BLRN Financial News Talk with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-Intro news talk/mp3 1 min. 4 sec. size 442kb

Todd and Gene are both Registered Financial Consultants with Asset Growth Associates. Company website is located at http://savemyretirement.com. Asset Growth Associates specializes in principal protection strategies.

BLRN-2-12-2008 news talk/mp3 47 min. 09 sec.

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:00:00 CST

Have homeowners with good credit ratings begun to default on their home loans? Solution segment: Why past performance is, after all, a reasonable expectation for future results. Dittle secret: The fun and frolicking at the "underbelly ball" where sub-prime profiteers met and celebrated their successes at everyone else's loss. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-11-20-2007 news talk/mp3 47 min. 02 sec.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:00:00 CST

A judge says a foreclosing bank lacks the standing to foreclose. Solution segment: If there was such a thing as a perfect financial investment, what features would it contain? Dittle secret: A provision in proposed legislation which could prevent a bank’s attempt to foreclose after a mortgage default. Guest: Remembering the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-11-6-2007 news talk/mp3 47 min. 24 sec.

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 07:00:00 CST

Have you purchased your carbon offsets yet? Solution segment: How to keep your portfolio from melting away during the coming days of proposed new taxes designed to cripple business in the name of cooling off the earth. Dittle secret: What the real agenda behind the global warming hype is all about. Guest: KBTV Channel 4 Chief Meterologist Dana Melancon. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-10-30-2007 news talk/mp3 47 min. 43 sec.

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:00:00 CST

How will the Fed address the twin threats of inflation and recession? Solution segment: How principle protection keeps investors safe from the threats caused by "artificial" declines in oil supplies. Dittle secret: What's behind the increases in oil prices. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-10-23-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 19 sec.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 CST

Democrat Barney Frank has introduced legislation which would allow consumers who default on their loans to sue the banks who were foolish enough to lend them mortgage money. Solution segment: How much do you really know about the cow which made your ground hamburger? Forget about where's the beef? How about what’s IN my beef? Dittle secret: We expose how investors depending on interest payments from mortgage bond funds promoted as safe AAA bonds have stopped paying interest payments. Guest: Fox new contributor and securities attorney Stuart D. Meissner will join us to discuss the fall out from the collateralized debt obligation mortgage fiasco. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-10-16-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 55 sec.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 07:00:00 CST

Fears of another downturn on Wall Street is creating opportunity...for banks. Solution segment: How Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke invests much of his money. Dittle secret: We reveal congressional plans to take away your mortgage interest deduction unless you move into a teeny tiny little house. If these politicians weren't so dangerous they’d be funny. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-10-9-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 52 sec.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 07:00:00 CST

How does a new 50 cent per gallon gasoline tax sound? Solution segment: So called "high water-mark" plans which maintain principle and protect earnings. Dittle secret: We expose the Pay day loan industry which charges rates as high as 600%. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-10-2-2007 news talk/mp3 49 min. 34 sec.

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 07:00:00 CST

The mortgage crisis is appearing to subside, at least the street thinks so even with banks declaring one time charges because of losses from their mortgage operations. This begs the question, was there ever a crisis to begin with? Solution segment: How to install specialized "shock absorbers" to your nest eggs to keep them safe from future wild rides.. Dittle secret: Believe it or not, the Fed is not omnipotent. Perhaps the losses coupled with the subprime fallout were unnecessary in the first place. Guest: Professor of Economics at Boston University, Laurence J. Kotlikoff, author of the book, "The Coming Generational Storm: What you need to know about America's Economic Future." - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-9-25-2007 news talk/mp3 49 min. 34 sec.

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:00:00 CST

Like a line written by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, "Please Sir, may I have some more?" the Markets look to the Fed for continued rate cuts. Solution segment: We cover growth and preservation of capital. Dittle secret: An expected slowdown in the US economy...but still better than a recession. Guest: US Congressman Kevin Brady discusses S-Chip program and social security insolvency. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-9-4-2007 news talk/mp3 49 min. 34 sec.

