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Using an LLC to Protect Your Wealth
Bulletproof" Your Wealth with Family Limited Partnerships and LLC's A limited partnership is a partnership that has at least one limited partner and one general partner. Most states require the filing of a certificate with the state in order to be...
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A REMAKE OF THE STING; THE MODERN DAY MUTUAL FUND!
Arthur Levitt, during his tenure at the SEC, experienced many cases where the non-indexed mutual fund manager bought shares for their own accounts before the fund bought the shares. The fund’s purchases drove up the price of the stocks and the fund...
Glide into Tax Season with Solid Financial Planning
(ARA) - With good planning, you can start the year off right by making sure you and your family are financially fit and ready for the new year, and possibly reduce your tax bill. Here is a financial checklist to consider: Tap into...
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Lobster Trapping for Investment Ideas
Recently, my family and I took a trip to Maine to visit relatives. During our stay, we toured the rocky shore lines and took in the beautiful architecture of the old towns. One sunny morning, three generations of Wardlaws boarded a lobster...
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT FINANCIAL PLANNER
Choosing a financial planner is a very important decision. Who will you trust to handle your life savings and plan your financial future? The fact that someone claims to be a financial planner does not qualify him or her to handle your money. They must have the proper certification, experience and knowledge.
The Four Cs of choosing a financial planner
1. Credentials
·What certifications, college /university degrees and experience does he/she have?
·How many clients or how much money does he/she handle?
·Make sure the planner is registered with the Investment Dealers Association in your area or Certified by a Government body
2. Compensation
·How are you compensated? Flat fees, salary or commission? (Beware of those who earn big commissions for placing you in high risk funds)
·Are there any hidden underwriting fees with my investment fund?
·Will you explain all the cost involved with each investment?
·What is the cost of liquidating or canceling my account with your firm? (Good to know, if you decide to switch funds or investment companies)
3. Characteristics
·What is your investment philosophy?
·Do you focus on domestic markets, foreign market or both? (Answer should be both)
·What is
your specialty? Your strongest area? (Global portfolio management, no load mutual funds, stocks, bonds etc)
·How do you view risk and how does your philosophy fit my risk tolerance?
4. Customer service
·What services does your firm offer?
·How accessible will you (the agent) be?
·Will you review the funds last 5 to 10year performance in the prospectus?
·What has been your year-to-year investment performance?
·What was you worst year? Best year? And why? (Look for defensiveness or humility after raising this question, it reveals personality type)
·Do you offer financial planning, money management or both?
In conclusion, a financial planner works for you, and should be compatible with your personality, risk tolerance and financial goals. Make sure that your hard earn money is in good hands. Interview potential planners, ask for references and call at least 3 of those references.
For more information and articles pertaining to family life, visit:
http://www.parenttree.com
About the Author
Richmond Acheampong is the editor and founder of Parent Tree online family Resource. A web site promoting family health and balance with useful articles, products, advice columns and resourceful links.
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