Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, Recognized For Helping Clients During Tough Times

PRESS RELEASE: Kennesaw, GA 5-July-2010 — The Calandra Group is pleased to announce that Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, has received recognition for helping clients through these tough economic times. Times like these make it more important than ever before to manage wealth wisely. Calandra helps clients make educated decisions about investments and money management decisions.

The Calandra Group is an integrated wealth management service that is redefining the standards for customer service. They integrate all financial segments into the information presented to clients for them to make decisions on. Their stated goals are to work extremely hard to understand clients’ motivations and financial situations, Empower clients with financial control and understanding to make educated decisions, and to create lifelong clients by making customer service and relationships their priority, rather than an afterthought.

These missions are handled by the collective work of Calandra Tax Solutions, The American Gold Group, and Calandra Wealth Management. Phil Calandra works with customers to manage their long term financial planning needs so that they are able to achieve their goals, whether it be retirement income, the purchase of a new home, or any other financial decision.

Residents of the Kennesaw area may obtain more information about the Calandra Group and how Phil Calandra can help steer them through these tough economic times by visiting http://www.thecalandragroup.com/. Members of the press and/or other interested parties may also obtain more information by contacting the following:

The Calandra Group

Phil Calandra, Kennesaw Financial Planner

1301 Shiloh Road

Suite 1240

Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: 678-302-6621

Toll Free: 877-529-6501

Email: info@thecalandragroup.com

Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, has received recognition for the way he helps clients steer a steady financial course during these tough economic times.

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Income Planning

Do you need money from your assets during retirement to maintain your current lifestyle?  If you answered yes, then income planning is something you must begin today.  The following example illustrates the importance of creating a solid income plan for retirement.

Imagine a scenario where two brothers, three years apart in age, both retire when they are 62 years old.  At their respective retirement, both brothers had exactly $1 million in assets and had the exact same investments.  They withdrew the exact same amount each year of 5% or $50,000, adjusted for cost of living each year, and lived 30 years in retirement before passing away.  This story ends happily for the older brother who retired in 1962 and died 30 years later with a large estate, but unfortunately it does not end as well for the younger brother who retired in 1965 and ran completely out of money 22 years later at age 84.

How can this have happened?  Everything was identical other than the year of retirement.  In this case, that made all the difference since the older brother experienced positive returns the first couple of years in retirement while the younger brother had losses in his portfolio.  It could just as easily been the other way around because both brothers left their retirement in the hands of the stock market’s whims.

When discussing income planning, the main focus needs to be on yourself and ensuring that you will get the income you need until you pass away.  Ideally, you would protect the assets that will provide income and grow what is left in case you live past your life expectancy.

Calandra Wealth Management can show you how to protect your principal from losses while guaranteeing income that you cannot outlive.  Call the office at (678)302-6621 to develop an income plan that will put you in control.

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10 Tips for 401k

Roth Conversion Rules:

- Currently taxpayers can convert traditional IRA’s and qualified retirement accounts, suck as 401k accounts, to a Roth IRA as long as their adjusted gross income is under $100,000. In 2010, and for all subsequent tax years, the $100,000 limit is eliminated and all taxpayers will be permitted to convert their retirement assets to a Roth IRA.

- The amount converted to a Roth IRA will be included as ordinary income for the year in which the account was converted. However, for 2010 only, the taxpayers can elect to defer half of their tax liability to 2011 and the other half to 2012.

- The Roth IRA will grow and be distributed tax free as long as distributions are not taken within five years of the first contribution or conversion, and not before age 59 ½.

The current market provides a low-cost conversion opportunity. Considering many individuals have experienced a loss in  their retirement accounts over the last 18 months, now may be a perfect time to recognize the income tax liability. An IRA worth $100,000 in 2007 may now be worth $60,000. By converting the $60,000 retirement account to a Roth IRA, the taxpayer is locking in the tax liability at the lower amount.

Hedge against increasing income tax rates. For those who believe income tax rates will eventually increase, now may be the perfect time to convert retirement assets to a Roth IRA. Considering the current budget deficits and the costs of the bailouts and stimulus, many believe that income tax rates increases are inevitable. If you share that belief, then you may wish to realize taxable income now and take advantage of today’s historically low income tax rates.

