MEETING MINUTES
Friday, October 24, 2008
Volume 15; Issue 37


Leads & Comments
35-26, 37-13, 26-13, 15-56, 13-42, 33-12, 38-41, 22-19, 22-13, 56-40, 4-21.

Speaker Update
October 31st - Dave Lathrop & Fred Vandervort
November 7th - Mike Whalen
November 14th - Roger Hurni (Click here for guest speaker information)
November 21st - Thanksgiving Break *No Meeting*

Treasurer Report
The quarterly dues billing went out 9/1.  They are now VERY past due.  Please contact Melissa Matthews if you did not receive your e-invoice.

Board Meeting
There was a board meeting last Tuesday. 

The budget was discussed.  We have $25,000 in bank.  We will need to reserve $8,000 for this quarter's expenses.  We will also allocate a certain amount for a prudent reserve (put into CD's).  The remaining will be used for ongoing capital expenditures (brochures, social networking, marketing).  Based on current membership our dues are just under $30,000 each year.  Based on current percentages, 70% of our dues goes to fixed costs which leaves 30% for marketing and promotion of MABE and its members.  That currently equates to  about $7500 per year on promotion.  We can put more money into our website and maintain brochures on a more regular basis.  From a social networking aspect, we have $2000 per year or $500 quarter we can use. That is a total of $9500 that can be spent on networking and promotion. 

The holiday party was also discussed.  Our socials are a function of networking and therefore very important.  This year the board discussed having a two-part event.  The first part would be a sit down dinner at the Landmark at the member's expense.  We have reserved space for 15 couples (first come, first serve) from 5-7pm.  At 7pm a bus will pick you up and take you to a party hosted by MABE.  Randy Clark's band will play.  MABE will provide beer and wine.  If you want hard liquor...BYOB.  This second part would run from 8-12pm.  The bus would then be available twice to take people back to their cars.  Of course, you can drive out if you prefer.  The most logical location is Steve Chilton's place.  He has room for our group and the band and noise wouldn't be an issue.  It shouldn't cost more than the typical MABE holiday party.  Saturday, December 13th is the date. 

Main Speaker - Gus Dekavallas
Protecting Your Money for Future Security

Gus was born in Greece.  His family moved to Detroit.  At that time it was a nice place to grow up.   He remembers finding a crumpled up $100 bill laying on the ground.  Only in America could you find money just laying around!  He played a lot of baseball in youth.  He was drafted by the Giants out of high school.  His coach said the $10,000 signing bonus they offered wasn't enough so he went to junior college.  Then he got drafted.  That was the end of his baseball career.   His family moved to Arizona because of his brother's health.  Both his brother and sister passed away in their early 40's.  His mother is still with him.  She turns 89 this Sunday.  Gus has two sons, Joe and Adam, and four grand kids...one born just a few days ago.

Gus has had three careers.  He started in data processing management at American Express.  He did that for 12 years.  He then went into the furniture business.  He had a staff of 80 employees.  They setup work stations and had a number of big clients.  He sold this business in 1986 and took year off.  He then started in the financial service industry - first New York Life then MetLife.  He has a business degree.  He attended ASU and the University of Phoenix.

The current economic situation is not one person's fault.  It was just greed.  Gus tells clients "What's the worst thing that could happen to you?  If you can survive it, do it."  Right now people are unsure.  This morning the market overseas went down about 10%. Fortunately for us, the dollar is getting stronger so we will recover first.  Nobody knows what the bottom is.  It has been so erratic.

Gus showed slides with graphs and data that reflect our current economic situation and history of the markets.  He offered some sound advice (see "Tax System Explained in Beer") and had some encouraging words...Wait it out.  We will bounce back.

Slides From Meeting

Preference Plus Selectฎ Historical Presentation Illustration

Preference Plus Selectฎ Hypothetical Presentation Illustration

Managing Turbulent Times

Tax System Explained in Beer

Preference Plus Select - B Class

About MetLife

Gus's Business Philosophy
As a former business owner I understand the issues that many business owners face. After selling a successful business and entering financial services over 19 years ago, I have built an enviable financial service business earning top company and industry honors. I assist in helping individuals and small to large business owners recognize their financial objectives.

Products and Services Offered by Andek Financial Group / MetLife

• Fixed and Variable Annuities
• Company Benefits
    • Medical
    • Dental
• Disability Income Insurance
• Estate Conservation
• Health Insurance
• IRA Consolidation/Rollovers
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Mortgage Protection (through life insurance and disability income insurance)
• Lump Sum Pension Distribution
• Pension Payout Alternatives
• Pension Transfer/Rollovers
• Tax Sheltered Annuities, 403(b) Plans
• Term Insurance
• Universal Life
• Variable Universal Life Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance