FINANCE PROS GET A MONEY BUDDY
Find a friend who is financially like-minded to share your money tips with. Use this buddy to keep you accountable and on track to reaching your financial goals.
RAISE THE BAR
ALL-CASH DIET
As you gain more financial stability through increases in your salary, be sure to increase your savings amounts. If you raise your income, raise your financial contributions.
If you’re bad with budgeting, consider using nothing but cash on daily expenses to prevent overspending in your account.
KEEP FINANCES ORGANIZED
Having an organized system of handling your finances will help keep your life simpler and give you a sense of control. A system will help you handle your financial mail, make sure bills are paid on time, and keep the right type of financial records.
LIVE MODESTLY
Live within your means. One of the key lessons learned from the recession is that you can’t count on real estate values to always increase and home equity is not a reliable piggy bank. Stretching to make a large monthly house payment will keep you on financial thin ice. Live modestly and you’ll be able to afford the occasional splurge on travel or clothes without the stress of credit card debt.
HANDS OFF RETIREMENT
Don’t touch your retirement account for any purpose other than income in retirement. Avoid loans and early distributions from your 401(k) or IRA. Set up separate savings accounts for other purposes such as emergency funds, children’s educations and home purchases.
IS YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE SECURE?
YOU CAN START INVESTING IN YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE AT AN EARLY AGE, OR FOR THOSE THAT HAVE A LATER START, THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS OUT THERE TO INSURE THAT YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO LIVE THE RETIREMENT OF YOUR DREAMS WITHOUT BIG SACRIFICE ON THE FRONT END. WE ASKED THE TOP FINANCIAL GURUS IN THE SOUTH FOR THEIR ADVICE. HERE IS SOME ADVICE THEY GAVE US....
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HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL
Though there are many do-it-yourself tools in the market, tax law is very complex and constantly changing. A qualified tax professional is the safest and smartest way to take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you.
MAXIMIZE YOUR EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Commonly, employment benefits get overlooked and could be costing you thousands of dollars. Your company benefit plans can be complex and confusing. Ask for detailed information from your employers so that you can make the best choices for your personal situation
REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS OFTEN
Because things are ever changing in life, make sure that you review your policies often to ensure that you are benefiting at the highest level. Immediately update estates and wills after any major life changes. Review your credit report more regularly as incorrect entries could be devastating to your credit score.
➦ MEET THE FINANCIAL EXPERTS AND READ THEIR TIPS ON SECURING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE.
FI NANCE PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION
FINANCE PROS
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST
Provide a full array of tax, auditing, accounting, and bookkeeping services. Our main focus is tax planning which allows us to manage our client’s tax liability and integrate more complete business planning. We are an extremely technologically advanced firm, employing state-of the art technologies to manage our clients’ accounting needs and fees.
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TAX PLANNING IS CRITICAL
Tax planning gives you the opportunity to take actions to minimize your tax liability and manage cash to pay any tax that may be owed. Tax planning lets you take advantage of new tax laws or changes that may affect your situation.
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HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL
Though there are many do-ityourself tools in the market, tax law is very complex and constantly changing. A qualified tax professional is the safest and smartest way to take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you.
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LEVERAGE NEW TECHNOLOGY
There are so many new tools available to help manage the accounting process that it can be overwhelming at times. However, these tools and apps can save you significant time and money by eliminating labor costs inherent to accounting. A simple example would be using document management systems that directly link to specific accounting transactions (e.g., bills paid).
Cordasco & Company CPAs 109 Oglethorpe Professional Ct. Savannah. GA 912.353.7800 cordascocpa.com
OUTSOURCED ACCOUNTING AND CFO SERVICES
TAX PREPARATION AND PLANNING SERVICES
ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
PHO T O TAKE N AT T H E MANSION ON FOR S Y T H FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION
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FINANCE PROS WEALTH MANAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
401(K) INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
➽ MANAGE EXPENSES You have more control over your expenses than you do your income, so become an expert in managing your expenses. Managing expenses will allow you to save.
