Back in the Saddle Again

Excuse me if I am a bit out of practice. I have not been posting with any regularity. Thank you for your patience and you should expect to see regular updates again. My silence has not meant there has not been a lot going on.

I was quoted in a Des Moines Register online article titled "How much life insurance do I need?" which is part of the Your Money Team series written by Suzanna DeBacca, CFP®. Every week Suzanna seeks input from fellow financial planning practitioners to address common money issues. I've met Suzanna twice. The first time we were both volunteers for Business Horizons at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. The second time we were at a Financial Planning Association meeting, I hope to collaborate with her more in the future as she is smart and has great credentials and experience.

And while we are on the topic of associations, I was quite surprised last week at the NAIFA – Central Iowa (formerly the Des Moines Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) meeting last Friday. April is the annual awards presentation. While recognition is always nice, I tend to downplay awards. However, unbeknownst to me, the committee of past recipients selected me to receive the association's 2008 Gene Hilton award. Gene Hilton passed away while he was President of the association in the 1970's and since then one member a year is recognized for their values, dedication, leadership, and service. It is the highest honor the association gives and I was humbled to be selected from the several hundred local members. The occasion was made even more wonderful as my wife was in on the surprise and had secretly come to the meeting to present the plaque to me. I am happy we were able to share the moment together. The icing on the cake was that the keynote presenter for the luncheon was Rita Perea. Rita gave a wonderful presentation on communicating across generations. I learned a lot which I think will make me more effective.

Another program I attended recently was presented by John P. Huggard. Mr. Huggard is an attorney (Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law), CFP®, and retired professor from North Carolina State University where he taught introductory and advanced classes in law and personal finance for 32 years. His perspective on variable annuities is fresh and unique. I am not sure if I completely agreed with him during his presentation but I was curious enough to buy his books which document his research. I'll report once I have read and considered his work.

Tax time has come and gone and several of the issues I assisted clients with will make for future blog posts including:

• The Importance of Record Keeping
• Contributing Too Much to a Roth IRA

Of course if there are topics or issues you have questions about, let me know and I would be happy to answer all reader questions in a way that protects your anonymity.

Down the trail we go!

Antelope Island Horse Ride – April 12 2008 by a4gpa

Comments

[dimes]

You remind me of someone else who never updates.... me! I don't have any excuses for being so out of practice either. No fun conferences, not even work. I'm just a blob!

[fathersez]

Congrats, Art.

NAIFA must have very good reasons for giving you the award.

You clearly deserve it.

Best regards

[Art Dinkin]

@Dimes - I'll give you tax season as a reason (excuse?). I know that keeps you quite busy.

@father - thank you.

[Rush Nigut]

Congratulations on your award. Missed your posts.

Rush

[Art Dinkin]

Thanks Rush.