Hello Rogue Investors,

Each year around this time, we pause to give thanks for what have. Even in a difficult economy with plenty of uncertainty, most of us have a long list of thanks to offer. I am thankful for my health, my family, my business and my friends among many other things. In the spirit of thanks, I am sending out 7 Days of Thanks – seven newsletters with positive information for your finances, health and wellbeing.

For Day 1, here is a treat from my business partner Gus Fernandez.

7 Survival Tactics in a Tough Economy

No question about it, we’re in tough times, but the good news is that history is on our side. Statistically, the average recession lasts 18 to 24 months, followed by 5 to 7 years of expansion. So odds are high there is light at the end of the tunnel.

And because helping you save money is almost as important as helping you make it, here are some smart tactics to not only survive these trying times but profit in spite of them. 

1. Start a business. There are just two main ways to build wealth—by increasing your income and by reducing your outgo. Owning your own business qualifies you for a whole new slew of valuable tax savings by turning spending into tax-deductible expenses. For a recommendation or two, send an email to gus@rogueinvestor.com and tell me whether you prefer a product or service. A company is never better than its people. I will point you to a very select few and you can be the judge. 

2. Find a Mentor. We become like those we associate with. Don’t expect your next-door neighbor or co-worker to give you the kind of advice you need. Bottom line, reach out to someone you respect, invite them to lunch or coffee, take notes and do more listening than talking. 

3. Build an Emergency Fund. Best to prioritize ALL your income and outgo together. That’s right, no matter your living circumstances if you both aren’t on board neither is. If you’re single, better yet, you only have you to deal with yourself. Maybe you should cut back on eating out, eliminate the cell phone and cable or seek serious debt consolidation and credit help.

Go to: www.debtadvice.org and www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

For free foreclosure prevention assistance check out www.hopenow.com. 

Maybe your goal is wireless broadband without the monthly commitment or a $500 smart phone. If so, check out Virgin Mobile’s newly released broadband2go at http://web.virginmobileusa.com/broadbandPlans exclusively at BestBuy. It’s touted to be the first nationwide prepaid mobile broadband service anywhere.

4. Use coupons. Okay, maybe things aren’t that desperate, but in a rugged economy every dollar counts, either back in your pocket or toward an investment.

Click into: www.thegrocerygame.com and www.couponmom.com.  

5. Liquidate, liquidate, liquidate. Turn your digs upside down to find any odds and ends from books to CD’s to clothes for cash.

     Books: www.cash4books.com

     Clothes: www.craigslist.com, www.ebay.com 

     CD’s, DVD’s and Games: www.secondspin.com 

6. Blatant Self Promotion. If you don’t toot your own horn don’t expect anyone else to. Carry your business cards everywhere and look for an opening or fit into someone else’s niche or business. Rehearse a ‘one-minute’ commercial on you and pack it with benefits not features. A feature is what you are; for example, I’m a contractor, nurse or Ph.D. A benefit is what you do for others. I help people save money with fast results with little or no money out of their pockets.

Benefits sell, features tell.

7. Complete a business plan. No, we’re not talking the detailed 36-page thesis, but a focused one-page variety. This is a baseline to gauge how high to jump to clear the hurdles. It should be simple, to the point and effective.

For a free copy of the one-page personal business plan visit this link:

http://www.mind-like-water.com/tax_lien_course/one_page_personal_plan.pdf.

Finally, stay out of the economy doom and gloom of others, including newspapers and the Web. If you have to, ‘neuter’ your TV and bury yourself in a good book that lifts your spirits. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill comes to mind.

Remember, it’s about not only increasing your net worth, but also the richness of your life. Better times are coming, let’s be ready!

Featured author, speaker and Rogue partner - Gus Fernandez

10-10-10 Foreclosure Plan

If you missed the Foreclosure bootcamp, don’t fret. We can still work with you and find you some cash flow deals that will “rock” your world. If you are looking for a business model, I can’t really think of anything better right now.

Call now or sign up online so we can start sending you the list of foreclosures. Please be patient for a few days, we had an overwhelming response this past weekend…but each day new properties are added and our real estate experts/agents are on the front line driving by and inspecting them.

Call 913-381-4520 or visit www.rogueinvestor.com.

What did we see this past weekend? Houses listed at $9,000, $11,500, $16,900, and $21,900. These same houses will rent for $600 to $900 per month. We walked through an 8-unit apartment listed at $90,000. This apartment had six, two-bedroom apartments and two, one-bedroom apartments. On average, the units currently lease for about $550 per month – that’s over $4,000 per month if you are counting. We saw a duplex for $19,900 and a 4-plex for $50,000.

These are the deals that I keep telling you about and until you actually see it you won’t believe it.

Enough said…

Tax Lien and Foreclosure Update

One of my Rogue Investor members and good friends went through an exhaustive review of a 2009 Arizona tax lien sale, which I suspect is representative of most Arizona counties. I am happy to say that the average interest rate has gone up. Only a couple of years ago the average was as low as 4 to 5%. The most recent average was close to 8%. I am extremely impressed with her research.

We have upcoming events in Atlanta and Sedona in 2010. Early Bird discounts may apply if you call for details.

International Real Estate and Business Update

Join me for a FREE real estate tour of the North Coast December 12 – 16. Take an early Christmas present and treat yourself to sun, beaches, real pina coladas (in a pineapple), and Caribbean lobster or fresh fish on the beach. All of this and you will learn about the real estate and business market in the Dominican Republic.

This is not an event. I am not charging anything. I am only letting you know that I will be there and if you have ever thought about investing in the Caribbean come meet with me and let me show you what is going on.

As an extra bonus, I will show you how to set up a Dominican corporation, bank account and how easy it is to establish permanent residency in this county.

All the best,

Michael Williams

1-913-381-4520

P.S. Stay tuned tomorrow for day 2 of 7 Day of Thanks…