➽ INVEST SAVINGS Invest your savings so that they will grow and compound over time. Just as you utilize experts on important matters such as health and law, rely on a conflictfree professional investment advisor with the right expertise, experience, and training to manage your investments.
➽ HANDS OFF RETIREMENT Don’t touch your retirement account for any purpose other than income in retirement. Avoid loans and early distributions from your 401(k) or IRA. Set up separate savings accounts for other purposes such as emergency funds, children’s educations, and home purchases.
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST We provide fiduciary investment management for individuals, families, trusts, and retirement plans to help our clients build, protect, and grow their wealth.
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FI NANCE PROS| SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION
FIDUCIARY ADVISORS PROVIDING CONFLICT-FREE ADVICE
HIGHLY-SKILLED TEAM WITH DEEP EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
PASSIONATE ABOUT INVESTING AND DISCIPLINED IN OUR APPROACH
The Fiduciary Group 310 Commercial Drive Savannah, GA 912.303.9000 tfginvest.com
PHO T O TAKE N AT T OP DE CK AT C O T T ON SAI L FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION
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FINANCE PROS WHOLE, TERM, UNIVERSAL, & SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE
➽ DETERMINE HOW MUCH
INSURANCE YOU NEED
We perform a financial needs analysis with our clients to determine the appropriate amount and type of insurance they need. For life insurance, the typical rule of 7-10 times your income doesn’t work for everyone. We conduct periodic reviews with them to adjust their plans as their needs change and evolve.
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COMPREHENSIVE INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
➽ INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY
Do not be afraid to ask questions in the process and always consult a financial professional to ensure that you understand the route of your investments. When making decisions on insurance, retirement, and investments, you want to be sure that you understand exactly where your money is going and how it is being used.
LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE
➽ QUALITY OF THE PROVIDER
New York Life is a mutual company; it is not publicly traded, and therefore has no shareholders. The policyholders share in the ownership and profits of the company. The financial strength of a company is also an important factor. New York Life has the highest financial ratings from all four major rating agencies
FI NANCE PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION
VARIABLE ANNUITIES
FIX ANNUITIES
RETIREMENT INCOME AND PLAN SERVICES
New York Life 9 Park Of Commerce Blvd # 200 Savannah, GA 912.355.3353 newyorklife.com
âž˝ WHAT WE DO BEST
New York Life has been serving Savannah since 1846. We have the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies. We provide financial security and peace of mind through our insurance, retirement income, investments, and long-term care products and services.
FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION
Standing left to right: Andrew Barrett, Patrick Spivey, Maureen Stuart, Mark Cooper, Hayden Banks, Michelle Albright, Nick Paolicelli Sitting left to right: Jerry Spivey, Wayne Harrison(Managing Partner), John Sullivan, Tim Ward S O UT H MAGA Z I NE.C OM
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FINANCE PROS LIFE, DISABILITY, AND GROUP INSURANCE, INCLUDING SELF-FUNDED PLANS
SERVING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF OVER 4,000 BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT GEORGIA AND THE SOUTHEAST
ESTATE & RETIREMENT PLANNING BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING
Bernard Williams Financial Services Division 6001 Chatham Center Drive Savannah. GA 912.234.4476 bwcexchange.com
➽ BUSINESS INSURANCE PLANS
Annually review your compliance materials to ensure all necessary employee communications are up to date and distributed. This should include a policy for defining part time, seasonal, and variable hour employees. PCORI fees are due by July 31 each year. Employers offering a self-funded medical plan or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement pay these fees. The fee amount is determined by the months your plan was effective in years 2012-2013.
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➽ INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE
Both government and subsidized plans and private carriers are open for enrollment in the Marketplace/ Exchange from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015. Coverage changes will be effective starting January 1, 2015. Qualified events such as marriage, divorce, birth, and adoption qualify for special open enrollment periods during the year. The penalty for not having qualified coverage for 2015 is 2% of household income.
