Posts about Financial Education and Advice

STI Releases Best Investment Options for 2010

June 29th, 2010

6-25-10 – STI, known for their free financial information, has just released their latest report on the top ways to grow your money with the use of short term investments.

“Many people are in search of short term investment strategies to help grow their money and shield it against inflation. There are several options to choose from when it comes to this type of investment,” says Mary Thomson, owner of STI. “Some formulas are lower risk than others. Largely the goal with any type of investment whether it is the long or short term is to protect the capital and receive the largest gains with the least amount of risks.”

Covered in this report are the ever popular short term bonds and treasury notes.

“There are some investment vehicles that are much safer than others when it comes to the short term,” says Mary. “A lot of short term investment strategies revolve around bonds or other treasury notes. Short term bonds combined with other investment vehicles will give you opportunities to collect higher yields within a low risk environment.”

“Short term investments in government debt is a favored short term investment strategy because the risk is so low,” says Mary. “In almost every instance of this kind of investment the returns will be decent and the risk is very close to zero. Now, with this strategy, it is important to understand that the yields are not going to be through the roof but they will be decent and your principal will be well protected.”

This report also covers other short term investment strategies include diversifying in equities. Of course this will come with much greater risks. The capital investment will be at risk with any stocks, indexes or other equity vehicles. Of course, with greater risks there will come higher yields. Some folks are much more ready to lose their principal if it means they may be on the winning side of things and gain higher yields.

“We have created this report to help investors grow their money and help preserve it from inflation,” says Mary. “Another option that we discuss are the benefits of the fixed rate bond.

Three Indispensable Areas Physical Therapists Must Focus on When Planning Private Practice Income

June 29th, 2010

Many physical therapists work the same number of hours as another professional that is in the top 5 percent of their industry yet some are not making it.  According to P. Christopher Music, the secret lies in what is being done, or not done, in their everyday actions.

Many private practice owners try to go about running their business without a specific system in place for maximizing their income. Perhaps it is because they have yet to find a system that will help them to grow their practice.  P. Christopher Music, author of “What Every Private Practice Physical Therapist Needs to Know About His or Her Financial Future”, notes that there are correct ways to run a private practice which are carefully planned, proven, standard, and they work every time.  If physical therapists have not found a system for these methods, “What Every Private Practice Physical Therapist Needs to Know About His or Her Financial Future” teaches the correct ways to handle a private practice so physical therapists can efficiently plan their income.

Incoming planning for a private practice involves three critical areas. The first area involves the ability to market a private practice to encourage patient loyalty and longevity.  According to P. Christopher Music, there are specific ways to go about marketing a private practice which he outlines in “What Every Private Practice Physical Therapist Needs to Know About His or Her Financial Future”.  The methods he teaches help physical therapists to improve private practice marketing and sales which in turn improves income.

Secondly, private practice physical therapists must plan for the future and the expansion of the practice.  ”What Every Private Practice Physical Therapist Needs to Know About His or Her Financial Future” talks about how private practice professionals can plan when it comes time to move on to doing something else for the future.  Instead of taking time and converting it into money, private practice professionals can learn how to take their money and convert it into time.

Finally, P. Christopher Music highlights the fact that private practice owners must have policies and procedures in place for spending money once it has been made.  The Prosperity Index focuses on how to formulate policies for the income that is generated from a private practice so the entire amount does not get spent which results in placing physical therapists farther away from their financial goals.

“What Every Private Practice Physical Therapist Needs to Know About His or Her Financial Future” is a new tool that represents a unique breakthrough in money management and financial planning for the private practice professional.  It’s an innovation that is specifically designed to help physical therapists achieve financial prosperity.

About P. Christopher Music:
After 18-plus years of being a financial planner, P. Christopher Music decided there had to be a better way. Witnessing financial debacles of big industry and government-driven economies caused Christopher to take action, developing an instrument that measures the success of any financial plan. The Financial Prosperity IndexTM (FPI) is the back bone of Music’s firm, Wealth Advisory Associates (WAA). WAA is a financial planning firm focused on helping private-practice physical therapists understand and implement the most effective strategies to achieving financial success and security. Visit www.wealthadvisoryassociates.com

New financial planning firm helps private practice physical therapy professionals achieve financial security

June 10th, 2010

One primary financial tool makes financial planning transparent for private practice professionals.

After witnessing financial debacles of big industry and government-driven economies, P. Christopher Music of Wealth Advisory Associates decided to take action by rethinking the process of financial planning and developing a tool that will measure the success of any financial plan.  He recently developed a primary tool known as the Financial Prosperity IndexTM (FPI) to help private practice physical therapists achieve financial security.  This revolutionary new system was developed as a result of Music’s experiences of being a financial planner for almost two decades.

