Issues of Privacy or Piracy By Robert Cruces

Issues of Privacy or Piracy By Robert Cruces

When should consumer privacy trump national security? I think you’ll agree that this sounds like a simple question but has complex answers. In light of the San Bernardino tragedy and the fact that Apple refuses to comply with a federal court order to help the FBI break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters the answer to this question is now in the hands of the courts. Now apple is being targeted for not helping our country invent a backdoor into its own security system. While there are numerous political views on what is right everyone understands that the privacy of iPhone users who own one of the best security and operating systems for any cell phone are now in jeopardy of losing that security or seeing it seriously weakended.

Apple has done everything that’s both within their power and within the law to help with the FBI’s case against the San Bernardino shooter. They have publicly stated they want to and will do everything they can to help as long as it does not jeopardize their right to protect the safety and security of all iPhone users throughout the world. By creating backdoor access thereby allowing the FBI to pick the iPhone security lock there’s no reason to assume that the access once gained will not expand way beyond San Bernardino into other investigations in the future. In other words letting the FBI gain access to iPhone security could very well be the beginning of a slippery slope which may be steeper than anyone thinks. What would you do? You’re faced with the dilemma of either protecting millions of people’s information and privacy or helping the government obtain information about the terrorists that took the lives of 14 people.

Tim Cook and Apple are faced with making both a business and moral decision. They must consider the public faith that consumers have in Apple products; the integrity of Apple’s word: how trust in Apple will rise or fall. Trust is a belief that someone or something is reliable good honest and effective. A belief that someone can depend on one another and in which confidence is placed. By providing the government with a key to unlock the information they are looking for it could cripple the trust Apple has built with their consumers. On the other hand by not providing the access key, the public reaction might be fiercely antagonistic towards Apple that they are not protective of America and it’s fight against terrorism. It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place. Whatever you choose you will make some group unhappy. Either way arrows are headed your way.

Trust to me is most important and not something taken lightly. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be Apple’s CEO. I’m glad I’m not. Whatever happens I want you to know that your trust in me, the services I provide and privacy of your information is of paramount importance and I would fight to be the last man standing to make sure it remains that way. As always if you would every like to talk or meet you can visit and reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com and (201) 425-8018

Stay well and stay safe.

Preparing For Real Life Emergencies By Robert Cruces

Preparing For Emergencies By Robert Cruces

Have you thought about what to do while Preparing for an Emergency? If a disaster were to strike would you know what to do?

My name is Robert Cruces and I've noticed other Extreme Individuals build bunkers and store hundreds of gallons of water. Although such measures can be regarded as extreme, it can't be disputed that having an Effective Retirement Financial Plan would be very benenficial. When I help My Clients we consider a variety of things such as their Social Security Benefits and having a Emergency Fund already in place. I spend my days helping people like you plan for your retirement. One such way to plan now is by having a Long Term Care Insurance Policy serving your needs. Such a plan pays for your care at home or in an assisted living nursing home facility. This can be quite costly if you had to pay out of pocket. There is no one answer for everyone and each individual has different options and choices available to them. If you are ready to find some answers that will help you better prepare for the unexpected I am always ready to help. You can reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com

Issues of Privacy or Piracy By Robert Cruces

Issues of Privacy or Piracy By Robert Cruces

When should consumer privacy trump national security? I think you’ll agree that this sounds like a simple question but has complex answers. In light of the San Bernardino tragedy and the fact that Apple refuses to comply with a federal court order to help the FBI break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters the answer to this question is now in the hands of the courts. Now apple is being targeted for not helping our country invent a backdoor into its own security system. While there are numerous political views on what is right everyone understands that the privacy of iPhone users who own one of the best security and operating systems for any cell phone are now in jeopardy of losing that security or seeing it seriously weakended.

Apple has done everything that’s both within their power and within the law to help with the FBI’s case against the San Bernardino shooter. They have publicly stated they want to and will do everything they can to help as long as it does not jeopardize their right to protect the safety and security of all iPhone users throughout the world. By creating backdoor access thereby allowing the FBI to pick the iPhone security lock there’s no reason to assume that the access once gained will not expand way beyond San Bernardino into other investigations in the future. In other words letting the FBI gain access to iPhone security could very well be the beginning of a slippery slope which may be steeper than anyone thinks. What would you do? You’re faced with the dilemma of either protecting millions of people’s information and privacy or helping the government obtain information about the terrorists that took the lives of 14 people.

