Today’s very low bond yields have changed the investment landscape enough that traditional retirement income investing strategies need to be reconsidered. Retirees are generally concerned with drawing a steady income in retirement and bonds have traditionally been a good income producing investment but they just don’t yield enough today. Over the past 50 years the… read more
What’s Fee Only?
November 21, 2012
Posted in: Fee Only, Financial Planning, Investments
In the financial planning profession there is a small minority of planners that refer to themselves as “fee only”. No one wants to pay fees so why would they promote themselves like this? Fee only refers to the way that advisors are compensated. It isn’t in addition to commission based compensation so it isn’t… read more
Now What
November 12, 2012
Posted in: Investments, Taxes
Politics Investors reacted to Tuesday’s election results by selling stocks. The Dow Jones Industrials Average fell 2.4% last Wednesday, though that was less than the nearly 5% drop after the 2008 election. With the election behind us now the “fiscal cliff” looms a few weeks ahead if President Obama, House Speaker Boehner and Senate leader… read more
Social Security FAQ
October 16, 2012
Posted in: Financial Planning
We found a good piece from another advisor, Mary Dean of Dean Roland Russell Family Wealth Management in San Diego. Mary is one of Frank’s colleagues and she shares many important points on Social Security. Like Frank, Mary is featured in the 2012 book, America’s Top Financial Advisors by Benjamin Rush. Social Security FAQ… read more
IRS Audits 529 Plans
September 25, 2012
Posted in: College Funding, Taxes
Recently we have seen audit activity by the IRS focusing on redemptions from 529 college savings plans. This is a bit surprising given the fact that 529 plans are relatively new. The IRS is unlikely to find large investment gains built up in these vehicles nor are any penalties for non-qualified withdrawals likely to be… read more
Financial Advisor Compensation Conflicts
September 18, 2012
Posted in: Fee Only
In the financial services industry there are different types of financial advisors with different regulators and different compensation structures. Financial advisors or planners are typically regulated by the SEC, FINRA and/or the state insurance commissioner. Those regulated by the SEC can charge fees while FINRA and insurance licensed advisors are paid via commissions. Some advisors… read more
Frank Speaks at National Conference
June 1, 2012
Posted in: In the News
Frank Moore spoke at the NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) National conference in Chicago in mid-May. His talk was part of the Practice Foundations series that is designed to teach newer financial planners how to build a practice. Frank’s talk was picked up by a reporter from Financial Planning magazine who featured it… read more