Investing in Learning and Education

Post for March 9, 2010
Recent news reporting in Illinois shows that Governor Pat Quinn is planning to make cuts in education spending to cover some of the budget imbalance for the state.  This response is an echo of other cuts in investment in learning and education on the part of individuals, corporations, and state and federal government--in the USA and beyond.

At the same time, politicians talk about the future in glowing terms--"Green energy jobs," much faster telecommunications capabilities, etc. 

We need to remember that each of us needs to be a lifelong learner and to find ways to invest in our education--even if it is with time more than money at any particular moment.  Public libraries (also suffering from cuts in funding) offer great resources for learning.

Basic skills of reading and understanding are important to be able to use the resources available to us for learning.  We need to keep an energy level up for exploring and learning more about our world and how we can make positive contributions to our world and our universe.

Real Estate Investing Opportunities and Education

My mother, who will be 95 in December, 2009, had a 14-year career in Real Estate when she retired from a 33+ year career in education.  She enjoyed Real Estate and earned more in that career than in her education career.

In the careers I have chosen so far, I have not included Real Estate.  At this point in my life and in the economy, Real Estate is looking better and better as a choice for building income, especially at this stage in my life.

Last week I became acquainted with some of the programs offered by the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College.  I also became acquainted with the Chicagoland community of like-minded investors with offices in Downer's Grove (use "dog" as a password).

 I attended a "Super Saturday" Meeting today in Oakbrook and learned more about business opportunities in marketing the education offerings of the Real Estate Investment College.

There are, in this program, three sets of business opportunities:  1) Real Estate Investing Education supported by immediate "earn while you learn" components to build net worth and to get out of debt.  2) Ongoing mentorship, team, and community support for new (and experienced) Real Estate investors.  3) Marketing opportunities to promote the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investing courses--with attendant mentoring, team, and community support for new (and experienced) marketers of the education program.

Some people may only want the Real Estate Investing education and to work on their own (Opportunity one).  Others may want support and guidance as they build expertise in Real Estate investing (Option One and Option Two).  Another group may want to earn extra income to support their own Real Estate Investing education by marketing the education courses (Option Three).  (Some people may want all three options.)

I certainly like what I see so far about the program, though I have only had limited exposure to the programs and the community of "like-minded" investors.  My "due dilligence" requires me to check out other Real Estate investing opportunities for education and support to see if the value offered by the Nouveau Riche opportunities are the best value for me.  I would like to find a way (grants, alternative funding) to support my education without incurring more debt.  I also need to be sure that this is a community I would like to be a part of.

One aspect of my concern at present is the delivery method of the education courses.  Tuitions require attendance at the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College in Scottsdale, AZ.  They have video-tapes from completed classes available for review.  Last summer I completed fifteen graduate education hours online with the University of Phoenix.  Laura Palmer Noone, former President of the University of Phoenix, is now the CEO of Piccolo International University in Scottsdale, AZ.  Piccolo International University was created by the same three founders as the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College.  Presently Piccolo International University offers practically-oriented online degrees at the bachelors and masters level.  The Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College is considered a vocational school even though they number the courses in the 100, 200, and 300 levels similar to what would be offered at the university level.  Some discussion regarding the accreditation process for Nouveau Riche indicates that the courses may be approved at the associates level (similar to a community college).  While that doesn't mean much to successful Real Estate investors graduating from their programs, it may be more important to people determining the value of education.

Because of Laura's work with the University of Phoenix and now her work with Piccolo International University, I am hopeful that she will bring her online education expertise to help Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College to move to more online courses.

A Vital Spark--Missing in the USA? in the World?

In the late 1800's when most Americans were farmers, there was a vital spark of energy in the food that was grown.  This vital spark was probably in most of the food grown around the world and no one knew that it was there.  In the beginning of the 2100s, much of our food--even organically grown food--is missing that vital spark.  Our bodies need supplements to get the bio-materials we need to be healthy.   There is lots of discussion over exactly what and how much and how to get it and that we need more to be healthy is not really in contention.

In the emerging USA economy, the "American Dream" of owning a home, raising a family, giving more to our children that their parents had, getting a college/university education for whoever wanted it is changing.  Part of how it is changing seems to be the elimination of the middle class--the people who worked toward the American Dream from World War II (1940s) to the present.  Many of the jobs are changing.  With the pressure to be a nation of consumers, debts are increasing while income is shrinking.  Recently we learned that there will not be a cost of living increase in Social Security for 2010.  "We have not had inflation."  Bills keep going up and more and more people are being laid off and forced to accept jobs with lower salaries.  Getting out of debt is getting more and more difficult and savings set aside in "401K" plans and in stocks and bonds keep dissolving (worse than disappearing).  Yes, the concept of "dollar cost averaging" may still exist--if you can wait 50 years or more for the stock to recover its lost value.

Real Estate investing seems to be riding on the wave of change.  Someone mentioned to me today that "everyone still needs a place to live, no matter what the economy."  That's certainly true.  It's also true that marriages continue to take place, babies continue to be born, people need to change houses for a variety of reasons.  Commercial Real Estate is the next area for concern in terms of people not being able to pay for the properties they have bought.  The end idea is still that Real Estate, in some form, is here to stay.  Of course, that is part of the issue, the form may be changing rapidly--especially in the next few years.

Even so, it's hard to see any "job security" these days.  Those out of work looking for a job are not assured how long the new job will last--or the company or organization providing the job.  When we have expenses, all of us need a positive cash flow to do more than cover our expenses.  We would also like to have a good way to save for our future and emergency needs.  Health care is important and we need to be able to afford the premiums.

Education is a vital part of learning how to do something--to learn from others who are successful can certainly eliminate much of the trial and error we would otherwise face in working something new.  There is high value in the right education.  Some education is expensive without providing lasting value.  At other times we have to look to find the lasting value that may not be obvious at first.

I don't regret my education, though what I know needs to be added to in order for me to continue to be successful in our emerging economy.  I have my own strengths--consulting with others and with businesses, providing training designed specifically to help someone learn to do something in a new way.  I have not yet been involved much in Real Estate or in Real Estate investing. 

I'm exploring what opportunities I see to learn more about how I can be successful in this arena.  I've been a protege of Robert Allen for several years, though lately, because of my commitment to classroom teaching, I haven't been able to take advantage of everything he offers.  I was also involved with Primerica for several years and, again, due to my family commitments and my commitment to teaching, I was not able to take full advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves through Primerica.

I am open to learn and believe that I have the "vital spark" I need to be very successful in the USA (and the world) today.  I also know that learning is a team sport and I am looking for great team members to help me learn what I need to learn and to help make a positive difference for the world we live in--and for our families and ourselves.

I keep working, exploring and learning.  Anyone want to join me?