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07/05/2008 Europe/London +0100 BST

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March 2008 ( 2 )

Rapid Tax, Taxes and Death are Inevitable; Financial Advisor Explains How to Protect Personal Wealth and Perpetuate Your Values with Proper Planning Now

03/28/2008 Europe/London +0100 BST

Rapid Tax, Taxes and Death are Inevitable; Financial Advisor Explains How to Protect Personal Wealth and Perpetuate Your Values with Proper Planning Now

West Des Mointes, IA (PRWEB) June 21, 2007 -- There is a proverb that says the only certain things in life are death and taxes - parts of life that many Americans dislike the most. With tax filing behind us, many people would like to forget all about income taxes until next year. But with proper advance planning, death and taxes don't necessarily have to invoke disdain.

Terry Vrieze, a financial advisor based in West Des Moines, suggests that individuals follow three tips to help minimize the amount of taxes they have to pay to Uncle Sam and protect assets - both tangible and intangible - for future generations.

The IRA that gives

With so many worthwhile causes in desperate need of funding, people have begun placing a stronger emphasis on charitable giving. "The 2006 Pension Protection Act introduced new options for charitable giving by allowing donations to be made directly to a charity from a qualified IRA account," says Vrieze. "From a tax planning perspective, sometimes it makes sense to take advantage of this provision in order to shelter some assets from taxation." However, if an investor is able to make a contribution from an IRA account, they have to do it soon. "Under current laws, this tax saving opportunity will end on December 31, 2007."

Tax planning for all

Vrieze emphasizes that tax planning doesn't just apply to a person who's planning, but also to his or her heirs. "While building wealth in retirement accounts and other assets, many investors hope to leave behind an inheritance for their descendents as well. But without proper tax planning, the money may not be there when you're gone," says Vrieze. "We buy insurance for our automobiles and homes, so it makes sense that we should also ensure our assets. The fallacy to which many people subscribe is that they don't have enough money to create an estate plan securing the least amount of tax burden on their heirs. The truth is that everyone should have an estate plan and review it annually with a professional financial advisor. An estate plan can help ensure your wealth is passed on in the maximum amount to your desired charities and heirs."

Passing on cash and values

Many people are passing on both assets as well as values in estate plans. "By using values guiding documents such as an Investment Policy Statement and an Ethical Will, you improve the odds that your heirs don't just blow the wealth you've spent a lifetime amassing," says Vrieze. "In our work with clients, the Investment Policy Statement guides all of our investment decisions. Each IPS discusses investment objectives, addresses the client's risk tolerance, details the time horizon and asset allocation for the portfolio and identifies other concerns and wishes of the client. It also outlines the procedures that will be used to implement the investment strategy."

But wealth management and legacy planning are about more than financial assets, Vrieze says. "Good financial planning is built on a foundation of the client's values, dreams and a sense of what's important in life. The logical next step is to facilitate the communication of these values to one's children and grandchildren. Ethical Wills are an excellent vehicle for doing that." An ethical will is a non-legal document that bequeaths life's lessons and values. Similar to a personal mission statement, the benefits of creating an ethical will include: the opportunity to provide a treasured keepsake for one's heirs, generating a greater understanding of self and often a sense of completion and renewed life purpose. Vrieze encourages all of his clients to spend some time creating an ethical will.

While death and some taxes are inevitable, you can protect your personal wealth and perpetuate your values with proper planning now.

About Terry Vrieze and successful resource management (SRM)

Terry Vrieze is an independent financial planner and investment advisor representative specializing in strategies for preserving wealth, reducing tax burdens, and sustaining a family legacy. With over 30 years in the financial industry field, Vrieze has extensive experience in securities selection and retirement planning. He holds two professional credentials, the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. Terry is a retired Command Sergeant Major in the US Army with 3 years active duty and 22 years in reserve duty.

In 1987 Vrieze founded and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Successful Resource Management, Ltd., where he and his associates understand the difficulties faced by women preparing for or entering a period of transition, such as divorce, retirement or the death of a spouse. Through continuous education and counsel, using a disciplined, in-depth analysis, and providing flexibility and choice, SRM is dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future.

