We just launched the temporary website for AGE Financial Organizers, check it out at Here.
We are excited to bring AGE Financial Organizers to the Boston area. Primarily in the Boston and Metro Boston areas. If you are struggling to take control of your finances, or find yourself wondering where your money is going each month. If you need assistance organizing all the mail and bills that come in on a weekly basis, AGE Financial Organizers can help.
Follow us on twitter @agefinancialorg
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Financial Organizers
There comes a time where we as individuals, or our family members, are in need of assistance that is outside the normal scope of the traditional attorney, bookkeeper / accountant or financial professional. These situations typically arise following the passing of a spouse or loved one, divorce, injury / illness, or when individuals or couples are overwhelmed by daily commitments to work and family. Many times this leaves us with questions on where to turn for help and advice managing family finances. In these instances, many benefit from the services of a professional financial organizer to get their affairs in order.
This happened in my own family when my own Mother took ill and passed away. My Father did not know where to start and was unable to focus on and prioritize what needed to be done. We called in an accountant and financial planner to try to sort out our finances. This experience guided me into the financial services industry where I am now licensed as a financial advisor with both securities and insurance licenses. After experiencing what my family went through, I made a decision to educate and facilitate others in finance so they would not have to endure the experiences my family did. I worked with my father to create a financial plan that was manageable and that enabled him to take control and put him back on track. Working as a financial advisor, I discovered there were many other families who needed the services of a professional financial organizer during stressful or busy times.
I am delighted to offer these services to my clients and their families. As a financial organizer, I am offering peace of mind by organizing paperwork / mail, facilitating the creation of a workable system as well as ensuring all obligations and bills are accurate and paid on time. I bring many skills as a financial advisor as well as the ability to work closely with the current advisors and professionals in your life.
Services offered:
Arrange: Create and organize a workable space, including organizing mail, files and important documents.
Guide: Create a system to ensure all bills are accurate and paid on time.
Executive: Liaison between, or work in conjunction with, current accountants, financial professionals, attorneys and professionals.
Benefits:
By having a financial organizer, you will have peace of mind knowing your all of your financial affairs are being tended to, even when you have more important things to focus on. You will have the satisfaction of knowing all important deadlines and obligations will be met. You will save time and money. You will avoid missing deadlines and late fees while reducing the need for other professional services such as accountants and attorneys. Prepare clients to meet with professionals by gathering needed documents and questions.
Credentials:
· Licensed Financial Advisor with securities and insurance/ bonded
· Over 10 years operating small businesses
· BS in psychology
· Discrete, trustworthy and a problem solver
Organizing YOUR Financial Well-being
caregiving
AARP reports that, "Today in America, more than 43 million adults provide care for loved ones over 50, with about three-fourths of caregivers also working outside of the home." This puts an enormous amount of stress on family members who have young families of their own as well as a full time job. Care-giving can range from anything from full service in house care down to simple bill paying. This could leave the family feel as if they have another part time to full time job. In instances like these, it is often best to have a professional come into the home to organize everything for the family- from financials to legal documents.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Stories from the sales force
I am researching for a project, and looking for stories from individuals in the sales industry. We know how tough it is to be in sales, and I am interested in reading your story and how you made your way through to the other side.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Key Choices for a Financially Successful Retirement
What is the sign of a good decision?
It’s two key choices that may help your retirement planning be less stressful and more successful: choosing a knowledgeable financial professional to help you map out a course of action and a financially strong company to work with.
Establishing a retirement strategy and making decisions about income, liquidity, long term care and legacy may seem like a daunting task but it need not be. Consider the following key choices for less stress and more success.
Choose a knowledgeable financial professional to help you map out a course of action.
One of the most important choices to make is who may help you achieve retirement success. Consider someone with experience in helping others plan for retirement income and the expertise to tailor strategies just for you. And also someone who can help you make informed decisions that help you achieve your goals.
Seek guidance from a local, knowledgeable financial professional who will never rush to fit you into a category or push products. One who believes that the best way to create a successful financial strategy is to build a strong relationship with his or her customers and will take the time to listen carefully to your needs, explain your options and customize solutions for you.
Choose a financially strong company to work with.
When it’s time to choose the products to help you implement your plans, look for a company with the financial strength to be there when you need them.