Tax diversification. There are advantages to having a tax-free Roth account to draw from in retirement. By being able to supplement retirement income with tax-free income, retirees increase their like likelihood of keeping themselves in lower income tax bracket. By Building a tax-free Roth account, retirees will have more flexibility and control  in managing their taxes

Social Security planning. A tax-diversified retirement portfolio also helps with Social Security planning. Up to 85% of Social Security benefits are taxable. However, if a married couple’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is under $32,000, Social Security benefits will be tax-free. When calculating Social Security purposes, the tax payer needs to include taxable and tax-exempt income, and 50% of their Social Security benefits. Interestingly, although tax-exempt income is included in this calculation, Roth IRA distributions are not.

A Roth Conversion offers a unique tax opportunity

If the account goes up                                                            If the account goes down

January 2010                               October 2011 January 2010                                October 2011

$100,000 account value                 $150,000 account value $100,000 account value                $60,000 account value

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Atlanta, GA Money Advice – Phil Calandra

http://www.kewego.it/video/iLyROoafvth1.html

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Atlanta, GA Investing Advice – Phil Calandra

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Kennesaw Financial Advisor Can Help With Your Investments

A rough financial market can make anyone anxious. This applies not only to private investors, but also to average people that have their retirement accounts tied up in large investment funds. If you are trying to get a better handle on exactly where you money is and what it is doing then you could contact a Kennesaw financial planner.

There are scores of people that simply sign the form to have a small percentage of their pay automatically deposited into an investment account. Many of them have no idea what it is invested in, or how the whole system works. They give their consent and then they think nothing more of it. This can be a dire mistake.

The mistake here is not so much in causing yourself to lose money, but instead in failing to do more with it. If you pay close attention and do your homework you can shift your money around within that investment account from high risk to low risk funds. By taking control you can see your money grow far faster than you would otherwise.

Make the most of your workplace investment account by contributing the maximum amount allowed. By doing so many employers have a matching program. There really is no better way to see your money grow faster than to accept free money from your company.

Taking the whole situation into account, however, many people are not able to make heads or tales of the world of investing. Of course there are some people that are simply not comfortable managing their money. It only makes sense since money really does wield a lot power in our society.

To handle money, something with such a heavy weight upon the future, is a very intimidating thing for some. It can make a big difference in the lifestyle you maintain following retirement. Put it in the hands of a Kennesaw financial planner if you really can not stand to hand it on your own.

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A Kennesaw financial planner can help you prepare for all sorts of economic situations. For tips and techniques related to investment categories, visit the website at http://www.thecalandragroup.com .

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Kennesaw, GA Financial Advisor, Phil Calandra, Gives Advice On Long Term Investing

PRESS RELEASE: Kennesaw, GA 28-May-2010 — The Calandra Group is pleased to announce that Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, offers advice to help clients steer their way forward in the field of long term investing. He does this using a total wealth management approach. He believes that all areas of saving and investment are important on their own, but managing them as a collective unit is one of the most important factors in attaining financial success.

Among the services offered by Calandra are retirement income planning, tax planning, IRAs, estate planning, asset allocation plans, insurance planning, annuities and personal pensions, portfolio analysis, and mortgage analysis. Using any or all of the these services, Calandra works with clients to enhance their financial future while reducing risk and to establish a solid plan to transfer remaining wealth to one’s heirs when the time is right.

He also helps corporations with 401k design and implementation and offers 401k participant management to individual members of the plan. Calandra says, “Our goal is to employ strategies that will help you achieve your financial goals.”

For more information about long term financial planning alternatives and how Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, can help locals with advice on their long term investment options, residents in and around Kennesaw are encouraged to visit http://www.thecalandragroup.com/. Members of the press and other interested parties may obtain more information about the services offered by the Calandra Group and/or the content of this press release by contacting the following:

The Calandra Group

Phil Calandra, Kennesaw Financial Planner

1301 Shiloh RD, Ste 1240

Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: 678-302-6621

Toll Free: 877-529-6501

Email: info@thecalandragroup.com

Kennesaw Financial Planner, Phil Calandra, and The Calandra Group offer a full range of investment services and advice on long term investment options to build wealth and provide a more secure retirement.

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Kennesaw, GA Financial Planner Helps Community Plan For Their Retirement

Have you started thinking about what your finances will be like when you are no longer working? It is never too early to start planning for that day. A Kennesaw financial planner can help you plan for your retirement.

