This is now a national emergency.

Seven trillion dollars of wealth has been vaporized in US Stocks in the last seven days alone, with five of it since the passage of that ill-designed and foolhardy "bailout" bill.

The selloff this afternoon is the "real deal." It was not caused by the stock market getting "mad", it was caused by the short-term credit market along with the Treasury market suddenly dislocating at a few minutes before the bond pit closed at 2:00 PM.

Worse is also the fact that institutional lending has essentially disappeared - both between banks and now it is choking off commercial short-term credit across the board.

It doesn't get any more serious than this. To repeat: short-term commercial credit is threatening to completely disappear from the American scene.

Every action our government has taken thus far, including repealing mark-to-market requirements have made the situation worse by further destroying confidence.

In the overnight market the futures are imploding once again; the Osaka exchange was closed in Japan after hitting its "lock limit" within minutes prior to the Nikkei opening; the Nikkei is now down ANOTHER 10%, for a total loss of nearly 20% in just two days, with Japanese banks trading "offer only" - that is, NO BID. There are rumors of government bond market fails in parts of Europe, and Iceland has essentially been cut off from the rest of the world Interbank marketplace.

Japanese banks are now firewalling themselves from European and US claims; the interbank market is about to explode. Iceland has effectively defaulted on sovereign debt and today there was a rumor that Hungary had a failed bond auction, effectively defaulting as well.

Key: Sovereign debt (that is, Treasuries from various nations) has become infected with trash - unfortunately including ours now that Fannie and Freddie were nationalized and TARP has been passed - and may fail in a cascade-style fashion across the world. If this occurs our ability to fund our government will be cut off as well, leading to a need to reduce government spending by $800 billion a year immediately. This means huge and immediate cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Military budgets - by as much as half.

Over a year ago I warned in my writings that this could happen if we did not take action. If we did not force accountability through Congress and onto our financial system. If we did not force the thieves, liars and thugs on Wall Street to take their medicine.

Instead of taking action we have sat on our collective asses and allowed Congress to pass bailout after bailout - now our stock market is down close to 40% from the top with 20% of that loss coming in just over one week!

We are facing a global DEPRESSION and the cut-off of essential goods and services in this nation if we do not stop this lunacy immediately.

Please understand - the TRUCKER who has a full load of food headed for your grocer REQUIRES commercial credit in order to fill his truck with diesel.

The local GAS STATION owner REQUIRES commercial credit to fill his underground storage tank.

The local CAR DEALER REQUIRES commercial credit to have cars - and parts - in his dealership. No credit, no car - and no car repairs.

The manufacturer over in China REQUIRES commercial credit (letters of credit from the buyer's bank) to be able to ship those goods to America, where you can buy them. If the bank over there won't take the LOC from the bank over here, suddenly you have no tires, DVDs and other similar products to buy.

IF THESE MARKETS DO NOT IMMEDIATELY UNFREEZE THE CONSEQUENCE WILL BE THAT FOOD AND FUEL, ALONG WITH ALL OTHER MANNER OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS, MAY NOT FLOW TO YOUR GROCERY STORE AND GAS STATION.

Think about that very carefully and then consider whether YOU can afford to sit on your ass for one more second, or whether you have an absolute NEED to get on the phone, fax, and whatever else RIGHT NOW to your elected and appointed representatives and, if you do not get in response that they will IMMEDIATELY resolve this matter whether you will vow to band together with every one of your associates and friends, form a group consisting of everyone in your local city or town, and call a GENERAL STRIKE, refusing to both work and permit commerce to be conducted UNTIL THE LIARS ARE FORCED INTO THE OPEN, DEALT WITH, AND THE SYSTEM IS ABLE TO CLEAR.

We are quite literally out of time. This freeze in the markets WILL continue around the globe unless something is done NOW.

Every "intervention" and "promise" made by our government thus far - all of them - have been LIES.

Our government has done NOTHING to alleviate the problem and in fact every one of their "solutions" have made the situation worse - going back for more than a year.

We have "pumped liquidity" and even bailed out firms with taxpayer money, and yet the markets have not unfrozen.

They remain frozen because the root cause of the problem is that banks and other financial firms have been lying for more than a year, each quarter claiming to have "kitchen sinked" their losses only to report more the next quarter, and in some cases have gone on national TV to proclaim they're "well-capitalized" only days or weeks before they collapse!

The first question anyone asks when someone wishes to borrow money is whether or not they will get paid back. If the lender does not believe they will be able to be paid back then that loan will not be made, no matter how much money someone has available to them.

It really is that simple folks and yet this fundamental principle has been willfully and intentionally ignored for more than a year.

