It's here.  The 100th issue of our enewsletter!  Thank you for taking the time to read it, give us your feedback and share it with your family & friends. We look forward to sharing the next 100 issues!  

This is a crazy, busy season but make sure you carve some time out for you! Also, take some time to reflect on your year and think ahead.  

• What do you want to celebrate from this year?  
• What are you happy to leave behind with 2011?  
• What are your intentions for 2012?  
• If everything you've done until now is just the beginning, what's next?  

We wish you a Merry Christmas and prosperous Happy New Year!  

Cheers,    

Have you checked out our new brochure yet?   

Know the penalties for early withdrawals

In tough economic times, you may consider invading your retirement nest egg and draw from your retirement savings account. What happens if you have to take an early distribution from your qualified retirement savings vehicle such as an IRA or a 401(k)?In real simple terms, you'll owe income tax, and if you are under age 59 ½, you may owe a 10-percent early withdrawal penalty. This penalty may be avoided if certain circumstances exist. Knowing the rules around exceptions is vital if you want to avoid the penalty. The rules differ between plans.

An early withdrawal from a retirement account is not advisable. Why? It reverses your retirement saving's accumulation. With the average annual payment from social security at $1,170 a month, or $14,000 a year, additional retirement savings is a vital part of a successful financial plan. Money put aside for retirement should not be used to buy a new car or to fix the roof.