Collin County Living Well Magazine November/December 2016 | Page 36

Compelling Advice
for You and Your Money
By John J. Checki Jr. and John J. “J. J.” Checki III

W

ouldn’t it be great fun and so comforting to
have a way to get some good advice about
money? Here’s hoping you find this brief article helpful and that it moves you to take action.

All financial success begins with spending less money than
we make. Spend more than we make, whoops we are going broke two ways: quickly and slowly. Let’s address this

situation head on, shall we? Spending less equates into
saving and investing. Let’s consider making it automatic,
pre-tax, and tax deferred. If we are employed, we may be
blessed with a 401k. Sign up for at least 10%, enjoy the
tax deferral and perhaps even an employer match.
What is so special about all that? Glad you asked; the
match is free money, the pre-tax is based on average tax
rates of about $0.80 for $1 of investment. Translation? If I
invest $1 and have an average rate of federal income tax,
it may only reduce the take home pay by $0.80. Be sure to
consult with your individual tax professional and do your
research. It is automatically tax deferred until you withdraw
the money, and pay the tax, with growth potential over time
amplified by the tax deferral (not paying the tax on divi-

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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

dends and gains, until they are withdrawn). You might also
automatically have some of your paycheck deposited into a
savings account. That could be a nice step to accumulate a
cash reserve to meet your opportunities and emergencies.
Opportunities? New investment, business, travel, and adventures. Emergencies? Hail damage, medical, hot water
heater…
Let’s say we are a little further on down the financial security and independence road. We
have a cash reserve and we are concerned
about our 401ks, IRAs, investment accounts,
real estate holdings, collections, and other investments. Okay, lovely, we prefer helping you
at this stage. Once we have seven figures or
so of investable assets, doesn’t it make sense
to look into some profession help? A proven
track record, and a passion for you and your
situation, and ongoing world class service? I
hope so!
How on earth is this done and why? Golly,
step one is investment consulting in our process because it is what interests our clients
first. After a thorough evaluation of what you
are doing, we can then take a schooled look
at you and your investment situation. We,
meaning all of us, now will have a better understanding of what is and what is not doing
a good job for you and is within your risk
tolerance, and in line with putting you in a position to continue to work toward your goals in
your desired time frame.
Once that evaluation is complete, recommendations can be
made. Should you continue on your current path with your
team that is in place? Are changes necessary to pull down
on the potential risk and reward relationship, and reposition your wealth to pursue your hopes, dreams, and carry
out your legacy plans?
Yet Our Wealth Management Process, profiled next
page, is clearly stated and is prominently displayed on our
web site, www.johncheckijr.com.
Securities are offered through Securities America Inc., member FINRA and SIPC, Advisor
services offered through Securities America Advisors., an SEC Registered Investment
Advisor.John J. Checki Jr, CFP, Representative.This is not a CPA Firm.