Good to Know

Americans today know that they are less prepared for their retirement because they have been using their savings to pay for bills and other expenses. As a result, they are risking a delay in retirement or a financially insecure retirement. However, according to the Eleanor Blayney, CFP, a consumer advocate from Certified Financial Planner Board…

While the financial services market has grown and branched out into online investment firms and discount brokers over the last few years, many Americans still prefer the traditional face-to-face advice of financial professionals. In fact, since the recession hit and the economy has been slow to fully recover, there are indications that concerned Americans are…

We all like to think we’re the best at what we do.  And maybe you are. But the Advisor down the street thinks the same thing.  And the Advisor around the corner thinks he has the best customer service.  The one in the next town over would say she has a higher rate of return. …

The clients of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) expect their planners to be holders of the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) qualification. Even the planners themselves understand the importance of obtaining the title of a CFP. Being a CFP will improve the reputation of a planner and will potentially impact the quality of their business…

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) aims to prevent the use of any misleading and deceptive financial certifications and designations by recommending that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) create a rating system for financial certifications and designations. The goal is to set a specific standard to help both seniors and…

Risk is everywhere.  By simply owning a house, you put yourself at risk.  What if someone gets injured on your property?  We mitigate risks like these through homeowners insurance.  We protect our car and ourselves while driving with auto insurance.  So what do we do about our investments and our financial future?  How do you…

According to the Financial Planning Coalition, the Investment Adviser Oversight Act of 2012 aims to create a new regulatory regime to govern the operations of small and medium-sized advisory firms and, at the same time, protect the rights of public investors. Under this regulatory regime, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) will become the Self-Regulatory Organization…

A kickback is an illicit payment made to a person who uses their position of power to influence a transaction. The practice is common in the business and finance world. Since kickbacks are illegal, they are hidden, and therefore hard to discover at times.  Not this time. It was discovered that Appleton’s founder and former…