YOU MUST CHOOSE RIGHT NOW, TONIGHT, AS AN AMERICAN WHETHER YOU ARE GOING TO GO TO WORK TOMORROW AND PRETEND THAT NOTHING IS WRONG, OR WHETHER YOU ARE GOING TO ENGAGE IN PEACEFUL BUT FORCEFUL PROTEST IN DEMANDING THAT THIS CRISIS BE ADDRESSED NOT WITH "MORE OF THE SAME" BUT BY ARRESTING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE CROOKS, BY FORCING BALANCE SHEET TRANSPARENCY FOR EACH AND EVERY FIRM IN THE UNITED STATES, AND BY THEN FORCIBLY RECAPITALIZING VIA DEBT-TO-EQUITY "CRAMDOWNS" EACH AND EVERY INSOLVENT BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, WITH TREASURY STEPPING IN WITH TAXPAYER MONEY ONLY AFTER THE TRUTH (OR FALSEHOOD) OF SOLVENCY IS ESTABLISHED IN PUBLIC WHERE WE CAN ALL SEE IT.

THIS IS NO LONGER JUST ABOUT YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND HOUSE (although that's important) IT NOW IS, QUITE LITERALLY, ABOUT THE ABILITY OF ORDINARY COMMERCE TO CONTINUE AND ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES - FOOD AND FUEL AMONG THEM - TO REACH OUR MARKETS.

YOU LITERALLY MUST CHOOSE NOW, AS THE TIME TO DAWDLE AND THINK ABOUT IT HAS EXPIRED.

Article written by Karl Denninger
The Market Ticker.

What makes the FOREX market different from the stock market?
A forex market trade is one that involves at least two countries, and it can take place worldwide. The two countries are one, with the investor, and two, the country the money is being invested in. Most all transactions taking place in the FOREX market are going to take place through a broker, such as a bank.

What really makes up the FOREX markets?
The foreign exchange market is made up of a variety of transactions and counties. Those involved in the FOREX market are trading in large volumes, large amounts of money. Those who are involved in the FOREX market are generally involved in cash businesses, or in the trade of very liquid assets that you can sell and buy fast. The market is large, very large. You could consider the FOREX market to be much larger than the stock market in any one country overall. Those involved in the FOREX market are trading daily twenty-four hours a day and sometimes trading is completed on the weekend, but not all weekends.

You might be surprised at the number of people that are involved in FOREX trading. In the years 2004, almost two trillion dollars was an average daily trading volume. This is a huge number for the number of daily transactions to take place. Think about how much a trillion dollars really is and then times that by two, and this is the money that is changing hands every day!

The FOREX market is not something new, but has been used for over thirty years. With the introduction of computers, and then the internet, the trading on the FOREX market continues to grow as more and more people and businesses alike become aware of the availablily of this trading market. FOREX only accounts for about ten percent of the total trading from country to country, but as the popularity in this market continues to grow so could that number.

When people visit the beaches of North Carolina they may start thinking about owning a vacation home in the area. Looking around, no matter where the potential buyer lives, a North Carolina home mortgage loan should be issued by a lender familiar with the real estate laws of that state. Although money can come in from just about anywhere, the paperwork and closing should be conducted by a company familiar, and licensed to offer a North Carolina home mortgage loan.

Home inspections should also be conducted by someone familiar with the state building codes as something that may be acceptable in other states may not qualify for a North Carolina home mortgage loan, based on the results of the inspection.

Lender Must Verify Accuracy Of Information

The type of construction that may be acceptable in most states may face additional scrutiny in North Carolina, especially when it comes to manufactured housing and modular homes. Although they will probably meet all codes and building regulations, before a North Carolina home mortgage loan can be issued, the lender has to verify all of the aspects of the home.

Older homes will have to undergo extensive inspections, especially if located on the coast to assure lenders that the home is worth the amount of the North Carolina home mortgage loan. If the primary lender is located in another state, his representative may contact a state inspector to insure the money is being loaned for a qualified dwelling. Unfortunately, some buyers get excited when they find a vacation home and may overlook some serious problems during a personal inspection.

By dealing with in-state North Carolina home mortgage loan companies, the buyer can also be assured that the home has met all inspection standards. A competent lender would not lend money for a house knowing that there is a problem affecting it value. The lender wants assurance of recouping the loan amount if the lender defaults on the mortgage.

Florida retirement communities cater to a certain demographic, and they cater to this group well. These wonderful retirement communities have homes for sale that entitle them to the amenities of the entire community. Many Florida retirement communities have great houses for sale, but the most important attractions are the activities. Many Florida retirement communities have great athletic and social activities. The people in a great retirement community meet their friends and neighbors through all the activities. Most Florida retirement communities have professionals in charge of the day to day life like a mayor in a larger community. These professionals are also in charge of organizing plenty of activities.

