inDECATUR

What a week!

Worst week EVER on Wall Street, they're saying. GM stock is now at 1949 prices, leading it to talk to Chrysler about a possible merger.

Before you jump off one of Decatur's trio of glass box skyscrapers, just remember, your losses are only on paper until you actually sell.

Source

A year ago on this date, it was over 14,000.

It's a great time to pick up some bargains, if you have the cash to spare.

Remember Decatur Federal?

First Union bought Decatur Federal in 1993. First Union bought Wachovia in 2001, keeping the Wachovia Name. Now that Wachovia has been purchased, we'll see if it keeps the same name, or adopts a new one.

Banks with Decatur in their name have come and gone. Currently we have Decatur First Bank.

The AJC documents the changes in metro ATL banks over the years, starting in 1985

Delaying retirement might be wise, or even necessary

For millions of Americans approaching retirement, events of recent weeks are delivering a clear message: Not so fast. With nest eggs shrinking, housing prices still falling and anxieties about their financial future growing, the oldest members of the baby-boom generation are putting the brakes on plans to leave the office.

"We'll see more and more people postpone" their retirement dates, said Helga Cuthbert, a certified financial planner in Decatur, Ga., who spent a good part of last week fielding telephone calls from nervous investors.

"Their expectations about the future and the kinds of returns they would get were simply unrealistic."

As discouraging as that message might sound, it's exactly what many baby boomers need to hear, according to financial planners and researchers. Most people underestimate how much money they will need for retirements that could easily last two or three decades, and are leaving the work force with nest eggs that probably will expire long before they do.

Tennessean

Debt Free Decatur One Day Seminar

Debt Free Decatur One Day Seminar
August 23rd - 2pm to 4pm
At the Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur.

Come out to to start the process of dumping debt and building wealth.

Featuring Casey Graham of ReThink Money

$15 per person, $25 per couple

Preregister here to be entered into a drawing for a $100 gas card at the event (must be present to win).

Learn more at Debt Free Decatur.

The program is a function of the Gathering Church. [Haven't quite figured this one out yet.]

This blogger is not personally familiar with this program, and is not being compensated to mention it. He personally prefers Dave Ramsey's books and programs. But, anything which helps us become more financially responsible is worth $15 and a couple of hours of our time.

Be very careful about signing up for expensive programs which claim to solve your financial problems.