I went to the Millionaire Conference seminar today. It was a LONG day. I got up at 5:30am so that I could be downtown at 7:30am. I got a seat front and center. The audience was interesting. I am thinking that many of the people there probably don’t have much in the way of wealth. The MC was Nathan Osmond who is one of Alan Osmond’s sons. He opened the seminar singing the National Anthem. Bob Kittell was the first up. He talked about stock trading, covered calls, and was pitching a web site with stock trading tools, and a seminar on how to use the tools. Once he quoted Peter Lynch, but out of context. At the end, he rattled off the price of several thousand dollars, and people were lining up at the back table to buy it. Next there was an unscheduled guy who was pitching a place that would build you a website store to sell their products. The problem I saw in this, is that if all the stores are built alike, they will be competing directly with earch other on the search engine listings. Most likely one that I put up would be buried in the listings, and not sell too many things. Next up was Robert Bluhm who talked about Asset Protection. He described various legal structures such as ‘C’ Corporations, Family Limited Partnerships, CRTs, Living Trusts, and how to set them up. He was selling books, and software telling how to set these up. Cost was several thousand dollars. Then we had a lunch break. Following lunch, Bill Danko spoke for a bit and introduced Lynn Alder. Lynn Alder pitched instruction in how to buy, sell, and rent real estate. Most of it was stuff I have run into in books I have read, such as by Robert G. Allen. Of course this cost several thousand dollars. He mentioned one guy who bought a storage place. That peaked my interest some as I had never considered that as a business opportunity, and may look into it. Bill Danko came out spoke again for a while. Thankfully he wasn’t pitching anything. He was an excellent speaker. Actually they were all excellent speakers (except for the the guy pitching the online store…he was so so). Wayne Gray close the day talking about buying Tax Lien Certificates and Tax Deeds. These were really intriguing, but not enough to merit the cost of several thousand dollars for his seminar. But I did order a book Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens : Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time by Larry B. Loftis for $13 from Amazon when I got home. It was interesting seeing the people lining up to plunk down thousands of dollars on seminars. Personally I am cynical of pitches like these as they sound to good to be true, and usually are. As we left, Nathan was passing out signed copies of The Millionaire Next Door. It was a softcover copy, with the signature on a bookplate stuck inside the front cover. The signature looks like it was signed with a felt tip pen, but when I compared two copies, the signature was too identical, so I am guessing it is printed on there somehow, and not truly signed. Oh well. It was an interesting day, and I learned some stuff, or at least was exposed to new things.
I, too, went to this seminar. A lot of good information was shared. I found the audience to be a non networking crowd. A woman sat next to me for the second half of the day, and although she spoke to me as if we were dear friends on a lot of topics, when I asked her about her LLC she became a clam. Others appeared to have the same condition. Or maybe I went for the wrong reasons
Over all the information was good and now I have more things to research and apply.
Of all the speakers, none spoke on the topic of CURRENCY EXCHANGING. Do you have any information reguarding this type of trading?
Comment by CCarver — April 27, 2005 @ 10:14 am
I just went to a “Women’s Financial Conference” in Oakland, Jan 13, 2006, that worked exactly like the description posted by Rob, above. Our keynote motivational speaker was a not-very-impressive Sarah Ferguson, and among the pitchmen were Wayne Gray and Robert Bluhm (noted above) along with James Smith and David Craig.
Lots of seemingly good, “educational” information with the four main speakers, but in the end all were really pitching their upcoming $3000 seminars. Although I am naive enough to believe that a legitimate seminar on any of the topics would be worth it, I can’t find any of these people or their products properly reviewed online or by Kiplingers or Barrons, or any other respected financial source.
Since their ideas seemed really good, I’m researching their topics online to learn more. Too bad they aren’t showing any credibility in my internet searches.
Comment by Michael — January 14, 2006 @ 9:13 pm
I too recently went to the millionaire conference with the speakers, Bob Kittell, Robert Blhum, and Wayne Gray. I was intrigued with the information, I didn’t pay anything for the seminar, I received two free tickets, also got a free lunch out of it. I liked the presentations, but if they don’t have a web site, and are pushing the $3,000 minimum for each speaker’s full presentation - maybe we are only making them rich. If they really had great products, why aren’t they advertising their website?
