Author Archives: Lon Jefferies

Social Security Benefit Statements No Longer Mailed

By Lon Jefferies | Published: May 26, 2011
Since 1999, American workers have automatically received an annual Social Security projected benefit statement in the mail. In an effort to save money, these statements will no longer be mailed, at least for the period from April through September 2011. The Social Security Administration predicts that in October it will resume mailing annual statements, but [...]
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What Kind Of “Financial Planner” Do You Have?

By Lon Jefferies | Published: April 27, 2011
More and more, the term “financial planner” is being overused and misunderstood. When is the last time you heard anyone introduce themselves as an insurance salesman, stockbroker, or annuity salesman? Those terms are increasingly rare because the individuals in those professions now refer to themselves as “financial advisors” or “financial planners.” Yet, what financial planning [...]
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Net Worth Advisory Group Strengthens Senior Management Team

By Lon Jefferies | Published: April 20, 2011
Net Worth Advisory Group is pleased to announce the hiring of Merrit Arnell as Director of Operations and Finance.  Merrit began his employment with Net Worth on April 1, 2011.  His responsibilities include general management of operations, accounting and finances.  Merrit has over 25 years of experience in business and project management.  Most recently he [...]
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National CFO Survey Results

By Lon Jefferies | Published: April 20, 2011
Today Grant Thornton LLP released the results of a national survey of U.S. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior comptrollers. The study concluded there is growing optimism about the U.S. economy as 48% say it will improve over the next six months (up from 30% six months earlier). While still tepid, 39% intend to increase [...]
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A Moment To Focus On The Good

By Lon Jefferies | Published: March 30, 2011
One of my favorite economists, Jeff Thredgold, pointed out in his recent newsletter that society tends to focus on negative information. Consequently, he dedicated some time to focusing on the positive developments within the U.S. Here is a sampling of the information he mentioned: The 0.9% decline in the nation’s unemployment rate during the past [...]
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Should We Fear Global Uncertainty?

By Lon Jefferies | Published: March 29, 2011
Recent “cataclysmic” events will be approximately the fifteenth time the world was supposed to end since 1981, when some individuals at Net Worth Advisory Group began their careers as financial advisors. Think about all the crises that have happened and been predicted over the years. Thirty years ago, a Utah man became popular by predicting [...]
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How Do Equity Indexed Annuities Stack Up?

By Lon Jefferies | Published: March 21, 2011
Sales of equity indexed annuities (EIAs) have grown considerably in recent years. These products are positioned as simple investment vehicles that enable the investor to participate in market gains but offer protection from market losses. In reality, these are complex investments and because salespeople are paid large commissions for promoting these products, it’s difficult to [...]
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Does the Threat of High Inflation Justify Portfolio Adjustments?

By Lon Jefferies | Published: March 3, 2011
Inflation has been an increasing concern in the investment markets during the past year. Many wonder what actions they should take to protect their portfolios in the event of hyper inflation. To address this issue, let’s look at the worst 10-year period of inflation on record – 1973 thru 1982. This is a great time [...]
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Is the Bond Market a Concern?

By Lon Jefferies | Published: February 7, 2011
Lately, I’ve had more than a handful of clients express worries that the bond market will continue to decline in value. Consequently, many individuals have wondered whether they should sell their bond positions. When addressing these concerns, I first remind my clients that my goal is not to predict what the markets will do, but [...]
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Excessive 401(k) Fees and What You Can Do

By Lon Jefferies | Published: January 21, 2011
401(k) plans can involve a long list of costs and fees, some of which are covered by the employer and some by the employee. Below is a quick sampling: • recordkeeping fees • annual audit fees • back-end loads • brokerage commissions • contract administration fees • distribution expenses • expense ratios • front-end loads [...]
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