giving thanks!
“ The advice and personal service I provide builds a long lasting, trusting, and confident relationship.” ~Anita Ritter
November—December, 2015
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! As always, if you have questions or suggestions, please contact us.
GIVING THANKS! As we approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the last year and how grateful I am for the people in my life: family, friends, clients, colleagues, and new acquaintances. I am hugely blessed by these relationships, and I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts. I am so grateful for the privilege of being a wife, mom, grandma, friend, and for Anita Ritter Financial moving forward. My five-year plan was to have a Sturgis office, in addition to my office in Kalamazoo, and things are coming together. Of course, I am grateful to my friend Sandy, who introduced me to Randy Verlin, who introduced me to Cambridge Investment Research and the opportunity to be independent over four years ago. It was the right move for me and for my clients. My Client Service Specialist, Jessica, and I are the perfect team and she values relationship as much as I do. Often, I leave a client meeting saying, “I love my clients!” In my 13 years as a financial advisor, I have had the opportunity to get to know some precious people and have been given the privilege of calling them my clients. I appreciate their trust and friendship so much. I will be opening a second office in Sturgis, sometime in the Spring 2016. I am trying to keep everyone informed on Facebook, so you might have seen some pictures posted. If you “Like” my page, you will get my updates. Life is good! And…this is another part of mine: My wonderful husband and I have three kids, all adults, and six grandsons ranging in age from one
year old (November 22) to eight years old (October 30). In the not-too-distant future, the plan is for our “clan” to be growing, as my stepson is engaged. My heart is so full… Most everyone who knows us is aware that we also have four dogs: Miah, Keesha (Siberian Huskies), Faith and Flo (Shih tzus). These are very much a part of our family and we cannot imagine life without our “fur babies.” Our friends enrich our lives as we have camped (or faux camped) together, had fish fries, card nights, worshipped together, and lent support whenever it is needed. This fall, we have been in project mode at our new (1960s) home. Many of our dear friends have worked hard, helping with our projects (We know that it might be our turn to help, soon.). This is an awesome experience, when we realize how sacrificially they are giving of themselves for us. Talk about a bonding experience! I have joined two organizations in the last couple of years that are a goldmine of amazing women. The Sturgis Junior Women’s League is a service organization focusing on working together to make a difference in our community. From decorating downtown for Fall to helping to prepare the cabins for activity in the spring at Camp Fort Hill, we also conduct fundraisers throughout the year and donate to various community charities. These ladies are all about giving of themselves. I am enjoying getting to know them. The Women’s Business Bureau in Kalamazoo is like nothing I’ve ever seen. We network, build relationships, give back to the community, and mentor young collegeaged women. We build one another up, look for opportunities to refer one another when appropriate, and have lots of fun in the process. (continued on page 2)
Life is indeed good! I hope you enjoy the rest of my newsletter while remembering today is always the time to show appreciation to those who are important to you. _______________________
Anita
This is a topic which is getting more regular attention, and from which I passionately desire to protect my clients…
Preventing Elder Finance Abuse Tip Sheet for Seniors and their Families Financial abuse of elders is a serious problem. One aspect of this type of financial abuse is particularly troubling: a sizeable portion of this abuse is committed by family members, or others close to the victims.. Did you know? • According to the Federal Trade Commission (2013), 22% of identity theft was committed by a family member… and another 26% by others close to them including friends, an employee in the home or a neighbor. • A study by AARP stated that roughly 60 percent of adult protective services (APS) cases of financial abuse nationwide involved an adult child of the elderly person (as reported in the JULY-AUGUST 2011|ABA BANK compliance magazine). • Bankrate.com reports that experts estimate between 60 to 90 percent of financial elder abuse is committed by family members. • It can happen to anyone. Just prior to his death, Mickey Rooney went public with his story of victimization at the hands of his stepson and his wife: www,cnbc.com/id/101568802#. What constitutes financial abuse of an elder? • Using the elder’s money or assets contrary to the elder’s needs, wishes or best interests – or for the abuser’s personal gain . • Fraudulently appropriating the elder’s identity for personal gain. Financial abuse is often committed by family members why? • Family members are in a “unique relationship of trust” with the victim . • They have an ongoing relationship that is not easily modified. • They have access - which allows them the ability to take control of money, information/records, property or assets.. • The elder may rely heavily on the family member for some type of assistance and/ or feel they don’t have other options. Abusers have a variety of motivations: • They may fear that the older family member will get sick and “use up” their savings or inheritance. • They may feel justified in taking what is “rightfully” or “almost” theirs..