Comment by M. J — January 15, 2006 @ 9:48 pm
I am writing in response to a visit to the Seminar in Utah, in April 2005. I had purchased a CD from Bob Kittell ( Ultra Memory ) which is blank I am very disappointed in finding it blank, I was pleased with the talks by the other speakers. I would like a refund for the CD and I’ll send the blank one back to him. Sheri Johnson Box 2028 Carlin Nevada 89822
Comment by Sheri Johnson — January 21, 2006 @ 2:23 pm
Hi Sherri, just a heads up. You posted a message on my blob regarding a blank CD. But I am not Bob Kittell, and I am unable to help you get another CD. I am sure the blank CD was just a goof. I am sure you can get another if do manage to contact Mr. Kittell
Comment by Rob — January 21, 2006 @ 6:49 pm
Hey Sheri, Just wanted to comment and tell you and Rob that I also attended a seminar in Columbus, Ohio in August of 2005. I purchased a CD that was blank. I am researching for a refund as well.
Comment by Lori Swihart — February 6, 2006 @ 11:39 am
Did anyone have any luck getting a refund on that blank CD? I too got a blank one at a conference in Tulsa in December and haven’t had much luck finding out how to contact his company for a refund.
Pam
Comment by Pamela Guenther — February 14, 2006 @ 4:41 pm
I believe Bob Kittell works for, or at least has a relationship with INVESTools. They have a contact page at http://www.investools.com/contactus.asp
You guys might try contacting him through there. Post one here if you do get ahold of him so that others might be able to get there CDs replaced as well.
Comment by Rob — February 14, 2006 @ 4:52 pm
I went to a conference 3-2-06
in California and also received a blank Ultra Memory CD. I would like to receive a refund as well.Has anyone had any luck finding out where we can reach Bob Kittell for a refund? I am thinking about trying the Better Business Bureau.
Comment by richard — March 3, 2006 @ 11:40 pm
It is me again and I just popped the dvd Ultra Memory into my laptop and it is working. I had previously tried 2 dvd players in my home and it did not work in either of them. So try your computers.Good luck!
Comment by richard — March 4, 2006 @ 12:00 am
I tried contacting InvestTools and they don’t know who that is. After that I read Richard’s post and tried it in the computer and it worked!
Pam
Comment by Pam Guenther — March 7, 2006 @ 6:40 pm
Hi all,
Be very careful of these people, and you are right to be skeptical of paying thousands of dollars. I find it a bit strange that those CDs won’t work on anything but computers - be careful that it is not loading malware, spyware or other stealth programs on your computers.
Roanoke BBB has a warning about them at their website: http://www.vabbb.org/alerts/jan05_Millionaire.pdf
Spread the word to be cautious, enjoy the lunch, advice and freebies maybe, but don’t give away your money. They are the ones becoming millionaires by fleecing the public.
Leslie
Comment by Leslie — March 9, 2006 @ 9:50 am
I am surprised that they don’t know who Bob KIttell is considering he mentioned in one of their 2003 financial reports:
http://www.investools.com/inv_rel/pressreleases/archives/IEDQ1-03Earnings.pdf
Maybe he no longer works for them. I do believe though that when I saw him less than a year ago he was pitching their stock tool.
Comment by Rob — March 9, 2006 @ 10:04 am
I went to the Millionaire Conference on 2-23-06. The DVDs Bob Kittell gives out or sells work on other types of DVD players, such as a Playstation 2, new DVD players, and computers. If yours was blank than it might have been a mistake. He’s still doing the INVESTOOLS pitch. When you go keep in mind that your going to a live infomercial, everything has a high price. If you get caught following their lead, expect to be out of thousands b the end of the day.
Comment by Jack — March 10, 2006 @ 9:18 pm
Hi, Concerning the DVD, by the way it’s not a CD. If you are having problems with it simply call 801 216 8600 ext 1517.
This is the DVD that I gave you permission to make copies for everyone in your school district.
Bob
Comment by Bob Kittell — March 29, 2006 @ 9:03 pm
I went to the learning annex Los Angeles and was intrigued by the Investools.com product that Bob Kittell demoed. I purchased the product but thought about returning it the day after I bought it. Bob Kittell said that there is a money back guarantee, but cant find documentation in the package to support that and no one at the learning annex 212-371-0280 has been able to respond to my request. I have 2 more days to attempt to return this product but fee there I might be screwed for $1999. Keep you all posted.