Unlike the trends of misinformation and immorality on the subject of money in the current society, the Financial Prosperity IndexTM system is easy to understand and the principles are easy to apply to a financial planning strategy.  Music says that physical therapists that run their own private practice work for long hours to Wealth Advisory Associates establish an impeccable reputation and solid client base – they should also have an objective way to track the effectiveness of their financial plan.

P. Christopher Music implements an easy planning system for private practice physical therapists by introducing the key barriers to prosperity and helping physical therapists to overcome those barriers and measure the success of their finances through proven methods. The Financial Prosperity IndexTM  clearly maps out the elements of a financial plan for a private practice physical therapist and defines the attributes of an effective financial planner.  The system represents a breakthrough in financial planning for private practice professionals instead of a one-size-fits-all type of approach.

Transparency: What an innovative idea for helping physical therapists achieve financial prosperity.

About P. Christopher Music
P. Christopher Music is an MBA, Certified Wealth Preservation Planner, Certified Asset Protection Planner, Registered Financial Consultant and Certified Management Consultant.  He is the President of Wealth Advisory Associates with nearly 20 years experience in financial planning and business consulting with a specialization in advising private-practice physical therapists.  Mr. Music applies both his financial and business acumen toward a holistic and healthy-growth approach to investment planning.  Visit Mr. Music at www.wealthadvisoryassociates.com

Get the best bankruptcy lawyer adviser’s advice online

April 27th, 2009

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Email – [email protected]

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Relief is at Hand for Investors Through Professional Asset Preservation Advice Available at Financialadviser4U.com

March 26th, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Randi Thompson
1-828-697-4274
[email protected]

http://financialadviser4U.com

Asheville, N.C., March 3, 2009 — Today’s uncertain economic times has everyone worried about their personal finances, but a quick visit to financialadviser4U.com can put individuals’ worries to rest.

The reason visitors to the site can put their financial anxiety behind them is because of the opportunity financialadviser4U.com provides for consultation with highly qualified and ranked financial advisors who can help them prepare their financial planning and investments.

The site offers a free 30-minute consultation to help with financial planning and advice in several areas that include:

  • Financial Portfolios
  • Stock Market and Investments
  • Retirement and Planning
  • Site founder Randi Thompson said everyone is concerned about their investments these days and are uncertain where to look for help. But he promises that financialadviser4U.com can provide anyone with the advice they need, regardless of their investment experiences.

    “During this time of financial crises many people are feeling lost and afraid,” Thompson said. “They are losing their investments and the securities that they were counting on for their futures.”

    Thompson said that recent financial losses and the constant barrage of bad economic news has left many wondering if there is any way out. They don’t know who to turn to during these difficult times for professional investing advice.

    “There are people who are making money during this crisis, though,” Thompson said. “And while they are hard to find, our highly rated financial advisors are making money for their clients now.”

    Thompson said he created the site to let everyday investors know there is hope in the current financial crisis. He wants individuals to realize there is a way out, especially when they know where to turn for advice about making sure their investments and retirement plans will continue to prosper.

    Offering a testimonial about the site’s services, Terry Jones describes how finding his financial advisor, which he found through financialadviser4U.com, was the key to stabilizing and re-growing his assets. “I was lucky to have found them when I did,” Jones said, “because their advice and help really saved my investments.”

    Jones continued, “I now know there is always an opportunity in the investment world. Even if the market is unstable, there is always money to be made. I’m happy to have found that I can be be one of those who is making money during a time when most people are not.”

    Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift List/Top Financial Advisor Gives His 2009 Gift Recommendations

    February 5th, 2009

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Contact:

    Kelley Damiani

    Director of Public Relations

    8955 Katy Freeway, Suite 310

    Houston, TX 77024

    Phone: 713-661-3806

    http://www.trippon.com

    [email protected]

    The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift List/Top Financial Advisor Gives His 2009 Gift Recommendations

    (Houston, TX/February 5, 2009) Whether Americans like to admit it or not, we all have a bit of the hopeless romantic in our hearts. With love in the air, Americans find it irresistible to flaunt their affection at this time of the year. Jim Trippon, CPA and one of America’s foremost authorities on the money habits of self-made millionaires, has released his ultimate Valentine’s Day gift list to astonish your significant other this holiday season.

    According to the National Retail Federation, last year Americans spent a remarkable $17.02 billion on Valentine’s Day. Overall, consumers are focusing more on quality than quantity. Americans are leaning more towards a getaway spot instead of a box of cheap chocolates.

