Suze Orman's Advice to 'Larry King Live' Viewers: Use Rebate Checks to Pay Down Debts, Invest for Retirement

"People first, then money, then things." -- Suze Orman, financial expert, New York Times best-selling author [e.g., "Women & Money" and "The Road to Wealth -- Revised Edition"], speaker, Emmy award-winning TV show host, PBS fundraising partner

In January, President Bush announced that the federal government will be sending rebate checks in the amount of $300, $600 or $1,200 to American households -- perhaps as soon as this May or June. This so-called "stimulus package," he said, would boost the U.S. economy and, thus, help steer us clear of a recession. How? By enticing people to buy more stuff.

Last evening, during her guest stint on CNN's "Larry King Live," lauded financial guru and best-selling author Suze Orman declared the economic-stimulus plan "stupid." Rather than go out and spend those checks, she advised, the viewers, callers and folks who e-mailed desperate pleas for her insights should pay down debts and invest in their retirement funds.

Here's a brief excerpt from Larry King's interview with Suze Orman:


...KING: But the government wants them to spend it. That's the point of it.

ORMAN: It's the point of it, but it's a stupid point. They never should have passed that stimulus package. They should never continue to count on saving this economy, because, again, the ordinary person out there is going to continue to spend. They can't continue to spend. They have credit card debt. They have car loan debt. They have mortgage debt.

KING: You're saying take the money and pay off bills?

ORMAN: Get out of debt. If you have -- if you get that money and you haven't yet funded your retirement account, put it in a retirement account. Do something so that little 600 dollars grows to 6,000 dollars and so forth, but don't go out and spend it. Stop it, people. Grow up already.

KING: But the government's case is: if you spend it, you stimulate the economy.

ORMAN: For a little bit. Can't they figure out another way to save this economy, except on the backs of the consumer who are so spent out it's not even funny? I mean, why would you even do that? Again, I could not be against this stimulus package more if I tried...

[BEGIN VIDEO CLIP]

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, my question would be, when are they going to lower the gas prices? $3.74 a gallon is hard to make decisions on what are you going to do for the week, the weekend. I need some answers.

[END VIDEO CLIP]

ORMAN: You know, it's funny. It's hard to decide what you're going to do for the week and the weekend. It's true. You can't even drive to work anymore, and then you start hearing things like here in New York City, where they're thinking about actually raising the tolls to come into the city. How are you going to do anything?

That is the problem, ladies and gentlemen. The oil companies -- we said this last time. We were sitting right here. Record profits, yet they're charging you record prices. I don't understand it. I wish we could do something about it. It seems like we can't.

It seems like oil at 100 dollars is here to stay. So all I can say to you is you better get used to these prices, because they are here, which means you have to cut back on everything, which is why you're also upset.

Again, Larry, don't get me started on this. It makes no sense that oil should be this high. It makes no sense that -- that commodities should be this high, that wheat and milk -- doesn't make any sense, but yet it's here...


To read the entire transcript of last night's show, go to: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0803/25/lkl.01.html

ProsperNOW's take: Thank goodness for Suze Orman's keen, candid, common-sense approach to managing finances! Perhaps our nation's next president will have the good sense to enlist Suze's wide-angle expertise in getting us out of this economic mess -- ? One can only hope...

SOURCE: CNN
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Lost Genius Reveals How to Write Sales Materials That Sell [or "Bruce Barton's Six Points for Writing Ads"]

Editor's Note: You've likely heard of Dr. Joe Vitale -- best-selling author [e.g., "The Attractor Factor," "Life's Missing Instruction Manual"] and teacher/cast member in "The Secret" -- the international hit film, book, audiobook and DVD. Well, he's also a spiritual marketer, copywriting star and CEO of Hypnotic Marketing Inc. ProsperNOW is proud to present the following article that Joe wrote about Bruce Barton [1886-1967], one of his idols.

By Joe Vitale

Bruce Barton was a celebrity in the 1920s. He was a best-selling author, confidant to presidents, master copywriter, philanthropist, congressman, and cofounder of the largest advertising agency in the world, BBDO.