Comment by Andy — April 10, 2006 @ 5:25 pm
I recently went to one of these seminars in New Haven, CT. The speakers were Lynn Alder, Robert Bluhm, James Smith, Bob Kittell, Mark Walter, Les Brown, and George Ross with Nathan Osmond as the M.C.. The only website that I could pull up from the information I used was Les Brown’s. I was able to bring up INVESTools by going straight to it, of course, but why all the secrecy. The crowd appeared to be taken straight off a mailing list. Hell, I was sent a second “special” invitation after I had already confirmed that I would attend weeks before. As a joke I went up to one of the insiders and asked if I could thank Reed West (purported president of celebrity conference) personally. He asked my name and said he would thank him for me when they were in Acopulco next week. Maybe they will have a little chuckle.
Comment by Eric — May 6, 2006 @ 7:45 am
Thank you to all of you who posted comments regarding this conference. I was not sure if I wanted to waste my time at an all day seminar the day before I was going on vacation. You helped me make the decision not to go.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Comment by Michelle — June 16, 2006 @ 3:58 pm
My friends and I attended the Women’s Financial conference which somone mentioned above. It was run pretty much like that description of the Millionare’s conference. It was a day long of informercials and we saw blue collar type people get fleeced out of their money. We only went b/c we wanted he Jean Chansky book. Jean advised to not get caught up in scams and figure out your current needs before going to things like seminars and buying tools to make you rich.
As a law studenet I was particularly wary of Robert Bluhm’s. Estate planning is different state to state. His advice was based on teh simple fear tactic that everyone will get sued and was much too one size fits all. He wanted to sell do it yourself kits for estate planning and asset protection for more than what it would cost to see an actual lawyer who would do it right for you in the first place.
Only go to these conferences for the legitimate key note speaker and don’t give up your money!
Comment by Meggan — October 14, 2006 @ 10:01 pm
Contact Investools directly to get your money back, Andy.
If you’re persistent enough it will work. Bob Kittell was a vice president over the seminars division for Investools as of 2003. Be careful –these products have many complaints from BBB’s all over the country! These allday events are huge sales pitches, enjoy the lunch, get a free book and keep your credit cards away. These guys are masters at manipulative/emotional selling! I’ve wasted money on the stock investing side.
Comment by Gerrard — October 18, 2006 @ 8:12 pm
I attended the celebrity seminar in NJ. As I had attended the seminars on Wizetrade and Investools before, I was prepared for the sales pitch.
I bought a DVD from Bob Kittell for $20 (he has his points); enjoyed a lunch, got a free book by George Ross, and the stand up comedy show by James Smith.
Robert Bluhm talked about estate planning and asset protection using his tools, but I got some ideas that I can do research on and talk to a lawyer about setting up the instruments that he recommended.
I a nutshell, I spent a day and 20 dollars which I don’t consider a loss.
Jack.
Comment by John Daniel — October 26, 2006 @ 11:55 am
I have received tickets to an upcoming seminar with the referenced speakers.
Contained within the invitation is a list that enumerates specific items that will be learned at the conference. They are:
1. Regularly buy real estate for 31%-57% below value.
2. Use the 21 money-making secrets millionaires are using.
3. Legally cut all capital gains tax to “0″ on the sale of real estate, stocks, or your business.
4. Lower your 2006 tax bill by 31%.
5. Retire in 2 to 5 years with an additional cash flow of $9,100 per month.
6. Protect 100% of your assets from all lawsuits, liens, levies, bankruptcy, or even a divorce.
7. Get government approved investments guaranteeing 16% to 50% return.
8. Learn how one high school graduate made 3 million dollars in 3 years.
Can I take this list with me to the seminar and at the end of the day be able to fill in the answers to the questions? I have to say that these are some really huge claims. If even one or two of the questions are answered or claims met from the above list it might be worth attending. Since all items are huge and astounding things that almost anyone would like to learn how to do I seriously doubt the validity of their claim that these items are what will be learned at that seminar that day.
Does anyone out there know if any of these items are actually learned that day of the seminar? Or is the seminar simply a fish hook to reel poor people desiring a workable way out of poverty, People seeking a way to be able to just get a little bit ahead in this barbell economy? Fat on both ends and too thin in the middle.
Comment by Louise Pinkstaff — October 27, 2006 @ 3:25 am
You will probably learn some stuff. I would not BUY any of their products, but you will probably learn some stuff. I would avoid any of the tax shelters. They are very dangerous.
Keep in mind that if making money were as easy as many of these people are saying, why are they doing seminars, and selling products. Why aren;t they just doing whatever system they are selling? One seminar show an example where your $1000 grew to $6000 in a month. Were it that easy, I could literally have a Trillion dollars in less than a year starting with $1000.