A Florida Retirement Community Offers Social and Athletic Activities

Many Florida retirement communities have a great swimming pool, and in the beautiful weather, the swimming pool is a magnet for the members. The swimming pool is a great place to get some exercise with other friends. Some retirement communities have synchronized swimming teams for exercise and fun. Other athletic activities include tennis and golf games where people get to play more than during their working days. The sports often include trainers with an exercise room for optimum fitness through age appropriate exercise. The trainers at these facilities are usually knowledgeable specialists experienced in working with senior citizens.

A good Florida retirement community has plenty of social activities. These activities include square dancing, bridge groups and board games. The directors often schedule speakers on important topics of finance, politics and health. The activities are often designed to get many members involved. The activity centers in a retirement community often have facilities where people can eat and socialize informally. These retirement communities are wonderful places where senior citizens can enjoy their life with others that share their interests.

Protect Your Personal and Business Information at All Times

The business may also need to place fraud alerts as well as take care when they print out cash register receipts and, ensure that credit card numbers are partly cut-off so as to prevent them from falling into wrong hands. In addition, mail that is sent to public should not contain account information or Social Security Numbers or they may need to truncate the numbers to safeguard their integrity.

Identity theft prevention tips for consumers are somewhat different to those related to businesses and, require checking customer’s credit reports at least once a year from all three credit reporting agencies. Consumers need to zealously guard their Social Security Numbers and, if possible, not carry it on their person. Consumers also need to take care to not put their Social Security Number or driver’s license number on checks and, to also guard their personal information and, not give it out without there being compelling reasons to do so.

Consumers should also follow identity theft prevention tips such as being on the lookout for people that try to eavesdrop and overhear information when giving it out orally. They should also exercise care in destroying their documents and papers containing sensitive or identification information. In this regard, they should know that crosscut paper shredders work best to destroy papers. Consumers should be wary about telephone solicitations and never provide information without being sure of the caller’s identity.

Another important identity theft prevention tip is to delete without replying to suspicious email requests and, use a locked mailbox to receive as well as send mail. In addition, one may also take heed of identity theft prevention tips those advice consumers to reduce the number of pre-approved credit card offers that they receive. Following these identity theft prevention tips should help keep businesses as well as consumers protected from becoming identity theft victims.

To get involved in the forex trading markets, contacting any of these large broker assistance firms is going to be in your best interest. Sure, anyone can get involved in the forex market, but it does take time to learn about what is hot, what is not, and just where you should place your money at this time.

International banks are the markets biggest users on the forex markets, as they have millions of dollars to invest daily, to earn interest and this is just one method of how banks make money on the money you save in their bank. Think about the bank that you deal with all the time. Do you know if you can go there, and obtain money from 'another' country if you are heading out on vacation? If not, that bank is most likely not involved in forex trading. If you have to know if your bank is involved in forex trading, you can ask any manager or you can look at the financial information sheets that banks are to report to the public on a quarterly baiss.

If you are new to the forex market, it is important to realize there is no one person or one bank that controls all the trades that occur in the forex markets. Various currencies are traded, and will originate from anywhere in the world. The currencies that are most often traded in the forex markets include those of the US dollar, the Eurozone euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound sterling and the Swiss franc as well as the Australian dollar. These are just a few of the currencies that are traded on the forex markets, with many other counties currencies to be included as well. The main trading centers for the forex trading markets are located in Tokyo, New York and in London but with other smaller trading centers located thought out the world as well.

Types Of Mortgages

There are many types of mortgages to choose from when buying a new home. You could choose an Adjustable Rate mortgage, or ARM, which will allow you to pay lower fees on your Minnesota home mortgage for a specified amount of time; but after that period ends, the rates will adjust regularly. You could choose a fixed rate Minnesota home mortgage, in which your rates and premiums will remain the same throughout the lifetime of the loan.

Also, there are numerous programs available for home buyers. Several institutions offer first-time home buyers loans and down payment assistance programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both offer assistance to home buyers looking for a Minnesota home mortgage; and the American Dream Down Payment Act offers grant assistance to those who wish to obtain a Minnesota home mortgage, but lack the funds for a down payment.

Choosing A Lender

When choosing a lender for your Minnesota home mortgage, you should consider all fees that each lender charges. There are different fees associated with a loan from a bank, then there will be if you obtain a Minnesota home mortgage from a mortgage broker.

There are two types of lenders to choose from when getting a Minnesota home mortgage: retail lenders, such as banks and credit unions, who make loans directly to you; and mortgage brokers, who get your Minnesota home mortgage financing from a wholesale mortgage lender. When dealing with a bank, a home buyer typically needs to have exemplary credit, otherwise the bank will require a large down payment.

A mortgage broker, on the other hand, will try to work with your credit situation, to come up with a lending solution that works for you. You may be able to take out two separate mortgages to cover the entire purchase amount, this is often referred to as an 80/20 loan; or you may qualify for a 100% loan which will cover the entire cost. With a mortgage broker, although your down payment may be smaller, you will often find yourself with higher fees and interest than with a bank.