Tue, 4 Sep 2007 07:00:00 CST

Credit problems cause more uncertainty on Wall Street. Solution segment: How to stop being a victim by the vagaries and whims of those who refuse to play by the rules. Dittle secret: How people continue to lose money when analysts fail to do their jobs by calling bad deals "good". Guest: Charles J. Sykes, author of "50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in Schools". - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-8-28-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 29 sec.

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:00:00 CST

Despite Ben Bernanke's nickname it doesn't appear he is ready to dump dollar bills into the economy. Solution segment: We explain how we have solved income and preservation of capital needs for many of our clients. Dirty little secret: Is the mortage crunch a cunning plan to squeeze out lenders and capture the market for Wall Street? Guest: Morgage Broker Lawrence Bland III of Platinum Capital Mortgage. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-8-21-2007 news talk/mp3 44 min. 40 sec.

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:00:00 CST

It's all about liquidity and solvency. Solution segment: Retirees and pre-retirees are the ones most affected by what's happening in both the stock and bond markets. We'll tell you how to survive and not run out of money because there is a way to do it. Dirty little secret: "NINJA" mortgages and "lenders gone wild". Guest: National mortgage expert Daniel Canessa. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-8-14-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 11 sec.

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 CST

Meltdown on Wall Street continues. Solution segment: How to save yourself from further losses and improve your chances for financial success. Dirty little secret: The magnitude of the deceptive practices bringing about the present financial crisis. It's more than "liberal lending”. Guest: Author and Financial Advisor Dr. Ron Ross, PhD. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-8-7-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 45 sec.

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 07:00:00 CST

More on the Subprime Morgage Meltdown. Solution segment: A way to protect investors from the current market retreat. Dirty little secret: A look back to look ahead for a better understanding of what problems "tight credit" brings when cash goes on strike. Guests: A clip of CNBC commentator Jim Cramer on Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-7-31-2007 news talk/mp3 47 min. 17 sec.

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:00:00 CST

Federal Bankruptcy judge has declared some IRAs subject to creditor claims. Solution segment: Using annuities in situations where the investors are concerned about eroding protections from claims and judgments. Dirty little secret: Clandestine plans that threaten gains in worker’s 401k plans. Guests: Attorneys Randy Drewett and Tim Berry. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-7-24-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 46 sec.

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:00:00 CST

Another correction on Wall Street. Solution segment: How to be proactive in your investment decisions. Dirty little secret: How careless legislation from Washington is opening the door to future fuel shortages and possible chaos. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-7-17-2007 news talk/mp3 44 min. 44 sec.

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:00:00 CST

Brokerage fees and lawsuits. Solution segment: Survive amid an uncertain economic climate. Dirty little secret: How the democrats are making it easier for some corporations to defraud consumers. Guest: Chris Holton of DivestTerror.org. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-7-10-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 15 sec.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:00:00 CST

Higher demands for oil coupled with less than desirable news from Sears and Home Depot caused a bit of a panic on Wall Street. We also discuss how America business is in the crosshairs by democrat politicians. Solution segment: we reveal how average people can protect themselves financially from the man made "stampede of stupidity" facing our country. Dirty little secret: How a careless politicians pushing free universal health coverage could make us more susceptible to the terrorists who want to kill us. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-6-26-2007 news talk/mp3 44 min. 48 sec.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:00:00 CST

Amnesty for illegals, the Fed keeping rates steady and the Democrat party hatred of oil companies. Solution segment: Collateralized Debt Obligations and how they're shaping up to do to the economy what junk bonds did to us in the early 1990's. Dirty little secret: How to get the credit card industry to "give" you the cash you need for vacation this year. Guests: Russ Waddell, formerly with the Lamar University Small Business Development Center and Todd Davis, President and CEO of LifeLock. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-6-19-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 16 sec.

