David Reeves | Page 3 | Your Delray Boca

8 August, 2014 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Pillow Talk & More

August 8, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Celebrating the music of Billy Joel

The weekend is here. Be safe and enjoy!

Billy Joel Tribute at Mizner

Friday, August 8th, 2014 at 7:30PM

The City of Boca Raton continues its Friday Night Summer Tribute Series with a tribute to Billy Joel featuring the popular band Turnstiles. Say goodbye to Hollywood, and come Downtown to join friends, neighbors, and fellow music lovers for a great night of live music under the stars. If you think this is a free event, you may be right. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. No coolers, outside food and beverages or pets allowed. We will also have chairs available to rent for $5.00. There is free parking at City Hall and the libraries

Mother, Me & The Monsters | Fri, 8/8 7:30pm, Delray’s Arts Garage | Concert Play-reading

The hilarious and heartbreaking true story of Sam’s relationship with his mother over the course of four dads and three divorces, and his evolving friendship with the monster under his bed. The show was first presented in a workshop production by Barrington Stage and was named a Critic’s Pick by the Boston Globe. From acclaimed composer of “The Trouble With Doug”, Will Aronson, with book and lyrics by Sam Salmond.

Divorce has never been so much fun! Mention yours when you call for tickets, and receive 10% off. 561-450-6357

The Other Side of the Pillow

Meet Zane at the Spady Museum.

The NY Times Bestselling Author of 30 books, the publisher of Strebor Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster, the Creator – Scriptwriter and Executive Producer of two Cinemax series: Zane’s Sex Chronicles and Zane’s The Jump Off will be at Delray’s Spady Museum Tuesday evening.

To set the mood, you’ll also experience music by saxophonist extraordinaire and Miami native Jesse Jones, Jr. (He’s amazing).

A festive evening with refreshments including wine & cheese, music, prizes and booksigning.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

6pm – 8pm

$20 per person; $35 per couple

Call 561.279.8883 for more information.

4 August, 2014 0 Comments

FAU Celebrates New Graduates

August 4, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

FAU confers another 1,620 degrees tomorrow. There are now 139,000 plus FAU alumni.

Florida Atlantic University will confer more than 1,620 degrees during its summer commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The ceremonies are scheduled for 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium, FAU’s Student Union, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. These students will join more than 139,000 alumni who have graduated from FAU since the university opened its doors in 1964.

Chief Jim Henson, a former tribal chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States, will receive an honorary doctorate from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at 9 a.m. A frequent guest lecturer, Henson has taught faculty and students about Native American culture and consulted on research projects. He has also provided valuable collaborative assistance to John Lowe, Ph.D., Wymer distinguished professor of nursing at FAU, in securing a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for a five-year research project to test the effectiveness of the Talking Circle approach in preventing substance abuse among Native American youth.

Arthur Jaffe, 93, dedicated FAU benefactor and founder of the Jaffe Center for Book Arts at FAU’s Wimberly Library, will receive the President’s Distinguished Service Medallion also at 9 a.m. The medallion is awarded to individuals who have rendered service of great value to the University or the community at large.

Florida State Sen. Garrett Richter will serve as the commencement speaker at the 1 p.m. ceremony. Richter is serving in his second term, representing portions of Collier and Lee counties. He was unanimously elected as President Pro Tempore of the Senate in November 2012. He previously served one term in the Florida House of Representatives.

Aaron Higer, a former researcher at the U.S. Geological Survey and a visionary leader in science whose contributions have helped Florida to understand, protect and restore America’s Everglades, will receive an honorary doctorate from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at the 5 p.m. commencement ceremony.

Several interesting graduates at the commencement include:

Gabrielle Bush, 18, is one of FAU’s youngest graduates this semester. She will receive a bachelor’s degree in health administration from the College of Business cum laude on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m., just three months after graduating from FAU High School. One of nine children, she and two of her sisters are FAU graduates. Her sister, Gisla, led the way when she graduated with honors in 2013 and moved on to a master’s degree program in Urban & Regional Planning. Her sister, Grace, graduated in May at the age of 16 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice a few weeks before graduating from FAU High.

