Hurricane season starts this Saturday; are you prepared? Here is a list of items that will make life easier, take it from me – 2004 was a lot easier due to being prepared.

Consider a generator. Having some power made all of the difference.

Update your home inventory. If you do get hit, an inventory can make the insurance claim process a bit smoother. Take photos or everything, not just of your stuff but also of the structure of your home. E-mail the file to yourself so you can access it for anywhere.

Trim your Trees. Flying debris causes the most damage. Talk to your neighbors to make sure all of you have picked up or stowed items that can fly.

Put together a disaster kit. A battery-operated radio is a must, being able to know what is going on outside of your home makes a huge difference. Flashlights, food, water, and a coffee pot that you can use on your gas grill are musts. Have all of your important papers stowed in a water tight container.

Being prepared will make life easier from an emotional and financial standpoint.

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And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I’ll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, ‘cuz there ain’t no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

Please follow this link to learn about the Wounded Warrior Project.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back

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“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.”
—Author Unknown

Tonight I will celebrate 30 years in business. I have seen a lot of changes in the Financial Planning business as well as the markets. One thing that has not changed is that I am grateful for my clients who let me into their lives and the help I receive in managing their investments.

To my current and future clients; thank you, thank you, and thank you.

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http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/5/6/in_depth_what_the_do.html#.UYqbmjHE87o.emai

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Yourself retired? If you are within two years of retirement, I would like you to try this exercise – live on your retirement budget for 6 months. Many people think that their expenses will decline in retirement but my 30 yrs. in business has shown that not to be true. Look at what your retirement cash flow would be and then look at your expenses with a fine toothed comb. Don’t just look at what you are averaging each month in expenses, we all have those semi-annual and annual bills that must be paid too. Try to think of that unexpected trip you may have to make and don’t forget inflation. 20+ years in retirement inflation can really eat into a budget.

So give it a test run, make your adjustments, and retire with ease.

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One of the tax law changes for 2013 gives workers of any age the ability to convert a regular 401(k) to a Roth 401(k), assuming your plan allows this. In the past, you had to roll from your 401(k) to an IRA, and then you could convert to a Roth. But beware – this type of conversion does not allow for a do-over.

If you convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth, then realize this was not in your best interest, you can re-characterize, or reverse the conversion. Once you convert the Traditional 401(k) to a Roth 401(k), it is a done deal. Another drawback to this type of Roth is you will have to take Required Minimum Withdrawals at age 70.5. To avoid this RMD, you call roll your Roth 401(k) into a Traditional Roth IRA.

If you are considering this type of transaction, please consult your CFP or CPA first.

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