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:00:00 CST

The Government wants to give us an Energy Bill, this isn't the one you want. Solution segment: We discuss how to retire comfortably without outliving your assets. Dirty little secret: Hillary Clinton is pushing for universal health care in her bid for the presidency. Despite being chubby herself, she wants a federal bureau to regulate fat people. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-6-12-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 50 sec.

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:00:00 CST

IRS Suprises Employers with Retirement Age Rule. Solution segment: How to hold on to your money and other investmetns in a changing world. Dirty little secret: Dimwitted politicians are leading us down the primrose path on energy needs. We'd better wake up while the lights are still on, even though the politicians are not at home. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-6-5-2007 news talk/mp3 42 min. 77 sec.

Tue, 5 Jun 2007 07:00:00 CST

Fed chief Ben Bernanke says the economy is progressing and Wall Street reacts adversely. Solution segment: We solve for a positive outcome in your investments even when world news may appear to be in crisis mode. Dirty little secret: Mutual fund industry lobbyists are forcing 401k plans to exclude options for safety and guaranteed growth, all in the name of the new pension law. If you're a plan participant who isn't sure on what to choose when you enroll, your default enrollment will consist of more risk than you might understand. Guest: . - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-5-29-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 27 sec.

Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:00 CST

The Democrat controlled Congress wants to subsidize the coal industry. Solution segment: How not to be swept up in uncontrollable, money losing, international future events. Dirty little secret: How the "Hell no I won't go" crowd of the sixties is racing to send outsourcing dollars to the shores of Vietnam. By the way, Bill Gates says Vietnam will be the next India. Guest: No guest. A discussion on how much life insurance you should carry. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-5-22-2007 news talk/mp3 43 min. 6 sec.

Tue, 22 May 2007 07:00:00 CST

Cough syryp and children's toothpaste exported from China is tainted with anti-freeze. Solution segment: How not to lose money when your investments are swept up in international events and the tides of change. Dirty little secret: A new attitude in the cornbelt. Ethanol is beginning to lose widespread appeal. Guest: Brian Darling, Director, U.S. Senate Relations, Heritage Foundation. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-5-15-2007 news talk/mp3 42 min. 38 sec.

Tue, 15 May 2007 07:00:00 CST

A strong economy with inflation under control. Solution segment: When times are good, people worry they're too good. It's human nature. But whether or not times are good OR bad, we offer a solution which can work. Dirty little secret: HUD plans to close the door on organizations that help families with down payments for new home mortgages. A detailed explanations on "what is an annuity" and the types of annuities available. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-5-8-2007 news talk/mp3 44 min. 41 sec.

Tue, 8 May 2007 07:00:00 CST

Big Oil, Saddam and the CIA... a new investigation. Solution segment: How to both grow your nest egg and generate an income. Dirty little secret: Legislation instruduced by Democrat Senator Charles Schumer would allow people who default on their loans to turn around and sue the lenders who loaned them to the mortgage money to buy their homes in the first place. A special segment on principal protection. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-5-1-2007 news talk/mp3 47 min. 34 sec.

Tue, 1 May 2007 07:00:00 CST

May Day rallies protest our American Way of Life. Karl Marx would be pleased. Solution segment: Communications can be a doubled edged sword if we fail to read the fine print. Dirty little secret: Banks are flouting the federal law forbidding debt collectors from seizing social security and pension deposits. Guest: US Congressman Kevin Brady. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-4-17-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 33 sec.

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:00:00 CST

Wall Street remains in a festive mood. The Food and Forage Act of 1861. Solution segment: More ways to insulate your investment dollars against loss. Dirty little secret: We challenge the myth about global warming and expose it for what it is...way into your pocket for additional taxes. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-4-3-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 11 sec.

Tue, 3 Apr 2007 07:00:00 CST

The President and Congress are headed for a showdown. Solution segment: A financial solution for the best of times and the worst of times. Dirty little secret: A severe credit crunch coming which impacts more than just housing. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-3-20-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 47 sec.

