6 Free Financial Modeling Lessons...and More.

Here is something you can use to connect the dots to where the economy might be heading long term. It seems the world's governments can't keep up with the demand for gold coins. As the price of gold comes under pressure with the rest of the CPI, demand for gold coins is increasing evermore. Check this out:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11182008/business/gove...

Those of you thinking we're at or near the bottom might want to throttle back on the optimism a little. Numismatics is often one of the most quiet but accurate gauges of things to come. When people are trading big screens for Krugerrands, it might be a good idea to be ready for a long, cold winter.

In an attempt to keep people from jumping ship, AIG is planning on paying out deferred compensation programs to some 5600 upper-level employees early. While I'm sure that's all fine and great for those receiving the payouts, is this really the time to start tossing money around? They've already been bagged for being ballsy enough to take trips to fancy spas, essentially flipping off the government and taxpayers after their huge bailout.

I'm wondering who is ultimately going to foot the bill so the bigwigs don't bail. Haven't the taxpayers been responsible for enough of AIG's mistakes? Now is just not the time. Not to mention the lack of bonuses most of us will be receiving... How do others feel about this?

For those of us still lucky enough to have our jobs, I offer one piece of advice and pose one question to the community. My advice is, “Work every day like it is your last,” and my question is, “What does that mean to you?”

Sounds corny, but it's really been on my mind today. I hope I can keep my job.

Supposed to be finished in the first two quarters of 2009. Anyone directly effected by this?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27719673/

Seems to be a trend today. It doesn't come as much of a shock that the flamboyant Mavericks owner likes to color outside the lines. With any luck, Martha Stewart's old cell is still decorated and ready for Marky Mark.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27768940/

Alright, this happened during my move overseas, so my apologies for it being a couple weeks ex post facto. It was just too delicious to ignore.

In a case of what may be the worst timing in history, Mitchel Guttenberg was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in the federal pen for insider trading on November 3, and an angry mob lined up around the block waiting to cock punch this highball on his way out.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/11/0...

If my ultimate goal is to become CFO, which is better? Going the traditional Big 4 audit route, getting a CPA, and then lateral to the finance division of another company or taking part in a rotational finance program (such as that of JP Morgan), getting a CPA (no audit work experience necessary), and either stay or lateral to another company (possibly after a top MBA)?