    This year retailers are turning their focus towards men’s jewelry. Watches are becoming the new tie for Valentine’s Day. Will women take the lead this year as “The Biggest Spender”? Not likely since men spent roughly 48% more than women last year.

    “Each year it seems that Americans top themselves in spending for Valentine’s Day”, says Trippon, “I think people should focus less on how much they are spending and more on the quality of the gift. Find something to enjoy together!”

    Here is Trippon’s Ultimate Valentine’s Day gift list for 2009:

    1. Carbonana Castle, authentic templar castle- $11,000,000 euros (completely renovated)
    2. Isla Bonita, Brazil- 2,600,000 USD
    3. Neil Lane Ruffle Cuff Bracelet- $250,000
    4. Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Bracelets- $65,000
    5. Polar Explorers North Pole Dogsled Expedition- $40,000 euros
    6. Vacheron Constantin Quai de L’Ile- up to $60,000
    7. Fendi 24 Carat Gold Python Frame Bag- $36,000
    8. Pianki Biometric Briefcase- $12,000
    9. Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti- $9,650
    10. Bond No. 9 The Crystallized Amphora- $3,500

    Trippon believes that people stay in love when they take the time to become educated about money together.

    “Get real and deal with your budget”, says Trippon, “Be honest with each other about your money habits and come up with a plan to spend it as a couple. It will improve your love life!”

    Trippon is the author of the Amazon best-seller, How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever: Retirement Planning Secrets of Millionaires and How They Can Work For You.

    For further information or to schedule an interview with Jim Trippon, contact Kelley Damiani at 713-661-3806 or [email protected]

    Connecticut Better Business Bureau cautions consumers to consider costs of tax refund anticipation loans

    January 23rd, 2009

    “Instant refunds” may involve high fees that outweigh their advantages

    Wallingford, CT – January 22, 2009 – Some cash-strapped taxpayers who are impatient to receive anticipated income tax refunds turn to Refund Anticipation Loans, RALs, or, as they are better known, instant refunds, which are offered by some tax preparers.

    A RAL is essentially a short-term loan which covers the time it takes the tax preparer to receive the refund check from the Internal Revenue Service, (IRS) which is typically two to three weeks. While RALs may be a convenient source of instant cash, Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns they come at a high price.

    CT BBB President, Paulette Scarpetti, says consumers should carefully consider the real costs versus the size of their anticipated refund.

    “Taxpayers should keep in mind that an instant refund can cost more than the anticipated income tax refund. There are hefty fees associated with RALs that may make what appears to be a good idea, a very expensive route to choose. If the refund is less than anticipated, consumers will owe not only the money loaned but also hefty fees if they don’t pay off the RAL in time.”

    The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) found the annualized rate for a RAL can range from fifty percent to nearly 500 percent, despite the low risk to the lender. Some companies even tack on additional administrative fees.

    Connecticut BBB offers the following advice and alternatives to an instant refund:

    e-File and Direct Deposit

    The fastest and most secure way for consumers to receive a tax refund directly is to file tax returns online and allow direct deposit of the refund to their bank accounts. This can take as few as eight to 15 days. Though this may be arranged by the tax preparer, BBB advises consumers to work directly with their banks to protect their account information.

    Don’t fall for the “convenient” debit card

    Some suspect tax preparers offer clients their refunds on “convenient” debit cards, which are often another way for the company or individual preparer to make money. These debit cards include hidden fees – as high as $20 per transaction, and may limit how much money consumers may access at a given time. This means consumers may end up having to pay the high transaction fees over and over again each time the card is used.

    Shop around

    If it is absolutely necessary to have the refund money immediately, your BBB encourages consumers to shop around for a good deal. Fees and rates for RALs vary by tax preparer. Consider alternatives to a RAL for urgent high-priced purchases, such as through store credit promotions and offers which may have lower rates.

    Consumers may check out tax preparers’ records of integrity and performance free of charge, online in BBB Reliability Reports. These are found in the “For Consumers” section of the www.bbb.org web site, under “Check out a business or charity.”

    Website: http://www.bbb.org

    Think twice about giving holiday gift cards and prepaid bank cards

    December 1st, 2008

    Connecticut Better Business Bureau says watch out for bank card fees and potential problems with retail gift cards

    Wallingford, CT – December 1, 2008 – Hard cash is on many wish lists this year as families try to find a balance between holiday spending and paying for essentials. A popular option this season is the pre-paid bank card, or as they are also known, “stored-value” cards.

