6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you proba

Modern Portfolio Theory, Market Transitions And Perceived Volatility
Market behaviourThe recent stock market drops and increases in volatility have left many investors wondering about future prospects and expected returns. In this article, we analyse the recent macro-economic changes in light of the Capital Asset Pricing Model.Interest rates, the Efficient Frontier and LeverageAccording to the Capital Asset Pricing Model, the market portfolio offers the best achievable risk-return ratio as shown in Figure 1. With the past all-time low interest rates, the market portfolio was giving a decent return at a lower risk than what investors are used to in general. If we assume that investments are mainly based on risk, the market portfolio was below the risk threshold the majority of investors are used to. This resulted in investors increasing the returns up to the risk threshold by applying leverage, benefiting from the cheap cost of borrowing. See Figure 2.However, as we saw recently, interest rates increased worldwide and the financial markets expect even more positive adjustments to counter inflation. Hence, the market portfolio achieving the best risk-return ratio changes accordingly as shown in Figure 3.

The statistics on relationships are depressing: in California alone, the average marriage lasts just 5 years. Nationwide, 43% of marriages end within 15 years. Second and third marriages end in divorce 60-70% of the time. Clearly, how we handle our relationships is not working. And yet, 94% of young adults in one study said that having a good marriage is extremely important to them. So, what can you do?

We researched much of current the literature on relationships and have condensed the results into just a few key concepts. These principles seem to be the common denominators in happy, successful marriages. See how many you can identify in your relationship.

1. It starts with you

To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, you are as happy as you make up your mind to be. Research has shown that happiness is a state of being, not of having or doing or achieving. Nor is happiness a destination. People often say, "I just want to be happy" or "I just want to have a happy marriage" as if that is a future goal or place in time. The problem is, they never get there. That's because the future is... in the future. And the only true destination is your final day on earth. And then it's too late. So make the decision to be happier starting today.

There's a relationship benefit as well. The happier you are with yourself and your life, the more attractive you are to your partner. Another way to look at this is: if you were someone else, would you marry you? Start today to work on being the kind of person you would want to know, to date, and to marry. If you're not that kind of person now, how can you expect your spouse to stay attracted or stay passionate?

2. There's you, there's him/her, and then there's "we".

You don't have to give up your identity or be known solely as your spouse's partner.

It also doesn't work when two people each do their own thing without regard to their partner's wishes and feelings. Marriage is, and should be, more than cohabitation. As the marriage vows state, "two shall be as one". That "one" is neither you nor him. The "one" is a third entity: the relationship, the marriage, the "we".

The "we" is what you share, what you have in common, the support and nurturing that you cannot give yourself. Think companionship, intimacy, and sharing.

3. You leave behind your emotional baggage

Are you really over your previous relationship? If not, you can't fully commit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you proba

Wake Up and Learn Something New
The US Government has just released last month’s job creation figures. It was the lowest number in two years. This is a revealing and disturbing snapshot of what is actually happening in the real economy, not the one artificially created for the headlines. Our US GNP or Gross National Product, is based upon manufactured durable goods. Unfortunately, the manufacturing economy in the US has not yet recovered from the devastating collapse it saw commence in the spring of 2000. The recent improvements in jobs and growth are substantially confined to the service sector. Manufacturing is what drives the US economy and it is suffering.Do you work in this market segment? Are you comfortable? Do you feel stable? Have you yet realized that there is no such thing as job security anymore? That concept is gone. Unlike our parents and their parents before them who could count on working in a selected field for a given employer for life and then retire, we of this generation, working in any aspect of manufacturing have no such luxury. Our job, or even the company we work for, could change overnight or possibly be gone in a heartbeat. The face of the Fortune 500 is drastical

CKQUOTE>There's a relationship benefit as well. The happier you are with yourself and your life, the more attractive you are to your partner. Another way to look at this is: if you were someone else, would you marry you? Start today to work on being the kind of person you would want to know, to date, and to marry. If you're not that kind of person now, how can you expect your spouse to stay attracted or stay passionate?

2. There's you, there's him/her, and then there's "we".

You don't have to give up your identity or be known solely as your spouse's partner.

It also doesn't work when two people each do their own thing without regard to their partner's wishes and feelings. Marriage is, and should be, more than cohabitation. As the marriage vows state, "two shall be as one". That "one" is neither you nor him. The "one" is a third entity: the relationship, the marriage, the "we".

The "we" is what you share, what you have in common, the support and nurturing that you cannot give yourself. Think companionship, intimacy, and sharing.

