June 2013  
Issue: 119
Sound, visionary stewardship

Welcome 

Greetings!

We appreciated hearing from many of you who took our advice and had a conversation about planning with your loved ones over these past few weeks. Thanks for sharing.

Summer has arrived with all it's glory--longer days, steamy, hot sunshine, glorious thunderstorms, amazing full moons and beach time. It's a great time to get out and experience all that life has to offer. We went to a fabulous concert at the Cape Cod Melody Tent last weekend--the Go Go's and the B52s. Great memories of the 80s came flooding back. We even ran into my college roommate, Gerry, at the concert. It was a fantastic evening.

Even though it's a time of lots of fun, we are still working hard providing advice, counsel and investment management for clients. The market is a bit turbulent right now and we have our eye on it.  People's lives are complicated and they are always reaching out for advice sorting through their most important issues facing them today and tomorrow. We are here to assist. Do you have something on your mind? Then reach out to us. We love problem solving at any time of the year.


Happy Independence Day! This July 4th, take a moment and read the US Constitution. It's a great reminder of what makes this country so great.

Cheers,   

     Paula Harris signature  

   

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From Bill's corner... 

 

The 1-2-3s of 529 plans   

 

Rob laid down for a good night's sleep. He was filled with joy that his daughter Sally had gotten into the college of her dreams. Years of hard work and extracurricular activities had paid off. Then Rob's eyes bolted open, his mind going from rest to terror instantly. He didn't remember falling asleep at all. Something didn't feel right. Rob became nervous. He decided to get up, but he couldn't. He was paralyzed! Fear rising, he struggled to breathe. His heart was pounding. He tried to speak, but he couldn't. Finally after what seemed an eternity, he found himself able to mutter the following, "How am I going to pay for Sally's college?" Then, as quickly as the anxiety attack came on, Rob rested easily. He remembered his saving's nest egg: the 529 savings plan.

The end of high school is a joyous time for parents. After the photo sessions from the prom and graduation, the anxiety of paying for college quickly sets in. Many parents have saved for their kids' higher educations via state-sponsored 529 savings plans, which became prominent in 2001. With college starting in a few months, it's time to start thinking withdrawal strategies. Withdrawals from 529 plans are tricky and, contrary to popular belief, may be taxable.

 

Read on...

 

  Bill Harris signature

In This Issue
'Mad Men' and your money
Don't go broke by age 75
So you think you're a financial genius?
5 things to know about custodial accounts for kids
Graduates: don't worry about money
In the media
About us
Time to Share. Create a Buzz.

Financial intelligence is CRITICAL education, yet no one really teaches it. At SmartGeorge, they will teach your teens and young adults not just the "how" of personal financial management, but more importantly, the "why"! 

In partnership with you, they teach financial skills as well as coach life perspective to give your kids the great advantage of control over money from an early age, encouraging independence, motivation and self-reliance.
This summer, give your 16-24 year old the gift of financial education with one of SmartGeorge's webinars or seminars.
'Mad Men' and your money   

 

There is more to the television hit "Mad Men," which wraps up its sixth season Sunday night, than 1960s period detail and arch references to Heinz ketchup ads.

 

"Mad Men" also offers a treasure trove of financial lessons for families in that demographic group.  

 

Don't go broke by age 75      

 

Look beyond life expectancy for how much to save.

 

Read on...

So you think you're a financial genius?

 

There is a widening gap between what we think we know about investing and what we actually know.

 

In short, we don't even know what we don't know-and the problem is getting worse. This is worrisome because, in order to make sound investment decisions, we need at least a basic understanding of some key financial concepts.

Read on...

5 things to know about custodial accounts for kids

 

Parents set up custodial accounts for children for various reasons. The problem: many parents fail to recognize that custodial accounts have significant legal and tax implications. Here are the five most important things to understand.

 

Read on...

Don't worry about money: a message to high school and college graduates           

 

So if you know someone who is graduating this year - from high school or college - or if you are above the age of 18 and want to see if you have money in the proper perspective in your life, you'll want to take a read..

 

Read on... 

In the media... 

 

WH Cornerstone's principal's are tapped by the media to write for and contribute to a variety of publications. Here are our latest contributions.
  • Bill Harris named to the Financial Planning of MA Board of Directors
    Suffolk Alumni Magazine, Spring/Summer 2013 
  • Paula Harris quoted in Economic advisory panel shares advice for small businesses
    The Patriot Ledger, June 22, 2013
    View... 
  • Bill Harris gives advice in IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING: HOW TO START SAVING
    Boston.com, June 2013
    View... 
  • INVESTORS, PLANS AND MONEY: The 1-2-3s of 529 plans
    Duxbury Reporter, May 24, 2013
    View... 
  • Paula Harris quoted in: Experts wary of changes in health care
    The Patriot Ledger, May 11, 2013  
About us

We are authentic, thoughtful, straight-shooters who provide the sound, visionary  stewardship that helps our clients protect their financial foundation while building their wealth.

 

We are private and independent, which means we have the unique ability to build deep, meaningful relationships with our clients with no competing agendas.

 

We have several decades of broad financial and business expertise that enables us to knowledgeably advise on a wide range of financial and business affairs and to help our clients navigate the sea of complexity with confidence.

 

We are strong believers in the power of near-term, actionable planning and disciplined focus on forward-facing goals.

 

We are at our best when we help our clients optimize their financial resources to realize their goals and dreams.   


Cheers
,

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Paula Harris and Bill Harris, CFP
WH Cornerstone Investments
781.934.9154
www.whcornerstone.com
 

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