October 2010

       Issue No. 1 

Marble Falls
Greetings!

Michael and Tina in CaboAt Tannery & Company Wealth Management, we connect with our clients in remarkable ways to create extraordinary relationships that simplify the demands of managing your wealth.
 
In the recent documentary film Happy, renowned filmmaker Roko Belic searched the world to find what makes people truly happy. He discovered that people who focused on their dreams, on giving back--and NOT on money, power or wealth--were the happiest, regardless of financial position.
 
We are devoted to guiding you towards reaching your financial goals. We take the time and diligence to manage your portfolio so that you have the time for the truly important things in life--pursuing your dreams, enjoying your family, experiencing the true wealth of possibilities that living in Texas has to offer.
 
This is our first E-letter, and we hope you enjoy it. We apologize if you receive duplicates of this first edition. For some of you we have multiple e-mail addresses on file. Simply hit the "unsubscribe" button above to eliminate duplicate copies, or call the office to let us know your preferences.
 
We consider ourselves your neighborhood financial advisors. Our door is always open, and the coffee's always on. We sincerely appreciate having you as clients, friends, and neighbors.
 
Michael & Tina
 
Forward this issue 
 
It's Not Fall without Big Tex!
Big TexFor those of you who know us well, you know we NEVER miss our annual pilgrimage to the great State Fair of Texas! We have a tradition of meeting a special client at the fairgrounds, and we look forward to this event every fall.This year's fair begins on September 24, so don't delay! Bootscoot on down there before they close on October 17.
 
While in past years we have enjoyed such tasty treats as Fried Coke, Fried Butter and Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream, we eagerly anticipate this year's winner of the Big Tex Choice Award winner, Texas Fried FritosŪ Pie!
  
A family tradition since 1886, there is truly something for everyone, from those crazy chickens in the livestock barns to the Klassy Kloggers to cooking demos and world-class musicians. We especially enjoy seeing The Killdares, the Dallas-based "Celtic Rock" band that always delights fairgoers.
 
Fair frenzy culminates in the annual Texas OU game, this year scheduled for October 2 at 2:30 p.m. in the Cotton Bowl. For tickets or more information, visit www.bigtex.com. See y'all there!
Time NOW to Consider a Roth IRA

We have spoken to many of you about whether you should convert your traditional IRA account to a Roth IRA. The deadline of December 31 is coming right up, and there are complex issues involved in whether a Roth might be more suitable for you.

The basic difference between the two types of IRA accounts is that in a traditional IRA, your initial contribution may qualify as a tax deduction and earnings until withdrawal are tax exempt. However, when you are ready to withdraw funds, you are subject to taxes on the withdrawal. With a Roth IRA, your contributions do not provide you any tax relief, but your withdrawals in retirement are exempt from tax. Not everyone qualifies, or qualifies fully, for the tax advantages of a traditional or a Roth IRA. We can help you sort through the existing rules to see what makes sense for your situation. 
 
Many experts believe that tax rates are headed up. In that scenario, it might make sense to get the tax advantage in future years with a Roth IRA rather than take the tax advantage today with a traditional IRA.
 
We are happy to sit down with you to evaluate your current situation to see if a Roth IRA conversion might make sense for you. Please call us--December 31 is not that far away!

For more information, visit the government website www.rothira.com.

October 4--Don't Miss the Deadline
 
Although we typically remind you of key financial and tax deadlines, we feel that a much more important deadline is coming right up. The deadline to register to vote, so that you qualify to cast your ballot in November, is Monday OCTOBER 4. You can pick up a voter registration form at any post office, library or high school, or obtain one through the Texas Secretary of State website. Are you unsure if you're registered? Click here to find out immediately.

On Tuesday, November 2, Americans will be allowed to exercise one of the most sought-after freedoms in the world: the right to vote. In these uncertain financial times, everyone seems to be weighing in about what's wrong with America. In about 30 days, you have the opportunity to be part of the solution by voting for the people that form our government.

Not that long ago, being labeled a "politician" was an honor, not a smear tactic. Cynics may not agree, but we have well-qualified, smart people willing to serve the public to the best of their ability running for office at the city, county, state and federal government in the next election. It's not our job to advise you how to vote, but unless you take the time to research the issues and candidates and vote your conscience in the upcoming election, you have not earned your right to complain about our government. Keep in mind that, despite our many challenges, our American democracy still works better than any other government in the world.
 
