Financial Perspectives

Investment education should come before any plan to invest. It’s that important. Each quarter, clients of Raymond James & Associates and Raymond James Financial Services receive our educational newsletter Financial Perspectives. The articles are designed to keep clients aware of services, investment alternatives and other significant developments. Selected articles from the current issue of Financial Perspectives are included here for your information, along with some articles from past editions that remain timely and pertinent to today’s investment environment.

Spring 2012

• Low tax rate strategies for 2012
  It’s very likely that income taxes will increase next year. Now is the time to work with your advisor to position your portfolio for the maximum benefit.
• What is a vat tax?
  A value-added tax (VAT) is a federal flat tax applied to goods and services provided to consumers. You might start hearing more discussion about the potential for a value-added tax (VAT) this year.
• The benefits of consolidating cash
  A cash management account may be an effective tool for managing your retirement income.
• 50 years ago ...
  As Raymond James celebrates our 50-year anniversary, it is fun to look back and see what life was like half a century ago.
• From the planner’s desk: ways to improve your credit score
  Take control of your credit score by understanding how it is computed.

Winter 2011-2012

• Social Security: Worth the Wait?
  If you are considering applying for Social Security soon, it’s a good idea for you and your financial advisor to consider the true impact of factors such as age, job status, taxes and marital status before deciding when you’ll begin receiving benefits.
• Who We Were. Who We Are. Who We Will Always Be
  Raymond James turns 50 in 2012. Since our founding back in 1962, our spirit of integrity and independence, of entrepreneurism and empowerment, of collaboration and respect, has remained the same.
• Preparing for Tax Season
  Recently passed legislation affects how financial firms report cost basis information to clients and the IRS. Now is a good time to review changes that occurred in 2011 and consider changes that will occur in the new year.
• From the Planner’s Desk: Record Retention
  The new year is a great time to clean up files and prepare for 2011 tax reporting. Tips and resources through Investor Access to save documents directly to your own computer or print them.

Fall 2011

• Silence Isn’t Always Golden
  Open and honest communication about money, no matter how difficult, is a good idea, since keeping financial secrets will make it harder for your advisor to see the big picture and provide the best advice for your situation.
• Healthcare/Medicare
  It’s never too early to start thinking and planning for retirement, especially when it comes to major expenses such as healthcare.

Summer 2011

• Advice from Chairman Tom James
  Tom shares his thoughts on the current investing environment, as well as financial planning topics worth discussing with your advisor.
• A Crash Course in 529 Plans
  Get smart about education funding.
• Is a Recharacterization for Me?
  October 17 is an important date for investors – it’s the last day to recharacterize your Roth IRA. Are you prepared?
• Economic Outlook – Hitting a Slow Pitch
  Higher gasoline prices and other factors caused the economy to hit a wall.

For additional information about topics on this page, please contact your financial advisor today or use the convenient Office Locator to find our office(s) nearest you.

Raymond James & Associates, Raymond James Financial Services and Eagle Asset Management are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF).

The information contained in this newsletter has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may buy or sell such securities in the course of regular business.

Before making an investment decision, always consult with your financial advisor. Articles in this publication are presented to help broaden your perspective on investment opportunities and the investment process. Whether a particular subject is applicable to your situation or not should be determined by you and your financial advisor based on your financial objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance and current portfolio structure. For additional information about topics in this edition of Investment Briefings, please contact your financial advisor today. Thank you.

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