General Financial Planning Principles

Behind the Scenes at FJY

 | As all of our clients are aware, it is our goal at Fox, Joss & Yankee to provide every client with the highest level of personalized service our profession has to offer. With that in mind, the following article is intended to give a more in-depth picture of the activities we perform for clients behind the scenes. We strive to provide value to our clients along with a peace of mind that their financial interests and personal endeavors are our primary focus. We always have the clients’ interests in mind, even when they may not be thinking about us.

Daniel D. Joss Earns Registered Life Planner (RLP®) Designation

 | We are pleased to announce that Daniel D. Joss has earned the prestigious Registered Life Planner (RLP®) designation from the Kinder Institute. Earning this designation requires a strong commitment to the financial planning profession, completion of a five- day residential training program, and a six-month practicum involving peer review with mentor coaching and supervision.

Recent Due Diligence

 | The FJY investment committee performs a number of activities each quarter as part of the due diligence process. We investigate the details of potential and current investments, as well as continuously evaluate our investment philosophy, including asset class selection and the allocation to each the asset class. Committee members attend conferences, conduct meetings with investment managers, and conduct independent research regarding investment philosophy, asset classes, and specific investment vehicles.

On the House

 | A new government program is offering some borrowers relief from problems created by recent fluctuations in local real estate markets and the deterioration of the economy. The newly developed Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is part of President Obama’s strategy to get the economy back on track. The program is designed to help responsible homeowners adjust their mortgage so they can continue to make mortgage payments and gain peace of mind.

Giving While Living

 | Many investors have tried imitating the incredible success of Warren Buffett. Will he also now lead the way in how the wealthy conduct their philanthropy for maximum charitable impact? I'm pretty sure that you've heard that Warren Buffett is giving away the bulk of his $37-billion dollar fortune to his pal Bill Gates' charitable foundation. Buffett's previous plan was to give it all away at his death, but his act shows that giving while living can be better choice in many ways. First, you get to see the results and reap the joy of giving. And, in most cases, your involvement will help ensure that your legacy is fulfilled. Giving while living can provide many attractive tax benefits.

Asset Safety

 | Given the recent turmoil in the U.S. financial system, many investors are concerned about the safety of their cash and money market funds. This presents us with an opportunity to review the asset protection provided by institutions such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), as well as the new program established by the U.S. Treasury for money market mutual funds. As this article goes to press (on October 23rd), it seems that the laws, rules, and regulations are changing daily. We have done our best to stay on top of these changes and provide you with up-to-date information.

Long Term Mortgage Rates to Rise?

 | The inevitable correction in the current inversion of the treasury yield curve may result in long-term mortgage rates actually rising as the Fed begins their anticipated loosening cycle this year.

Cleaning Up Your Financial Records

 | Spring is upon us! The beautiful weather and budding trees are a sure sign of it. This is the time of year many people undertake the annual "Spring Cleaning" of their homes. However, not all spring-cleaning requires a broom and dustpan. Take a look at the table below when organizing your financial documents. It should help you identify what to keep and what to toss.