3. You leave behind your emotional baggage

Are you really over your previous relationship? If not, you can't fully commit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you proba

Why Use Private Money For Real Estate Investing? Limited Hassles and Paperwork!
The last time I went through the traditional mortgage application process I thought I would choke on the paperwork. The number of phone calls and faxes involved was ludicrous. I thought to myself ‘There must be a better way.’ The good news… there IS a better way, and it’s called private money for real estate investing.When you initiate the process of applying for mortgage financing, you had best realize that you are unleashing a blizzard… a blizzard of forms, applications, faxes and phone calls back and forth with the lender. If you would prefer not spending countless hours in front of the copier, or with the phone receiver glued to your head, then consider the alternative of private money for real estate investing.By developing a system of finding and using private money for real estate investing, you will enjoy the benefit of greatly reduced hassle and paperwork. The last private money loan I closed on involved exactly three phone calls and one meeting with my lender to sign a simple note. In fact, we had an enjoyable lunch together, so even that part was completely painless.The simple fact is that when you develop your own group of lenders, a

mit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you proba

Chargeback Question: Amazon Issued my Buyer a Bogus A to Z Guarantee Refund, What Now?
QUESTION: I'm pretty angry. Six months after shipping an order, Amazon refunded my buyer, who claimed she didn't place the order. She never contacted me or returned the book, and Amazon took my money! No A-to-Z Guarantee claim was filed, and nobody asked for my side of the story. What can I do?ANSWER: You should do what I've done in similar cases: become a very squeaky wheel. If you squeak loudly and long enough, Amazon may provide the grease.I've sold to about 110,000 buyers on Amazon and 18 of those orders have resulted in A-to-Z claims. In every case, Amazon denied the claim -- or returned my funds -- after I provided the delivery confirmation number.But recently, like you, I noticed a suspicious refund made outside the A-to-Z Guarantee. The buyer e-mailed me several days after the order, asking that it be cancelled. Since the book was already in the mail, I asked her to refuse delivery, and I'd refund when it was returned. I never heard from her again, and the $9 book was never returned. But nine months later, in October 2005, Amazon deducted the money from my account with no explanation.To add insult to injury, when I e-mailed

e and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you proba

How to Act Like a Homosexual to Insure Employment in Washington DC
Are you considering a job working in Washington, DC for the United States of America government? As you know if you are a minority or perhaps a homosexual you may actually have a better chance of getting a job in Washington, DC.The problem is if you are not a minority or a homosexual you need to figure out a way to at least look as if you are. If you are a white person it may be hard to look like a minority especially if you have a white person's name. However, there are homosexuals of every race and religion and to therefore your best bet may be to act like a homosexual in order to get a job.In fact, many government agencies are afraid not to hire homosexuals for fear of lawsuits and to make sure that they do not prejudge or discriminate against people due to sexual preference. If you are a male it is best to talk about other males during the interview and talk about a significant other but never mention the fact that you are married to an actual woman. Another way to look like you are a homosexual is to move your hands around a lot and when you are talking and talking in a very caring voice like a woman might.If you use words like wonderf

married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you probably wouldn't like what you see. You already have a lot invested in your partner. Take care of that investment. The payoff is usally greater than starting all over again.

8. Realize that love can grow.

As much as you were in love when you got married, your love and commitment to each other can grow over the years. Despite all the old married jokes and cliches, marriage can get better, not worse, with time. The longer you've been married, the more history you have together.The triumphs and disappointments, the successes and the failures, all are part of sharing a life together. And that history is unique to you. No one else has that or can duplicate it. This is why a man who leaves his middle aged wife for a younger woman eventually wants to come back. With his wife he has a history-a shared past. With the new woman there is only the present. Leaving his wife permanently is like leaving himself behind as well. Since she is a part of his past, she is the best person to be a part of his future.

9. Commitment means "no matter what".

It's as simple as making the decision to be totally committed to your spouse and to the relationship. No matter what happens: financially, health wise, or otherwise. No matter what. Once the two of you have decided to stay "no matter what", there is no question of stay or go, yes or no.

Write this down: "ALL RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ISSUES". Happy relationships always have issues. Unhappy relationships certainly have issues. It's just that in happy relationships, the couples identify the issues, negotiate the issues, and come to terms with the issues. Couples in unhappy relationships deny, ignore, put up, or run away. Once the two of you have made the decision "no matter what" the emphasis is on the we. And, since we is not you and not him, the only positions "we" have are the ones you've decided together. In short, all problems are negotiable because there are no his problems or her problems. When one partner has a problem, just having the problem should be a problem for the other partner. Therefore, all problems are shared problems. Their problems require their solutions.

10. Believe that a happy marriage is not only possible, it's yours for the making.

It won't happen by itself. It takes intention, commitment, and practice. But the many couples who have happy, blissful, and satisfying marriages are proof that it is possible. Just choose to be happy, and choose to be happily married. Yes, you'll still have to work at it. But the rewards are so much greater than the effort. Besdies, being single and looking takes effort; being divorced and looking again takes effort. Spend the effort inside your marriage and stay married. Happily married.