You are never too young or too old to think about your retirement plan. Granted, the earlier you start, the better. Starting young gives you more time to build your retirement fund. However, you should also not make the mistake of thinking you are too old and you have missed out on the opportunity either.

There are a lot of different ways to invest in your future. Some of them are riskier than others but bring greater chance for gain. Some are more difficult to borrow from before retirement age than others. There are also life insurance policies that act like investment funds.

This is why it is so important to take advantage of the experience of a financial planner. You should first sit down and think about what your goals. Then, you can discuss them with a planner who can best advise you how you can reach them.

You may have to make some compromises, so it is important to consider your priorities. If you are younger, taking advantage of riskier investments might be more appealing. If you have a young family, you may want to be sure you can borrow from the fund easily if there is an emergency.

A Kennesaw financial planner can actually help you sort out your priorities as well as plan for your future. For example, you need to see what you need to put into a fund each month and what the potential returns are before you can know what is or is not possible. It is best not to make assumptions until you have met with your planner. You may have a lot more options than you realize.

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Planning for retirement is an important part of the services provided by your Kennesaw Financial Planner. You can pick up a few tips about financial planning by visiting http://www.thecalandragroup.com .

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Kennesaw Finance Professional Helps You Plan For Retirement

If you are getting close to the age that your going to leave the work force you will want to consider seeking out the help of a Kennesaw financial advisor to help you plan for retirement. By using one of the finance professional you will be able to be prepared for retirement at any point with the assurance that your going to live comfortably after you leave your job. Here are four reasons why you are going to want to use these people to help out.

The first reason is since they are a professional they are going to be able to provide you with high quality advice. This advice is going to be because of the years of experience that they have in the field. This experience will help them predict trends so that they can help you live comfortably on the money that your going to be receiving.

The second reason is that they are going to be able to help you figure out a budget for living on once your retired. When you retire you are probably not going to be making as much money as you were prior to retiring. Since you will be on a smaller budget you are going to want to make note that a budget is going to be needed and this is something that they can help you set up and stay within.

The third reason is that they can help you invest your money to get the best returns. Investing your money in any form of manner can be a danger. However, these people have the job of telling you how to invest your money which provides you with a return. So if you plan on investing money after retiring make sure that you consult with these professionals to ensure that you gain your money back.

As you get closer to retirement you are probably going to be getting pretty anxious. However, you are not going to want that anxiety to run you as you get closer.

If you want help to avoid that anxiety you are going to want to make sure that you consult with a Kennesaw financial advisor to help you plan for retirement. By consulting with one of them you will be able to live life comfortably and without the anxiety that might be coming.

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Whether retirement is years away or whether you have only months to plan, Kennesaw financial advisor can help you meet your goals. Help in planning techniques can be found at http://www.thecalandragroup.com .

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Kennesaw, GA Financial Advisor Helps You Plan For The Future

Everybody has a certain age in mind at which they would like to retire. However, in order to reach that goal all of your finances must be carefully planned. This means that you need to be able to plan a budget that can last you for years to come, while also providing you with everything you need. Additionally, you need to be knowledgeable about different investment strategies. If you are worried that you may not be able to plan for your retirement alone, you may want to enlist the help of a Kennesaw financial advisor.

If you are having trouble handling your finances, a financial advisor can help. These people have been trained to help you plan out your savings and your budgeting. They will be able to offer you sound advice on investing and put you on a plan to retire at a specific age.

Different financial planners will be able to help different types of people. For example, some planners may deal with people of all income levels, but may be particularly experienced with aiding those at lower or higher income levels. Others may not deal with people and only with small businesses or large corporations.

Financial planners will need you to provide a good deal of information about your finances before they can help you. Be sure to have the necessary documents available for them to look at, such as statements from all of your bank and investment accounts, tax returns, and any information you have about any debts that you have incurred over the years.

When selecting the right financial planner for you, look into their history. This will tell you how much experience they have and how well they have been doing. Also, be sure to check that their record is clean. You do not want to hire anyone with a criminal background or anyone who is currently under investigation.

If you know anyone who has a financial planner or advisor, ask them how happy they are with their current advisor. If they like the work they are doing, you may benefit from choosing that advisor also.

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You can get a good start on planning for your retirement or your future financial needs by visiting the Kennesaw Financial Advisor. Find more information about how you can define your financial goals at http://www.thecalandragroup.com .

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