develop a comprehen-

We calm people down
and try to be transparent

sive investment strategy
designed to meet your
personal goals — one that
allows you to sleep at

night."
Harris, 42. of Huntington
Woods, says there still

may be value in the bond
market, both taxable and
tax-exempt.

in what we do. We offer a
personalized plan for this

environment. As a result.
people have been digging
more beneath the surface

"Ever since the municipal bond
insurance industry broke down
last year. munici-

pals have traded at
unusually high levels
relative to treasur-

ies." he says.
"I also see a great

opportunity in the
health care industry.
The sector has been

to make sure their invest-
ments are safe."
Jerald Kaufman of
Kaufman Insurance and Financial

Mark J annott

Group L.L.C. in Southfield,
believes "there is a danger in
doing nothing as

"Don't try to
jump in and out
of them arket.”

so beaten down
that's it's worth tak-
ing a look at now."

Banks continue to be in the

financial limelight and play an
important role in the financial plan-
ning industry.

Mark Jannott of Bloomfield
Hills, managing director of the
Birmingham branch of Kalamazoo-

based Greenleaf Trust, has been
getting many referrals because
there has been "much anxiety

among clients caused by every-
one's lack of understanding of
today's market conditions.

Who's The Best?

The Financial Planning Asso-
ciation (FPA), based in Denver,
Colo., and composed of planners
from around the country, points
out that choosing a financial
planner is as important as se-
lecting a doctor or lawyer.
FPA recommends interviewing
at least three planners to insure
you find the right one for your
needs. Use a script in the form of
a list of questions. Also, ask for
their references.
FPA provides these suggested
questions for prospective finan-
cial planners:
• What approach would you
use in investing my money?
Would you use individual
stocks and bonds, mutual
funds, etc.? Would you out-
source the portfolio manage-
ment? If so, to whom?

-Jerald Kaufman

well as doing some-
thing. Overall, we
need to look at the

total picture, includ-
ing investment dol-
lars, debt, income,

expenses and time
horizon.
"Don't try to

jump in and out
of the market," Kaufman says.
"Developing a plan which stresses

the merits of diversification and
dollar-cost averaging plus paying

down debt will provide a system
for long-term progress.
"Because different investments

tend to respond differently to eco-
nomic and market events, we need
tools to cut down portfolio volatil-

ity. Remember. look beyond the

turmoil and stay focused. Don't let
today's market results completely

drive your behavior." ___

• Do you use variable an-
nuities? If so, why do you use
them over other investment
products?
• Do you prefer load or no-
load funds? What would be
the total charges for invest-
ment management? Are there
differences in your fees for
ongoing services versus your
initial fees?
• What services can I expect
after the first year of our re-
lationship or after the end of
the initial planning period?
• Describe your client service
as it relates to periodic and
annual reviews, updates of
my financial plans and/or
other ongoing services.
• How often should I expect
to hear from you or others in
your office, regardless of the
condition of the market?

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248.647.7774

BIGROCKCHOPHOUSE.COM

June 11

e

2009

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