Tim Cook and Apple are faced with making both a business and moral decision. They must consider the public faith that consumers have in Apple products; the integrity of Apple’s word: how trust in Apple will rise or fall. Trust is a belief that someone or something is reliable good honest and effective. A belief that someone can depend on one another and in which confidence is placed. By providing the government with a key to unlock the information they are looking for it could cripple the trust Apple has built with their consumers. On the other hand by not providing the access key, the public reaction might be fiercely antagonistic towards Apple that they are not protective of America and it’s fight against terrorism. It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place. Whatever you choose you will make some group unhappy. Either way arrows are headed your way.

Trust to me is most important and not something taken lightly. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be Apple’s CEO. I’m glad I’m not. Whatever happens I want you to know that your trust in me, the services I provide and privacy of your information is of paramount importance and I would fight to be the last man standing to make sure it remains that way. As always if you would every like to talk or meet you can visit and reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com and (201) 425-8018

Stay well and stay safe.

Working For Your Retirement By Robert Cruces

Working For Your Retirement By Robert Cruces

For those of us who truly love what we do, it doesn’t feel like work. For those who don't enjoy what they do it can feel like being stuck on an exhausting hamster wheel, just going around and around. There could be several reasons that motivate you to jump out of bed, start the pot of coffee and head off to your job. For many of us it all comes back to one common goal that we have in mind- that being retirement. While may love your job or career chances are you don't want to be doing it forever. A study found that one in five people expect until they die. This year one in five people say they're afraid they’ll never be able to retire. How can you ensure you won’t be included in one of those statistics?

Family friends vacations and doing the things we love is what we all should fill our retirement days with. How can you avoid making costly mistakes now so you can enjoy the finer things in life when you retire? Here are some things that might help you stay on track for retirement.

1. Stay within your budget - Don’t overspend the ‘wants.’
2. Save, Save, Save - There’s a reason our parents or grandparents kept coin jars all over the house.
3. If you haven't already started planning for retirement today, start today! - Don't wait until it’s too late and you’ve found yourself short on your retirement needs.
4. Know your Retirement Portfolio - know the amount of risk you can afford to take with your long-term Investments.

Do any of these sound familiar or strike a chord with you? If not they should and as you know I’m here to help you in any and every way that I can. If you feel you need a refresher or some advice, feel free to give me a call and we’ll setup a time to sit down and enjoy a conversation. Make the years count and enjoy the lifestyle you deserve to live! You can visit and reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com or by phone at

(201) 425-8018

Your Health Comes First By Robert Cruces

Your Health Comes First * By Robert Cruces

As we enjoy our years in youth adulthood and retirement there’s often one very important thing that we tend to overlook and that is our health. If we are feeling well our health is probably not at the forefront of our mind and we may take advantage of it even neglect it altogether. Even if you are feeling well we should be taking advantage of every preventative measure to ensure we continue to live a healthy life. We have often found that in adulthood and retirement our health is now in our hands. We should be taking control and following the proper actions to ensure we lead a quality and healthy lifestyle.

Your health should always be one of your top priorities. If you’re not healthy how is your quality of life? Most likely not the best. 

Even with a common cold you just want to wrap up in a blanket and goto sleep. Depending on the severity of the setback you can usually muster the strength to get through your daily routine. But simply just making it through your day just isn’t enough.

I applaud those of you who truly focus on eating a healthy diet and exercising daily. For those of you who don’t I challenge you to make one big change in your diet or exercise routine and see how you feel after a week. Research shows that if you walk just 30 minutes a day it can reduce the risk of heart disease by 40%!

Let’s get healthy together. I’d like to hear some ways that you’ve taken control of your health and the ways you keep yourself on track when times get a little tough! Remember a little bit goes a long way. Enjoy your years happy and healthy full of prosperity and satisfaction. As always you can visit and reach me online at:

www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com

Is Your Estate In Good Order? By Robert Cruces

Is Your Estate In Order ? By Robert Cruces

Ask yourself this question, ‘Is Your Estate In Order? You may then ask yourself what does this exactly mean? If that’s so you are not alone. What this is really asking is ‘Will my spouse know what to do when and if I’m gone?’ Will my children know what to do when both me and my spouse are gone? Will my assets get tied up in probate? Will my assets be sure to goto the people who are supposed to inherit them? Few of us want to spend time thinking about when we’re no longer here and able to spend time with our loved ones or share the things we love in life. Be sure to ensure your family is taken cared for you need a plan that requires that your Estate is in good order.

