by Nicholas Morris
The political and economic landscape has digressed so many ways. Regulations are changing, not to mention challenging. What does a person do when they want to take the plunge and dive into the investment pool? Do you go all in or test the water with just the toes?
Are you ready to retire but your retirement account isn't?
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| Tell me William, Invest or Divest? |
Important to know, in the Investment community, Financial Planners, Investment Advisers, and Brokers have different legal obligations, different goals, and objectives. Also, the best investment options for you depend on many factors including: your age, your income, your tolerance for risk, your goals, your lifestyle, etc...
"FINRA is the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. Our chief role is to protect investors by maintaining the fairness of the U.S. capital markets."If you look at this from a different angle and visit the North American Securities Administration NASAA.org website. On the right part of the opening page is:
Investor Alerts
- Energy Investments- Private Placement Offerings
- Crowdfunding (Small Business)
- Crowdfunding (Investor)
Just recently the Coalition for Investor Education produced a brochure, "Cutting through the Confusion" to enlighten the investment community. This is the message and the reason I deviated from the path for this topic. I have other concerns, but this is vastly important, especially now. You can find it on the NASAA.org website.
Some laws and regulations have recently changed. I have only included a sample of AMR's to illustrate some recent changes:
Amended Model Rules
1) NASAA Registration Exemption for Investment Advisers to Private Funds Model Rule, Amended Oct. 8, 2013 2)NASAA Performance-Based Compensation Exemption for Investment Advisers, Model Rule 102(f)-3, under the Uniform Securities Act of 1956, Adopted April 15, 2013 3)NASAA Contents of Investment Advisory Contract Model Rule USA 2002 502(c), Adopted April 15, 2013 (Contains NASAA Performance-Based Compensation Exemption) |
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| William Tell symbolized the struggle for political and individual freedom. |
Despite the current healthcare O-debac-alama, it is your role to pursue what you need. I'm sure someday when we look back all this will - almost make sense.
While there is a lot for investors to be wary of (see Staying Safe), there are equally many professionals ready to assist. Fees are expected but fees can vary considerably.
While there is a lot for investors to be wary of (see Staying Safe), there are equally many professionals ready to assist. Fees are expected but fees can vary considerably.
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Know Who You Are Dealing With*
A savvy investor takes the time to check out the background of the brokerage firm (and financial professional as applicable) BEFORE doing business with that company. If you already have entrusted your money to a brokerage firm WITHOUT doing a background check, it is important to take the time do so now.
Visit the FINRA website:http://www.finra.org/InvestorInformation/index.htm
Call the toll-free hotline
800-289-9999
*http://www.investingonline.org/new/knowwho.htm
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| Room for dessert? |
The once predominant 'group policy' has been replaced with 'your options policy' which puts the ball in your hands, or the pie on your plate!
Attention business owners:
If you have suggestions on services, we would like to hear about it!
In your best interest,
Your Business Matters!
