Financial Realites for our future

Money & Music for Life??? A movement that supports the realities of each and every one us.
We have so much to look forward too, yet have so many obstacles to overcome. In the music industry, sports, or small business alike, we are all faced with the very obstacles of finding what works. Many times through trial and error. This is where the power of knowledge, and the value becomes all that more imperative to success. In a day and age that is so focused on individuals realities that aren't our realities, we forget the real stories of those like the fictional character Patrick "Lights Out" Leary, or the realities of those stories right before our very eyes in Nicholas Cage, Charlie Sheen, Latrell Spreewell, Lindsay Lohan...list go on.
There is so much talent in this world, but a great teacher once said, it's not how much talent you have, it's what are going to do with it.

So Floyd Mayweather, maybe you will get that second chance to fight Manny, but it's not what your record is in the ring, it's what is your record outside the ring, in years to come you will understand if you don't already what that means. Like Michael Vick, no one should ever dream or think we could have the strength to go through what Mike has had to go through, but reality it is, he deserves every bit of struggle that is presented (the actions outside the football arena will always be remembered), and we welcome those to say otherwise.
So remember it's not how talented you are, it's what you do with your talent not in the first, 2nd, or 5th year, but for the LIFE and Legacy you leave behind, in & outside your profession.

Greatness is: when in passing, with the biggest smile & cleanest record, "Hey Buddy".
by the HeavyWeight Champion himself, George Foreman

Let's Talk about the Realities of the US Health Care System

Over the years, we continue to see Health Insurance Companies, Health Care Providers, Legislators, Drug Companies, media & their so-called pundits, and lawyers continue to lead us down a path of Confusion. Reality is: Are they doing this on purpose???

Why wouldn't they be, they've turned the term "health" into now what is known as a "commodity" here in the United States. A "commodity" that they all profit from. Starting at the University system another discussion for another day, where they too have turned the term "education" into a "commodity."

If Confusion is not what they want from us, what does 2700 pages (ObamaCare) really mean? Have you met anyone, that can actually explain what is ObamaCare? Or anyone who has actually read the 2700 pages? Like Speaker Pelosi said, "we have to pass the bill before we can understand it". WHAT??

The point is simple, as the CEOs of those of like AETNA, CIGNA, making 14+million a year, 18+ million year, check their 2010 Salaries if you don't believe, or ask your local doctor or specialist, surgeon how much they make a year? Or ask or check the Insurance Companies and how much are they making per year? Or ask the Universities how much they are making per year on their medical programs?

NO! The real question should be how much are you paying for Health Insurance, how much do you have to pay out of pocket, when your health insurance company says we won't pay for that service?

What's happened in America? Are we suppose to be confused so the more confused we are, the better it is, for these companies, doctors, and legislators to profit from our "health"?

They want us to believe how great the US Health Care System is, when in fact, its simply put "SAD". Sad that there is someone waiting for care right now that couldn't afford health insurance or needs to be destitute before receiving care, or a family waiting right now that has health insurance, that is first being asked "How will you pay for your care" or "Do you have Insurance, and what services do they cover"? To then be brushed aside and told your symptoms are normal, or here's some DRUGS...ahh...those FAMOUS Drug Companies...isn't there a Drug for Everything? At least there seems like a Drug Commercial for everything (why haven't these commercials been banned yet?).

Reality is in America, we are just a number to the system, try getting more than 5 minutes with your doctor, or your providers to explore further your symptoms when you tell them over and over.

There is a Great Opportunity here for young entrepreneurs and doctors/nurses, to change the system, to look at other countries and find out why these professionals go into the medical profession or industry, was it to make the ALMIGHTY $$$ or was it to truly help those in need.

Ask your doctors/nurses next time, because of their compassion for the patient, how many times they were able to push for further exams, or push for further evaluation, or further exploration of the symptoms over and beyond taking some drugs and all will go away or your symptoms are normal. Then ask that nurse...how much do you make an hour verse the doctor?

Until we can make Health Care what it should be here in the UNITED STATES, a "Moral Obligation" and Not what they've turned into, a "Commodity" or "Profit 1st Business", we won't be able to actually see Change...ahh what a word, the Change we Deserve...not very funny to those suffering, and those in need this very minute, or those being told they have normal symptoms to later find out otherwise, or being told their insurance won't cover certain services, or your scared to find out because your not sure your insurance will pay or you have the means to pay...list goes on.

