Get the Flash Player to see this player.
 

Investment Thought of the Month

Many worthwhile charities are really suffering during these challenging economic times.  Many are reporting significant shortfalls in their fundraising goals.  Historically many lived hand to mouth anyway.  Smaller, local charities do not have large endowments that some of the large charities have built over time.  The following are just a couple of ideas on how you might "invest" in these charities without causing significant problems with your own cash flow that might have suffered during these tough times.
 
First, any appreciated investments like stocks, bonds or mutual funds that you own in a taxable account can be donated directly to the charity without triggering any capital gains for you.  You are also able to deduct the donation up to IRS limitations (consult your tax professional for your specific situation and contact the development director at the charity to facilitate the transaction). 
 
Second, many smaller charities apply for grants from larger private or corporate foundations.   In some cases those grants are awarded using a matching formula and pledges in some cases help.  For example let's say you pledged to donate $10,000 to a charity over the next five years.  That charity might be able to apply that pledge towards "funds committed" on an application for a grant.  Your pledge (non-binding commitment for future donations) might help secure financial support today for one of your favorite charities.
 
Third, you could volunteer some time in assisting a charity with a fundraising event.  Most charities host fundraisers and are looking for volunteers to help with many aspects the event, especially help with soliciting for donated items for raffles, silent and oral auctions and selling tickets to the event.  Assisting with a fundraiser is low cost but important contribution.
 
And last if you are employed by a larger corporation, many offer a matching charitable contribution program as part of their benefits package.  For years I took advantage of this "perk" while employed for two large corporations.  Generally they match dollar for dollar up to a certain amount.  However they usually cap the total amount the company sets aside for the year.  Therefore making your contribution early in the year helps ensure you get the maximum match for your charity.
 
If time is money, then donating some time to help your favorite charity this year might be a very smart way to "invest" in our community.
 
To discuss these or other charitable strategies give me a call at 314-737-8123.

Wingshooting in Argentina?

Argentinian dove on logArgentina is quickly becoming the hotspot for South American wingshooting, especially dove. Sportsman's Resource Connection (SRC) would like to help you achieve this once in a lifetime hunting experience. 

SRC has performed due diligence on Argentina Ducks and Doves LLC and would like to help put together a group of hunters from the St. Louis area for a four day dove hunt this summer (their cooler season).  Let's escape the heat and humidity of St. Louis for a few days this summer and shoot some dove in one of the hottest dove shooting spots in the world---Argentina.

If you are interested in learning more, please call Mark Johnson at 314-737-8123 or e-mail at mark@moneymatters911.com

To learn more about Argentina Ducks and Doves LLC, including pricing, please click on the following link www.argentinaducksanddoves.com.

 

CONTACT: MARK JOHNSON

 

Each month Sportsman's Resource Connection (SRC) produces an e-newsletter entitled, "Straight Shooter".  "Straight Shooter" provides information regarding upcoming sporting activities like: shooting/archery leagues, charity shoots, banquets or workshops taking place in the greater St. Louis area, typically an article written by a local sportsman/woman regarding a "Wild Experience" they have had in the great outdoors, like a unique hunting or fishing trip, some thoughts from me on the economy and or the markets and an investment tip.  We are interested in having local sportsmen and women contribute articles, wild game recipes, upcoming sporting related events and other useful information to our monthly newsletter.

To subscribe or to submit content for consideration to "Straight Shooter" please e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
Written by Mark Johnson   
Friday, 19 June 2009 10:30

1 pound - ground venison
1/2 cup - onion, chopped
1/2 cup - celery. sliced thin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 pound fresh mushroom, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 cup dairy sour cream
1 tablespoon parsley

Recipe Pan Type: large skillet

Directions

  1. In large brown skillet, brown the ground venison meat, onions, celery and garlic until venison is no longer pink in the middle
  2. Drain off excess fat and return to heat
  3. Add the salt, black pepper and sliced mushrooms to the venison meat mixture.  Cook until mushrooms are tender
  4. Add undiluted soup and water, then cook over medium heat for 10 minutes uncovered
  5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes longer
  6. Stir in sour cream and heat through
  7. Transfer venison stroganoff to nice looking serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley
  8. Serve this venison stroganoff recipe over hot cooked rice or noodles

Serves about 6

Last Updated on Friday, 16 July 2010 16:11
 
Written by James Sharkey   

This is the story of my Mountain Lion Hunt with Scott Ogden of Fraser Valley Outfitters. Fraser Valley Outfitters is located near Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada. I arrived a day late Vancouver Airport was closed due to snow. They had about 6 inches in 2 hours time. I was in touch with Scott by phone. He knew I would be arriving at 1:00pm the next day. Scott picked me up at the airport and even though it was too late to start hunting, we drove on some of the roads in his territory – 6,000 Sq Miles – looking for tracks – but only found 11 sets, which Scott felt were too small to follow up on. They sure looked good to me!

At the lodge, we unpacked. There was a private bedroom, private bathroom, large living room, satellite TV, etc. It could not have been better! We also had a great cook, named Sharon Henry!While dinner was being prepared, we sighted the rifles. That night we enjoyed a fabulous dinner of Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Scott explained what the next day would bring.

Read more...
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joomla 1.5 Templates by Joomlashack