He helped five men become U.S. presidents. He wrote a fund-raising letter that got a 100% response. The only book ever written on Barton and his ideas is "The Seven Lost Secrets of Success." I recently discovered Barton's six points for writing ads, which he probably delivered in a speech in the early 1930s. Here they are, as Bruce Barton himself delivered them:

1. The theme. "A lot of time and money is wasted by our failure to think through and get a theme before we start. The theme ought to be based on two principles -- first, that a man is interested in himself; and second, that he is interested in other people.

"Our formula for Every Week [magazine] was Youth, Love, Success, Money, and Health -- all things in which people are vitally interested."

2. Interesting headlines. "I think any public notice I may have had has come from titles. Nobody was more surprised than I when "The Man Nobody Knows" became a bestseller. The title is what sold the book."

Barton also mentioned that when he edited magazines, he often used provocative titles to stir up controversy and interest. Examples included, "Why I never hire any woman under 30," "How my wife has hindered me in business," and the other side of the question, "How my wife has helped me in business." These interesting headlines guaranteed readership.

3. The visualization. Barton didn't elaborate on this. But I'm sure he was referring to the layout of any sales piece. He once said, "A picture is worth two pages of type, and a headline is worth almost all the rest of the ad put together."

For Barton, the illustration, headline, and body copy made up the layout, or visualization, of any sales piece.

4. The copy. "The introduction can be eliminated almost always. The mind starts cold when you begin to write, and you don't get into high until the second or third paragraph. Cut out the introduction, and then you have a good, hot start.

"Another elementary fundamental of advertising is to make the copy fit the space. To this day, I never write a piece of copy without counting the words. The picture, the headline, and the layout should be set before you begin the copy. To me, writing the copy before you have visualized the layout is backwards."

5. Adjectives. "After you finish a piece of copy, go back and cut out all the adjectives. Henry Ward Beecher's father was once chairman of a committee to draw up resolutions on slavery. One sentence in his resolution read: 'It is an outrage.' Someone suggested that it should read: 'It is a terrible outrage.' Beecher said that was the way he had it in his first draft, but he had cut out the word 'terrible' for the sake of emphasis.

"Adjectives are like the leaves on a switch. They make the switch look pretty, but if you want to hit a blow that will cut, you take off the leaves. Literature that cuts has very few adjectives. The greatest things in life are expressed in one-syllable words -- love, hate, fear, home, wife, child."

6. A purpose. "We should never write an ad without the idea that something is going to happen. What do we want the reader to do? Write with the conviction that he is going to do something when he gets through reading -- go to the store and buy; clip the coupon and mail it.

"And remember the power of the direct command. Don't say, 'If you would like this beautiful booklet, we will be glad to send it.' Say, 'Sit down right now and fill in this coupon.' People want things made easy; they want you to make up their minds for them."


Here's an example of a direct command... For the complete collection of Joe Vitale's most popular products on the subject of hypnotic writing and marketing, order his Hypnotic Library today!
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March 25: "CBS Sunday Morning" to Feature "The Secret"

Since its release just last fall, and its stratospheric success in several formats -- i.e., film, DVD, hardcover, audiobook -- "The Secret" has made the media rounds. Rhonda Byrne, its ingenious creator/executive producer, and several of the teachers/cast members have appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Larry King Live," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and other top TV shows. This Sunday, "The Secret" will be the featured cover story on "CBS Sunday Morning."

As most ProsperNOW readers know, "The Secret" is based on the ages-old Law of Attraction -- i.e., what you radiate to the Universe comes back to you -- and holds that you can attract what you want, as long as you truly believe in your scientific and Universal power to attract it.

Some folks have simplistically likened "The Secret" to Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking." Thus, "CBS Sunday Morning" correspondent Erin Moriarity will visit Peale's hometown, Pawling, N.Y., to hear what townspeople have to say about "The Secret," and the value of believing that any goal you wish to attain can be yours -- if you believe strongly enough.

Truth be told, an infinitely better comparison can be made to Wallace D. Wattles' 1911 classic, "The Science of Getting Rich." In fact, many personal-development gurus have speculated that Wattles' book even inspired Napoleon Hill's success-library must-have book, "Think and Grow Rich."

Whatever. Tune in Sunday morning. It's always interesting to see how their reporters spin stories.

