f2001 Press Coverage / Media Interest

Now What?! series book, October 2001 - In the Now What?! series book entitled "I'm Retiring, Now What?!" by Hope Egan and Barbara Wagner (available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com book stores, October 2001), The Garrett Planning Network, Inc. (GPN) is named as a financial planning resource for consumers seeking hourly, as-needed, Fee-Only financial planning and advice. GPN is a nationwide network of professional, Fee-Only financial advisors. GPN members are dedicated to providing competent, unbiased financial advice to people from all walks of life.

Ozarks Farm and Neighbor, November 12, 2001 - Steven Young, principal of Steven Young Financial Planning is featured in the article "From Pigs to Planning ... A Most Pleasing Progression." While his family maintains a successful farming enterprise in Brixby, MO., Steven branched out in 1998 to pursue a career as a Fee-Only, hourly CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. As a successful business owner, Steven had tried in the past to obtain independent, Fee-Only advice on an hourly, as-needed basis. When he could not find an advisor who would provide the advice and services he needed, he enrolled in Denver-based College for Financial Planning's educational program. In 2000, he opened his own practice with the goal of bringing professional quality planning and advice to people from all walks of life. Steven offers his Fee-Only, hourly financial planning services in Springfield, MO. and surrounding areas.

Investment Advisor magazine, October 2001 - In “X Marks the Spot,” GPN Members Andy Claybrook, CPA/PFS, CFP®, of Fee-Only Solutions in Franklin, Tennessee, Steve Thalheimer, CFP®, MA, of Thalheimer Financial Planning in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, of Overland Park, Kansas, are interviewed in a six-page article regarding the qualities and traits of Generation X clients. "This underserved group of tech-savvy, do-it-yourselfers is typically seeking professional validation of their financial decisions," says Andy. "They make especially good clients." "Once you begin a professional relationship with them," adds Sheryl, "you are likely to have them as clients for life." "As Members of The Garrett Planning Network, we serve people from all walks of life," says Steve. "Age, income and net worth are not determining factors in who we serve. We are happy to work with any one seeking competent, unbiased advice." "The hourly, as-needed services we provide just happen to be a very good fit for Gen-Xers and other smart consumers," concludes Andy.

Journal of Financial Planning, October 2001 - In an article on International Investing and Financial Planning, GPN Member Tim Hayes, CMFC, RFC, President of Landmark Financial Advisory Services, LLC, in Pittsford, New York, discusses the case for international investing now. What are planners and clients to make of the investing world that seems suddenly to be moving in lockstep with a bad case of the flu? In the old days, those as recent as a year or two ago, the typical asset allocation strategy darn near required a 10 to 20 percent equity slice to international, usually divvied up by countries or regions -- some to Europe, some to Japan, some to the Pacific Rim, the tiniest portion to emerging markets. This geographic approach worked relatively well to meet many investors’ objectives. Tim recounts a recent meeting with a new client, a CPA, about his pension plan. The client had put 20 percent in an international mutual fund -- but had no idea why, or whether it made sense. It was simply the thing to do. Of course, several years ago the plain vanilla geographic allocation strategy made sense, at least for return enhancement -- the EAFE beat domestic investing rather handily. Today, however, Tim says he is more inclined to see non-U.S. investments as a risk reduction strategy rather than a return enhancing one. Suddenly, clients are looking around and saying: “Gee, it doesn’t seem as if I have a lot invested internationally.” But, adds Tim, unless there’s extraordinary skill involved, even reducing risk is not such a sure thing.

Bloomberg Wealth Manager, October, 2001 - GPN Members Sameer Shah, CFA, CFP®, of Shah & Associates in Tampa, FL, and Steve Thalheimer, CFP®, MA, of Thalheimer Financial Planning in Silver Springs, MD, were featured in "Planning 101 -- And Beyond." The article discussed how professional study groups within the financial planning industry help advisors adapt and grow to better serve their clientele.

Investment Advisor magazine, October 2001 - In "The Way Ahead," writer Cort Smith says: "The attacks that shook the foundation of America’s financial center have failed to break the spirit of Americans and those in the financial community so purposely affected. Consumer confidence, vital in keeping the economy afloat in the wake of the present disaster (occurring as it did during a floundering market), has been dealt a blow, but may not be irreparably damaged. As GPN Member and planner Sameer Shah, CFA, CFP®, of Shah & Associates in Tampa, Florida, notes, 'The real economic impact [of the attacks] is minimal -- we have an $8 trillion economy -- but one of the psychological impacts will be the reduction of confidence.' It is against this that the government, the nation -- and advisors -- must proactively guard. Like Shah, advisors and planners nationwide who responded immediately to the crisis by phoning and emailing clients did so in an effort to assuage clients’ fears and underscore the goal of level heads prevailing."

