El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel June 5, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & John Fergerson Jr.

Week of June 4^th   

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

President Jack welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.   Michael Chang led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Past Pres Thom gave us a powerful thought for the day.

Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians:  Sec John introduced Sonja Givens-Thomas of El Cerrito Royale facility, Frank Lee and our visiting Rotarian Michael from Britian.  Also in attendance today was Ksusha, our Russian exchange student who will be departing on July 15.  Remember there is a going away BBQ for Ksusha at President Jack’s on July 14^th.

Announcements:

ð     Pres Elect Tracy’s surgery was successful and she will not require chemo.  Great news and everyone was very happy. 

ð     June 10^th at 7:30p in the ECHS auditorium will be the concert when El Cerrito Rotary will be acknowledged for our contribution to the purchase of band instruments.  If you can attend please do so.

ð     Leeza reminded us of the Demotion dinner on Saturday night at 5:30p.  See you there.

Interact Officer/Board members induction:     

Interact Board and Officers for 2009-2010

Consistent with our club tradition we formally inducted new officers and board members at our club meeting.  Cassarah the current President acted as MC and introduced each board member and shared information about the individual and their job responsibilities for next year.  This was an exciting and rewarding experience for both Rotarians and Interact Officer/board members.  Thanks to all and especially to Cassarah for leading the great team that did so much this year. 

Cassarah MC’ed the induction of Interact Officers

Happy dollars:  No done today

Sgt at Arms:  Not on duty today.

Today’s Program:  

Jack introduced Daryoosh Khalilollahi CFP to speak to us about Financial Self Defense. 

Daryoosh began by telling us the three important factors of Financial Self Defense:  1. State of mind, 2. Common sense, 3. Financial literacy (education and know who and what to ask for)

In terms of the state of mind there are six bad habits that we all struggle agains:

1.     Delegation – having other take responsibility for the our financial decisions and well being

2.     Denial – tendency to ignore reality and make bad decisions

3.     False Hope – looking at things through rose colored glasses

4.     Shortcut – expecting there is a quick way to get financial security

5.     Comparison – making unhealthy comparisons of ourselves with others

6.     Mistakes – Not learning from them and doing it again

Common sense is simply the awareness of all assumptions we make.  Such things as not doing diligence when we decide on seeking advise from someone, looking the other way when things go wrong, not know how things are connected and potential conflicts of interest.

Financial Literacy – Know what we need to do, how to the help and who can help us.  i.e. knowing what we do know and knowing what we don’t know and learning what we don’t know that we don’t know.

This was a very well done presentation and gave us all a lot of food for thought.  Thanks to Mark Scott for inviting Daryoosh to speak to us.

Daryoosh is acknowledged for his presentation by Pres Jack

Today’s Lottery Winner: Kanti had his ticket pulled and drew a cats eye marble and won the bottle of wine.  Next week the pot is $220.

Thought for Week: 

In my stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.

--William Shakespeare