03-30-06 Meeting Summary

heme: Daylight Savings

Word of the Day: Nocturnal

Toastmaster: Mary Ellen

Wordmaster/Grammarian: Mark

Timer: Laura

Speech #1: Fundamentals of Life presented by Jerry (9:02)

Jerry spoke about the importance of risk management. Jerry is a part of the Financial Planning team at Securian. He told us insurance is the transfer of risk of one to many.

Part of the premium you pay go into a reserve to pay the insured if needed. For example, if Jerry passes away, then the insurance company would dip into their reserves to pay his beneficiary.

Insurance companies use the law of large numbers.

Risk is the uncertainty of loss and here are two types of risk.
Speculative: chance of gain or loss. An example is gambling (non-insurance).
Pure risk: chance of loss only (insurable).

Death benefits are not taxed and you need insurable interest to be a beneficiary (related by blood, marriage, or a business partner)

Types of insurance.
Term Life: lowest in cost, covers a certain period of time.
Whole Life: provides permanent protection for insured.
Universal: works like whole life, insurer pays target interest rate, rates go down, then premiums go up.

Speech #2: Markets presented by Bill (11:55)

Spoke about how to maximize retirement savings.
Retirement depends on your balance sheet.
What you own/401(k), and personal savings

Know how long until you have until retirement and the effects of inflation.
Gave us clues on how to get the most of bang for your buck.

Told us how to pick stocks.
Based on sector.
Based on Industry.
Based on Industry groups.
Based on company.

Strategies.
Buy and hold.
Position trade.
Swing trade.
Day trade.

Technical analysis: looks at ups and downs on stocks and markets.

Table Topicsmaster: Betsy

Question #1: Do you like Daylight Savings?

Response by Eddie (1:05): I enjoy it. Gives me more time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. For example, can run, kayak, hunt, and fly fish for longer during the day. Also, likes how it is lighter when you come to work and leave work.

Question #2: What challenges do you face with Daylight Savings?

Response by Dave (1:06): Does not face challenges because he does not sleep very often. Very anal retentive about his schedule and is on the ball and resets his clocks prior to going to bed the night before.

Evaluator #1: Dan (2:14)

Good use of visual aids.
Good use of vocal variety.
Good use of gestures when Jerry explained parts of his speech.
Good use of pauses.
For next time work on use of visual aids.

Evaluator #2: Gadder (2:16)

Bill’s speech was applicable to everyone.
Very well researched topic.
Liked his ability to introduce technical analysis in terms we can understand.
For next time get to the point sooner.

Inspiration/Humorist: Marian (2:43)

Athletes dilute what a real hero means these days.
There is a man in her neighborhood who is widowed, one armed, and raised his three children on his own.
Very committed to family.
Marian explained why we need to look up to people who are doing the best with what they have, rather than overpaid professional athletes.

General Evaluator: Laura

Overall, a great meeting.

Spirit Award: Marian Johnson

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