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:00:00 CST

An examination of a Wall Street insider telling it like it is. Solution segment: The housing market is so bad in Detroit that a new car costs more than a house. We’ll tell you how to make sure your holdings don’t disappear. Dirty little secret: How Congress is entertaining intervention in the sub-prime market mess…and how this could lead the economy into a recession. Guest: Lawrence Bland of Platinum Capital Mortgage explains the sub-prime mortgage lending markets. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-3-13-2007 news talk/mp3 46 min. 8 sec.

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 07:00:00 CST

More on the Sub-prime mortgage market meltdown. Solution segment: A way to avoid big losses. Dirty little secret: How the Dept of Labor prefers risk over safety in establishing the new automatic 401k rules for American workers. Guest: Annette and Steve Economides, authors of "America's Cheapest Family". - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-2-13-2007 news talk/mp3 45 min. 31 sec.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:00:00 CST

Propsal to add $2.00 in taxes to every gallon of gas you buy, plus we cover other political shenanigans. Solution segment: A look at principal protection and safe haven places to store and grow funds. Dirty little secret: Planned legislation that would impose a $2.00 per gallon tax on gasoline to force conservation. Guest: Barry Picker, CPA joins us to discuss the Pension Protection Act of 2006. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-2-6-2007 news talk/mp3 49 min. 16 sec.

Tue, 6 Feb 2007 07:00:00 CST

The SEC is investigating if brokerage employees are tipping off their big clients about impending stock trades. The investigation focuses on stock trades made away from the individual providing the inside information. Solution segment: We offer a way not to be victimized by stock movements from large institutional investors. Dirty little secret: We offer a way not to be victimized by stock movements from large institutional investors. Plus more on the Pension Protect Act of 2006. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-1-31-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 37 sec.

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:00:00 CST

Consumer confidence up slightly. Special report from Christopher Holton, representing The Center for Security Policy's Divestterror.org. Plus a discussion on Windows Vista. Solution segment: We tell you how to have a good outcome regardless of what the coming year will bring. Dirty little secret: The FDIC moratorium on issuing bank charters seems to be a political football riddled with inequities. Guest: Mark Kantrowitz, author of "FastWeb College Gold". - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-1-23-2007 news talk/mp3 48 min. 21 sec.

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:00:00 CST

Winters shows up and bumps oil prices. Solution segment: We tell you why some annuities are called good while others are bad. Dirty little secret: Ancient history reveals how a once mighty civilization failed and was lost forever when its politicians wavered and refused to support its troops. Guest: US Congressman Kevin Brady. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-1-16-2007 news talk/mp3 50 min. 47 sec.

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:00:00 CST

Global warming, the weather channel, sagging oil prices and more on the Pension Protection Act of 2006. They are still coming for your lump sum pensions. Solution segment: A look at an investment that provides market gains but protects against losses. Dirty little secret: How the continued plunge of oil is boosting other segments of the US stock market. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-1-9-2007 news talk/mp3 50 min. 53 sec.

Tue, 9 Jan 2007 07:00:00 CST

A mild winter means lower oil prices and more on the Pension Protection Act of 2006. They are still coming for your lump sum pensions. Solution segment: How one size does NOT fit all when the risk is too high. Dirty little secret: How the Democrats' declaration of war on the oil industry is also a de-facto war on Texas and Louisiana. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani

BLRN-1-2-2007 news talk/mp3 50 min. 17 sec.

Tue, 2 Jan 2007 07:00:00 CST

We read the tea leaves on what 2007 holds for the investor. Solution segment: A look at risk free investment planning. Dirty little secret: Legislation that if passed could put the spouses and children of successful corporate executives in danger by posting public information about them on the internet. Guest: Detective Randy Stevens, Beaumont, Texas Police Department discusses Identity Theft. - That's The Bottom Line with Todd Hickman and Gene Vallorani