The Money Alert Personal Finance

Welcome! Over the years, I've worked with a number of individuals just like you to
establish very specific financial goals for the attainment and protection of wealth.
You'll find that my column reflects that experience, allowing me to cover the issues
that matter most, leaving the ambiguity behind. Unlike many sensational financial
columnists, my firsthand experience allows me to cover meaningful topics, in a
practical manner.

I hope you find the many tools and articles on this site informative.

Regards,

Robert Valentine
The Money Alert

Your Personal Finance & Retirement Planning Information Source

Robert Valentine, Ca. Insurance License# 0C23496, is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative with
Financial and Retirement Management, a Registered Investment Advisor and a registered representative with
Securities America, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member
NASD/SIPC. Financial and Retirement Management and Securities America are not affiliated. This site has been
published for residents of AZ, CA, FL, IL, MI, MO, and TX. All information herein has been prepared solely for
informational purposes, and it is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security
or instrument or to participate in any particular trading strategy. Financial and Retirement Management does not
make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of
any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to this web site or incorporated herein,
and takes no responsibility. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only. Financial and
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are affiliated with any of the firms or entities listed unless specifically stated. Securities America and its
representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your
personal situation.

Market Commentary
For the week of November 2, 2009

The Market
A strong gross domestic product (GDP) report on Thursday gave the markets their
strongest single-day rally in three months, only to have declines in consumer
spending and sentiment negate them on Friday. The GDP grew at a 3.5 percent
annual rate in the third quarter, compared to a drop of 0.7 percent in the second
quarter. Consumer spending fell 0.5 percent in September, the first decline in five
months and the largest drop in nine. That compares to a 1.4 percent increase in
August. The Dow ended the month unchanged, while the S&P dropped 2 percent,
and the NASDAQ fell 3.6 percent. For the week, the Dow ended down 2.60
percent to close at 9,712.73. The S&P fell 4.00 percent to finish the week at...
Read More... 3 rd Quarter Commentary

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                        Term Life Insurance Basics
                                     A close look at this popular low cost life insurance product.

We've all seen the TV commercials—term life insurance for just a few dollars a
month. While these advertisements may be based on very favorable situations, the
general premise is true. Term life insurance is the simplest and most inexpensive
form of life insurance. And it can provide the peace of mind that comes from
protecting your family at a very low cost. Even with its plain vanilla image it's
important to understand some of the basics before purchasing.

Term life insurance provides the largest immediate death benefit for the minimum
premium dollar. When compared to traditional whole life policies, term life
insurance is substantially cheaper. Its reasonable rates allow for the purchase of
much larger coverage than can be afforded from permanent life insurance. Term
insurance covers you for a specified period of time, usually 5, 10, 20, or 30 year
periods. As the name implies, term insurance is temporary, for a set period of time.
Unlike universal or whole life insurance it does not accumulate cash value.
                                                       Read More...
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                        Estate Planning: Avoiding Probate
                                    Probate can be costly and time consuming. We’ll show
                                    you a few potential ways to save.

When Elvis Presley died, his estate was worth over $10 million dollars1. Then it
went through probate.

After appraisal costs, legal fees, executor’s fees, and estate taxes, “The King’s”
estate was left with only $3 million2. Because of improper estate planning, a
whopping 73% of Elvis’ estate was wiped out. So what did all that money pay for?
And how can you avoid some of the same mistakes? Let’s find out.

Probate is the (usually lengthy) process of proving if a will is valid, clearing your
estate of any debt, and making sure that no one challenges it. All of this takes place
in court, which adds to the costliness. Will or no will, an estate must go through
probate.
                                                          Read More...
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                             Avoiding Foreclosure
                                            If you need foreclosure help, taking an active role
                                            early plays a major role in avoiding foreclosure. We’ll
                                            show you a few potential ways to stop foreclosure
                                            before it's too late.

Homeowners who have trouble making mortgage payments in a timely matter may
be subject to seizure and the loss of title of their home. For these often well-
intentioned individuals, unforeseen circumstances such as job insecurity or medical
issues have them facing the unfathomable—home foreclosure. Regardless of the
circumstances, it should and can often be avoided, with a little effort.

If you're unable to make your mortgage payment, it's absolutely critical that you call
your lender now, in order to stop foreclosure. Ignoring the bills will only make
matters worse, increasing the likelihood that you'll lose your home for sure.
Borrowers who seek foreclosure help early are much more likely to work out a
solution, no matter how dire their situation. Mortgage companies want to avoid
foreclosure as much as you; they're much more interested in the money they make
off your interest, rather than the money they'll lose on your home foreclosure. Based
on your situation, your lender may be able to provide the foreclosure help that you
need.
                                                          Read More...
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                         Is an Immediate Annuity Right for You?
                                      An income stream that you'll never outlive sounds
                                      pretty attractive. We'll see if they're right for you.

Americans are living longer than ever. The idea of living a longer, healthier life
appeals to all of us, but for many of us, the tradeoff is outliving our retirement
savings. The crippling costs of healthcare and the constant rise of inflation continue
to compound this financial predicament. A single premium immediate annuity
(SPIA) may help with this dilemma, providing you with an income stream that you
will never outlive. We'll take a look at the pros and the cons.

Here's how they work

While many annuities are designed to build value for retirement, immediate
annuities are designed to provide income immediately in retirement. A fixed
immediate annuity is a contract between you and the insurance company. They are
usually purchased with large lump sums of money by conservative investors in
order to pay for expenses over a long period of time. In exchange for this lump sum
premium the insurance company pays you a monthly income for as long as you live.
                                                          Read More...
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                          The Great Turnaround
                                       What the 1980 U.S.Men’s Olympic Hockey Team can
                                       teach us about late-stage retirement planning.

It was February of 1980, at Madison Square Gardens during the height of the Cold
War. It was there, that the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey team took on what experts
considered the world’s best hockey team at the time: The U.S.S.R. It was an
exhibition match meant to be a preview of the upcoming Olympics and the U.S.
was trounced, 10-3.

Fast forward ten days later and after being given no chance by critics and fans
alike, the United States men’s team pulled one of the biggest sporting upsets of all
time by defeating the U.S.S.R., 4-2. That team would then go on to win the Olympic
Gold Medal and their story would become known as the “Miracle on Ice.” So how
did they do it? How did they go from being given no chance to pulling off the
inconceivable?

Some say it was one of those perfect moments when miracles happen. Others
point to something more solid: the preparation. The Russians spent their practice
days before the medal round sitting around, studying plays, and generally relaxing.
In general, they didn’t really prepare. The U.S. team practiced as hard as they ever
had before. The coach looked for weaknesses and planned a winning strategy.
                                                       Read More...