No matter what solutions are right for you, work with a financial professional who can help you make the good decisions that retirement success requires.
© 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.
CRN201201-129575
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Five Financial Success Strategies for Today’s Busy Woman
Five Financial Success Strategies for Today’s Busy Woman
Provided by Alicia Eberle, a financial representative with Commonwealth Financial Group, a MassMutual Agency; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual
Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)
It’s preparing for the unexpected to help protect the lifestyle you have worked so hard to achieve. Women play a pivotal role in our economic vitality, and the future of our society. Not just because of your contributions – whether as an employee, business owner or even “mompreneur” – but because you have worked hard for everything you’ve achieved. Yet, throughout it all, you’ve remained the backbone of your family unit.
You would think that being a member of the most influential segment of the U.S. population would put you in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, if you’re like many women today, the hard reality you face is that the growing demands on your time can unfortunately distract you from taking appropriate steps to help yourself and your family get – and stay – on track financially. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The following five steps are designed to help you in your journey to greater financial security.
Step #1: Be honest with yourself. Take a good, hard look at where you and your family members spend money and identify whether the expenditure is motivated by a short-term desire or a long-term goal. Adjust your budget and your spending pattern to reflect a vested interest in your financial future – not just the extra stuff that might seem important now, but won’t matter much to you down the road. (Keep some fun money in your budget; however, so you and your family members don’t feel deprived.)
Step #2: Manage your money – and your debt – wisely. If you are overspending on your credit cards and finding yourself paying the minimum balance each month, you should consider getting your use of credit under control. It is critical that you have a good handle on both your budget and your credit score. Be sure to check out valuable consumer-oriented websites, such as http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsite /moneymatters/index.html from the Federal Trade Commission. It’s an excellent resource for those who are looking to manage money – and debt –for greater long-term financial security.
Step #3: Plan for the unexpected. Recently, many Americans began to save more when they realized that job security was not something they could rely on – others faced the harsh reality of trying to pay their bills with substantially less income (or none at all), thanks to a layoff or reduced work schedule. Do you have enough money stashed away for a rainy day? It is advised that you should have at least six months of expenses saved in case of an emergency. It won’t take long if you set your mind to it and start saving right away. Start small if you have to, but start now. Tip: Save a set amount from each paycheck, in an account separate from your checking, that is earmarked for emergencies only. Think of it as a regular bill you must pay.
Step #4: Talk about the hard stuff. It is never easy to have difficult conversations. But the unexpected can – and unfortunately, does– happen sometimes. Whether you are married, single, divorced, have children, care for aging parents or a disabled loved one, bringing up the subject of death or disability – or even divorce –can be painful. However, it is important that you think about these life events and how they would affect you or someone you love if they were to occur.Preparing for the unexpected is a good decision; it can help you to protect the lifestyle you have worked so hard to achieve.
Step #5: Start a family finances action plan. With a to-do list a mile long, most families are struggling to keep all together. But despite busy schedules, it’s important to talk to your family about your finances and concerns. Consider setting aside an hour once a week—or every other week at the very least—to talk through your current expense issues, financial goals and savings plan. A weekly or bi-weekly check point can be a good way to start a healthy dialogue about your family’s financial goals. Of course, choosing a knowledgeable, local financial professional can help you and your family
get – and stay – on track financially.
© 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA
CRN201205-133777
Provided by Alicia Eberle, a financial representative with Commonwealth Financial Group, a MassMutual Agency; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual
Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)
It’s preparing for the unexpected to help protect the lifestyle you have worked so hard to achieve. Women play a pivotal role in our economic vitality, and the future of our society. Not just because of your contributions – whether as an employee, business owner or even “mompreneur” – but because you have worked hard for everything you’ve achieved. Yet, throughout it all, you’ve remained the backbone of your family unit.
You would think that being a member of the most influential segment of the U.S. population would put you in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, if you’re like many women today, the hard reality you face is that the growing demands on your time can unfortunately distract you from taking appropriate steps to help yourself and your family get – and stay – on track financially. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The following five steps are designed to help you in your journey to greater financial security.
Step #1: Be honest with yourself. Take a good, hard look at where you and your family members spend money and identify whether the expenditure is motivated by a short-term desire or a long-term goal. Adjust your budget and your spending pattern to reflect a vested interest in your financial future – not just the extra stuff that might seem important now, but won’t matter much to you down the road. (Keep some fun money in your budget; however, so you and your family members don’t feel deprived.)