• They may be “getting back” at an elder that they believe wronged them in the past . • They have rationalized that caring for the elder has become too stressful, burdensome and without reward, therefore deciding that they are entitled to some kind of “payback,” • They may feel desperate for some reason, such as being in deep debt. • Simple greed,. Other common characteristics of abusers: • Often depend on the victim for housing or other financial support (may excessively charge the elder excessive. fees for basic care services). • May have some kind of substance abuse problem or addiction that needs financial support. • Might promise “lifelong care” to the elder in exchange for money but may not follow through on this promise . • The abuser may try to explain away questions from the elder or other concerned family member or friend by saying that “they are just confused – I’m helping them” or “it’s not a problem, they just forgets things.” • May threaten the victim that if they don’t comply, they are going to put them in a nursing home . • The abuser may start to speak on behalf of the elder, even when they are present (not allowing them to take part in conversations or make decisions on their own). • The family member isolates the elder from other family members or friends . How does the abuse start? • Often it starts “small” – first there are missing funds or small personal possessions . • Abuse evolves into using an elder’s assets or possessions without permission. • The abuser sees opportunity and begins to gain access to personal documents, medical forms, tax, mortgage and investments paperwork; the abuser may also assume the elder’s identity. Who is victimized/lifestyle risks: • Elders who have cognitive impairments (memory, reasoning, judgment); Vulnerable adults who are too confused to give informed consent . • Elders that are isolated or have limited societal relationships/connections in the community . • Elders who have resources (Social Security, pensions, savings, real estate, investments, assets, insurance, etc.). • Elders who are intimidated by financial matters and are open to a family member taking over their financial affairs or assuming an oversight role. • Elders who rely on a family member for some type of care (housing, transportation, errands etc.). (continued on page 3)
Why does this fraud work? • Elders being victimized may “protect” the abuser, particularly if the abuser is a child or grandchild . • Elders are fearful of anyone knowing that they can’t manage on their own – for fear of being moved out of their Home. Tips for protecting yourself and preventing this type of financial abuse: • Plan ahead to protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are followed. • Consult with a licensed financial advisors or attorney before signing complex agreements or anything that you don’t understand . • Build relationships with professionals who are involved with your finances – they can assist in monitoring for suspicious activity. • Limit your use of cash (using checks and credit cards leaves a paper trail). • Trust your instincts and feel free to say “no.”Remember, it is your money . • If you think someone close to you is pressuring you for info/access to your finances – report it to another family member or friend . • Always ask for details in writing and get second opinions before changing your power of attorney, wills, trusts etc.. . Tips for caregivers, friends or Relatives: Do you suspect an elder may be experiencing financial abuse? Here are some warning signs: • Unpaid bills when funds to pay them should be readily available • Unexplained disappearance of funds or household items. • Abrupt changes in their will, Trust, insurance or other financial documents . • Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming they have a right to funds •Sudden or unexplained transfers of assets . • Fear or anxiety when discussing finances; an unwillingness to talk . • Increased activity on credit/debit/ATM cards . • Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities . • The elder seems confused about recent financial arrangements/changes. Where to report financial exploitation of elders: Michigan Statewide 24-Hour Hotline: 1-855-444-3911 Indiana State Hotline: 1-800-992-6978 Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) Thank you to Better Business Bureau for allowing the reprinting fo this article (www.bbb.org).
Anita’s Fudge Many of you ask about my fudge…I’ve decided to share our family’s recipe! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy making and giving it away! 3 sticks butter or margarine 6 cups sugar 1 1/3 cups evaporated milk Mix in large sauce pan and heat on high until boiling. Reduce heat and insert candy thermometer. Let simmer, stirring occasionally until thermometer reads “soft ball” (234°). Remove from heat. Add 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tsp vanilla Nuts as desired 16 oz jar marshmallow fluff Note: peanut butter, white chocolate, or milk chocolate, chips may be substituted for the semi-sweet chips. Mix well. Pour into greased 9 x 12 pan. If you like your fudge thinner, you could pour into a normal sized cookie sheet. Cool completely before cutting.