Lexington Herald-Leader, September 30, 2001 - GPN Member George Pierce, MBA, CPA, CFP®, of Pierce Financial Planning Inc. in Lexington, KY, was both featured and pictured on the front page of the “Your Money” section. George provided insights on investing in a landscape that suddenly seems financially insecure in an article entitled “Investment Answers.” Herald-Leader business writer Karla Dooley moderated a roundtable discussion, posing questions many investors are asking amid an economic downturn and political uncertainty. When asked if investors should shift their money out of equities to more stable, investment vehicles, George replied that the answer would depend on each individual situation. “Consider your age, when you will need the money, how much debt you have, whether you own your home and how secure your job is,” he counseled.

Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2001 - GPN Member Rich Chambers was quoted in the Smartmoney.com article published in the Wall Street Journal archives, “Is Now the Time To Buy?” When the market staggered after the events of September 11, 2001, certified financial planners around the country offered their opinions. Some said they were buying equities, for themselves and their clients. "I'm doing my small part for the economy," said one, comparing the gesture to buying bonds out of patriotic duty during the 1940s. “This is a great buying opportunity," said another. "One year from now we might look like geniuses for buying this week." The key word in those statements is "might." With so much uncertainty right now, knowing where to invest is extremely difficult and it seems that the only certainty in this market is that uncertainty will continue to reign - at least in the foreseeable future. But it is this very fear that many of us are currently feeling that provides opportunity in the market, says Rich Chambers, a Certified Financial Planner practicing in Palo Alto, Calif. "Not every stock is a value, but there are some good deals out there," he says. But if you have a long-term investment horizon -- meaning at least five years -- making some careful investments could make sense. Rich has just published for his clients an article titled “Smart Actions to Take in a Bear Market.”

So You Want to Be a Financial Planner?, September 2001 - Nancy Langdon Jones provides information and resources to individuals who may wish to become a financial planner in this helpful book (available at NancysBooks.com. The Garrett Planning Network, Inc. (GPN) is noted in multiple places in the book. Testimonials from GPN Members, who were interviewed for the book, are positive and enthusiastic.

Journal of Financial Planning, September 2001 - In "Planners Share Their Experiences," Eric Rabbanian, JD, MBA, CFP®, Principal of Rabbanian Financial Planning in Austin, Texas says starting a second career as a financial planner was easier for him due to the generosity of FPA and NAPFA members. "The ability to network with national groups and local chapters has been great in terms of technical support and how to deal with certain client issues. In addition," he says, "The Garrett Planning Network has been a great way to develop an infrastructure for my business -- the marketing materials, client contracts, Form ADV and so on. It also has provided a built-in network of other planners who are in a situation similar to mine."

NAFPA Advisor, June 2001 - Angie Herbers, a staff member of The Garrett Financial Planning, Inc., in Overland Park, Kansas, was featured in the article “On Sponsoring and Recruiting Interns.” The article discussed how successful financial planning firms work with CFP™-registered programs, like her alma mater, Kansas State University, to recruit and retain talented interns. Angie’s thoughts and insights accompanied KSU-instructor Dr. John Grable’s comments. The NAPFA Advisor is the monthly publication of The National Association of Personal Financial Planners, the largest organization of Fee-Only planners in the nation. Angie is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and The Garrett Planning Network (GPN). She has been quoted or profiled in the New York Times, Ticker magazine, Journal of Financial Planning, Advisor Today, Kansas City Star and Kansas State Collegian. While at KSU, Angie was part of a three-person team to be named “Best Collegiate Financial Planning Team in the Nation.” They also received “Best Overall Presentation” honors at this national, annual competition.

Financial Planning Magazine, April 2001 - Chartered Financial Consultant, Peter McDonnell, was quoted in an article called "Finding the Gold in Pink Slips." The crash of many dot-com and other technology-related companies is being felt as joblessness among former high-income workers slashes its way across the country. By and large, Americans don't seem to have prepared themselves for this onslaught. "Unfortunately, where I live, I see people spending on ever bigger cars and houses with very little in savings, which worries me," says Peter McDonnell, a personal financial planner based in Carle Place, Long Island. Peter Kozel, an analyst at Standard & Poor's in New York, issued a disturbing report in January that confirmed McDonnell's fears.

Reader's Digest New Choices, March 2001 - Steve Thalheimer, CFP®, MA, Principal of Thalheimer Financial Planning, was quoted in an article called "A Financial Checklist for Empty Nesters." Writer Linda Stern urges empty nesters to review their financial priorities and provides a handful of tips to get them started. One suggestion: Look hard at your life insurance. "You might not need it, or you might need less," said Silver Spring, MD, financial planner Steve Thalheimer.

