Ok I'll clear it up
This is fun to many of you but I like to think you all do really learn something from this forum.
Don't worry Mark - the criticism doesn't hurt so much as disappoint - I do alot of work for no money (speaking spots all over the country, free articles in magazines, radio, and I personally spend at least 4 hours a day answering reader email with pointers etc) and I have to say that magazine writing pays very little but I also do that because I want to help others. For those cynics this may sound like a line but I really have got myself to a good financial position and its time I gave back.
I do have the runs on the board (I believe) with 9 investment properties and a subtantial amount of other invetsments which diversify my portfolio I feel I have the experience to share.
My articles in API are not advertorials at all and there is no sponsorship. Any advertising we do is paid for at standard rates. It does seem from the amount of email I get that alot of people do like them.
I have 5 children and a normal life and I am just trying to make my way in this world like everyone else. I have always behaved honestly and ethically, have always given 110% to all of my clients and never take advantage of others by charging exhorbitant sums for my help. I give alot of my time away and believe that all people have the right to access information as easilya s they can. I have been offered amazing things (like free properties and lots of money) to represent someone or otherwise market myself and my information and I have declined them all.
I take the showbag comment as a compliment - nice to know someone thinks I look nice on the outside! My husband says that there are lost of goodies inside too!!!
Yes I took a break as my father died unexpectedly and we were extremely close (he and my mother live with me as we were helping them out with their housing needs) and then my husband got ill and was in hopital on life support for a time. Seems I ran over a leprechaun or something this year!!
Don't ever let any sort of cynicism get in the way of your education. Read everyting and just take what's right for you - there is not really a right or wrong way to invest - just more or less appropriate for any one person. Education can never be wasted and $25 for any book is usually a good invetsment in your own future.
Have fun!