Howabout another government system, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid all on the verge bankrupting us in the next twenty years, unless drastic measures are enacted immediately. Let's add another layer of government run system with ObamaCare, are you confused? Of course, you are suppose to be so those running the system can continue to take advantage of us & sadly to say our "health".

Our Health is our Wealth

but our Government & Big Companies & Medical Profession have instead made it their WEALTH, profiting off of our Health.

No need to complain, howabout some SOLUTIONS!!!

SOLUTION: Create NON-Profit Entities, Group of Medical Providers form entities that provide services through their network and group only, paid for by those participating (you) through the form of premiums. This is not a new Solution, Countries overseas in many cities already abide by such systems.

Difference: These Doctor Groups/Entities, aren't making the million dollar salaries that so many in the great United States are making, nor are the companies providing the Medicines, Technology, thus eliminating the need for Insurance Companies as your services are paid for by the dollars taken in from your premiums to the group, and these Groups/Entities will have no choice but to eliminate wasteful spending or unnecessary drugs or procedures.

Where there are problems, there are Opportunities but not at the expense of one's HEALTH.

MONEY & MUSIC SAYS - NO ONE CAN STOP YOU BUT YOU!!!! (A INSPIRATIONAL TIP FROM COOL V)

Hey People!

One of the key things is this business is to stay motivated and truly inspired for what you do! When you loose the vision, the passion or the love the dream is GONE! Lots of time we blame others for our lost of vision or consistency etc when in the end YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP....NO ONE CAN STOP YOU BUT YOU! Another thing is to remember patience in this fast food generation we want everything NOW fast food, women/men, cars, clothes etc but like all fads none of these things last.

• Fast Food = Bad for your health
• Fast Woman or Men = Eventually wear you out
• Cars = Gain mileage and creates wear and tear on the engine & frame
• Clothes = Goes out of style like their fads

So as you can see things come and go so it's important that you remember to stay motivated and trust in your dreams against all odds! In business lots of us not only forget stay motivated but even more importantly to motivate our consumers! As human beings we have a very short attention span and when we loose interest the trill is gone. Which equals poor sales and respect for your brand. So like many of you have or have/not heard owning a business is like having a relationship if you fail or neglect to give him/her attention they loose interest as does your consumers.

So how can I stay motivated I have created a must have motivation list of books and DVD's:

• The Secret (DVD) see (HERE)
  
• The Hustlers 1o Commandments by HOTOP see (HERE)
  
• Hustle While You Work by (The above listed author) see (HERE)
  
• The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey see (HERE)
• Getting Things Done by David Allen see (HERE)
• Tapping The Power Within Iyana Vanzant see (HERE)

I hope these jewels help, motivate and inspire you as they did me and if all else fails look in the mirror at the wonderful creation GOD made and say to yourself I CAN DO WHAT EVER I SET MY MIND TO! Ask GOD for strength and you can get threw anything!!!! Wishing you love & light your boy boyee COOL V aka MR OFFICIAL WHISTLE!

Money & Music Salutes Pat-Lee, You know "The Name"?

Money & Music Salutes

Pat-Lee
"The Name"
YOU HEARD???

Cool V & Money Mike been working with Pat-Lee for some time and already Pat-Lee is making his name heard, with young fans from Alabama to the UK, all the way down, Brazil.
"Addicted to Fresh" (Fashion Gangsta) Single has been heard on major mixtapes and radio stations across the country & overseas.
Not only is he bringing the Fresh, but he's one young one grinding with his mind & eyes focused on the prize, only great things to come, so scoop up his latest EP, one word, "FRESH".

Toni Braxton: Money & Music

Toni Braxton -- Bankrupt Again, May Owe $50 Mil

10/7/2010 12:30 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

www.tmz.com

Toni Braxton has filed for bankruptcy again -- claiming she owes somewhere between $10 million and $50 million in unpaid debts all over the country ... including DMVs in TWO different states.



Braxton -- who sold more than 40 million albums in her career -- just filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California ... and in the docs, the singer claims she's only worth somewhere between $1 mil and $10 mil ... but she could have up to $50 mil in debts.

