Craig and Jason

The Interest Rate Limbo

Way back in 1962 Chubby Checker asked us to do the Limbo Rock.

I was thinking about the limbo this week trying to figure out how low we can go -- with interest rates.

Low interest rates can be good or bad depending on which side you're on.

Good Side: If you're buying or selling a home or refinancing a mortgage, low interest rates are fantastic. I've seen ads touting 15 year rates under 3% and 30 year rates under 4%.

Bad Side: If you have money in savings, money market or CD accounts, current interest rates make it really hard to earn more money than inflation. Many banks are advertising CD's* with barely over 1% interest.

1%!!!

So what can you do?

Well, for starters, call or email our office. We have a lot of programs that can offer you possible alternatives. We have bond funds that hold government and corporate bonds, Treasury bonds that pay the rate of inflation(TIPS), international bonds and even municipal bonds (pay federal tax free interest).

If you're not interested in bond funds, many high quality US Companies are currently paying in excess of 2.5% dividends. And there are Real Estate Investment Trusts, Direct Participation Programs and a number of other options to consider.

So while interest rates do the Limbo, it might be time to have your money dance to a different tune.  We look forward to hearing from you.

*Traditional CD's are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas both principal and yield of other investments may will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and are not insured.

The April ESTATE PLANNING seminars at the Blue Moose Restaurant were extremely successful. People were able to hear from local attorney Kathleen Urbom about the importance of having your financial house in order.

Please "CLICK HERE" and send us your first name and email address to be placed on the attendees list for a future seminar. The meetings are free, no obligation events with just 20 - 25 people.

Craig and Jason have been helping people with financial planning needs in the Topeka, KS area for nearly 15 years each.

The top three most frequent questions they hear are:

1. Can you help me with my 401k plan?

2. Can you help with my deferred comp plan?

3. Can you help with my investments or retirement planning?

And a lot of people are looking for advice and help with retiring under KPERS.

So welcome to the website and understand that a free initial meeting is just a click or a phone call away. (By the way, the answer to all three of those questions is YES!)

Please help us plan which other seminars we will be holding during 2012 by going to the Our Calendar page.

Our services cover many areas of financial management, from investment and retirement planning to risk management and estate conservation. We focus on helping you develop a cohesive financial strategy that fits your unique needs and enables you to meet both short- and long-term objectives.

Please remember to visit our Web site often, as our content is constantly changing. For help with your financial management, or for more information please contact us today.

Topeka Office Number: 785.783.5875

Today's investment climate offers many opportunities. Our mission is to help you take advantage of those opportunities by providing you with three key tools:

1. A clear understanding of your financial goals

2. A well-defined roadmap for achieving those goals

3. Ongoing advice to help adjust your roadmap when needs change