I'm stoked I found this resource, this site is gold.

Your explanation of events is long and a bit difficult to read (you may want to shorten to encourage more responses), but I would try to go over this person's head/chain of command and complain that they did not explain that the $100 was non refunadable. 

Those podcasts are gold, aren't they?

That sort of relationship takes time to develop but when you have it, it's gold. 

GDP growth since we went off the gold standard in 71 and that'll jump out at you.  

If you live on the coasts, you might consider diversifying into the Midwest in areas don't crash as hard as the coasts.3) Liquid assets such as cash, cash equivalents, cash value in a whole life policy (if you can find the right one  in a non-direct recognition mutual insurance company), gold buried in a ditch, and tax lien certificates.

Austin and DFW are both experiencing above normal appreciation, but it's fools gold to think that will continue unchecked. 

This site is an absolute gold mine for someone looking to learn from people doing what you are working towards. 

Make sure whatever bank you approach isn't a big chain bank.

I've gone through all of the posts from my colleagues, hoping to locate the chain of messages, but have come up empty.