"Why save it when you can spend it?"

     Setting a little money aside now to plan for a comfortable retirement later can often feel like a scary thing. Face it, none of us have  been properly educated on saving in the past or present, let alone the future. We've all been educated on how to spend money. In fact, we started being educated way back when we were kids.
     I remember going to the store with my mom and going down the cereal aisle. I would tug at her skirt to buy a particular brand of cereal because of the cool toy inside. Likewise, back in the late sixties and early seventies gas stations not only catered to mom and dad by filling up their tank, washing the car windshield and checking the oil without anyone getting out of the car, but they also catered to kids by offering some neat gizmo  along with a "fill-up." By the time college rolled around most of us had the coolest stereo system, a car and clothes. That's what we learned about money- how to spend it, not save it.
     Fast forward 30,35 or 40 years later.  Nothing much has changed. Sure technology has exploded, but so has everyone's personal debt. Take time to set a little money aside now. Learn to save rather than spend. Earn interest rather than pay interest. Like having a baby, there is never a convenient time to do it. But in doing so you'll be well on the way to a comfortable retirement rather than an uncomfortable alternative. 

Get a pay raise? Shelter it from taxes

Several school districts have either approved or are in negotiations for pay increases for both classified and certificated employees. Depending on your pay, this could mean hundreds of extra dollars each month in addition to "retro" pay. Taxes will take a considerable portion of the pay raise, so why not add to your 403b, thus keeping your taxes low, earn high er interest, and build your retirement savings that much faster? Do you know a school employee who isn't contributing? Let us know and we can help. 

A hearse pulling a u-haul?
  Picture this: You are driving and come to a stop light. Pulling right up alongside of you in the other lane is a hearse. You then notice a u-haul hooked on behind it. Sound crazy? Well, that's how many of us look at planning for the future and even that time when we inevitably pass on. The bottom line is "you can't take it with you." Recently I was talking to a client and she asked if I offer life insurance. I thought by now everyone would know that in addition to offering 403b's, IRA's, Roth IRA's and other savings plans for the past 22 years that yes, we have also offered life insurance. Life insurance these days not only offers a tax-free death benefit to your family upon your death, but also tax-free retirement income to you while you live! In addition, it includes long-term and critical illness (heart attack, cancer, stroke, etc.) benefits at no extra charge! Contact us for more information.

Earn a 5% interest bonus on each deposit for 7 years!

If you're not already getting a 5% interest bonus on your money, now may be the time to start. Introducing the Paramount 5 which credits you a 5% interest bonus on each deposit you make into your 403b, IRA ,ROTH, or SEP IRA. You will also be credited additional interest based on the S&P 500 and a fixed interest account.

"Community Partners" wanted

Do you (or someone you know) have a small business and would like to give back to the community? If so, we want you as a part of our Community Partner Network program. This network of individuals and business owners will donate time and services to schools and organizations throughout the community. In exchange, the business will receive free advertising and promotional recognition. It may be donating items for a school carnival or canned-food to a homeless shelter. If interested, or if you know someone who would be, please contact us.