|  President's Corner
Judith Benbow, CFP®, MSFS, MSM O.K. We’ve gotten into 2010 and a new decade of service to our clients. Each of us are balancing our busy lives with work, family, and hopefully a little time for ourselves. But what about the community in which we live? Our vision this year is “YOUR PASSION IS OUR PASSION”. Why would we want to place our chapter focus on your passion for the community? I’d like to tell you a story about my passion. Read moreOur chapter workshop in May 19 will expose you to two very different subjects on interacting and communicating with your clients. We begin with a one-hour session with Mindy Stein. Difficult professional ethical issues arise frequently in providing services to elderly clients, especially regarding capacity. This session will explore the practical, ethical, and legal issues involved with diminished capacity in the elder law context. We know that the past couple of years have been a rough for everyone, and especially so for independent financial advisors. The second part of our workshop will feature Dan Finley with a two-hour practice management session that will help you work more effectively with clients, and gain new ones in the process - and hence making more money. After all, we can have tremendous education but if we do not know how to work well with clients and bring in new ones, we are not doing anybody any good. Keeping in touch. As FPA members, make sure your contact information is correct and that you are listing on FPA's PlannerSearch. It's easy to do, just visit http://www.fpanet.org/Membership/EditProfile/ |
| President-Elect Corner
Rubina Hossain, CFP®
In order for any organization to grow we need to focus on the future potential members. This is the same for FPA Gold Coast chapter. Over the last few years we have been talking to the students enrolled in the CFP Certificate Program at FAU in Boca Raton about the numerous benefits of being a member of FPA. These benefits include the mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities. For these students, whether you’re starting out, or considering a career change, the FPA will provide you with resources, information, support and professional development throughout your career.
Read more
| Government Relations Update
Sandy Stone, CFP®
FPA continues to advocate for a fiduciary standard, and for the best interests of our members. We look to you to help us lead this charge locally. When you have the opportunity to meet with Congressional representatives and other influential leaders, please keep our regulatory goals at the forefront, and to continue be engaged in discussions and activities.
While a final compromise seems to be elusive, key members of the Senate’s banking committee continue to report progress on finding a bi-partisan compromise on financial services regulatory reform. Key issues that remain as stumbling blocks include the creation of a new consumer protection agency, where the agency would be housed, and what powers it would have. Oversight of the derivatives markets is also unresolved.
If you do have the opportunity to voice the FPA goal of having National fiduciary standards, please share the information.
|  Pro Bono Update
Nicole Coccaro, CFP®
FPA of the Gold Coast’s Pro Bono Program will be providing financial literacy workshops in a library near you - please come join us!
- April 8 at 2:00 pm - Delray Beach City Library
- May 3 at 2:00 pm - Palm Beach County Library, Hagan Ranch Road Branch
Our members participated in two great pro-bono events during the month of February. The NAPFA-sponsored Your Money Bus arrived in Palm Beach County providing one-on-one counseling to the community and employees of the Department of Environmental Protection in West Palm.
Additionally, the MoneyWise Expo offered seminars on topics such as credit management, foreclosure prevention, and money-smarts for kids; one-on-one consultations with a financial planner; and free tax preparation. Thanks to Barry Rabinowitz, Kelben Holbrook, Judy Benbow, Rubina Hossain, Tony LoFaso, Bill Unger, and Kasia Marczyk for giving of their time!
With your help, we are hoping to expand our reach. Let us know if there is an organization close to your heart that could benefit from our services. If you would just like to become involved in our chapter's pro bono efforts - please email Nicole.Coccaro@SunTrust.com. |
| Window of Opportunity Closing for First-Time Homebuyers Kelben Holbrook, CFP®
The first time homebuyer credit was first introduced in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 as a means of stimulating the real estate market, and its latest extension occurred in November 2009 as part of the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009. This new legislation requires that in order for homebuyers to qualify for a credit of up to $8000 on their 2009 taxes, they must enter into a binding contract before May 1, 2010 and close on a home before July 1, 2010. Read more.
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| To Roth or Not?
Barry Rabinowitz, CFP®, MBA, EA, IAR
Many individuals are wondering whether to take advantage of the recent change in the law, now making Roth and Roth conversions available to individuals with AGI over $100,000.
The choice of whether to contribute to a regular deferred retirement account, or Roth or to do a Roth Conversion depends on the following factors. Read more
|  Chapter Sponsorships Strengthening
The Financial Planning Profession
Financial Planning Association® is the heart of financial planning. We are the community that brings together those who deliver financial planning, those who support it and those who benefit from it. FPA of the Gold Coast is actively involved in building and strengthening the financial planning profession. Our members, and those they serve, are turning to FPA for a wide array of benefits and services to help them become more successful. Read more
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| May 19, 2010
Chapter Workshop
The Kravis Center
for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL
2:30 pm
Registration & Networking
3:00 pm
Making Capacity Judgments
Mindy Stein, MSW, JD
4:00 pm
Personality Based Selling
Daniel D. Finley
FPA Members
Advance - $25
At the Door - $35
Non-Members
Advance - $40
At the Door - $50
Learn more and
RSVP Now |
| Save the Dates
For These Chapter Events
September 15, 2010
November 17, 2010 |
| FPA is all about seven truths that articulate who we are and the value we create for those who provide, support, and benefit from professional
financial planning.
The promise of
financial well-being.
The promise to be the
voice of the profession.
The promise of leadership
and advocacy.
The promise to produce recognizable value.
The promise to represent a diverse community of financial planning professionals.
The promise of
excellence and ethics.
The promise to be a trusted resource for consumers. |
| FPA aspires to have a viable organization where all parts come together to promote the effective realization of our
Core Beliefs in order to optimize the member's experience. |
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