Aequus Newsletter
May/Jun 2011
Maintain A Good Credit Rating
Installment debt, in itself, is not a bad thing. It enables us to make major purchases that would be nearly impossible to finance up-front. The problem is, in this consumer society, we’re bombarded with advertisements for literally thousands of “must-have” products.
The result is that while our parents tended to pay with cash and buy only what they could afford, we have the “buy now, pay later” mentality. Unfortunately, our massive appetite for credit may be eroding our financial security, as more Americans continue to rely on borrowed money to maintain their existing lifestyles.
Thank You For Your Referrals
From time to time, we like to take a moment to reflect on our good fortune and acknowledge the people who have made a difference in our lives. At Aequus, we wish to thank all our clients for letting us share your dreams, goals, hopes, and fears. We are proud to lead our clients on a voyage of discovery using our own process of life-enhancing financial planning and feel privileged to be a part of your life.
Thank you, too, for your referrals. Referrals are the life’s blood of our business. According to investment firm Charles Schwab, a typical independent advisory firm gets over 88% of its new clients through referrals. Indeed, of the clients Aequus added last year, most were introduced to us by current clients.
Aequus Stories: Ethical Wills
For years, Aequus has encouraged clients to consider creating an ethical will so their feelings, values, and lessons can live on. An ethical will, generally speaking, is a letter that is intended to share important lessons, advice, and blessings with loved ones. It can be written to family members, friends, and even organizations.
When a loved one passes away, the most precious thing they leave behind is not their property. It is the legacy of their values and beliefs. A life is, after all, much more than the financial assets that have been accumulated.
Is Your Financial House in Order?
By Dr. William “Marty” Martin
Since the dot.com bust of 2000 and the most recent financial crisis of 2008, I have learned the importance of getting your financial house in order. This means more than opening a bank account, retirement account, and investment account. It means even more than making sure that you are protected against catastrophic risks and ensuring that your estate planning documents are in order.
Getting your financial house in order means taking a closer look at the foundation of upon which your house is constructed. Is the foundation steady and weather resistant? Can the foundation withstand the winds of life?