From the Desk of Michael McDaniel

(8/30/2010) Time for a Pep Talk - Not even amidst the 2000/2001 “dot-com bust” or “2008 financial crisis” was the level of pessimism about the future as high as it appears to be today. Skyrocketing government debt, the ill health of our Social Security system, prolonged high unemployment, expectations of massive tax hikes and a perceived disconnect between taxpayers and our elected officials are all real reasons for concern. The mood of America is low. I just started reading “Mood Matters” by John L. Casti to help me understand this phenomenon (I will report back when I finish)................................I believe that investment opportunities exist................. Warren Buffett on investment timing: “Be fearful when everyone else is greedy and be greedy when everyone else is fearful.” So what do we do with our investments? I continue to rely on a diversified portfolio in concert with relatively high cash positions in this high anxiety investment environment. Fortunately we have a political system which allows us as voters to alter our country’s course. Much of what ails our country and thus our mood is controlled at the polls. Please make a concerted effort to vote November 2nd. The opinions voiced in this material are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.    Michael McDaniel   [view previous Messages from Mike]