Financial Planning Magazine, April 2001 - In "Refinancing Roulette," the writer recaps several financial planner's thoughts on how to most successfully refinance a home. While the time is right for consumers to refinance, it's not just whether you refinance your home mortgage, it's how. Many consumers are unaware of the various refinancing options available. Planners say much of the "conventional wisdom" of mortgages is no longer valid. For instance, the traditional rule-of-thumb has been to wait until you can refinance at two points below your current rate, but even a drop of 1% or less might be worthwhile if you are not moving too soon. It would be better to add up the closing costs and do a breakeven analysis. Another pitfall: homeowners who wait too long, hoping for the lowest rate. Planners caution that timing the mortgage market is no easier than timing the stock market -- if you have a good rate, refinance. Eric Rabbanian, JD, MBA, CFP®, Principal of Rabbanian Financial Planning, Inc., in Austin, Texas, suggests another possible solution: "I know of at least one mortgage broker who allowed borrowers to lock in a rate and, if another lender subsequently offered a lower rate, allowed the lender to jump to the lower rate at no fee. Homeowners may want to see if their local lenders offer this benefit."

Bloomberg Personal Finance, April 2001 - In an article titled "On the Cutting Edge," GPN Member Sameer Shah, CFA, CFP®, Principal of Shah & Associates in Tampa, FL., shared his views on a relatively new category of mutual funds called long-short funds. Long-shorts, as they are known, are sort of hedge funds for the masses -- many, in fact, started out as vehicles for high-income, qualified investors. Sameer expressed some reservations about this type of higher-risk investment and how long-shorts might skew an asset allocation model. Sameer has also been quoted by or featured in Kiplingers, Fox Market Wire, Dow Jones Newswires, Morningstar, Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor and the Tampa Tribune.

Financial Advisor magazine, March 2001 - GPN Member Kathleen Dollard, CFP®, MBA, President of Nashoba Financial Planning in Boxborough, MA, was featured in "A Key to College." Although most advisors think the positives of 529 savings plans overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives, Kathleen adds that clients need to consider the limitations and how they affect their own situations. "I was very much on the fence when they first came out," says Kathleen, "but I’m starting to swing around. But you need to know the person’s financial-aid situation and make sure it isn’t affected in a draconian way." Kathleen added that she recently opened an account for her 16-year-old son and soon plans to open one for her other son, who is 14. She and other advisors agree it s important to do financial-aid estimates for clients to see what the impact of various savings options are. "Someone with over $100,000 in income with one or two kids won’t qualify for a lot of financial aid anyway," says Kathleen. "But if you have three kids in college at the same time, that would make a difference. You really need to run the numbers," she concludes.

Baltimore Sun, March 4, 2001 - GPN Member Steve Thalheimer, CFP®, MA, Principal of Thalheimer Financial Planning based in Silver Spring, MD., was profiled and pictured in the Baltimore Sun "Dollars & Sense" section. In this personal finance article, the writer urges readers to "invest time in creating a regular savings plan." Steve and other financial experts agree that even those with limited resources can set goals and squeak out savings. Tips for low- to middle-income families include: developing a financial plan; paying bills on time; paying off credit card debt; working in small steps; automating savings; and creating a support network. In his financial planning sessions, Steve Thalheimer helps his clients "get goals." "A savings plan can include both short- and long-term goals. Attaining even a short-term goal can encourage more savings," he says.

Washington Post, February 7, 2001 - In the article titled "For the Not-So-Rich, A New Kind of Asset...Financial Counselor Changes his Focus," GPN Member Dean Knepper, CPA, CFP®, was featured in a business profile. Dean is principal of Lifetime Financial Planning, LLC, in Leesburg, VA. "After years spent figuring out how to manage money for the wealthy, Dean wanted to focus on helping middle-income Americans manage theirs. A certified public accountant for 20 years, Dean founded Lifetime Financial Planning in January 2001. Financial planning used to be a term used only by the wealthy. But increasingly, the not-so-rich have sought to follow their example," says the Post writer.

Now What?! series book, January 2001 - In the Now What?! series book entitled "I Haven't Saved a Dime, Now What?!" by Barbara Loos (available at Barnes & Noble and Borders book stores, January 2001), The Garrett Planning Network, Inc. (GPN) is named as the financial planning network of choice for consumers seeking as-needed, Fee-Only financial planning and advice. GPN is a nationwide network of professional, Fee-Only financial advisors. GPN members are dedicated to providing competent, unbiased financial advice to people from all walks of life.

Investment Advisor magazine, January 2001 - In "Watch Out: The Profession is Changing Faster than You Think," writer Cort Smith asks financial planners, "Will you survive?" GPN Member Steve Thalheimer, CFP®, MA, principal of Thalheimer Financial Planning based in Silver Spring, MD., is quick to respond in the side bar article, "Two Guys Going their Own Way," that he thinks he will succeed using the GPN model because, apart from the perceived need, there's much interest on the part of persons with less than substantial assets for objective, independent, affordable advice. "There aren't that many people who can or are willing to serve the middle-market," says Steve. Steve launched his fee-only practice the summer of 2000 and had his first client by October. After much consideration -- and four years in a traditional fee-only planning firm -- he opted to adopt the business model developed by Sheryl Garrett of Overland Park, Kansas. Thalheimer likes the Garrett model because, like Garrett, he will not need to manage assets to be a successful fee-only planner. He is targeting middle-income people and charging the same hourly fee regardless of the client's worth.