In the docs, 43-year-old Braxton lists a ton of creditors to whom she thinks she may owe money... including:

-- AT&T
-- The Four Seasons Hotels
-- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
-- Various medical bills
-- DirecTV
-- Neiman Marcus
-- The William Morris Agency
-- Tiffany & Co.
-- Orkin Pest Control
-- The Internal Revenue Service

-- BMW Financial Services
-- ADT Security
-- American Express
-- Flamingo Las Vegas
-- Mesa Air Conditioning
-- Nevada Power Company
-- Screen Actors Guild
-- The Westin
-- Wells Fargo Bank

Braxton also claims she may owe money to the City of L.A. Parking Violations Bureau -- and the DMV in both California and Nevada.

Braxton has a storied history of financial problems -- she filed for bankruptcy back in 1998 ... and earlier this year, the IRS filed a lien against her for $396k.

See also

• Nic Cage Settles Financial Ruin Lawsuit
• Rapper Young Buck: I'm Bankrupt ... Not Broke!
• Bank Sues Levi Johnston -- What's In Your Wallet?
• Chris Tucker -- 11 Million Tax Problems

DJ King Assassin teams up with LOKIXXIMO: DOWNLOAD NEW MIXTAPE

DOWNLOAD HERE

BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR HOMIE, DJ KING ASSASSIN for this release, talk about someone on their grind recently. He's been working on new releases with Wyclef, Ja Rule, and Lokixximo, while running 982 The Beat and MixshowBlast.com and how many other projects? All while still keeping up with the jones's, and heading how many DJ squads? CONGRATS on this one
Keep doing it Big Fam it's your time.

The Cost of Stupidity

It's time we go in on this one, it's the 800 Pound Gorilla that no one wants to step up, and address. This morning, we checked out a few blogs, got some news blasts in our emails, the normal day. So what do we find, the normal PROBLEMS of Stupidity, that continue to surface, yet NO Leader/Role Model is stepping up to the plate and addressing what we constantly see from the Music/Sports Industries...STUPIDITY!!!

Let's start off by reading, these two Headlines:

September 2, 2010

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- "Grammy-winning rapper T.I., who is still on probation after spending time behind bars on gun charges, was arrested along with his wife on drug charges after police smelled alleged marijuana coming from their car, authorities said.The Wednesday night arrests for possession of a controlled substance occurred in West Hollywood during a traffic stop, Los Angeles sheriff's deputy Mark Pope told The Associated Press."

SI.com, Aug. 31st, 2010
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Several Miami Dolphins crawled across the field after practice Tuesday -- not due to exhaustion, but because they were looking for a diamond earring.

Defensive end Kendall Langford said he forgot to take his earrings off before practice and lost one during drills. He said the diamond was nearly 2.5 carats, which is why he was still on the field an hour after practice scanning the grass.

How quickly you can rise in your profession and how quickly you can fall, but to allow STUPIDITY to continue to run ramped from these "so-called" role models, is simply unacceptable.

We are in very difficult times, did Kendall missed the conference/meetings that talk about the lifespan of an NFL athlete??? Or the average lifespan of an NFL athletes funds after leaving Pro Football??

Did TI, not have enough time in prison to figure it out, that second chances sometimes only come once? That many never get a second chance.

How about Paris Hilton? Lawrence Taylor?? Big Ben the QB from Pittsburgh???...the list goes on and on...oh...but no worries they got the MONEY$$$, they got the FAME, so who cares? What's Lawyer fees amongs fees, court fees, fines, jail time, ...time itself $$$ that's what!

Yet we wake up everyday, and see more and more bonehead decisions, but these are quote un-quote SUCCESSFUL/Famous athletes or entertainers, so it's okay, right? WRONG!

The reality is, Society/Media and most of all PARENTS/Role Models need to start waking up to the fact that, these decisions are UNACCEPTABLE, and should have been taught & learned at early ages in life, yet these are GROWN MEN/WOMEN continuing to think they are above the LAW or the FACTS of Life simply don't apply to their status.

As you know, we will not sit here and scold & beat a dead horse, but instead talk about what needs to be done.

Life is Not Easy, "Your destiny in Not Determined by the CHANCES You take, but instead the Choices you make."

So let's stop talking or seeing any importance in the Bling, the Blang, the Bang, and start talking about LIFE and the difficult journey ahead, and the positive ways to lead your life. It's time to turn our attentions & focus to those that are the Real Successful Ones...the Will Smith's, Mark Wahlberg's, Russell Simmons, BO Jackson, Jerry Rice's.. parents practicing & teaching right from wrong...list goes on...it's time to turn back the clock on the Family Values, Financial Fundamentals, basics of life.