Kalman Fagan is the oldest member of FAU’s summer commencement, at the age of 76.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m., he will receive a master’s degree in public administration from the College for Design and Social Inquiry. Four years ago, he completed all requirements at FAU for not just one, but two bachelor’s degrees – one in criminal justice and the other in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in art history. This fall he’ll begin the master’s degree program in music business administration, under the guidance of Michael Zager, FAU’s eminent scholar in the performing arts.

Vincent Byaruhanga, a Catholic priest who serves the Kabale Diocese in Uganda, will graduate with a Ph.D. in public administration on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. from the College for Design and Social Inquiry. He came to FAU in 2009 and decided to focus on the effectiveness of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which had just gone into effect. His analysis of this critical economic stimulus initiative was so incisive that he’s been invited to present his findings at the Southeast Conference for Public Administration, which will be in Atlanta this fall. He’s also preparing two articles for publication in economic journals. Byaruhanga plans on becoming a university professor, either here in America or back in Uganda. Wherever he settles, he intends to establish a nonprofit organization to support the education of orphans and other children in his home village.

18 July, 2014 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Bus Loop and Bowling

July 18, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Burt and Max’s is a prime stop on the Delray Bus Loop

Three Weekend Ideas:

The Bus Loop: East Meets West

When: July 19, from 6-11

Cost: $30 at check-in.

East meets west – connecting downtown Delray to Delray Marketplace (at Lyons Rd.). Hop on one of the free trolleys and check out 12 great restaurant and bar stops, each offering a complimentary drink and/or appetizer.

Support the Delray Center for the Performing Arts and have fun. Sounds like a winner. To register, visit https://www.busloop.org/the_delray_beach_bus_loop.

Check Out Mizner Park

Summer time is a great time to visit Mizner Park.

We are hearing great things about Kapow!, we love Villagio and Rack’s and adore Max’s Grille.

The summer music series is a winner.

Coming soon: John Legend.

Strikes For Life Bowling Tournament

When: Sunday, July 20, registration 10 a.m., bowling starts at 11 a.m.

How much: $60 that benefits a good cause

Where: Strikes @Boca, 21046 Commercial Trail, Boca Raton

What: The Gift of Life is having a Strikes For Life Bowling Tournament on July 20. Fun 21, Eliminator, Brackets & Scratch Pot Games Available, as well as a silent auction and raffles. For more information call 561-982-2900 or email events@giftoflife.org

7 July, 2014 0 Comments

Delray Fills Key Positions With Veterans

July 7, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Joan Goodrich will lead Delray’s Economic Development efforts

Delray Beach is beginning to fill key positions in city government.

Joan K. Goodrich has been hired to become the city/CRA Economic Development Director. She took the helm on June 23, replacing Vin Nolan, who resigned to go into private practice.

The City Commission has hired veteran Broward County attorney Noel Pfeffer as the new city attorney. Pfeffer takes over from acting city attorney Terrill Pyburn, who took the city attorney’s position in Coconut Creek. He will assume his duties July 9.

Goodrich has more than 25 years’ experience in business development, marketing and economic development. She brings experience with particular expertise in areas such as fundraising and grants, c-level executive management and policy and development advocacy. Goodrich previously led a recruiting team in the attraction, expansion and retention of 52 companies to the City of Coral Springs, resulting in more than $150 million in economic impact on the local economy, and the addition of $215 million in non-residential taxable value to the city.

“Joan brings decades of experience and a highly successful record to Delray Beach,” said Diane Colonna, CRA Executive Director. “We are very pleased to welcome her to our economic development team.”

Goodrich earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stetson University. Professional affiliations and leadership experience include Executive Director, March of Dimes Foundation (2010-2013), Executive Vice-President, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance (2000-2010) and Executive Director, Coral Springs Economic Development Foundation (1993-1999).

Goodrich will plan and implement business and economic development programs and strategies jointly for the City and the CRA, with particular emphasis on the downtown and other business corridors within the City. Specific duties will include establishing and implementing business attraction and retention strategies, incentive programs, marketing and workforce development.

Pfeffer joins a city attorney’s office that has been without a permanent leader since Brian Shutt resigned earlier this year to join a local law firm.

For the past thirty-five years, Mr. Pfeffer has served in the Broward County Attorney’s Office. In 1984, he was promoted to the position of Deputy County Attorney and, five years later, his supervisory duties were further expanded to oversee the Finance, Real Estate and Transportation Division of the Office of the County Attorney. His responsibilities included managing a staff of 11 attorneys and providing legal services in the areas of all real estate matters, governmental finance, budget, tax, transportation law and solid waste disposal. In addition, he has served as lead counsel in connection with numerous complex transactions that involved the negotiation and drafting of Interlocal Agreements, Ordinances and Service Agreements.

