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Different People. Unique Needs

Some people need help accumulating and growing wealth. Others need assistance with the responsibilities wealth creates. No matter your money issues, we will help you find the solutions which best fit

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Retirement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but we have helped people retire comfortably and confidently for over 30 years. We can help you too.

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We provide a safe and relaxed environment where you can be comfortable with your money.

You are not your neighbor

There is no magic formula that works for everyone. We have the knowledge, experience and tools to help you plan and achieve your goals.

The media provides exposure, not advice

In this age of information overload, there are an over-whelming number of financial opinions. We help you focus on your specific financial goals by using our experience and knowledge as a filter to cut through the constant noise and chatter.

It is a journey,
not a destination

No matter what your stage of life and career, we can help you. As you change and grow, we adjust so your plan continues to fit your needs.

Wealth is not determined by money

Wealth is determined by love, happiness, and relationships. The number of dollars in your account does not make you more or less than anyone else.

Investing, not trading

It is not flashy, but the long term outlook has stood the test of time. We seek to capitalize on this trend through patience and discipline rather than guessing when to zig and when to zag.

Simplicity

It is our job to explain your money in simple and straight-forward terms, not to impress you with jargon and investment “speak”. You can never ask too many questions. 

Independence brings freedom

Our “product” is our guidance and advice, not specific investments. We are neutral and transparent when selecting the solutions necessary to implement your plan.

Putting it all together

All the parts of your life are connected. Getting to know you goes beyond your finances. We want to know your values, hopes, and dreams so your success is not purely financial. A life measured only in dollars can never be rich. 

It takes two to tango

We provide the know-how; you provide direction and guidance. 

Blog Posts
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21
Oct 2010
By Art Dinkin

Financial Self-Defense

Years ago I was approached by an attorney about a financial program he had developed which had a lot of potential for owners of some closely-held businesses. The strategy was not new, I had seen it before. But the manner in which the attorney approached this complex planning was well done and particularly appealing. The attorney wanted me to introduce his program to some of my clients.

As I did my due diligence, on two separate occasions the attorney said something which struck me as odd. The first time, I just let it pass. The second time I heard it I decided to look into it a bit more.

I approached some other people who I respect and who knew this attorney well. I explained that he had approached me with a concept which I was considering introducing to my clients, but that a couple of the statements the attorney made were bothering me. I asked them all, "How well do you trust him?" and everyone told me I had nothing to worry about. They assured me he was as reputable as he was brilliant.

After one of those meetings I came into the office the next morning and discovered a voicemail from the attorney and he was quite upset. He had discovered that I had been checking up on him, and he did not appreciate it. His voicemail was clear. He considered our relationship to be over and refused to work with someone who did not trust him unconditionally. Frankly, I was okay with that. My intuition and experience has taught me that only people with something to hide get upset when you check up on them. We never spoke professionally again.

This is not a fairy tale. I can't wrap this up in a bow and tell you that soon after that I was grateful that I never worked with him or that he committed some egregious act. The fact remains that he is a successful business person and a respected attorney with a fine reputation. He has close connections with some of my close connections. Yet I have never regretted our mutual decision not to work together. We all need self-defense mechanisms in place to protect ourselves. It is prudent to err on the side of caution.

Occasionally a potential client will question me about my credentials and background. I can sometimes tell that they feel uncomfortable asking and I try to assure them that their questions are legitimate and not offensive. I encourage their inquiries because there is nothing to hide.

Recently, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., the body that governs the CFP® certification, published a Consumer Guide to Financial Self-Defense. In the post-Madoff era, these 10 tips are a primer for what you must know and do to protect yourself from financial abuse.

Tip 1 is Do Your Homework: "Ask your prospective advisor to identify the organizations that license or supervise him. Brokers are regulated by FINRA; investment advisors by either the SEC or a state securities regulator; insurance agents by the state insurance commission in states in which they do business; CFP® professionals by CFP Board. Use these organizations' Web sites to check the advisor's background and disciplinary history, if any."

To make it easier on anyone, here are the places you can do a background check on me:

My mission is to make you comfortable with your financial decisions. I hope that making this information readily available makes you even more comfortable with your choice of financial planner.

Photo DSC_0055 by ichibankarate

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