Frequently Asked Questions

1. Aren't financial planners just for people with a lot of money?
2. Can't I just manage my own finances? Why should I use a financial planner?
3. Why should I use a financial planner?
4. I have an accountant and a tax lawyer. Why do I need a financial planner too?
5. Is there a minimum requirement to open an account?
6. What is the Meall difference?
7. What happens if my circumstances change, like through a divorce or the death of my spouse?
8. Can you help me combine my retirement accounts from companies where I used to work?

No, we help people at all income levels to achieve their personal financial goals. As a financial planner I work with your budget to make sure your finances are under control, your assets grow and that you can provide for the future and a secure retirement.

Financial planning and money management have become more and more complex. It can be difficult to stay current on the new laws and trends in the financial industry that may affect your finances, or to know about the new products that are developed to enable you to reach your goals more quickly. WE WORK TOGETHER, so in reality you will still be managing your own finances. The final decisions are up to you. My job is to keep you informed about anything that will affect your financial future, based on a sound strategy suited to your special needs. I can help you anticipate the risks along the way, and provide for issues that, if they arise, will impact you financially.

If you want retirement security then financial planning will help you achieve your goal. Your chances for a secure retirement increase when you develop a plan and exert the self-discipline to stick with it. A good plan is based not only on sound investment strategy suited to your special needs, but also anticipates the risks along the way to retirement.

In my view, accountants and tax lawyers deal with WHAT IS. As a financial planner, I deal with what your goals and objectives are, in a sense, what your dreams are. If you already have other financial professionals, it's a good idea to also include an experienced planner who will be sure to look out after YOUR interests and make sure you are making your money work for you.

There are a range of different types of accounts that are available with different minimum requirements.

As the chief financial officer of a large company, I handled a lot of different issues. Then I transferred that knowledge to the private sector and have worked with a multitude of individuals to help them become financially secure. The way I run my practice is different. I like to maintain open communication and interact with you on a regular basis, not just once a year for an annual review. My clients and I work closely together to achieve their goals and we are as close as a phone call away.

Having a sound financial plan in place will help minimize the effect of these dramatic events on your future. I have helped numerous people with such things as dealing with settlements, the sale of real estate, and the transfer of bank accounts and other assets. I also help with the administration of trusts, insurance policies and similar matters that may have a taxable consequence on heirs and beneficiaries.

I have experience helping clients established IRAs as well as combining retirement accounts from previous employers.

Tip of the Month

8/1/10 - Things to consider regarding the conversion of eligible retirement accounts such as traditional IRA'S, rollover IRA's, SEP-IRA's, Simple IRA's, SAR-SEP IRA's, 401(k) and 457(b).

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