Most people have a will or a living trust both of which determines how your assets will be distributed upon your passing. Wills are easy to create but may cause problems down the road. A will must go through probate court before assets can be transferred and may be contested in the court, delaying the process. Moreover a will may pass funds on to an heir who is incapacitated or in the middle of a divorce jeopardizing the end placement of the funds received. On the other hand a living trust is more complex but bypasses probate and guarantees your assets will be exactly as you want. Living trusts are also non-contestable. That means that a child for example who is unhappy with the way you distributed the funds cannot goto the courts and protest the distribution as the living trust bypasses the courts altogether. 

Many people believe that once you set up a living trust that it cannot be changed. That is not the case. While you are alive you are the trustee of the trust and can change anything in the trust. Once you pass however the trust becomes an irrevocable trust and nothing can change. Now when you set up your trust you will determine who will become the trustee called the successor trustee when you pass. That person will have the powers you designate in the trust. That person may have the power to manage your property determine if a child is fit to receive the funds. When you set up your trust your attorney will review the many options you have. 

How do you know if you need a will or a living trust? Everyone’s story is unique and different. If you have any questions and are looking for some answers give me a call or visit me online at:

www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com and at (201) 425-8018

Kicking Bad Habits To The Curve By Robert Cruces

Lets talk about habits. There are good ones and bad ones. Most of the time we don’t even realize that we have certain habits until someone else calls us out on them. We all have a bad habit or two we would like to get rid of but let’s be real, habits are hard to break.

To begin to break these bad habits we have to understand how we make these decisions and it’s the key to overcoming our bad habits that we have and might hate. There’s usually a psychological satisfaction related with it. Just like when you eat

a piece of dark chocolate your serotonin levels increase and create a pleasurable effect which improves your mood. I guess chocolate could be a good habit but hopefully in proper moderation.

So how do you kick a bad habit? Is it willpower discipline or needing a drill sergeant in your ear? It’s all of the above and more. Some people find cutting the habit cold turkey is difficult.

If that’s you then go slow, take small steps and shoot for realistic goals. You have to find out which methods will work the best for you individually. Change your environment coach yourself out of bad habits and remind yourself and train your brain on the effects that your habit has on you or the consequences associated with it. Everyone has the ability to transform themselves into what they want. Sometimes we need a little push but don’t forget the strength that each and everyone of you has inside their minds. Take the steps you need to live a happy and enriched life and start kicking those bad habits to the curve in life. If you need any help with the actual kicking just give me a call or visit me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com or

by phone at (201) 425-8018

Sometimes It's Good To Unplug By Robert Cruces

Where is your phone? Do you have the television on? How about the radio? Did you know that Americans use electronic media over 11 hours each and every day? Whether it be your smartphone, television computer or radio we’re plugged into some type of technological media throughout the day. Doesn’t this seem out of hand?

Growing up my family and I had dinner every night. We would sit at the table and laugh over the events that occurred that day and just enjoyed each others company while we enjoyed our mothers deliciously prepared home cooked meal. Back then it was uncommon for the phone to ring but if it did we were not allowed to answer it and get up from the table. It wouldn't even cross our mind to answer it as we were completely immersed in each others company and enjoyment. With my family today we follow the very same principles by placing any cell phone tablet laptop device away as a strict rule or guideline. 

This day and age we cannot run away from technology. It’s in our homes, it’s in our workplace and it’s in on the streets- it’s absolutely everywhere! But what we can do is to take the time away from it all and just truly unplug!

Instead of turning on the TV at night try picking up a book, read a magazine play some cards with another family member or friend and do something other than looking at the screen. Go camping, take a hike, and turn your phone off while dropping it in your backpack. We forgot how liberating and free it can feel to be completely unplugged.

