Clark Associates Financial Planning, Inc.---Clark's Corner

Clark's Corner Blog^©

January 1,2009

Happy New Year.

Friday December 19, 2008

As many of you know, I enjoy taking pictures. I love to look back at all the good times with family and friends. A snapshot can bring about all those warm feeling on those good days, like laughing by the Christmas tree or the shot of your friends around the dinner table. We disregard the pictures that do not show the whole story or are out of focus. We would never judge someone by a single snapshot. This year is full of those single snapshots about the world and your assets. It is so important to keep perspective. We would never get a complete representation of our little Joey just by the picture of him with mash potatoes on his head.

We want to thank everyone of you this year. We appreciate your faith and business. You were hit over the head with bad news and hysteria all year, and may be understandably shaken up a bit. Thanks for sticking with it. Although everything else is fluctuating, Clark Associates is pleased to announce this year that we are keeping our fees the same.

Also, thank you for all the wonderful words of encouragement for my first year home with our son that my wife, LeeAnne, and I adopted from Guatemala. Howard and Betsy are enjoying their grandchildren and children, I hope, as well. Dianne warmly welcomed the birth of her second grandchild. Lew and Kathy also embraced the birth of a new grandchild. And, Dan has been training for running races all year, in fact becoming somewhat of a local celebrity in Williamstown!

Take the snapshots that mean a lot to you this Christmas season and enjoy those from the past. Turn off the TV and hug your family and friends. Try to put the snapshots of quarterly statements, nightly news, and market reports away and enjoy this Holiday season. Look forward to the future. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a blessed New Year, and look for good things to come.

Merry Christmas,

John Clark, Howard Clark, Betsy Clark, Lew Procacci,

Dianne DeSantis, Dan Seifring

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

As many of you know I am a huge fan of the Phillies. Please take these next few days and just enjoy the moment.

You Gotta Believe!!!!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Click here for Latest Blog Entry.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Bailout

H.L. Mencken once said, “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed, and hence clamorous to be led to safety, by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."

Some argue that “The Bailout” of 2008 will save us all. Some say, “Did we need saving?” Many say, “What the heck is this bailout anyway!” We would love to give you an answer that puts everyone’s mind at ease. The fact remains, we can not. You should be glad that we stick to our guns and advise you through these ups and downs with out changing what we do day to day. You turn to us in these extraordinary times not to do something out of the ordinary. Remember, you will always need: food, water, housing, clothing, hospitals, and fun stuff. There has to be companies to provide these. Oh and by the way, my father says, “You will learn more about life watching God’s green grass grow, then the sound and the fury of the market signifying nothing.” God Bless

John

Go Phillies

September 11, 2008

They say the world is in fantastic turmoil. Gas is up. It is easy to get caught up in the news of the day. Yet we must remember a few things. Prayers are more powerful than worry. Hope eternal, fear passes. And making the world a safer, more peaceful place starts in your home and community. Many people recall the powerful trickle down theory introduced in the 1980’s that has lead to over 25 years of economic prosperity in our country. Making peace in your home and community will have a trickle up theory.

The news also loves to flaunt the bad things in life. They use words such as tumultuous, fear, destruction, savagery, and risk. I have brought this up to many clients. I would like to share a simple thought here with all. It has to do with the Chinese. Look at this lettering.

This is the Chinese character for RISK. It is made up of the words danger and opportunity. There is always a risk reward relationship. And in many risks there are opportunities. As you sit in front of the news and absorb the horror they love to show, realize it takes risk in order to ensure our freedom and prosperity. As wars continue, weather rolls in, and markets go up and down may, we endure risk and look forward to peace prosperous opportunities. God Bless America.

August, 22, 2008

June 27, 2008

Interesting chart of gas prices.

June 12, 2008

With great joy, we anticipate summer. Some complain about the heat,
but down deep we are just glad is not snowing. The last of the spring
flowers are fading and the summer veggies are starting to poke
through. The local farm down the street from my house dropped in
those tomato plants my family loves. There is something about
summer in the Delaware Valley. New Jersey turns into that garden
state we all know and love. In addition, the flowers around the shore
homes come into there own. I suggest you take your time and look
around. When you head down the shore, perhaps take a back road.
Buy some local produce from an “On Your Honor Stand.” Show your
appreciation for the local farmer and give them a little extra. Perhaps
bring a picnic lunch and stop at one of New Jersey’s family owned
vineyards. This is how you keep the local farmer going.

It seems part of the inevitable ebb and flow of the seasons that people
get savings lazy in the summer. The cost of a vacation weighs heavily
on some minds. Think how long you spent planning your vacation.
Start adding up all the time that it takes to get down and back from
the shore. How about picking out the perfect house rental? Now,
think how long you took planning the next 20, 30, even 40 years of
your life. If you are 30 years old, you should not “wait until next
year,” or “wait until I get that big raise.” Those that are 67 and think
your planning days are over, you are wrong. Are 20 or 30 years not
worth planning? Are a few hours not worth the Peace of Mind they
can bring? God Bless and have a safe summer.
John Clark

March 31, 2008

Opening Day for the Phillies. GO PHILLIES!

March 23, 2008

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter. Let this peaceful season find you well!

January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!!!

December 25, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS from everyone at Clark Associates!!!

November 5, 2007

As many of you know, my wife and I were in the process of adopting a little boy from Guatemala for over a year. It seemed as if the process would never end, but finally has! Last week my wife, Lee Anne, and I went down to Guatemala to pick up our son Joey. He is a healthy and happy 14 month old boy. We wish to thank you all for your prayers and kind words of support through this crazy time. If you would like an insider’s view of adoption, my wife kept a BLOG of everything. CLICK HERE to see it. Looks like Clark Associates is building the next generation to serve your needs from the ground up! Again, thank you and God Bless!