Financial Topics Newsletter
 Brought to you compliments of Steven Stanganelli, CRPC® CFP®
October 2009   Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Social Security Dilemma: When to Start
Looking for Ways to Increase Lifetime Benefits? Start Here
http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/download/uniquecl...
by Steve Stanganelli, CFP®, CRPC®

When should someone start collecting Social Security benefits? When approaching retirement, there is no question that is more often asked and the path chosen will have long-term impact.

These little-known strategies offer retirees the option to potentially increase their lifetime benefits.
[FULL STORY]
 
View from the Helm
Market Strategy Update - An Investment Compass
by Steve Stanganelli, CFP ®, CRPC ®

Everyday there are conflicting headlines indicating the schizophrenic nature of the markets. Without a map or a compass, it is easy to get lost or caught up in the emotions of the moment. The most successful investors (and businesses for that matter) don't simply go from the gut but know how to employ systems and follow the signs.

Should you be invested? How much? What should you invest in and when? Start here to get some insight to our approach and recommendations.
[FULL STORY]
 
Stork Arrives
Spencer James Joins Steve & Kristin's Team
http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/

The waiting is over. The stork has arrived but not in time for me to make the anouncement in the last issue of Financial Topics.

At 10:17 AM on Monday, September 14 in Beverly, Kristin and I welcomed our first edition to our team. Spencer James came in at 20 inches and weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces.

Despite sleep deprivation on the part of the new parents, all is well.

Special congratulations to our contest winners: Ken Halkin of Halkin Management Consulting in Amesbury who came closest with a prediction of 9/13 and 6' 11".

Honorable mentions to Rich Waterhouse of Waterhouse Realty in Merrimac, MA and Sue Kreamer of Eastern Bank/Stoneham for predicting a Boy.
  
How Is the Fed Dealing with the Recession?
As detailed in the 1978 amendment to the Federal Reserve Act, the Fed's goals when setting monetary policy are "to promote maximum sustainable output and employment and to promote stable prices." Monetary policy has historically been implemented through three main methods.
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Should We Worry about the Deficit?
A federal deficit occurs when the government's expenditures for the year exceed its income. The government then pays for those excess expenditures by borrowing money, adding to the national debt. With so much stimulus money being spent to prod the economy out of recession, the federal deficit will reach record levels this year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal deficit will quadruple in 2009, from $459 billion last year to $1.845 trillion this year
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Staggered Retirements
The Center for Retirement Research indicates that only 20% of couples retire in the same year - 50% still have one spouse working two years after the other spouse has retired. Often, one spouse retires before the other due to health problems or a layoff, not necessarily because the spouse chooses to retire early.
[FULL ARTICLE]
 
Consider a Bond's Maturity Date
All investments seem more volatile these days, including bonds. To help control volatility in your bond portfolio, carefully consider maturity dates before purchase. Bonds can be purchased with maturity dates ranging from several weeks to several decades. Before deciding on a maturity date, review how that date affects investment risk and your ability to pursue your investment goals.
 [FULL ARTICLE]
 
Time to Straighten Out Your Financial Accounts
It's not uncommon to accumulate things over the years, without taking time to straighten them out periodically. That applies to our finances as well as to our possessions. How many credit cards do you carry? How many stocks and bonds, brokerage accounts, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) do you own? It's not just a matter of finding time to keep track of all these different financial assets.
 [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