T'was the the night before Christmas

Fellow investor and master architect Matt L shared this classic Christmas tale with a new twist. If your year was not all that you expected or hoped it would be, perhaps Santa has brought you the same gift. Our answer for 2009…replace your income, quit your job and let investment properties and cash flow lead the way.
James Fudge: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, 2008

By James Fudge
Wednesday, December 24, 2008

'Twas the night before Christmas, two thousand and eight,

But I wasn't cheerful, I was getting irate.

Reviewing finances, as I sat by the fire,

I realized quite glumly -- I might never retire!

My stocks and my bonds, my poor IRA,

They were all cut in half -- my 401(k)!

My home's latest appraisal, sure made me frown,

I looked at my mortgage -- I was now upside down!

I've had a good job, for several years past,

But now who could say, how long it will last?

I could be in trouble, I sat there thinking,

If this economy just keeps on shrinking!

I turned on the news, watched in disbelief

Today's latest scandal, today's biggest thief.

Bankers and traders, and car execs too,

Hedge funds, insurance -- how could this be true?

I wanted to yell, and I wanted to scream,

What just happened to the American dream?

I cursed and I wept, and I got really mad,

Where were our leaders, why were they so bad?

Suddenly out in the street, there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to the door to see what was the matter.

Of course it was Santa, but I was dumbstruck,

Instead of a sleigh, he was driving a truck.

He carried no presents, no large sack of toys,

Just a small duffel, the kind used by boys.

The glare in his eye and the tilt of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.

He came up the walk, and then walked right in!

No greeting, no handshake, he looked really grim.

"I've brought you one gift," he said with no cheer,

"But first you must listen, first lend me your ear.

"I've watched you all year, and many others too,

You've hit a rough time, that much is true.

You may well shake your fist, at this cruel twist of fate,

And try to place blame, but now it's too late.

"As house values rose, you went along for the ride,

The markets rose too, an endless high tide.

Money was cheap, and easily had,

As you borrowed some more, you thought, 'Debt's not so bad!'

"But you somehow forgot, these two simple facts:

Whatever you borrow, you have to pay back.

And just like a tide, flowing into a sound,

That which goes up, will surely come down.

"You neglected the warnings, you succumbed to blind greed,

So you bought what you wanted, way more than you need.

You think the economy, is now a train wreck?

Stick around son, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

"These leaders you blame, may be clueless it's true,

But lest you forget -- they work for you!

So please stop shedding your 'woe-is-me' tears,

You can fire these guys, once every four years."

He reached in his duffel, pulled out a small gift,

He said, "This is priceless, it will give you a lift.

So listen real carefully, pay me close heed,

If it's used wisely, you'll surely succeed. "

I was excited, I shook like a leaf,

To have such a gift that would solve all my grief!

A diamond? Some cash? Frequent flier miles?

The keys to a Benz? That'd sure make me smile!

I opened it slowly, and stared in surprise,

At a round mirror, of very small size.

I looked up at Santa, somewhat confused,

He winked at me once, looking slightly amused.

"The answer my friend, you'll find it is true,

Is found in that mirror -- the answer is you.

You have the power, the power to choose,

Your choices determine, if you win or you lose."

He gave me a smile, and then winked once more,

And with a wave of his hand, he flew out the door.

I heard him exclaim, as he jumped in his truck,

"Happy Christmas to all, good night and good luck!"

James Fudge lives in Niwot