Step #2: Manage your money – and your debt – wisely. If you are overspending on your credit cards and finding yourself paying the minimum balance each month, you should consider getting your use of credit under control. It is critical that you have a good handle on both your budget and your credit score. Be sure to check out valuable consumer-oriented websites, such as http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsite /moneymatters/index.html from the Federal Trade Commission. It’s an excellent resource for those who are looking to manage money – and debt –for greater long-term financial security.
Step #3: Plan for the unexpected. Recently, many Americans began to save more when they realized that job security was not something they could rely on – others faced the harsh reality of trying to pay their bills with substantially less income (or none at all), thanks to a layoff or reduced work schedule. Do you have enough money stashed away for a rainy day? It is advised that you should have at least six months of expenses saved in case of an emergency. It won’t take long if you set your mind to it and start saving right away. Start small if you have to, but start now. Tip: Save a set amount from each paycheck, in an account separate from your checking, that is earmarked for emergencies only. Think of it as a regular bill you must pay.
Step #4: Talk about the hard stuff. It is never easy to have difficult conversations. But the unexpected can – and unfortunately, does– happen sometimes. Whether you are married, single, divorced, have children, care for aging parents or a disabled loved one, bringing up the subject of death or disability – or even divorce –can be painful. However, it is important that you think about these life events and how they would affect you or someone you love if they were to occur.Preparing for the unexpected is a good decision; it can help you to protect the lifestyle you have worked so hard to achieve.
Step #5: Start a family finances action plan. With a to-do list a mile long, most families are struggling to keep all together. But despite busy schedules, it’s important to talk to your family about your finances and concerns. Consider setting aside an hour once a week—or every other week at the very least—to talk through your current expense issues, financial goals and savings plan. A weekly or bi-weekly check point can be a good way to start a healthy dialogue about your family’s financial goals. Of course, choosing a knowledgeable, local financial professional can help you and your family
get – and stay – on track financially.
© 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA
CRN201205-133777
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Conservative Savings… Or Lifetime Retirement Income?
Conservative Savings… Or Lifetime Retirement Income?
Provided by Alicia Eberle, a financial representative with Commonwealth Financial Group, a MassMutual Agency; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)
If you are approaching retirement, a key element of your retirement strategy may involve choosing the best way to secure a predictable source of retirement income; one that’s guaranteed to be there when you need it, for as long as you need it. As you explore ways to achieve your income goals, you may have considered a variety of conservative financial vehicles designed to protect your retirement nest egg, such as bank savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) or deferred fixed annuities.
Each of these investment vehicles is considered a conservative choice and each offers unique advantages. But only the deferred fixed annuity is specifically designed to provide guaranteed retirement income for your lifetime.*
All conservative accumulation products are not created equal
Let’s start with a few basics.
A deferred fixed annuity is conservative retirement vehicle that is designed to help you accumulate and protect your assets until you are ready to receive them as guaranteed income during retirement. Most deferred fixed annuities allow you to choose whether to receive guaranteed income for a specific period of time, or for your lifetime. Earnings accrue tax deferred until they are withdrawn, allowing your contract value to take full advantage of the impact of compounding interest. Once the annuity benefit is paid, the portion attributable to earnings is taxed.
Certificates of deposit are designed to be a savings vehicle, a conservative way to save and preserve assets when your investment horizon (the amount of time you expect assets to be invested) is relatively short. An example might be saving money for a down payment on a house. CDs typically are short-term vehicles and may not be as efficient at meeting long-term retirement needs. Although the interest from a CD can be used as income, it’s generally necessary to hold the CD until it reaches maturity before you can withdraw the funds without penalty. What’s more, any earned interest is taxable for the current year on an annual basis.
Insured vs. guaranteed – what’s the difference?
Both fixed annuities and CDs are considered low-risk financial vehicles because they guarantee a positive rate of return. However, these guarantees work in different ways:
• CDs are generally backed by banks and are insured for up to $250,000 for each depositor by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
• Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the issuing insurance companies, with no maximum. They are not FDIC insured.
Be sure to ask your financial professional about an insurance company’s ratings and financial strength if you plan to purchase an annuity, because payment of lifetime income is contingent upon the claims-paying ability of the issuing company or companies.