GETTING IN TROUBLE with the LAW is NOT COOL!!! FOOL...& if you LOVE MONEY$ LIKE YOU SAY YOU DO, THEN YOU LOVE STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE!!!!

...cuz its....VERY EXPENSIVE!!! Ask Method Man, Lil Wayne, TI, Ben Roethlisburger, Lindsay...or better yet Kendall Langford with his earring...and it's 10 Years from now...

A lot of People talk & talk & talk about it...but it's time for our Role Models and us alike start doing something about it, by Turning Profit$$$ from Intelligence...

NOW THAT WOULD BE FRESH...so make it happen!!!

MTV, BET, CNN, FOX, VIACOM, TMZ...where ya at?

P.s. Shout out to Chad Ocho Cinco...we see you with them cubic zirconias, now that's FRESH! (Kendall missed that episode)! We hope the SMART money is doing what it's suppose too, Working for ya, Intelligently. If not, Money Mike is our go to resource. To all our Go-Getters never hesitate to use Money Mike as a financial resource or Cool V as your marketing guide.

email: info@moneynmusic.com
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY

Tennis Pro, Gigi Fernandez talks about Retirement Regrets

For those that don't know, Money Mike was a top level tennis amateur player, ranking Top 10 in his region in juniors, played at the national level, played for national champion collegiate school, and number #1 singles at a Division 1, University. He actually met Gigi many times growing up in DC at one the very familiar back then, Virgina Slims Tennis Tourneys.
So we post this one from one of the best, Gigi Fernandez, from her words to your eyes & hears.

So listen up...

Gigi's story

"I assumed that I had saved enough to last a lifetime," says former pro tennis player Gigi Fernandez. "I made quite a bit of money when I was playing -- prize money, exhibitions, endorsement appearances."

Unfortunately, that money didn't last a lifetime. "My lifestyle didn't change. One or two bad investments, a market crash here, a Ponzi scheme there, and lo and behold, there isn't enough to last. So I have had to reinvent myself. Went back to school and got an MBA and now I am an entrepreneur."

Fernandez isn't alone in finding the waters of retirement perilous to navigate. In some ways, she is luckier than most, because at 46 she is young enough to get back in the game (so to speak) and set aside more money for her later-in-life needs.

"I founded a company called Baby Goes Pro that introduces young children to sports via a DVD," she says. Though only a few months old, "we have had great things happen so far, including being part of the Easter Egg Roll at the White House and an order from Target to be in all their stores." It helps that Fernandez can call Annika Sorenstam or Alex Rodriguez to pick their brains about the next sports video she is producing.

"I think two common mistakes people make when retiring is thinking that they have enough money saved to last them a lifetime and not adjusting their lifestyle to the current cash-flow situation," she says.

Like many other people at or near retirement age, there's a lot she would have done differently, if she'd known then what she knows now.

"NFL Rookies Warned on Money" time Money & Music joins this discussion

For reprint reasons we will instead link this week's headline post in the USA TODAY "NFL Rookies Warned on Money" (click here to read entire article).

Why did we resort to Money Mike on this one? Because he is a Registered Investment Advisor, someone who has contemplated and able to qualify to join the NFLPA's union of financial advisors, but after having a conversation with one of our past guests, Elton Brown (Superbowl Lineman from the Arizona Cardinals), Money Mike revealed, "yes" he could, would, and was able to qualify to be part of the NFLPA's financial advisors union, even has the paperwork still in his files, but what did that really mean? From our conversations with him, what it really meant was paying 500+$ (annual fee) to be listed as a "Qualified advisor" on their 450+ list that the Rookies get of financial advisors during their Rookie meetings. Elton & Mike, talked about will that really make a difference? Their conclusions, would you trust someone because they are on a paid list, would that mean Money Mike is more qualified, more trusted? Before reading on...please read the article, better yet, read past blog archives, listen to past Money & Music Shows.

