Inspiring Fundamental
Personal Financial Excellence
Through Institutions, Financial Advisors and CPAs
Welcome to our Web site, where you will find information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, literature and research reports. You will also find contact information that can help you meet personally with a financial professional in one of our current 94 registered branch locations in California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that may result from a proactive approach to fundamental personal financial excellence. We are here to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation.
Most importantly, we hope you see the value of working with conveniently located skilled professionals who have an unwavering commitment to the highest professional standards.
Helpful Content
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
Best Vacations: By Car, By Ship, By Foot, Once in a Lifetime
Four vacation destinations you might never have thought of.
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
You May Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments If…
Have income that isn’t subject to tax withholding? Or insufficient withholdings? You may have to pay estimated taxes.
The Cost of Procrastination
Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial dreams and goals.
The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance
Important items to consider when purchasing condo insurance.
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Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
Annuity Comparison
This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.
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Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
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Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
What Smart Investors Know
Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial advisor about changes in your situation.
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate