“Do You Have Your Act Together?”

Do You Have Your Act Together?^TM

Who of us didn’t install a house alarm until after burglars ran off with the plasma TV? Or during the recent fires, knew if the replacement value of our house was sufficient? Or learn how to be more tax efficient each year? It is human nature to procrastinate about things - especially if we don’t understand them.

But how can we get educated without someone trying to sell us something? We’re in luck! On January 26th UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business is opening the doors of its Center for Investment and Wealth Management to the public for a one day conference: Your Life, Your Wealth, Your Legacy. Dean Policano hopes all of you, your families and your clients will come to learn from the best advisors in OC. Learn about:

- estate planning tools to transfer property that preserve wealth and relationships;
- 4 taxations on property - how to manage or avoid them;
- how corporate trustees help preserve family relationships and limit liability;
- tax efficient strategies and tactics;
- setting up the right trusts to fit your family situation, especially blended families;
- life insurance and gifting strategies that enhance wealth management;
- property & liability insurance plans to limit exposure and increase coverage;
- creating liquidity, managing risk and tax exposure in company stock/stock options;
- investment planning principles to better grow your assets and plan for retirement;
- wealth building strategies and succession planning for business owners;
- long term care planning for you, family members and employees;
- designing family missions and foundations to educate your children and secure your legacy.

It will be a great day to “learn from the best”. It’s at the Center Club, so you know the food will be good! Seats are limited, so call 949.824.6042 or www.merage.uci.edu/go/educationalseries to sign up. Say/input CJUCI to get a $50 discount!

Q. Can I have my business provide & pay for long term care insurance for just some of my employees?
A. Yes. Companies can choose to pay part or all of the LTC premium for employees who meet a certain criteria. This is one of the few health-care-related benefit programs that can be offered on a discretionary basis. Plus, a company that pays for some or all of its employees’ premiums may deduct a portion of the premiums paid for these tax-qualified policies, depending on how the business is structured.

Todd Tripp, Field Director, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
www.nmfn.com/toddtripp

Q. My advisor is suggesting all mutual funds for my $1M portfolio. Is that best, or does that just add extra fees?
A. A mutual fund portfolio matched correctly to your goals and risk tolerance can be very cost effective.. Your advisor should suggest low cost mutual funds, often referred to as “institutional” class shares. Many mutual funds are offered in different share classes. Avoid A, B or C class shares which have higher fees. Institutional class shares are often far more cost effective than many fancy sounding investment vehicles typically marketed to high net worth individuals.

Ed Runyon, Principal, Runyon & Bowes Wealth Management
www.runyonbowes.com

Q: What is tax exempt bond financing, and when can this type of financing be an option?
A. It is long-term financing for projects over $2.5 million at rates 25% below traditional business loans, achieved because a bank “co-signs” through an irrevocable letter of credit. Manufacturers, nonprofit organizations and companies involved in “green” activities are eligible. Funds are used to purchase improved or unimproved land, building construction, renovation and new equipment. If time allows (process takes longer), it is well worth it due to much lower overall costs.

Melissa Pollard, SVP, Comerica Bank, Middle Market Lending
www.comerica.com