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Oprah's Feb. 16 "The Reaction to The Secret" Show Illuminates and Inspires Her Audience

Yesterday's "The Reaction to The Secret" segment was a most apt sequel to last week's broadcast on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Once again, Oprah deserves a big kudos and thank-you for illuminating and inspiring the masses with purely positive notions about being one's very best self -- and, thus, attracting far-reaching good that radiates out into the Universe.

I shan't elaborate on the finer points that yesterday's teachers/cast members from "The Secret" -- James Arthur Ray and Michael Beckwith [see photo] -- made. Y'all can go to Oprah's Web site for a slide show, of sorts, that recaps the entire show: http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070216.jhtml. Suffice to say, given audience members' success stories -- gleaned during just the past week, mind you -- it's evident that Oprah's generosity in bringing The Secret out into the open has already yielded countless life changes.

What I will do here is share one of the show's most salient points that truly resonated with me. In the context of addressing an audience member's concern about living The Secret while being surrounded by, well, jerks [i.e., those negative folks determined to piddle on other people's Cheerios, tear them down, block their growth, etc.], Michael Beckwith noted, "Mediocrity always attacks excellence."

Whoa! Talk about your "AHA!" moment... Just slightly reminiscent of the old aphorism, "It's hard to fly with eagles when you're hangin' out with a bunch of turkeys," Beckwith's point was totally spot on. For anyone who's been in recovery, or simply chosen to travel a life path that diverges from what's expected of him or her, his keen insight spoke volumes.

I encourage -- no, challenge -- you to do four things:
1] If you missed Oprah's first segment [Feb. 8, 2007] about The Secret, check it out: http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070208.jhtml

2] If you missed yesterday's follow-up show about The Secret, go to: http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070216.jhtml

3] If you haven't yet seen nor read "The Secret," please buy the DVD, book and/or audiobook, and then apply The Secret's incredibly powerful, life-changing notions regarding the Law of Attraction.

4] Be your most excellent self. It'll be good for you, the Universe and, yes, even a few, uh, turkeys.

Photo: Harpo Productions, Inc.
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Today: Oprah Hosts Follow-Up Segment on "The Secret"

Today, just one week after featuring executive producer Rhonda Byrne and four teachers/cast members from the hit film, best-selling book, DVD and audiobook "The Secret," Oprah Winfrey is hosting two of those guests for a follow-up segment, "The Reaction to The Secret."

Evidently, when the initial segment about The Secret aired on Feb. 8, 2007, millions of viewers tuned in to The Oprah Winfrey Show to learn the mystery of The Secret and its purported power to making more money, losing weight, falling in love, having a fulfilling career, etc. Since then, the show's message boards have been abuzz with folks wanting to know more.

ProsperNOW readers and/or fans of "The Secret" know that The Secret is defined as the Law of Attraction, which states that like attracts like. Basically, the concept says that energy -- either positive or negative -- you put into the world is exactly what comes back to you. [Think karmic boomerang.] Thus, you create the circumstances of your life via the choices you make every day.

To help answer viewers' burning questions about The Secret, Oprah is hosting two of last week's guests -- James Arthur Ray, founder and CEO of James Ray International, and the Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center. Today's show will also showcase some astounding, life-changing examples of how people have applied The Secret -- during just the past week!

Check local TV listings for broadcast times in your area.

Photo: Harpo Productions, Inc.
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Dr. Daniel Amen Wraps Up Valentine's Week on "Live with Regis and Kelly" on Feb. 16

Tomorrow, psychiatrist and best-selling author Daniel G. Amen, M.D., will join talk-show hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa to wrap up Valentine's Week on "Live with Regis and Kelly."

Dr. Amen is a child and adult psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is the CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics, Inc., which have the world’s largest database of functional brain scans relating to psychiatric medicine -- now totaling more than 34,000 scans.

He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California's Irvine School of Medicine. There, Dr. Amen teaches seminars on brain imaging, brain injury, behavioral neuroanatomy, adult ADD, hypnosis, biofeedback, and the use of natural supplements in psychiatry.

Dr. Amen's work has been published around the world. He is the author of numerous professional articles, plus popular articles that have appeared in Newsweek, Parade Magazine and Men's Health.

He's also written 19 books, including "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," "Healing ADD," "Healing the Hardware of the Soul," "Healing Anxiety and Depression," "Preventing Alzheimer's," "Making a Good Brain Great," and "Sex on the Brain" [released in January 2007]. His audio and video programs include "New Skills for Frazzled Parents" and "Which Brain Do You Want?" -- both available from MindWorks Press.

