THE "HOW BIG A BITE OUT OF APPLE?" EDITION
1 SEPTEMBER 2011
APPLE: HOW BIG OF A BITE?
Jobs Steps Down; Investors Ponder Impact
Sad news in the investor world last week. Heck, as your reporter sees it, it's sad news no matter what world you're living in. The announcement by Apple founder and innovator Steve Jobs that he must step down as Apple's CEO is a difficult pill to swallow no matter what you're washing it down with.
In his letter to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community, Mr. Jobs says:
"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. I hereby resign as CEO of Apple."
He goes on to state: "I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role."
Perhaps there is a silver lining to this dark cloud. Mr. Jobs has known for quite some time that this day would come. So, he's had time to prepare those who will carry the Apple torch forward.
Some investors say Apple's best days are over without Jobs leading the organization. Others say the strong infrastructure and brilliant people he's put in place over the years will carry the company on to its greatest successes yet. What do you think? Head on over to the StockCentral Apple Forum and join the discussion.
STANDARD 401(K) OR ROTH?
SC Members Offer Wisdom, Insight in The Exchange
SC Member Daniel Abraham posed the question that sparked the debate:
Should he go with a traditional 401(k) plan, or a Roth?
So far, the debate is heavily weighted on the side of the Roth. In The Exchange, SC Member Danny Matthews posts:
"I prefer the ROTH. I think buying quality companies, with dividends, is a big key to success. I also believe it is also best to save cash during market runups and flatlines so you can add to your positions when you get pullbacks in the market. Having cash available during these pullbacks or downturns is just as important as buying the right companies."
SC Member Al Mueller adds:
"The ROTH is the only way to go if it's available. Some day, you will have to convert your 401K to an IRA. And when you reach 70 1/2, you will have to begin taking a RMD so you will pay the taxes on it and by then it should have appreciated more too. Bite the bullet now, pay the taxes on your ROTH contributions and never have to worry about the taxes again — as long as the Government doesn't change the rules . . . "
What's your take on 401(k) vs. Roth? Pop into The Exchange and voice your opinion.
THERE'S STILL TIME (BUT HURRY)!
Become an ICLUB, BetterInvesting Tour Guide
Oftentimes, it is the little things we do that leave the biggest marks on this world. Your reporter spies just one of these opportunities in the BetterInvesting Community. She needs your help and she's whittled her request down to three small ways in which you can make a huge impact:
Spread the Word: Introduce people you care about to the "educated investor" community experience. People need to experience the unique value of the ICLUB and BetterInvesting communities to truly understand the benefits of joining.
In mid-July, BetterInvesting conducted a 29-minute webinar that gave a tour of our new Open House program. The webinar is suitable for both existing community members as well as for prospective new members. The public link is here (it's the second session on that page). The webinar link is also posted here on the members section of the BetterInvesting website. At your convenience, please listen to the short session and feel free to invite others to listen, too!
Become a Tour Guide: After you do, perhaps you'll consider becoming a tour guide and taking others to: www.betterinvesting.org/openhouse.
Mark Your Calendar: We will be offering an improved version of this session in September. Invite your friends, family, colleagues and anyone you think might benefit from sampling what we offer to that Webinar on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. EDT. Please register here.
SPEAKING OF IDEAS….
Toolkit 6 User Group, Club Operations Need Input!
We are currently working on the 2012 schedule of topics for both our Toolkit 6 User Group and our Investment Club Operations webinar series. Are there any parts of the Toolkit 6 program that you'd like to see demonstrated in a webinar? Are there burning topics about starting or running an investment club that you'd like us to address?
Please post your ideas on The Exchange and we'll see if we can cover them in an upcoming webinar. And don't forget — the prior webinar topics are all available on the ICLUB.com website in the webinar archives.
TODAY'S ENTIRELY RELEVANT QUOTATION
"I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it."
— Steve Jobs, founder and former CEO, Apple, Inc.