Whatever type of Minnesota home mortgage you choose, and whichever lender you choose to provide your Minnesota home mortgage, be sure that you have researched all of your options before making a final decision. With a little time and effort, you can get a great deal on your Minnesota home mortgage!

Key Elements in Planning Early Retirement

In planning your retirement early, you have to be aware that timing is important to ensure that you follow a well-planned retirement, investment and savings. For this reason, you have to manage your time wisely by investing in the most appropriate businesses, planning a routine to save money and preparing for your entire retirement needs. This is important because your investment should be able to increase as you become older and closer to retire. When you become older and you managed to work a larger amount of income, unfortunately, you will also have little time to invest your money. Because of this, it is best to outline your early retirement planning even if you have a small amount of monthly income to develop a stable financial income.

Four Steps in Developing an Early Retirement Plan

You have to follow four steps to develop a successful retirement plan. In every step, there are certain actions that you should follow to ensure your investment would be worth it, even after years have passed. The first step of early retirement planning takes place when you’re young and have no extra income to spare for monthly investments. For this reason, you have to save even the least amount of money and invest them regularly so that it would add up over time. While younger professional have limited choices of investment opportunities, it is best to go with banks that offer mutual funds with little or no yearly fees.

The next step is when you achieved more income that you can invest in discount brokerages, index funds and other investment opportunities. This could allow you to have greater chances of stock returns. Be aware that the larger the possibility of earning through investments, the greater the chance you will lose money so be careful in choosing the type of business to invest your money. Once you have reached your goal income, make sure to pay up all your debts to ensure a worry-free retirement. As you free yourself from debt, save up money and invest some money in other businesses, you are planning an early retirement for yourself. When you successfully completed these steps, you can guarantee a stress-free and enjoyable retirement.

At present, if the circumstances and evidence are not too overwhelming, a person convicted of identity theft could be charged with misdemeanor or felony; in either case, the charges must be taken seriously. It makes good sense to be represented by a top identity theft attorney so that one may protect one’s freedom as well as good record.

Specialized Laws and Procedures Required for Identity Theft Victims

The need for hiring an identity theft attorney arises as identity theft is a far more serious violation than a traffic ticket and, it may carry the possibility of going to jail as well as paying heavy fines, undergoing probation, attending treatment programs as well as other consequences. Being convicted of identity theft will blot your record and, thus lead to negativity when applying for a job or being considered for promotion. One would certainly wish to maintain a flawless record and, a good identity theft attorney would be able to keep it that way.

In the case of foreign nationals, being convicted of identity theft may result in negative immigration considerations and, even lead to deportation or not being naturalized. A person charged with identity theft must realize the potential seriousness of his offense that include the legal elements of the offense, legal as well as factual defenses available and more and, in very few instances, can a person, not having legal training, be well informed about such matters.

Also, the legal system is not made to help or advice persons accused of crimes and, it is best left to a good and experienced identity theft attorney to handle the complexities of the legal system and, thread a way through the maze of specialized laws and procedures. In addition, one should contact an identity theft attorney as soon as one is charged with the offense to ensure that everything possible can be done to protect and defend the accused.

When you are thinking about getting involved in the forex markets you should know you are sending money to be invested with other countries. This is done to prop up the investments of people involved in certain types of hedge funds, and in the markets overseas. The forex market could have your money invested in one market one day, and the next day your money is invested in another country. The daily changes are determined by your broker or financial institution. When reading your statements and learning more about your account, you will find that every type of currency has three letters that will represent that currency.

For example, the United States dollars is USD, the Japanese yen is JPY, and the British pound sterling will read as GBP. You will also find that for every transaction on your account listing you will see information that looks like this: JPYzzz/GBPzzz. This means that you took your Japanese yen money and invested it into something in the British pound market. You will find many transactions from one currency to another if you have money that is scattered through out the forex markets.

Forex markets trading by investment management firms are the companies you can trust with your money. You want to find a company that has been dealing with forex trading since the early seventies, and not someone just new on the block so you get the most for your hard earned money. It is important that you beware of companies that are popping up online, and often times from foreign countries that are stating they can get you involved in the forex markets and trading. Read the fine print, and know whom you are dealing with for the best possible protection.

If you are interested in trading on the forex market, you will find limits for investing are different from company to company. Often times you will learn that you need a minimum of $250 or $500 while other companies will need $1000 or $10,000. The company you are dealing with will set limits in how much you need to open an account with their company. The scams that are online will tell you, that you only need a $1 or $5 to open an account, but you need to learn more about that company and where they are doing business before investing any money, this is for your own protection while dealing in forex trading and markets online.