Pfeffer received his Juris Doctor Professional Degree from Nova University Law Center. He also attended American University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Mr. Pfeffer has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1978 and bar memberships/activities include the Florida Bar Grievance Committee (member, vice-chair, chair 1996-1998), Florida Bar Local Government Section, American Bar Association (1990-2011), and U.S. States District Court-Southern District of Florida (1978).

2 June, 2014 1 Comment

Woodfield Provides On-Site Herb Garden; Embraces New Trend

June 2, 2014 By David Reeves 1 Comment

Woodfield Country Club is tapping into a national trend of incorporating food and health into community living.

Woodfield Country Club is “walking the walk.” Literally.

With a focus on healthy living that is reflected by a club environment featuring workout facilities, spa, golf and tennis, this community continues to take this philosophy to the dining rooms and to expanded activities.

Woodfield’s herbal garden and “Nature Walk” have piqued the interest of residents who want to learn about healthy eating and Florida fauna and wildlife.

“This has been of great interest to our residents, their children, and friends,” said Eben Molloy, General Manager of Woodfield Country Club. “In addition to educating people on various ingredients to healthy meals, the nature walk has also provided a fascinating way to exercise.”

The English-style herb garden opened in 2012 and is modeled after a Formal Renaissance Kitchen Garden. The Woodfield landscaping team harvests the produce and then turns it over to the country club culinary team which then incorporates it into meals on the menu. The harvests throughout the year include corn, okra, egg plant, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, radishes, basil, parsley, dill, coconuts, lemon grass, and pomegranate, to name a few. These plants are nurtured in the elaborate Woodfield greenhouse prior to planting.

“Our goal was to educate our residents on indigenous herbs, fruits, and vegetables,” said Bart Messing, Woodfield Executive Chef. “It has been a lot of fun and residents are enjoying having these items incorporated into many of our main entrees, appetizers and salads. After all, they come directly from our backyard.”

The herb garden is located to the rear of the main clubhouse and provides unique landscaping and views from the expansive patio. These efforts were recently sited with the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association 2012 Award for Excellence.

“Many parents appreciate the efforts of our landscaping team because the garden gives their children an opportunity to learn about produce,” said Molloy. “It really comes to life when they see these items on our menu.”

The English Herb Garden is the first stop on a multi-stop nature walk that further educates strollers as they get exercise during the 2,293 step tour that takes approximately 45 minutes.

“Our goal was to create an informative and educational opportunity that incorporates an exercise regimen,” said Molloy. “Here at Woodfield, we continually introduce new types of healthy activities that enhance the lifestyle. This has been quite successful based on the numbers of people we see strolling through the gardens along the nature walk.”

The nature walk features a meandering self-guided tour that winds its way around the main clubhouse area and along the lake and sports areas.

The Nature Walk highlights include:

· Thai Garden: An elaborate display of plants and flowers native to Thailand. It includes a display of orchids, native vegetation, rock elements, bamboo, and even the Cananga Odorata, which produces the fragrance in Chanel No. 5 perfume.

· Fruit Trees: Featuring a wide range of exotic fruits from Malaysia, East Indies, Bangladesh, China, South America, and Mexico. If you’re a rum fan, you might be familiar with the aroma from the Pimenta Diocia, the spice used in Captain Morgan Rum.

· Flowering Plants: Throughout the walk, strollers will be treated to a wide range of flowering plants, including golden trumpets, purple glory, plumeria (plants used to make Hawaiian leis), and many more.

· Lakeside Wildlife: Along the lake there are many species of Florida wildlife including water turkey, great blue heron, limpkin, cormorant, and great egret.

· Koi Pond: Located adjacent to the main clubhouse, this pond is stocked with colorful koi of varying colors.

· Children’s Butterfly Garden: One of the highlights of the Nature Walk, the butterfly garden is a popular stop for adults and children alike. The combination of nectar plants, lime trees, and dill attracts a wide range of butterflies.

“We’ve been successful in providing a unique experience for our residents,” added Molloy. “It combines nutritional and wildlife education that has been incorporated into an entertaining and enjoyable exercise program.