According to the Pew Center on the States, Texas had one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation for the last midterm election, only about 31%. Contrast that with voting champion Minnesota with an impressive 60% voter turnout in the 2006 election! Texans could do better, and it's sad to think that only one-third of Texans could make decisions for all of us.
 
To find out more about the candidates and issues in your area, visit the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website, at www.lwv.org. To find out where to vote in your area, visit www.votexas.org.
As a valued client or friend of Tannery & Company Wealth Management, thank you for spending time with us today. If you have any financial issues or concerns, pick up the phone and give us a call. We are always happy to hear from you and welcome your referrals.
 
214.239.4700
 
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In This Issue
Howdy from Big Tex!
Time Now to Consider Roth Conversion
Want to Make a Change? Vote!
Super Bowl Raffle Tickets
I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.
Jonas Salk,
scientist who developed the polio vaccine
 
 
Meet Chrissy Patchin
our Director of First Impressions!

Chrissy Patchin

Chrissy serves as our front-desk ambassador. She is the one who always takes your call, handles your paperwork with grace and aplomb, and serves as our frontline for all things customer service. Clients appreciate her willingness to help, her efficiency in finding solutions, and her devotion to quality client care.
 
When she's not at Tannery & Co., you'll find her out running, swimming or biking. A talented athlete, she has competed in several area marathons. Her husband Matt works locally at Experian and son Matthew currently serves as a campus policeman close by at the University of Texas at Dallas, so don't mess with Chrissy.
 
Super Bowl Raffle Tix
 
The Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation is holding a raffle for a fabulous Super Bowl package for the February 6, 2011 game to be held at Cowboys Stadium. Tina is on the Board, and she is excited that the money raised above and beyond the price of the Super Bowl package supports the hospital's vital mission to serve our community.  
 
Raffle tickets are $100 each, and only 1,000 will be sold. You may already know that there are no more individual tickets available for sale to the public. The drawing will be held November 6, 2010, and you do not need to be present to win.
 
Here's what this amazing package includes:
 
Two tickets to Super Bowl XLV
Two-night suite at Renaissance Hotel
Limo transport to/from the stadium
$250 VISA Gift Card to spend at game
NFL football signed by Roger Staubach
NFL jersey signed by Emmitt Smith
 
Order your raffle tickets online at www.yellowandblacktiegala.com.
Tina's Tip
 
I LOVE children's books! My favorite source is a special place called Books of Wonder. It is always a treat when their catalog arrives. You can see many of my favorites on bookshelves around the office. If you have children in your life, you MUST make a visit to their outstanding website. They are a trusted bookseller and really go above and beyond in customer service.
 
So many children don't have any books in their households! If you live in the Richardson area, you can make a real  impact with the donation of gently used or new books to the Network of Community Ministries. Director Alice Mae Britt says they are "dying to have books in English or Spanish in our waiting room."
 
Between now and our Holiday Open House in December, Tannery & Company is sponsoring a book drive to benefit the Network of Community Ministries. Drop off any new or used children's books, in English or Spanish, in the basket in our lobby.
 
For more information on Network's programs benefitting the City of Richardson, www.thenetwork.org.
Michael's Mission
 
As you know, I am an "early adopter" of all things technological and love my gadgets. I find Facebook is a great method to keep up with clients, friends and family. Lately I've been getting a real charge out of using the Facebook Places feature. With this application, you can instantly share where you are and connect with friends nearby. Cool! Yesterday I used it to weigh in about the neighborhood sandwich shop I have eaten at since my high school days, and heard back from scores of people about their memories there, or just razzing me about my culinary choices. Learn more about it here.
 
What We're Reading
When God Winks

When God Winks

This is a book we keep reading and passing around to friends. It talks about the extraordinary circumstancees that happen in our lives, and how they might just be a "God thing" helping us figure out stuff down here. We cannot recommend this highly enough. When God Winks has earned five-star reviews from almost everyone on Amazon. To find out more, click here.
Event Calendar

COOL THURSDAYS--Every Thursday in October at the Dallas Arboretum. GREAT music, terrific atmosphere overlooking White Rock Lake. We love this! For info, click here.
 
PUMPKIN PATCH--Daily through October from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Arapaho United Methodist Church, aka "The Pumpkin Church." Each year, the church buys their crop from a Navajo farm, which pumps about $2 million back into the Navaho economy annually. The church is located at the corner of Arapaho and Coit in Richardson.
 
PAUL TAYLOR DANCERS October 30. This prestigious dance troupe comes back to the Eisemann Center for its fifth year in a row to sold-out performances. Order your ticket NOW if you want a seat. Click here for tickets or more info.