It looks like a beautiful day and we expect to arrive at our destination on time.

That’s when the Ah-Hah factor clicks into place.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

All The Macs and Maes
by
HL Carpenter

 

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have been in the headlines recently. But they’re just part of the Mac and Mae governmental family.

Here’s an overview of Fannie, Freddie and other relatives:

Read the entire article here

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

 

Tip: You can invest in Government Sponsored Enterprises such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by purchasing stock, bonds, or mutual funds that specialize in or include the securities of these quasi-governmental entities.

Glossary Term: Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE): GSEs are entities created by the US government that are not included in the federal budget. GSEs are generally managed and owned privately, receiving financing from investors. They issue capital stock and short- and long-term debt instruments, sell asset-backed securities (also known as mortgage-backed securities), and collect fees for guarantees and other services. GSEs typically have a line of credit with the US Treasury and issue securities that are exempt from Securities and Exchange Commission registration requirements. In addition, interest paid to investors is exempt from state and local taxation. Most GSE debt and mortgage-backed securities are perceived to be guaranteed by the federal government, so GSEs can borrow money at interest rates similar to the rates paid by the Treasury.

Financial Horoscope: ‘Staycations’ are popular this summer, as people choose to stick close to home instead of traveling. Whatever your leisure plans, simplifying and organizing your finances makes it easier to enjoy yourself. The first seven days of August are designated as National Simplify Your Life Week, and it’s the perfect time to sign up for automatic deposits, consolidate investment accounts, and throw out old statements and bills. Once your paperwork is in shape, you can kick back and relax in the location of your choice.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Magic Carpet Rides, Inc.
by
HL Carpenter

 

As gas prices continue to rise, Americans are scrambling for ways to reduce consumption. Magic Carpet Rides, Inc., a manufacturer of alternative vehicles, believes it has the answer: Flying carpets.

Read the rest here