Note from Patti (Sept. 2008): Because there is so much fear surrounding recent events, following is a link to a sample letter I am sending my clients in light of the recent market instability.

Protecting Your Assets During Volatile Times

Following are links to related agencies and information:

FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.)
FDIC Insurance Basics (FDIC)
SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corp.)
How SIPC Protects You (SIPC)
Securities Investor Protection Corp. Answers (SIPC)
10 Ways to Protect Your Finances from the Crisis (Wall Street Journal)
Are My Trust, Fiduciary and Custody Assets Safe? (American Bankers Assn.)
If a Brokerage Firm Closes its Doors (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
Bank Failures: If your bank goes under... (The View)
How to Handle Losses due to Bank Ownership Change (IRS)
Investment Pundits Urge Calm and Patience (Elder Law Answers)
Summary and Analysis of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Lorman Education Services)

7 Questions to Ask When Picking a Financial Advisor (Wall Street Journal - 4/17/09)
As investors look for guidance in these troubled markets, one question looms above all others: Whom can you trust?

8 Reasons You Should Not Expect an Inheritance (The New York Times - June 2008)
You’ve probably heard about the bumper sticker, even if you haven’t seen it..."I’m spending my children’s inheritance.”

Cashing Out on an Elderly Parent's IRA - in Just 9 Visits to the Bank (LA Times - May 2008)
Patti's comments: This article is all too true based on my personal experiences and those shared by many of us that work in estate planning, REPEATEDLY!

Certificates of Deposit Aren't Risk Free (3/2/09)
Unlike savings accounts, which can change their rates at will, CDs are contractual obligations that cannot change without your permission. They are very stable but they aren't without risk, here are three that you should be aware of if you're thinking about CDs.

Five Facts About Buy-Sell Agreements (Wicked Local - 11/6/09)
Whether you’re a new or experienced business owner or are thinking of starting a new company, if your business has more than one owner a Buy-Sell Agreement should be one of your top priorities. This document is a “must have” for you and any business partners in order to protect yourselves legally and financially. It’s a huge mistake to ignore the fact that sooner or later you or your partners may want to retire or move on, or may pass away or become disabled.

For Older Americans, Money Advice is Just a Start (New York Times - 7/06)
A new breed of financial planner who caters to the elderly with services that may go far beyond portfolio management and estate planning.

Know How to Deal With Your Bank on a Power of Attorney (Market Watch - Jan. 7, 2008)
Be sure to understand the rights that you and your bank have when it comes to durable powers of attorney -- before it's too late. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that designates someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.

Learning to Share (The New York Times - 9/10/08)
The day will come, or may have already, when your children think of your money as theirs.

Sites that Help You Fight the Fees (Wall Street Journal - 2/12/10)
Financial institutions reap billions in profits from fees on consumers, many of whom lack the time or information to wade through the fine print. But Web sites like Mint, BillShrink and BrightScope are already giving them fee-killing tools. Consumers can be only a click or two away from ditching a financial institution even after years of being a loyal customer (which some angry consumers are doing).

The 6 Best Budgeting Sites (MSN Money)
These mostly free sites allow you to put all your accounts together, helps you keep an eye on the big picture and shows you exactly where your money goes.

The Basics About Annuities (AARP - 3/3/09)
Everyone’s heard about annuities, but your eyes may glaze over when trying to figure out what they really do. Here’s a quick explanation.

What Records to Keep and How Long to Keep Them (Gerilaw blog - 3/27/09)
Digging through piles of records can be a frustrating task. It can take only one search to raise the question: “Do I really need to keep all these documents?”.

What's the Difference Between Money Market Accounts and Money Market Funds (The Consumerist - 1/3/09)
Do you know the difference?

Poverty Guidelines - 2008 (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
The guidelines are a simplification of the poverty thresholds for use for administrative purposes — for instance, determining financial eligibility for certain federal programs.

The Annuity Conundrum: Responding to the Abuse of Elderly Investors (Joseph H. Aughtman)
With a frequency that is disturbing, annuities are being used as instruments to defraud investors...especially...senior citizens.

AARP Real Relief
With the cost of food and health care skyrocketing, families losing their homes, retirement accounts shrinking and millions of Americans without a job, AARP recently launched this online resource to help people weather these tough economic times.

Check a Broker's History - From the Bottom Line/Personal:
Check a broker's history with the BrokerCheck feature at www.nasd.com to find out if he/she has run afoul of securities regulations. For a full history, contact your state's securities commission - go to www.nasaa.org to find yours. If your broker gives you investment advice, get his ADV form - Uniform Application for Investment Advisor Registration - which lists disciplinary actions, from the Securities and Exchange Commission or your state securities office.
---Mary L. Schapiro, chairman and CEO, National Association of Securities Dealers, 1735 K. St. NW, Washington, DC 20006

CubeCheck (An Inside Perspective on Companies)
A place for people to find reviews, ratings, salaries, management styles, benefits, and working conditions of companies around the world.

Debt Free U
Financial literacy resources for students and young adults.

Federal Reserve System re: Overdraft Fees
Sweeping new rules regulating overdraft fees on ATM and one-time debit card transactions were announced by the Federal Reserve Board on Nov. 12, 2009. Click link above and type "overdraft fees" in search engine for information about protecting yourself from overdraft and bounced check fees.

Forex Trading and Exchange Rate Services
Company with a strong belief: technology should give everybody the same access to quality exchange rates.

Fundraising for Small Groups
A free newsletter with fundraising ideas, tips and secrets for the small nonprofit fundraiser.

Online Benefits Calculators
Projects retirement benefits under federal retirement systems, Social Security, Thrift Savings Plan and more.

Securities & Exchange Commission Issues Links
There are many links here for those who want to learn more about what the Securities and Exchange Commission is doing.