“The other important aspect of the garden and nature walk is that it is part of our “going green” initiative. In addition to using the herbs and vegetables on our menu, we also use fresh cut flowers from the nature walk to decorate the club.”

19 May, 2014 3 3 Comments

Monday Q&A: Boca Art Museum’s Walter O’Neill

May 19, 2014 By David Reeves 3 Comments

Walter O’Neill

NEW DIRECTOR AT BOCA MUSEUM ART SCHOOL HAS BIG PLANS;

THRILLED WITH FACULTY, PROGRAMS

We recently caught up with Walter O’Neill, who was recently named Director of the Boca Raton Museum Art School.

We understand you moved here from New York, just like many of us here in Boca. Give us a little background on your career, background in the arts, and your initial impression of the area and the school:

My initial interest in art was nurtured in the Saturday art classes for teenagers in the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey. While I have worked in museums and art schools for over 35 years this new job brings me back to the rare institution that is both a museum and an art school. As an artist/educator I have been lucky to work in great organizations including The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu and the Skowhegan Art Residency Program in Maine and now for the Boca Raton Museum of Art. For the past 15 years I managed the Educational Alliance Art School on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The alumni of this legendary community art school include Ben Shahn, Louise Nevelson, Mark Rothko as well as a few people who are currently students at the Boca Museum Art School.

I have worked in beautiful places, from Malibu to Maine, and each day I ride my bike to work I am astounded by the beauty of the vegetation and landscape of Palm Beach county and particularly Boca Raton. (I once quit a job after 3 months because the commute to work was ugly and depressing.)

As the director of the Boca Raton Museum Art School, can you tell us a little bit about the school and its goals?

Both the Museum and the Art School grew out of the original Artist’s Guild so our focus is on high quality art production. The Art School is a vibrant community art center with a dedicated faculty of accomplished artists. As a comprehensive art center we offer classes in a wide range of mediums and techniques, from stone carving to abstract painting and digital photography. Integral to the educational process and support of students, each student has the opportunity to exhibit in a group exhibit in our gallery.

What types of programs do you offer students?

We offer courses and special workshops for children teens and adults in drawing, jewelry, painting, photography, pottery and sculpture. This past year we started a special class for teens and adults with autism and during the summer we conduct a high energy creative art camp for children.

What ages are the programs open to?

We offer classes from age 5 and up

Do you have any plans for expansion of the programs offered?

Starting in the fall we will be increasing the number of beginning art classes such as “drawing for the absolute beginner” and most importantly we will be expanding our evening and weekend offerings to serve people who work during the day. I want to focus on our strengths and enrich our current offerings.

When do classes start and how does someone find information about the art school?

Summer adult classes start May 27;

Summer art camp for kids start June 9

Tell us a little bit about your faculty.

Artists are generous and want to share and teachers are naturally generous, so the combination of artist/ teacher is the best. Although I have been here only a few weeks I feel at home, working with faculty and sharing ideas to enrich the Art School. It is a great pleasure each day.

What makes the Boca Museum Art School special?

The faculty makes the art school special. Each instructor is an accomplished artist who works with the beginner student as well as pushes the experienced student to realize their full potential. Because there is limited enrollment in classes, teachers can provide individual guidance. A number of people who started as beginners just a few years ago have developed and are now exhibiting artists or members of the Artists’ Guild. The art studios become a second home to many students. They are at the school once or twice a week every week of the year.

What do you do for fun?

In New York I would visit a museum or gallery at least once a week. Now, in Florida, there is wealth of artists, exhibits, galleries and museums to discover. I have been riding my bicycle to work and plan to upgrade my bike so I can do longer rides.

What type of art do you create?

I am a painter. My most recent work has been small, intimate sized abstract oil paintings. For many years I practiced and taught traditional fresco painting which is the technique of painting with pigments on freshly prepared plaster as in the Renaissance murals of Giotto, Michelangelo and Raphael.

Is there anything else that you’d like to tell us?

I have not been to the ocean yet.

