General Financial Planning Principles

  • 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 (onOctober 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.

  • Cleaning Up Your Financial Records

    Spring is upon us! The beautiful weather and budding treesare a sure sign of it. This is thetime of year many people undertake the annual "Spring Cleaning" of theirhomes. However, not all spring-cleaning requires a broom and dustpan. Take a look at the table below when organizing your financialdocuments. It should help youidentify what to keep and what to toss.

  • Dan At A Glance

    The last fourteen months have been very interesting and exciting, with new challenges leading to personal growth and development that have enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

  • 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.

  • 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 attractivetax benefits

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.