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST
In business since 1934, Bernard Williams provides an array of insurance and financial service products. They are a leading advisor for the changes being brought on by the Affordable Care Act. Left to right: Charles McCoy, Jessica DeLoach, Allen Williams, Teri Robertson, Rob Bowden (not pictured: Kelli Gay)
FI NANCE PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION
FINANCEPROS PROS FINANCE
➽ GET ORGANIZED
A key attribute of secure individuals and successful business owners is a high level of organization and ready access to key information. Keeping good records all year will help save you money at tax time, make it easier to get loans, and help you run your household or business more efficiently.
➽ LIVE MODESTLY Live within your means. One of the key lessons learned from the recession is that you can’t count on real estate values to always increase, and home equity is not a reliable piggy bank. Stretching to make a large monthly house payment will keep you on financial thin ice. Live modestly and you’ll be able to afford the occasional splurge on travel or clothes without the stress of credit card debt.
➽ SAVE FOR RETIREMENT
Make saving for retirement a priority rather than a luxury. If your employer offers a 401K plan and matches a portion of your contributions, it’s like getting free money. Your contribution is deducted from your paycheck pretax so you are paying yourself before paying the government. If don’t have access to a 401k plan, open an IRA and set monthly automatic contributions from your bank account as though it were a recurring bill.
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST
Queensborough Bank has remained committed to the principles that have served the company well for over 100 years: Listen to the needs of your customers, and keep the banking process as simple as possible. Pictured: Michael English
Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company 216 US Hwy 80 West Savannah, GA 912.303.9080 qnbtrust.com
22 BRANCH WIDE FOOTPRINT THAT EXTENDS FROM AUGUSTA TO SAVANNAH FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION
Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC
TRUST AND ESTATE SERVICES
MORTGAGE, PERSONAL, AND BUSINESS LOANS
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FINANCE PROS LOCAL BANKERS, LOCAL DECISIONS
135 BANKING LOCATIONS IN GA, SC AND NC
$8 BILLION IN ASSETS
South State Bank 25 Bull Street Savannah. GA 912.629.6500 southstatebank.com
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ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP
The first thing you should do is establish a relationship with an experienced advisor - someone you trust to call for guidance and to answer any questions you may have about reaching your financial goals.
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TREASURY SERVICES
If you need to save time, improve cash flow, and streamline procedures, consider a suite of Treasury Management Solutions. From Merchant Services to Sweep Accounts, there are a variety of products and services designed to help you maximize earning potential and reduce expenses.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
Consider the benefits of Risk Management Solutions. From online security software to easy detection of counterfeit and fraudulent checks, there are robust solutions that provide additional layers of protection.
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST
At South State Bank, we believe every great relationship starts with a conversation. Only then can we recommend the right products and services to our customers, whether it’s for Personal Banking, Business Banking, Mortgage, or Wealth Management. That’s putting customers first, and that’s the South State Way.
FI NANCE PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION
FINANCEPROS PROS FINANCE
➽ WHAT WE DO BEST
If you think a full-service bank with a hometown feel seems unattainable these days, you haven’t banked with Sea Island Bank, a division of Synovus Bank. Sea Island Bank is a great fit for small and middle market businesses. Advanced technology and skilled professionals provide for great relationship banking, and advanced product offerings provide a competitive edge. Responsiveness is a great asset at Sea Island Bank. “The customer wants timely service and decisions, and our professionals are committed to consistently providing quality financial services. Business is still conducted person-to-person, and that is why we’ll continue to invest in our people,” said Ken Rabitsch, Savannah City President. “Savannah is a great market and we believe in its people and the businesses that operate here.” Standing L-R: Ben Johnson, Commercial Banker; Ryan Martin, Commercial Banker; Padgett Mixon, Commercial Lead. Sitting: Ken Rabitsch, Savannah City President, Sea Island Bank
Sea Island Bank 7402 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 205 Savannah, GA 912.235.3709 seaislandbank.com
All accounts are subject to approval. Loan products subject to credit approval. Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.
THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST
FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION
THE PRODUCTS YOU LOVE
THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE
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