Here’s contact information for The Art School:

801 W. Palmetto Road, Boca Raton FL 33486

Telephone 561-392-2503

Visit bocamuseum.org/theartschool for information about upcoming art classes.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bocaschool

https://www.bocamuseum.org/artschool

email: artschool@bocamuseum.org

561-392-2503

30 April, 2014 0 Comments

Water Cooler Wednesday: In Praise of the 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

April 30, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Emmanuel St. Germain

We recently caught up with Emmanuel St. Germain, vice president at Choice Mortgage Bank in Boca Raton. A veteran mortgage broker, Emmanuel continually de-mystifies the mortgage process and guides clients to the appropriate loan program. Here are some of his thoughts regarding the advantages of a 30-year fixed mortgage.

With so many loan options today and varying interest rates why is it that the 30 year fixed rate mortgage is still the best option even for the financially savvy?

Due to the longer amortization schedule, you have the lowest possible payments without concern of them changing as would be the case with an adjustable rate loan or interest only option, etc. The lower payments provide for greater cash flow which allows you to invest your money in other areas such as investment vehicles that can earn a greater return than the current mortgage rates.
Mortgage interest is tax deductible; therefore a longer term mortgage provides greater tax shelter than a shorter-term mortgage at a lower rate.
Inflation is on the horizon and a 30-year loan is your best protection against that inflation. If inflation were to occur at a high rate, you would have fixed debt at a low rate with money market rates at higher rates thereby allowing you to repay your loan at a fraction of your earnings. If inflation does not occur, you are still in a position to allow higher investment vehicles to flourish with the cash flow saved. If rates drop, we just refinance again.

Every individual family has different needs, goals, and investment strategies. There is no single solution for everyone and therefore the most important part of obtaining your loan is understanding all of your options to guide you through your financial future.

Emmanuel St.Germain can be reached at 561 362-8204 or at Emmanuel@choicemtgbankers.com . Please visit www.choicemtgbank.com for more information.

14 April, 2014 0 Comments

Boca Rude? Yes, According to Foursquare

April 14, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Never seen in Boca…just saying

Just came across an interesting little study that solidly placed good old Boca Raton in the Top 20.

Hold on. It’s not for the best beaches, finest restaurants, or even for some of the top-notch golf courses.

Drum roll please….Boca Raton is ranked #12 in the world for being the “rudest.” Yup, that’s right. This is according to social media firm Foursquare. The list was based on the number of curse words used in random situations and recorded by people charged with infiltrating English speaking cities throughout the world.

Let’s have a big shout-out for Boca! Obviously, can’t say Jeff and I agree since we’ve had great experiences in the area we call home. Right Jeff? (Yes, Dave).

Here’s the full list. Please note some of the cities that aren’t on the list (i.e. New York). As a New York native, I never really understood that perception. New Yorkers are actually extremely friendly, as evidenced by your’s truly.
1. Manchester, U.K.
2. El Paso, Texas
3. Pittsburgh, Pa.
4. Bloomington, Ind.
5. Riverside, Ca.
6. Tempe, Ariz.
7. Scottsdale, Ariz.
8. Portland, Oregon
9. Venice, Ca.
10. Orange, Ca.

11. San Jose, Ca.
12. Boca Raton, Fla.
13. Culver City, Ca.
14. Fullerton, Ca.
15. Los Angeles, Ca.
16. Melbourne, Australia
17. Staten Island, N.Y.
18. Miami, Fla.
19. Boston, Ma.
20. Jacksonville, Fla.

Discuss?

9 April, 2014 1 Comment

Searching For The Next Big Thing: FAU Hosts Business Plan Competition

April 9, 2014 By David Reeves 1 Comment

Outback founder Tim Gannon will speak at FAU’s business plan competition. He was Inc. magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 1994

We live in the age of entrepreneurship and FAU will showcase hundreds of aspiring minds this week.

Florida Atlantic University’s 2014 Business Plan Competition will take place from Wednesday, April 9 through Friday, April 11 at the College of Business, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. The competition provides participants the opportunity to vet their business idea before a panel of successful entrepreneurs, early stage investors and venture capital principals. More than 250 teams have registered to compete with 16 teams advancing to the final round.

Final round teams in the FAU student track and entrepreneur track will compete for a share of more than $225,000 in cash and prizes to launch their business. The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University is the event’s presenting sponsor.

The event commences with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Investor Panel on Wednesday, April 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. in FAU’s Student Union, Live Oak Pavilion. The Investor Panel is the culmination of a 30-week program where students’ grades seven to 12 develop legitimate businesses and pitch to investors for seed-funding.