Terry places a strong emphasis on educating his clients and the community. He believes that with a priority on learning comes knowledge, and with maturity comes increased wisdom. Vrieze, has dedicated his working career to helping individuals achieve more full and financially secure lives. Well respected by his colleagues and friends, Vrieze co-authored a book titled Financial Success in the Year 2000 and Beyond.

Visit for more information about Mr. Vrieze and his company.

Note:

When you need a knowledgeable professional to speak on complicated financial topics in an easy-to-understand and engaging manner, please call Terry A. Vrieze at Successful Resource Management.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member NASD/SIPC. Terry A. Vrieze, CLU, ChFC, Registered Representative. Investment Advisory Services offered through Successful Resource Management Ltd. a Registered Investment Advisor. Successful Resource Management Ltd. and Securities America, Inc. are not affiliated companies.

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Rapid Tax, Small Business Research Board Construction/Contracting Industry Study: Taxes, Energy/Fuel Costs Now Greatest Concerns According to Latest Study

03/06/2008 Europe/London +0100 BST

Rapid Tax,� Small Business Research Board Construction/Contracting Industry Study: Taxes, Energy/Fuel Costs Now Greatest Concerns According to Latest Study

Northfield, IL (PRWEB) June 30, 2007 -- Taxes along with energy and fuel costs were the leading concerns of construction and contracting businesses during the second quarter of 2007 according to the latest� (SBRB) study released here today.

Owners of construction and contracting businesses responding to the nationwide poll co-sponsored by� (IPA) said health care costs, which had been the single most significant issue during the first quarter of 2007, fell to fifth. Finding quality employees and the general state of the economy finished third and fourth on the list of concerns.

IPA, with more than 1,800 professionals, is the largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America. IPA is based in Buffalo Grove, IL.

The quarterly poll of small business owners and managers also measured their interest in expanding their operations over the next 12 to 24 months. Fewer than one-third (31%) said they intend to expand during this period. Of those respondents, 34% said they are considering expanding at current locations, while 16% indicated they intend to increase customer service and 14% said they will provide more services. The addition of locations and adding new products tied for fourth with 10% of the owners reporting they are considering such plans in each of those categories.

Training is viewed as a primary measure for improving productivity. Improved staff training ranked first among the options for enhancing business efficiency during the second quarter. These same owners also said they would add staff (second) before improving automated systems (third) and adding new automation and technology (fifth).

"It is key for the construction and contracting businesses to invest in training, especially in respect to their optimistic hiring plans for the next 12 months," said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of IPA.

"The SBRB recently reported that its Constructions and Contracting Industry Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) rose 4.6 points to 48 during the second quarter. The increase was driven entirely from plans for more hiring. If these businesses do not invest in their management processes, then they are going to rely more heavily on creating systems to enhance employee productivity to achieve operating goals," Steinberg added.

More than 100 small business owners participated in the nationwide construction and contracting industry poll. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly.

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. The SBRB conducts these studies for the benefit of small business owners and managers. The SBRB also provides opportunities for third parties to gain real time insight into the attitudes of small businesses nationwide through the independently conducted research.

The latest information about the Small Business Research Board can be found at .

International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA) is the largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America. IPA and its more than 1,800 professionals offer a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help businesses grow and prosper regardless of the economic cycle. IPA either provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at .

SBRB Comparisons: All U.S. Small Business vs. Construction/Contracting

Second Quarter 2007

Leading Business Issues

All U.S. Small Business --- Construction/Contracting

1. Taxes --- Taxes

2. Economic conditions --- Energy/fuel costs

3. Energy/fuel costs --- Finding quality employees

4. Other --- Economic conditions

5. Health care costs --- Health care costs (tied)

Other (tied)

For more information about this poll, results of previous studies or other matters related to the SBRB, please contact Raymond D. Minkus, (847) 441-4192.

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