Category Archives: investing

Hurricane season is right around the corner. Now is the time to prepare.

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We have not had to deal with much from hurricanes since 2004 but we cannot forget what we went through. With 30 days before the start of the season, now is the time to prepare. Here are a few tips to get yourself and your home ready.

Do home maintenance: Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and that the ground below the downspout is graded to move water away from your house. Trim your trees of all dead branches; they become projectiles.

Storm-proof your house: Many insurance companies will give discounts, some up to 25%, for adding such items as storm shutters or a generator. Surge protectors can be a great saving device also. Take it from me, one lightning strike with a lightning rod & surge protectors can convince you that they work.

Add flood insurance: Wind-driven rain may be covered by your homeowners insurance but rising water is not. You can get coverage through the nation Flood Insurance Program, www.floodsmart.gov, as we did. We do not live in a flood zone but better safe than sorry.

With 30 days on your side you can be well prepared to weather the storm.

Watch Fox Channel 35 on Monday!

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The Certified Financial Group
“On The Money” Team
scheduled to appear on

April 30th from 5 to 10 a.m.

The CFG Team will be taking calls and answering questions just as you have been hearing them on
Saturday mornings for more than 20 years.
This is your chance to see them in action,
call in your questions,
and hear the most up to date responses from
one of Central Florida’s most experienced team of
Certified Financial Planner™ Professionals!

Set your alarm (or your tivo), grab your coffee and
settle in for an interesting program
from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Fox 35.
You Won’t Want to Miss This!

Copyright © 2012 Certified Financial Group, Inc., All rights reserved.

Certified Financial Group, Inc.
Our mailing address is:
Certified Financial Group, Inc.
1111 Douglas Avenue
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

 

You have crunched some numbers – how about some “lifestyle” planning?

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We know that you can afford to retire financially, but what about the day-to-day activity and mental aspect of retirement. Here are a few things that I would like you to do:

Envision your future: You need to address such questions as; where will you live? How will you spend your time? What is your new routine?

Do a test drive of your retirement: Is your ideal retirement one that you can handle? For example, if you have always dreamed of that small beach house with the slow paced life, try renting a beach house for a month or two and see if you can handle that lifestyle. That slower pace may be perfect or may drive you perfectly batty.

What is your “social” capital? People who are more socially connected feel much better in retirement. Retirees who are happy with their number of friends were three times more likely to be happy than those who were not. Retirees who volunteer or attend some type of worship also tend to be more content.

So as you track your balances, make sure you keep track of your lifestyle planning as well.

Yesterday was my 53rd birthday.

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At dinner, my daughter asked how much longer I thought I might work. Without hesitation I said “20 years, maybe a few less than that”. I can easily see myself still in this profession in my early 70’s. I love what I do.
Every client meeting is different. Every client is different and that keeps things interesting and exciting. Beyond that, I love the problem solving, number crunching, presenting complex ideas in plain English that this career allows. I love meeting with my clients to keep them up to date on their investments and beyond that, to catch up on their families and their lives.
I also love being able to talk on our radio show, “On the money” as well as working with the local Fox & CBS affiliates. Being able to make this crazy world of financial planning easier to understand is what I like to do. So mid 70s to retire, that seems about right to me.

Do you have a Financial Dream Team?

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We can all handle our day-to-day finances ourselves but when it comes to the big stuff, we need a “Dream Team”. Here is how you can put yours together:

You need someone like me, a CFP Professional™. Ask those you trust for referrals and start interviewing. Look for someone who is independent, will match their recommendations to your needs, and provide a lot of service.

You need an Estate Planning Attorney. Estate laws are changing all of the time but that is not where this professional’s service ends. Everyone needs a will, living will, durable power of attorney, and many other legal documents to prepare for life’s emergencies.

You need an Accountant. During this election year there has been a lot of talk about taxes. Income tax, capital gains, estate, these are all in flux and subject to chronic change. You need an account that is up to date on all of these tax issues.

So go out there, interview, and ask a lot of questions. You to can have your own Financial Dream Team!

This weekend is very important for many people worldwide.

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At sundown Friday we start the celebration of Passover. This holiday commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This Friday is also Good Friday which leads into Easter, the holiest day in the Christian religion. These holidays bring to mind thoughts of renewal, faith, family, friends, and freedom.

My wish for you all is a solemn and joyous Easter and as we say at the end of the Passover Seder, “Next year in Israel”

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I am my own product

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Last week, a couple came to see me for a complimentary consultation. One of the comments they made was they assumed I had a group of products that I was connected to for their investment portfolio. As an independent Certified Financial Planner™practitioner, nothing could be further from the truth.

My first concern when working with anyone is planning. As the Daughter of a builder, I am used to blueprints. I put together the financial blueprint for my clients. Only after being comfortable with the planning do I move on to the investments. My firm does not hold or offer any “house” investments. I have the freedom to shop the market place for the lowest cost, best mix of investments available to help my clients achieve their goals.

After 29 years in business, I have learned that providing good, consistent service with no agenda but to make my clients successful in retirement, is the right path for me to walk on. All I have to “sell” is my years of education, experience, and a love of working with my clients to achieve their retirement goals. I proudly say “I am my product”.

My Grandfather lived with us most of my life.

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He was self sufficient and healthy until just before he passed and  a great addition to our daily family dynamic. Not all families are so lucky when a parent moves in. Generally it is because they can no longer take care of themselves. Here are a few tips for taking care of Mom & Dad:

Know what their needs are. By this I mean, prior to them moving in with you have you been seeing stacks of mail go unopened? Is there sufficient food in the fridge? Are they steady on their feet?

No one wants to lose their independence so pay attention to their frailties. Are they keeping track of money? How are they behind the wheel?

Do they need to move in or do they just need some light help? Many organizations have community care teams that will drive people to Dr. appointments and daily tasks. The roles may be reversing between you as the child and them as the parents, love and patience will make for an easier transition.