Financial Topics Newsletter
 Brought to you compliments of Steven Stanganelli, CRPC® CFP®
September 2009   Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Lowering Your Medical & Dependent Care Costs with Uncle Sam's Help
Using Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs) to Improve Your Bottom Line
by Meg Curry, MSFP and Steve Stanganelli, CFP ®, CRPC ®

Many people may be familiar with the Dependent Care flexible spending programs offered by employers. However, not as many people are necessarily as familiar with the medical FSAs that many employers also offer. They are very similar in concept but with a few subtle and important differences that can help you improve your personal bottom line.
[FULL STORY]
 
In Search of the Perfect Investment - Beware the Siren Call
Using Equity-Indexed Annuities as Cash Alternatives
by Steve Stanganelli, CFP ®, CRPC ®

Who wouldn't want to have the perfect investment - one that guarantees a minimum return, participates with increases in the stock market and never goes down? Be careful what you wish for. Better yet, look before you leap.
[FULL STORY]
 
The Benefits of Roths
The Roth individual retirement account (IRA) has been an attractive retirement savings option since its inception in 1998. However, income eligibility restrictions have prevented many higher-income individuals from using this savings vehicle. Two recent developments are changing that - the removal of income limitations for Roth IRA conversions and tax laws making the Roth 401(k) permanent.
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Undoing a Roth Conversion
When converting a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) to a Roth IRA, transferred amounts must be included in income if taxable when withdrawn (i.e., contributions and earnings in traditional IRAs and earnings in nondeductible IRAs), but are exempt from the 10% federal income tax penalty.
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Is Your 401(k) Plan Enough?
If you work at a company that offers a 401(k) plan, especially if the plan offers matching contributions, that 401(k) plan may be the most important part of your retirement investment plan. But should it be the only part?
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Segregating Your Goals
Your willingness to assume risk with your investments is not necessarily a static concept. You may be less willing to take risk with investments designated for an essential financial goal, while you may be more willing to take risk for nonessential goals. However, those varying risk levels may be difficult to assess if all of your investments are commingled in one account
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Back to the Drawing Board
When's the last time you looked at your retirement plans? Don't let the recent market declines cause you to just give up and ignore your plans. Sure, you'll probably need to make some changes. So go back to the basics and reconstruct those plans, following these key steps.
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 

My highest priority is getting you where you want to be. If it's an important goal for you, then it's important to me to help get you there. Whether you need a road map for retirement investing or college funding strategies or want an answer to a specific financial challenge, my team and I are available to help you on your quest for financial freedom.

My goal is to provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have entrusted your financial future to a team of experienced professionals that cares about making your dreams a reality - regardless of the size of your portfolio.

I work with retirees, busy professionals and growing families who are motivated to achieve financial success or need help with the challenges that result from a life changing event. My practice encompasses investment management, college funding, estate planning and divorce analysis.

For more than 20 years I have been coaching individuals and organizations on ways to improve and protect their personal or business bottom line. I am never too busy to help you or someone you know and care about.

Feel free to contact me via e-mail at
steve@questfsi.com
or visit my Web site
www.questfsi.com
or blog
www.moneylinkpro.wordpresscom
 
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Copyright © 2009 Quest Financial Services, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Some information provided in this newsletter was prepared by Integrated Concepts. This newsletter intends to offer factual and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed, but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. Professional advisers should be consulted before implementing any options presented. No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material. 		TELL A FRIEND