I have given a number of talks at public libraries and one issue that always comes up is investing risk-free. People want an investment with long-term stock market returns without short-term volatility. Unfortunately, that type of investment vehicle does not exist. There is no such thing as a risk-free investment. Every investment has some risk. The goal is not to eliminate risk, but rather to manage it.

The key is to understand the different types of risks and how they affect your money.

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A formula to survive the unkown

Long-term investing has never been more important. With the decline of traditional defined benefit or final salary pension plans, which offered employees a guaranteed pension, it is individuals, more than ever before, who are now being held responsible for holding long-term assets. .

Investing in small business earns positive marks from Iowa leaders

Investing in long-range economic development helps ensure prosperity throughout Iowa. That's why I support a pro-growth agenda to improve the small business climate in our urban and rural communities.

Our recent efforts have earned high marks from Iowa's business leaders. For example, the Iowa Chamber Alliance - a coalition representing chambers of commerce and economic development organizations throughout the state - declared at the end of the 2007 session that it was "pleased by the Legislature's positive investments in growing Iowa's economy."

During the 2007 session, the Legislature increased funding by $500,000 for the Main Street Program. This popular initiative helps revitalize inner cities and small towns. There are currently 36 active Main Street communities in Iowa.