Sandy Adams Champions the 2011 FPA Michigan Annual Symposium

 

Sandy Adams October 6th and 7th marked the 2011 Annual Symposium of the Financial Planning Association® of Michigan.  Over 100 members from across the state of Michigan gathered for networking and high-level financial planning continuing education during the 2-day event. 

Sandy Adams, CFP® presided over this year’s planning committee, which assembled a team of nationally-recognized speakers and numerous education sessions, covering a wide range of financial planning topics.  Center planners Tim Wyman, CFP® and Troy Wyman, CFP® attended as well. 

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the leadership and advocacy organization connecting those who provide, support and benefit from professional financial planning.  FPA demonstrates and supports a professional commitment to education and a client-centered financial planning process.

 

History Lessons in the Fourth Quarter

Many investors were ready to say goodbye to the 2011’s third quarter with extreme volatility demanding attention and negative returns for many types of investments.  Indeed, when you review the chart below, the fate of most investors was grim from June 30th to September 30, 2011.

 *Source: JPMorgan Asset Managment

News from the Europe has been dismal.  Questions linger about the growth prospects for US and global markets.  Whether we’re experiencing a new or double-dip recession or just very slow growth, the economic picture does not feel rosy.  

While emphasizing that past performance does not predict future returns, the fourth quarter has historically been the best return environment for stocks.  While the third quarter has been the worst performing quarter for the S&P 500 on average (going back to 1928), the fourth quarter has been the best.  Interestingly, this trend has been even more distinct over the last 20 years. 

 *Source: Bespoke Investment Group

 

Many people will be watching third quarter earnings as they are announced as an important gauge of trends in our economy.  Greece and the Eurozone’s issues are far from resolved.  Don’t get too distracted by these headlines to lose the lessons of the history of returns.

 

[1] All indexes are unmanaged.  MSCI EME represents emerging market equities.  Russell 2000 is an index of 2,000 smaller U.S. companies.  MSCI EAFE is an index of large companies in developed countries outside the US.  REITS is composed of the NAREIT Equity REIT index composed of US Real Estate Investment Trust equities.  The S&P 500 is an index of 500 widely held stocks that’s generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market.  DJ UBS Cmdty is compiled by Dow Jones and represents the price of a basket of commodities.  Market Neutral is CS/Tremont Equity Market Neutral index with long and short exposure to stocks.  Barclay’s Agg is an index of US bonds representing a variety of investment grade bond assets and weighted by outstanding composition.  Inclusion of these indexes is for illustrative purposes only.  Individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and individual results will vary.

 

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material.  Any opinions are those of Melissa Joy and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James.  Expressions of opinion are as of October 14, 2011 and are subject to change without notice.

 

Jaclyn Jackson Accepted into an Emerging Leaders Program

Jaclyn JacksonJaclyn Jackson, Investment Research Associate and Registered Representative, has been recently accepted into the NextUp: Inforum’s Emerging Leaders Program. NextUp is a specialized leadership development program designed to help young professionals attain long-term success in their careers. The curriculum involves a series of workshops and coaching lessons that train participants to channel their talents towards goals that contribute to a cohesive work environment and opportunity advancement.

When asked about her acceptance, Jaclyn said, “I’m excited to be a part of such an amazing program and I hope to gain skills that help me contribute to the Center’s success.”

Click here to find out more about Inforum’s NextUp.

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Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15th

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As if Medicare and all of the changes in plans and formularies aren’t enough, you know have to make your choices sooner!  Beginning October 15, 2011, and ending December 7, 2011, you can make changes to your enrollments for:

  • Medicare Part D plans
  • Medicare Advantage *
  • Medigap Plans

*Medicare Advantage plans can also be changed from January 1 to February 12, 2012.

Making the wrong Medicare choices can cost you hundreds of dollars per month.  It is important that during this limited period of time you carefully evaluate your needs and the available plans to make sure that you are in the most cost-effective plan for your situation.   You can do your own analysis by using the online tools provided by Medicare or look for the help provided by local senior organizations or independent Medicare consultants. 

 Taking the time to find the right plan for you can be financially life changing.  Contact your financial planner for resources in your area.

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The Best Tool for Retirement Readiness

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If you're like most Americans, you're dreaming of the day of retirement.  When you can set your own schedule and do all the things you couldn't do when you were working.  But will you be financially ready when  the time comes?

A recent study (July, 2011) by Brightwork Partners concluded that individuals who receive professional advice are much more likely to be prepared for retirement, no matter what their income level might be.  The survey polled 3,290 workers aged 18 to 65 and assigned a “lifetime income score” projecting the percentage of current income each person could expect in retirement , including investments, Social Security and other sources.  Those using advisors, not surprisingly, scored higher than those who didn’t.   The gap between the two, however, was significant: the median lifetime income score for those using an advisor was 82%, versus 61% for those who did not have a paid advisor, with the gap being most significant at higher income levels.   A major conclusion from the study is that retirement readiness is mostly about a person’s set of practices (behaviors), use of available tools (knowledge and skills), and partnerships (professional relationships). 

October is Financial Planning Month -- now is the time to take action to plan for your retirement readiness.  If you don't currently work with a planner, go to the Financial Planning Assocation website (www.fpanet.org) to use their free planner search tool to find a Certified Financial Planner™ in your area.

The Gift of Education

Convincing a child to go to college might seem about as easy as giving a goldfish a good, close shave. But in reality, you have some leverage you might not know about. It's called an Education Policy Statement and it gives your student some guidelines to follow. In an Education Policy Statement you can:

  • Make the most of your educational gift
  • Let the student know what you, the donor, expects
  • Lay out donor & student responsibilities 

Giving the gift of education can be a productive, beneficial, life-changing experience. A good education can help your student achieve their life dreams and goals. That's why, over the years, many parents and grandparents have asked for help in making sure they clearly spell out their vision of college.  An Education Policy Statement document might not be the silver bullet, but with the right incentives in place to motivate the student along --- well, it's a good start.

 

In a future blog … How much can you expect to pay for college? We'll give you the tools you need to add it up.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will?

A common question raised by new parents, usually right before their first vacation without children, is “what happens if I die without a will?”  Many are surprised to learn that in effect everyone has a will – either one that you have personally crafted or a set of default rules developed by the State that acts as a will.  Michigan has adopted default rules called Michigan Intestate Succession Laws. 

Essentially, without a will you are leaving it up to the State to determine who is best suited to raise your minor children and who should receive your assets.  Fortunately, these State default rules are probably consistent with what many parents would intend to happen anyway.  However, the rules are designed to assist the State in running an organized society – not to meet your individual desires.

For example, in Michigan, any part of one’s estate not disposed by a will (or joint property with rights of survivorship) will normally be distributed in the following manner: 

  • The surviving spouse is entitled to the first $150,000. 
  • Any remaining assets are split ½ to the spouse and ½ to the couple’s children.

If one parent passes away, the surviving parent remains the legal guardian.  However, if both parents pass without a valid will, the State will determine guardianship through the court system.  While the court may entertain the fact that you told your sister you wanted her to care for your children (instead of the dreaded in-laws) if something were to happen to you, it is for the court to determine what is in the best interest of the minor child(ren).  Having a will can ensure that your wishes for the care of your children are carried out.

As you get ready to plan your next vacation, make it a point to add one more item to the “to do” list – prepare a will.  Although the State default rules may be adequate in many circumstances, a will provides the peace of mind that your children and assets will be cared for as you desire.

Please discuss legal matters with the appropriate professional.

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