04/24/2006

We want our MPG!

Hello:

The price of gasoline rose approximately $0.24 over the past two weeks, the second most rapid increase on record. Rising energy prices frequently can put the brakes on a growing economy, slowing spending by both consumers and businesses. Money that could have been spent elsewhere is now being spent at the gas pump. Gasoline shortages are being reported on the
East Coast as stations switch over from MTBE additives to ethanol, and from "winter fuel" to cleaner burning "summer fuel".

With the average US citizen consuming 26 barrels of oil annually, and the average citizen of the People's Republic of China consuming only 1.5 barrels annually, let's hope that Detroit gets the message, and starts to produce more cars with better gas mileage. We want our MPG!

Many Boomers have grown their 401(k) and 403(b) portfolios so successfully, that now annual fees are becoming significant. Now is a good time to talk with your benefits officer about your 401(k) and/or 403(b) fee structure.

Terri G. Millson, CIMA, CIMC President

Ray Dicius, CSA, GEPC LPL Branch Manager