How Will We Get through This?Written by Helaine Iris
How Will We Get Through This? Helaine Iris © 2003“Trust in God but tie up your camel” — Indian proverb I always dreamed of going to Australia. It’s been most consistent travel desire I’ve had. So last year when my husband informed me that professional association that he belongs to was holding their next conference in Australia, I got really excited. He invited me to join him and we’re been intending to make trip yet staying open to possibility that it might not be financial feasible for us to go. This past week it became clear that it was time to decide. We needed to make reservations if we were going. Making situation more complex and emotionally charged, conference was scheduled during my husbands fiftieth birthday. We agreed months ago that it was important to be together for this milestone birthday. Meanwhile, a few months ago, after a financially stressful time, I decided to direct my energy toward building a financial reserve. This was one of valuable lessons I learned from my first year in full time practice. For most of my adult years I’ve been focusing on living my life and not saving for future. Suddenly, It hit me, at age 45 I’ve got some catching up to do. Now did not seem like time to spend major dollars on a trip to Australia. Simultaneously, my husband was getting in touch with how important it was to him, and critical to development of his business, that he make it to conference. He was standing in a position of trust that universe would provide resources necessary. He was putting need to build a financial reserve on back burner. I’m sure you can see where this was going.
| | Everything Old Becomes New AgainWritten by C.L.Hanna
Think that something you have had since you were a teen-ager can't be worth much?Think again! Even if you are only now in your twenties...it won't be long until that dress, purse, tie, jewelry, perfume bottle or sport memorabilia will be sought after. It never ceases to amaze me just what can become hottest collectible at any given moment...and it never ceases to bring me joy to find that I have it! Right now, I am enjoying watching my daughter get excited over a 'find' that I used to wear or use (and which I had hoped that I would never see again)! The styles and designs that are being lauded as 'latest thing' all look very similar to things that my parents abhored and would not allow me to wear - no matter how much I pleaded. They aren't new to anyone over 40 years of age. My mother had sweaters that I begged off of her in 1970s - because they were from 1950s and were cool once again. While others were sporting copies - I was wearing 'the real thing'. What do you have that is now on 'Hot List" of "Cool Stuff"? Well...it just might surprise you. So many times, as I walk through a flea market or antique shop, I over-hear other shoppers saying, "Oh, I used to have one of those"... followed by sound of disbelief when they look at price tag ... followed by words, "I should have kept it!" While it may be difficult to imagine that toy or book or dish we use today could be worth ten times more than it's original purchase price in future, it does happen - and here are just a few tips on recognizing a potential treasure: The Maker, Author, Celebrity, etc. - Knowing a bit about who made item - and when - is always important. Knowing what a person has accomplished and how they stand out in their field is also key. You will probablly want to take care of anything directly linked to someone who is a celebrity due to setting a record - or making a box office smash - especially if they did it despite exceptional odds or if they were able to do it repeatedly...not necessarily while being most popular or socially accepted among their peers or fans. Of course, we have seen this to be case, as well, when someone who has had no time to really make much of a history for themselves - become an unforgettable part of history through their untimely death. While unforeseen events often trigger sudden rise of an items' particular value...timing can be everything when it comes to collectible market. You've got to"know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em". Dates, Signatures and Marks - Know what your item should say (or not say) and what identifies it as 'real McCoy' - McCoy pottery pieces have many different identifying marks which were used since company first began...some are very similar in way they look and some very different. What was made, when it was made and where, being some of determining factors for which mark was used. Lack of that knowledge has caused more than one disappointment to be sure. Having a treasure right under your nose and letting it go for a quarter or fifty cents when it is worth five dollars or more can leave you with a sick feeling. Tossing away something your Grandfather gave you, because you find it unattractive - only to find that it is irreplaceable is...(well, maybe we shouldn't open up a wound that deep). Keeping something in best condition possible, is only part of what it takes for an item to be considered valuable. In fact, some things are not required to be in pristene condition...but instead, are expected to have certain wear asssociated with them...however, all items with moving parts, for instance, should have all of their parts and parts should be working for most to be considered of any worth. We all know to look for signatures, of course, but being sure that a signature is not forged is not always easy - in fact, it is one of most common mistakes made by enthusiastic collectors. If you are putting out any amount of real cash - get an expert's opinion before committing. With All Of This In Mind..What Do You Have?
|