This week try to make an extra effort and get away from technology in your world. Enjoy the many non-technological fruits of life that are available to us all. Stay well and have happy technology-free adventures! As always if you have any questions regarding any retirement investment concerns feel free to visit and reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com or by phone at (201) 425-8018

When Life Gives You Lemons You Make Lemonade * By Robert Cruces

When Life gives you lemons you make lemonade. Sometimes we 

don’t know what’s going to happen today or tomorrow let alone 

what will happen the next month or year. Recently I met with some

clients of mine and they had practically all of their financial plans in 

good order with the proper asset allocation and mixture of both 

conservative and growth type of investment goals. But upon their

departure I’ve noticed that their overall level of personal happiness

was not truly fulfilled to where it should be at this stage of their lives.

Most if not all of their assets was set aside to pass on to their children 

and immediate family upon their death. The real estate and retirement 

accounts was all established for their loved ones and they rarely even

used their own facilities. In fact they haven’t taken a vacation in over

eight years.

Sometimes the lemons life can throw at us can be disguised. For most

of us there’s not enough hours in a day and sometimes you need to 

take a step back and pay attention to you. Every morning I wake up and

set aside about five minutes entirely for myself and all that’s happening

or concerned. There should no television, radio, no internet or any other

distraction. Just simple peace of mind and quiet is when you can reflect 

about how you’re feeling and what it is you would like to accomplish for that day, week month year and lifetime. If you’re feeling like you have a 

lot of lemons you begin to consider how you can start making lemonade.

So starting today pay attention to yourself and ask yourself what you can

do to really enjoy life and all of the wonders it can hold. As for my clients they are now enjoying their lemonade on the beach with the joys of taking 

a vacation that has not been done for over eight years. Financial security 

is top priority when planning your retirement but so is having a true pure

sense of personal happiness for yourself and your loved ones. Take that

moment and set it aside for yourself. Take those lemons life seems to throw 

at us from time to time and begin to start to make lemonade. You can visit and reach me online at: www.Standard CapitalFinancial.com

What Do You Really Want To Learn * By Robert Cruces

Have you ever had the urge to learn something new? Anything and I mean just about anything. Every one of us has a special talent skill or expertise in one are or another. Some of us has

gone to college and others have earned a masters degree of distinction. Whether or not you have explored the avenues of 

secondary education there’s always something new that we 

can learn from one another every day.

I’m very curious and have asked those close to me the question of ‘If you could learn something new today, anything what would

it be?’ Some of the answers I received were insightful and some of them were just hilarious while others had no clue whatsoever.

One individual mentioned that he would listen to a collection of

some powerful musical lyrics and make it a mission to convert

the message from these lyrics into a powerful mantra that can be

implemented each and every day. You could definitely learn something new each day and it’s true that if you don’t feel like you’re constantly growing and strengthening your brain you should. Honestly speaking we all should in one way or another.

There are endless opportunities we can explore to learn more and we should never stop learning. How about how to build a pond in your backyard? What is the longest word in the dictionary? People are curious. They want to know the who what when where why and how of everything all around us. People are curious. There is an amazing website called curious.com and its virtually like free training and teachings! Check out this vital information that is available for all of us benefit upon and enrich our lives. As always if you want to know something more about what is going on in todays market or how the S&P 500 is performing or even a question on Social Security don’t hesitate to give me a call and visit me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com

What Do You Do While Preparing For Emergencies ?

What do you do while Preparing for Emergencies ?

Have you ever thought about what to do if a Life Emergency were to happen? If a disaster were to strike would you know it's coming? Have you prepared for the worst or developed a backup plan? If you haven't already you should be seriously be considering that now. There have been many extreme individuals who have built bunkers underground and stored hundreds of gallons
of water. Such actions may have been regarded as severe but it cannot be denied that having a sound and effective Retirement Financial Plan is of top priority and should be given a primary concern. I focus my days on helping people just like you plan for retirement.

When I help my clients plan for retirement we consider a variety of things such as their Social Security Benefits and by establishing a separate Emergency Fund which is different from their Retirement Investment Accounts.

When faced with the challenges of Assisted Living we often mention the value of having a Long Term Care Policy in place. Such a plan would pay for care at home or in an assisted living or nursing home. This can become quite costly if you had to pay out of pocket.

There is no one universal answer for everyone and each individual has different options and choices available to them. The best thing is to be prepared and become ready. Medicare provides limited long term care coverage There are things you can do now so you or your loved ones don't get caught off guard.

If you are ready to find some answers that will help you better prepare for the unexpected and unknown, I am always here to help. You can visit and reach me online at: www.StandardCapitalFinancial.com