Given this week's focus on Valentine's Day and all things romance-related, it is expected that tomorrow's visit with Regis and Kelly will include at least a few insights from Dr. Amen's latest book, "Sex on the Brain." Check local TV listings for tomorrow's broadcast time, then tune in to find out.
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James Arthur Ray Appears on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" with Fellow Cast Members from "The Secret" Tomorrow

As ProsperNOW previously reported, tomorrow [Feb. 8], Oprah Winfrey is hosting Executive Producer Rhonda Byrne and a handful of teachers/actors from "The Secret," the global hit film and best-selling book, DVD and audiobook.

Master entrepreneur James Arthur Ray, President/CEO of Carlsbad, Cal.-based James Ray International, will be among Oprah's guests. Expect him to present a compelling alchemy of keen insights on wealth creation, personal performance and spiritual growth.

Check local TV listings for broadcast time.
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Jack Canfield Among Oprah's Guests from "The Secret"

As ProsperNOW reported, this Thursday [Feb. 8], Oprah Winfrey is hosting Executive Producer Rhonda Byrne and a handful of cast members from "The Secret," the global hit film, book, DVD and audiobook.

Among Oprah's guests: Jack Canfield [AKA "America's Success Coach"], the best-selling author and originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series. Tune in, and be inspired by America's leading expert in creating peak performance for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, managers, sales professionals, corporate employees and educators.

Check local TV listings for broadcast time.
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Millionaire Internet Marketer's Students Are Becoming Wealthy in His Footsteps

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of features we're doing on opportunities to make money on the Internet. Yes, with a little time, money and sweat equity, you CAN earn money on the wild, wild Web...

A former automobile General Manager from Long Island, N.Y., left the business in 2004 when he was making more money in one month online than he did in one year working at one of the largest auto dealers in the USA. The man is top Internet marketer, Mike Filsaime.

Mike shocked the marketing community by developing a style of viral marketing known as Butterfly Marketing. This style of marketing launched Mike -- like a juggernaut -- to becoming one of the most popular names in Internet marketing. Just do a Google on his name and you will see thousands of pages featuring his name. [He shares the same last name as an executive VP for Nintendo, but you will not see that name anywhere.]

In early 2006, Mike released his home-study course to the world, and it sold over $200,000 in sales in just 16 minutes -- and sold out the entire $1.5 million-dollar inventory in less than one month. Now, after applying his Internet strategies, Mike's students are making as much as $100,000 within just seven days of starting his course.

Mike has been asked by many book publishers to author a book called "Butterfly Marketing." It is rumored that it could become a New York Times bestseller virtually overnight, and would change the way people look at viral marketing -- not just online, but offline, as well. Mike has stated it will be a few months or, perhaps, a year until this would come to fruition.

For now, Mike has condensed his $1,497 best-selling home-study course into a 100-plus-page manuscript that may only be available for a limited time and at http://foolish1.bfmscript.hop.clickbank.net/. It will be interesting to see how many more millionaires are made using his strategies.

Some critics are even stating that his advertising strategies are so powerful that, soon, viral marketing will be referred to as Butterfly Marketing. FYI: The term comes from the Chaos Theory; i.e., how one tiny, seemingly insignificant, change can have huge and dramatic affect on a given outcome over time. Case in point: a butterfly flapping its wings produces tiny changes in the atmosphere that can, one day -- many months later -- change a sunny day into a tropical storm.

Butterfly Marketing is understanding these small changes in your business that can have you going from dead-end broke, to making millions of dollars per year. Butterfly Marketing uses viral marketing to leverage your current flow of traffic. Although Mike Filsaime spends less than a few thousands of dollars per year in advertising, this form of marketing could explode sales and traffic for anyone using any form of advertising once his strategies are put into the current plan.

For more information on Butterfly Marketing and to see some of the success Mike's students have had in just a few months after learning from him, go to http://foolish1.bfmscript.hop.clickbank.net/.

Oh, and watch out for the name Mike Filsaime. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will. If and when he decides to publish his book, his name may be as popular in the business world as Robert Kiyosaki. Only time will tell...
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