What if you need some of your money before you retire?
Many fixed annuities allow the contract owner to withdraw a certain percentage of the contract value (typically up to 10% on an annual basis or accumulated interest) without incurring any surrender charges, although tax penalties may apply. Amounts withdrawn in excess of the specified percentage are often subject to surrender charges or adjustments. These charges generally decline each year and expire at the end of a specified number of years. If withdrawals are taken prior to age 59 ½, a 10% federal income tax penalty may apply.
Although some CDs may include interest withdrawal provisions, investors generally must wait until the CD matures to avoid early withdrawal charges.
Ask a trusted financial professional
Remember, not every conservative savings vehicle is the same. Fixed annuities offer many of the same features that make other conservative products so popular. In addition, fixed annuities offer other unique advantages that may be beneficial to you. Your financial professional can help you to choose the vehicle that best meets your retirement income objectives and investment needs.
© 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.
* Guarantees and payment of lifetime income are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.
Annuity products are issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA and its subsidiary, C.M. Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT.
CRN201112-128691
Provided by Alicia Eberle, a financial representative with Commonwealth Financial Group, a MassMutual Agency; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)
If you are approaching retirement, a key element of your retirement strategy may involve choosing the best way to secure a predictable source of retirement income; one that’s guaranteed to be there when you need it, for as long as you need it. As you explore ways to achieve your income goals, you may have considered a variety of conservative financial vehicles designed to protect your retirement nest egg, such as bank savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) or deferred fixed annuities.
Each of these investment vehicles is considered a conservative choice and each offers unique advantages. But only the deferred fixed annuity is specifically designed to provide guaranteed retirement income for your lifetime.*
All conservative accumulation products are not created equal
Let’s start with a few basics.
A deferred fixed annuity is conservative retirement vehicle that is designed to help you accumulate and protect your assets until you are ready to receive them as guaranteed income during retirement. Most deferred fixed annuities allow you to choose whether to receive guaranteed income for a specific period of time, or for your lifetime. Earnings accrue tax deferred until they are withdrawn, allowing your contract value to take full advantage of the impact of compounding interest. Once the annuity benefit is paid, the portion attributable to earnings is taxed.
Certificates of deposit are designed to be a savings vehicle, a conservative way to save and preserve assets when your investment horizon (the amount of time you expect assets to be invested) is relatively short. An example might be saving money for a down payment on a house. CDs typically are short-term vehicles and may not be as efficient at meeting long-term retirement needs. Although the interest from a CD can be used as income, it’s generally necessary to hold the CD until it reaches maturity before you can withdraw the funds without penalty. What’s more, any earned interest is taxable for the current year on an annual basis.
Insured vs. guaranteed – what’s the difference?
Both fixed annuities and CDs are considered low-risk financial vehicles because they guarantee a positive rate of return. However, these guarantees work in different ways:
• CDs are generally backed by banks and are insured for up to $250,000 for each depositor by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
• Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the issuing insurance companies, with no maximum. They are not FDIC insured.
Be sure to ask your financial professional about an insurance company’s ratings and financial strength if you plan to purchase an annuity, because payment of lifetime income is contingent upon the claims-paying ability of the issuing company or companies.
What if you need some of your money before you retire?
Many fixed annuities allow the contract owner to withdraw a certain percentage of the contract value (typically up to 10% on an annual basis or accumulated interest) without incurring any surrender charges, although tax penalties may apply. Amounts withdrawn in excess of the specified percentage are often subject to surrender charges or adjustments. These charges generally decline each year and expire at the end of a specified number of years. If withdrawals are taken prior to age 59 ½, a 10% federal income tax penalty may apply.
Although some CDs may include interest withdrawal provisions, investors generally must wait until the CD matures to avoid early withdrawal charges.
Ask a trusted financial professional
Remember, not every conservative savings vehicle is the same. Fixed annuities offer many of the same features that make other conservative products so popular. In addition, fixed annuities offer other unique advantages that may be beneficial to you. Your financial professional can help you to choose the vehicle that best meets your retirement income objectives and investment needs.
© 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.
* Guarantees and payment of lifetime income are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.
Annuity products are issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA and its subsidiary, C.M. Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT.
CRN201112-128691
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