    The cards are similar to pre-paid gift cards but may be used anywhere credit cards are accepted, allowing shoppers more flexibility as to where the money can be spent. These cards, however, are not without a downside and Connecticut BBB is providing advice on the purchase and use of pre-paid bank cards.

    Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Hotton Scarpetti, says buyers and recipients of these cards must pay special attention to their terms and limitations.

    “Use of these pre-paid bank cards may involve substantial fees and limitations, and they vary, so BBB recommends consumers pay special attention to details when giving or using a pre-paid bank card. In other words, read the fine print and ask lots of questions about the cards’ restrictions.”

    One BBB recently researched one bank-issued card and discovered more than 27 different fees, ranging from under a dollar to $20. These fees may be attached to contacting customer service, loading more money onto the card (recharging), and inactivity. One card even had a weekly base fee of $1.95, which adds up to more than $100 a year to use the card.

    Pre-paid cards are often branded by major credit card companies, and while they promise zero or limited liability if a credit card is lost or stolen, the same protections do not necessarily apply to stored-value cards, which should outline whatever protection is afforded to the holder.

    Retail gift cards – Buyer beware!

    In the midst of the recent closures and bankruptcies of several major retail chains, consumers are concerned about buying gift cards and what might happen if the store goes out of business before the card is used.

    According to Scarpetti, consumers have good reason to think carefully before deciding whether to buy a store gift card.

    “Because there is no way of telling in advance whether a retailer will go out of business, your BBB advises you think carefully about gift card giving. The sad fact is that if a retailer closes its doors before a gift card is used, the holder is typically left with a worthless piece of plastic.”

    Many consumers, in an effort to avoid a “holiday credit card hangover” are increasingly turning to debit cards and cash purchases, and even giving cash or checks as presents rather than gift cards.

    What if your favorite store goes bankrupt?

    If a store files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it a signal it intends to continue operations while sorting out its financial problems. While some may still honor gift cards others have no choice but to stop redeeming them. Gift cards are treated as a loan to the company, not as cash.

    If, however, the firm is filing for Chapter 7, meaning it intends to give up and simply close down, consumers are at the back of the line behind creditors who are owed money.

    Connecticut BBB has some pointers when considering buying a gift card:

    -Check out businesses at www.bbb.org to see whether any government actions or bankruptcy information is posted on a Reliability Report.

    -Ask if the gift card has an expiration date or may be redeemed online and whether there are any location limitations using the card.

    Finally, if you receive a gift card, use it as soon as possible. You never know how long its issuer will be in business.

    For more information on giving and using gift cards, and managing credit and debit cards this holiday season, go to www.bbb.org.

    Getting a hand on student financing

    October 21st, 2008

    Fewer than half know how to manage credit & finances

    Wallingford, CT – October 21, 2008 – More than half of teenaged students get a failing grade when it comes to looking after their own finances, and the result for many is an unmanageable debt load.

    According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Hotton Scarpetti, parents can serve as role models for sound financial habits.

    “It isn’t enough for young adults to be prepared academically. Their success may hinge, to a large degree, upon their ability to handle money and manage debt. These everyday skills are as important as anything learned in the classroom.”

    According to a 2007 survey commissioned by Charles Schwabb, fewer than half of teens consider themselves knowledgeable about budgeting (41 percent), how to pay bills (34 percent), or how credit card interest and fees work (26 percent).

    Another survey, by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, reveals freshmen have an average credit card balance of over $1,300 a month.

    Connecticut Better Business Bureau recommends parents discuss with their teenagers four critical rules for managing personal finances:

    Build a solid credit history:

    This includes keeping the number of credit cards to a minimum, keeping a tight reign on spending and paying off balances monthly to avoid interest charges.

    Start saving money: Even if it is a small amount every month, a college student will reap a lifetime of benefits by developing good saving habits early. If a freshman puts $50 a month into a high-yield savings or money market account, that amount will balloon to $2,660 by graduation, and in 25 years, they will have saved nearly $15,000 plus another $15,000 in dividends.

    Pay Bills on time: Credit card companies may charge late fees as high as $40. When a late fee is combined with interest fees upwards of 30 percent, students will quickly see how much money is lost by not paying a bill in full and on time.

    Protect personal information: Students should be encouraged to shred unnecessary documents that contain personal information such as social security, bank account and credit card numbers, and keep a close watch on checks, debit cards and bank books.

    Almost 80 percent of the time, personal information was stolen by someone with whom they had contact, making it important to protect against identification theft both online and offline.

    Parents and students may find more information on ID theft prevention measures and managing credit and bills at www.bbb.org.