I met Money Mike in the late 90's, he was like any other young successful dude, just having fun, working hard, and never thought where our destiny's would take us. Since it's Caribana time...it only brings back true memories when we after one helluva event in Canada @ the Gov't, did we say to ourselves..."Wow, there is so much the Entertainment and Sports Industries lack, True Guidance" like the article points out, not that fancy suit, fancy car, legal/financial lingo, having you run for the hills if you dare to ask a question. No instead, someone you can sit down with you, look you in the eyes, kick you in the ass & tell you stop being so DUMB!!! While enjoying the game or bumpin some good music, all on the same level. We respect the fact the NFLPA set up such a union, and continues to preach and educate young athletes the importance of finances, yet are the role models preaching from success or from the failures that so many made? How about we stop preaching and stop LEACHING on to these athletes/entertainers as they are anyone different then anyone else? We have serious problems as a society, forget the whole fame blame. Today's economy affects all walks of life, no matter how many zeroes are after your bank account.

The problem, it's the Bling and the Blang, society and media, portray as Success. The Reality is...well start tuning in...start reading the posts, we can only lead the horse to the water, it's up to you to do something about it. So all you artists & athletes, at the end of the day, the blame only lies with you, Ask yourself one simple question, "After I'm done with my career, what plan do I have in place and where will my income come from?" as our boy Money Mike would say instead, " What is your lifestyle now and how much money do you need to maintain it for future years?"

Now why is Health such a important concept to me? Because a few years ago I was effected by a getting hit by a drunk driver which left me paralyzed for a few months and on a cane for a few years. This effected "EVERYTHING" not even just in the past but in the present as well because time to time when the weather change I'm still effected. Because I wasn't able to exercise and lack of a proper nourishment I also had a poor diet which triggered "Sugar Diabetes" which is so prevalent in my family because most of my siblings suffer from this disease from both of my grandmothers, aunts, father and even my sister suffer from the same illness. This left me in even worse condition. I have dealt with many of things but trust me when I tell you Sugar is nothing to play with it has resulted in the passing of both of my grandmothers, My fathers foot being amputated and my my aunt with a stroke.

You may heard many say "Your Heath is Your Wealth" but from personal experience I can tell you without it you have "NOTHING" don't let "NOTHING" nor "NO ONE" effect this because this will have a trickle down effect it will effect your finance, relationships, family and your overall existence. So plan ahead and think smart.

Money & Music is a movement that continues to strengthen, the show will be back shortly, so stay tuned, stay up to date, and keep educating because EDUCATION & your HEALTH is your TRUE WEALTH.

You Heard The Whistle It's Official!

Legacy Planning, "It's in your Hands"

As we get older, we hear this all the time "Life is Short". Yet, what have you done about it? How have you made sure that you will have left a "Legacy" that will always be remembered. Do you feel sometimes like the hamster on the wheel, running and running yet failing to take action by getting off the wheel? Often times, we talk about what we are going to do, but more of the times we put it off to a point we never do what we say, until it's forgotten.

Losing a loved one, is a feeling that no words can ever explain, yet life goes on. We can only hope with this week's post, you too will take a moment to reflect how fast life goes by, and actually take action on something you have always thought about, yet have not taken a moment to do. Howabout:
*updating your will & establishing a health care proxy
*establishing a budget
* speaking to a reputable independent financial advisor about your Life Plan
* buying life insurance or disability insurance
* donating time to a charity or meaningful cause
* allocating more time to your family
* or something as simple as going out & cleaning the garage
...whatever it may be...

Make Today the Day You took Action

Tomorrow a Day of Peace of Mind

What is your Legacy?

Looking for a reputable Advisor?
email: info@moneynmusic
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY

First Released Download: "The Most Under-Rated" Mixtape, Shire'

Money & Music Family continues hit homers, for all our love makers, R&B lovers, if you don't have any of these tracks in rotation, be warned get the ice because this is one mixtape, that will only make your summer that much HOTTER!!!
Shire' (SRC/Universal Motown Artist) is one of the industry's most under-rated, you be the judge. Money & Music in Partnership with globo.com, www.multishowfm.com.br, & MultiSoul, first showcased in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil during the whole month of June 2010. Shire's voice & talent had Brazilians only asking how they too could get an autographed mixtape from Baltimore's daughter herself, Shire'. Money & Music & Shire' sure didn't disappoint, take a look for yourself.

Globo.com/MultishowFM, Brazil

We want to again Thank Shire' & CK
for showing Money & Music the support & love through the trials & tribulations on your rise to the TOP.

"BE THE FIRST TO GET IT FIRST"

DOWNLOAD HERE

Shire' is one talent, that as the industry sleeps on, will continue produce hit after hit only making us wonder, what is her label waiting for? Until then fans like us, will enjoy...
"The Most Under-Rated"

Shire'