The Kick Off Reception and Elevator Pitch Event takes place on Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in FAU Stadium. The 16 final round teams each will present their 90-second elevator pitch. Reception guests have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite pitch. The winner will receive the $5,000 People’s Choice award sponsored by Office Depot.

Day three of the competition is Friday, April 11, and features business plan presentations from the FAU student and entrepreneur tracks from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room BU 120 in the College of Business and room OD 101 in FAU’s Office Depot Center for Executive Education.

The three-day event culminates with keynote speaker Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and chief executive officer of Palm Beach PDQ, on April 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. in room BU 120 in FAU’s College of Business. Gannon is the creator of the popular Bloomin’ Onion and owner of the Outback Polo team, the only team to win three consecutive U.S. Open championships and five championships overall. The competition awards ceremony will immediately follow Gannon’s keynote address. All events are open to FAU students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community.

2 April, 2014 0 Comments

Water Cooler Wednesday: How Do You Pick The Right Financial Advisor?

April 2, 2014 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Steve Fenyves

We asked Boca Financial Advisor Steve Fenyves to help our readers pick a financial advisor. As tax season comes to a head, we thought it would be a good time to seek advice on this important subject.

By Steve Fenyves

The question that is the title of this article is actually not a great question. It doesn’t go far enough. The question should be, “How do I choose the right financial advisor for me?

Each of us have different needs both financially and in what we want from the person who we are going to entrust with such a huge responsibility.

There are many different types of financial advisors. Many have different specialties, so first decide what you need from them.

Are you looking for someone to pick a few mutual funds for you? Do you want someone who specializes in life insurance or annuities? Do you need an overall financial plan or one to help you reach retirement? Are you already retired and want someone to help ensure that your money will last your lifetime? Is it your goal to maximize what you leave to your heirs?

Once you decide what it is you want you can begin to narrow down the type of financial advisor you want. Keep in mind that financial advisors are people too, and everyone has their own agenda. I don’t mean this as a bad thing. It’s just a fact. If you go to a surgeon, he or she will give you the surgical solution to a problem. They generally will not recommend a treatment plan that involves diet and exercise…it’s not what they do! Be sure to pick a financial advisor with the skills that match your needs.

If you have a portfolio of stocks, bonds and mutual funds, a professional specializing in insurance may not be the right advisor for you. If your concerns are limited to life insurance and annuities, then that same professional might be a good fit.

One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to remain objective. You don’t necessarily want the advisor who is the best salesman, the prettiest or the one who tells you how smart you are.

Ask him about his education. Does she have any professional designations? Is she a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)? These are two of the more recognized and meaningful designations. There are many other designations that don’t necessarily have such strict educational and ethical requirements, so do your homework or just stick with either a CFP® or a ChFC.

It can also be a good idea to ask your friends, relatives or your CPA if they can recommend someone who might fit your needs. If you do get a referral, call them and set up an appointment. It may not be important to you for the advisor to be local, but keep in mind that as you age, it might become more important to have someone to sit down with face to face and go through your finances.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as:

How do you get paid? Commissions? Fees? A combination of the two?

Will I be working with you or someone else on your staff?
What does your “typical” client look like? Am I a good fit for your practice?
How often would we meet?
If the advisor is recommending an annuity, ask, “How does this annuity fit in to my overall plan?” Since annuities generally tie your money up for at least several years, you need to be sure that you will have enough other money available if an emergency arises.
If you’re retired and drawing money throughout the year, you can ask them“What training do you have in income distribution planning?”

After you meet with a potential advisor, ask yourself if they seemed genuinely interested in learning about you and your personal situation or were they mostly talking about themselves to show you how smart they are? This may offer you an important clue as to how the advisor sees his clients.

These are only a few things to consider. In practice, there are good financial advisors who haven’t earned even a single designation. There are also those who have enough designations after their name to complete the whole alphabet-twice, but whose skills are lacking. However, by hiring an advisor who has taken the time and made the commitment to earn a respected designation, you are putting the odds of choosing a competent advisor more in your favor.

Steven Fenyves is a Certified Financial Planner™ and the founder of Valued Wealth Management Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a registered representative with Securities America, Inc. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Valued Wealth Management, Inc. and Securities America are unaffiliated. He can be reached at 561-392-4646 or at steven@valuedwealth.com.