Just go to the seminar, take notes, learn. Don’t buy anything. Then go home, and buy books on whatever subject intrigues you. Many people make money in real estate. That is people who know what they are doing, and know HOW to fix up a house. If you ever watch some of the TV shows about flipping houses, how often do you see people buy a house, try to fix it up, spend way more money than they thought they would have, then have a hard time selling the house at a price to make any money!
Just be carefull and don’t let yourself get sucked in!
Comment by Rob — October 27, 2006 @ 1:01 pm
Oh wow… this is gonna be FUN! OK, here goes…
Boy that’s for sure… people only woke up and started to actually talk to one another after it was all over, when the subject came up and we announced that we had cash flow positive deals available. Suddenly we were mobbed for our business cards… prior to that we couldn’t get most people to even look us in the eyes. Wow.
This is exceedingly common, and is usually because they did not have the DVDs professionally replicated, and instead did them themselves in a computer or computer-based DVD replication system. Rather unprofessional, but not sinister.
Tax shelters? If you consider business entities to be tax shelters then I think you missed the point. You should of course always consult with your own tax/estate planning people, however I did not hear him talk of any “tax shelters” as I would consider them. Everything that was described is real and useful, however is definitely NOT one size fits all. Those things must be used correctly and I think should always be run by an estate/tax planning attorney that you have a relationship with that you trust. We are taking our notes from the conference to our estate planner to see if there are any holes that we need to plug.
Many people make money in real estate. That is people who know what they are doing, and know HOW to fix up a house.
Gee that’s funny… I must’ve missed that day in class. We’ve made great money and built a nice start to our wealth through real estate, and none of it was through fixing up houses. How is it you are so certain that it’s by fixing up and flipping houses that people really make money in real estate? I’m guessing you don’t do it…
Look, the bottom line about the seminar is that people were buying the crap, and NOT buying the good stuff. As a professional full time investor, I go to all these things all the time to network and see what I can learn. The sheep were sprinting to the back of the room to buy the earlier products on stocks, tax liens, and tax stuff, and VERY few by comparison ran to the back to purchase James Smith’s coaching program, which in my opinion was THE ONE product presented that actually would be worth buying, IF YOU WILL APPLY IT, which most won’t. And yes, we bought James’ program and I can’t wait to go through it. I spoke with him for a few minutes, told him about some of what we’re doing, and he gave me his cell phone number because he wants to talk with us about some of our deals. I can’t say I’ve ever had any other guru instructor do that. HE actually knows what he’s talking about, and after talking privately with him it’s VERY clear that he’s actually DOING this business, not just talking about it.
Most of you are simply not cut out for real estate investing, or any other form of entrepreneurship. You need to have your job, collect your paycheck, and think you’re taking no risk when actually you’re taking the biggest risks of all. We meet people constantly who say they’re going to do real estate, and when we present deals to them that they can get into for little or even no money, instead of doing the deal, they go plunk down another $5K, $10K, OR EVEN $40K on courses because they tell themselves that they don’t know enough to actually do anything yet.
STOP STUDYING AND START DOING. Here is a secret free for all of you from a successful real estate investor, it is the one step that you absolutely CANNOT make it in real estate without:
GO BUY A PROPERTY.
Buy it smart, but BUY IT. Seriously. Stop sitting on the sidelines and get in the darn game… James Smith really hit it all on the head. I’ve never heard anyone speak as honestly and truthfully as he did on the subject.
Comment by Jonathan van Clute — October 29, 2006 @ 12:45 pm
I just went to one of these and felt like it was Ron Poppeel on steroids. I didn’t stay to the end of Smith’s session and he at least was the most entertaining. I am just curious, how much was his?
Comment by Tina Nalepa — April 12, 2007 @ 9:11 am
I have gone to the seminars but not bought the products although I was tempted.
Most of the get rich in real estate schemes will work if a person has the discipline to follow through with it.
The advice one person made that you must get off your behind and do it is true. A piece of advice I once read is worth repeating here. It said read and learn as much as you can about real estate investing. Go out and practice by looking at at least one hundred properties and make offers. Make ridiculous offers that you know will not be accepted. This process will give you experience in what to look for in a property and the offer negotiating process. The risk you take is that someone takes you up on one of your offers. Always structure an offer so you have a way out if the property really isn’t what you want.
Comment by Robert Halliman — May 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
I recently attended a wealth building seminar in Framingham, MA and payed $20 for a Ultra Memory DVD by Bob Kittell. The DVD is faulty and does not work. Is there any way I can get a refund of my $20 and I will return the DVD gladly!!
B
Comment by bob — August 4, 2007 @ 9:07 pm