Symposium: We are continuing to build on the momentum begun in 2003 with the first-ever FPA of the Triangle Educational Symposium. We just finished our Fifth Annual Educational Symposium with the theme of “Decumulation and Retirement Planning:  A Financial Planner’s Guide to Funding Boomers’ Best Years” on September 19 at the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University.  We had 175 attendees enjoying the diverse panel of speakers and topics. The member to guest ratio was approximately 70% to 30%. Attendees were able to obtain 9 CFP CEUs and 5 NC Insurance CEUs. Thanks to all the members and guests who attended. We also greatly appreciated the excellent support from our 15 Corporate Sponsors at this event. Your presence was appreciated by all. 

The four most popular sessions at the Symposium were:

• The 2 sessions by Natalie Choate: “Estate and Distribution Planning for Retirement Benefits” and “Making Retirement Benefits Payable to Trusts”

• The presentation by Charles D. Robinson: “Planning for Financial Security: The Lifestyle Income Approach™: A New Paradigm for Affluent Retirement”

• The presentation by Dr. Peter J. Brews: “Globalization and Its Effects: Lessons from the Front Lines”

Regarding the Meeting Survey forms, we had 43 individuals turn in their surveys with the following results (5 = Excellent, 1 = Poor):

• Overall programming: 4.3
• Relevance of Information: 4.2
• Usefulness of Handouts: 3.9
• Session relationship to your work: 4.1
• Time allowed for each subject: 4.4
• Networking: 3.6

The most common suggestions for improvement of the meeting included:

• Shorter day – fewer speakers
• Better control of room temperature
• Require all speakers to have handouts
• More time for networking and visiting sponsors

Volunteers Corner: A special thank you to our Student Volunteers for taking time to assist us with the Symposium activities: Joe Guttilla, Bill Peters, Tom Murphy, and Santosh Gaur. We could not have done it without you.

Kristy Pickurel: Accolades to our Chapter Executive for a great job with the organization and running of the Symposium.

October Meeting: We are looking forward to seeing you at our Breakfast meeting on October 11 in downtown Raleigh at The Cardinal Club.

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Thursday, October 11
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ~ Breakfast and Program
Planning for Institutional Long-Term Care Under NC's Assistance Programs After Changes of 2007

Thursday, November 8
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ~ Guest and New Member Reception
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ~ Lunch and Program

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DID YOU KNOW?
As an FPA member, our membership directory is available to all members.

Go to: http://www.fpanet.org

    Membership drop down (along top)

        Membership Directory

            Login or Create a New Account

                Membership Directory "for FPA Members only"

                    You can sort by:    Zip Code

                                                Last Name

                                                City and State

                                                or By Chapter - ours being TRIANGLE

                    Submit Query and you have your sort.

Enjoy and thank you for your great questions on how to better utilize the Web sites.

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NORTH CAROLINA ENHANCES 529 DEDUCTION
In August, North Carolina enacted legislation increasing the amount of the state income tax deduction for contributions to the state's 529 savings plan. Effective for 2007, the maximum deduction increases to $2,500 per tax return ($5,000 per joint tax return). In addition, the income limitations on claiming the deduction have been removed, although they come back in 2012.

Before this legislation was passed, FPA of the Triangle wrote a letter urging members of the North Carolina legislature to pass this bill. An opposing piece of legislation placed strict deduction limits based on a taxpayer's adjusted gross income and the chapter felt the opposing bill, if passed, would not be favorable law to its members' clientele.

We sincerely hope that the chapter’s efforts made North Carolina legislators more aware of this bill's importance to this State's parents and grandparents of all income levels. Furthermore, this legislation opens up planning opportunities for North Carolina Certified Financial Planners.

FPA of the Triangle will continue to express its endorsement or opposition to State level legislation that directly impacts its members. If you believe the chapter should take a stance on certain proposed legislation, please contact Government Relations Director John Marold (john@maroldlaw.com) or Chapter Executive Kristy Pickurel (administrator@fpatriangle.org).

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CAREER CENTER
Please send any Career Center postings to administrator@fpatriangle.org. We reserve the right to edit as necessary.

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FPA-SC CHAPTER ANNOUNCES 2007 FINANCIAL PLANNING SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at The Inn at USC (Columbia, South Carolina). LATE MAILING *SPECIAL* PRICING...ALL REGISTRATIONS $50, ALL CATEGORIES, ALL DAY (NOTE: Individuals who submitted full registration payments will receive refund/charge credit to reflect this discounted pricing.) Up to 7 CPE hours and up to 6 CFP hours! The SC Insurance Department has approved the FPA Symposium for following hours: Long Term Care Insurance - One Hour, Ethics Update - Two Hours (as Ethics Hours). Sign up today! Visit www.fpasouthcarolina.org. 

 

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