______________
We are so excited… Sometime this coming spring, we will be moving into our office in Sturgis, Michigan! We are opening an office closer to home, and will be in on the beginning stages of Moso Village, a new development in downtown Sturgis (http://www.mosovillage.com/MosoVillage/Home. html)! While I will maintain a presence in our wonderful Kalamazoo office and meet my “northern” clients there, much of my time will be in the Sturgis office. Jessica will be working from Sturgis as well. We will offer the same client service and financial advice as we currently do! You can still call our Kalamazoo number during business hours: (269-492-9701 or 888-574-8279): I am always available to my clients directly at 269-625-4367. Jessica can be reached at 269-501-0745. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our upcoming office. We will be announcing an open house once settled, and we welcome you to visit our new digs!
What’s on your horizon??
The time to start planning your financial future is today!
Face-to-Face Business Financial Planning Retirement Planning College Funding
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Anita Ritter Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated.
ANITA RITTER FINANCIAL 2632 SOUTH 11TH STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49009 PH: 269.492.9701 269-625-4367.
Be sure to check out our new website! www.anitaritterfinancial.com
November—December, 2015
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! As always, if you have questions or suggestions, please contact us.
GIVING THANKS! As we approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the last year and how grateful I am for the people in my life: family, friends, clients, colleagues, and new acquaintances. I am hugely blessed by these relationships, and I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts. I am so grateful for the privilege of being a wife, mom, grandma, friend, and for Anita Ritter Financial moving forward. My five-year plan was to have a Sturgis office, in addition to my office in Kalamazoo, and things are coming together. Of course, I am grateful to my friend Sandy, who introduced me to Randy Verlin, who introduced me to Cambridge Investment Research and the opportunity to be independent over four years ago. It was the right move for me and for my clients. My Client Service Specialist, Jessica, and I are the perfect team and she values relationship as much as I do. Often, I leave a client meeting saying, “I love my clients!” In my 13 years as a financial advisor, I have had the opportunity to get to know some precious people and have been given the privilege of calling them my clients. I appreciate their trust and friendship so much. I will be opening a second office in Sturgis, sometime in the Spring 2016. I am trying to keep everyone informed on Facebook, so you might have seen some pictures posted. If you “Like” my page, you will get my updates. Life is good! And…this is another part of mine: My wonderful husband and I have three kids, all adults, and six grandsons ranging in age from one
year old (November 22) to eight years old (October 30). In the not-too-distant future, the plan is for our “clan” to be growing, as my stepson is engaged. My heart is so full… Most everyone who knows us is aware that we also have four dogs: Miah, Keesha (Siberian Huskies), Faith and Flo (Shih tzus). These are very much a part of our family and we cannot imagine life without our “fur babies.” Our friends enrich our lives as we have camped (or faux camped) together, had fish fries, card nights, worshipped together, and lent support whenever it is needed. This fall, we have been in project mode at our new (1960s) home. Many of our dear friends have worked hard, helping with our projects (We know that it might be our turn to help, soon.). This is an awesome experience, when we realize how sacrificially they are giving of themselves for us. Talk about a bonding experience! I have joined two organizations in the last couple of years that are a goldmine of amazing women. The Sturgis Junior Women’s League is a service organization focusing on working together to make a difference in our community. From decorating downtown for Fall to helping to prepare the cabins for activity in the spring at Camp Fort Hill, we also conduct fundraisers throughout the year and donate to various community charities. These ladies are all about giving of themselves. I am enjoying getting to know them. The Women’s Business Bureau in Kalamazoo is like nothing I’ve ever seen. We network, build relationships, give back to the community, and mentor young collegeaged women. We build one another up, look for opportunities to refer one another when appropriate, and have lots of fun in the process. (continued on page 2)
Life is indeed good! I hope you enjoy the rest of my newsletter while remembering today is always the time to show appreciation to those who are important to you. _______________________
Anita
This is a topic which is getting more regular attention, and from which I passionately desire to protect my clients…
Preventing Elder Finance Abuse Tip Sheet for Seniors and their Families Financial abuse of elders is a serious problem. One aspect of this type of financial abuse is particularly troubling: a sizeable portion of this abuse is committed by family members, or others close to the victims.. Did you know? • According to the Federal Trade Commission (2013), 22% of identity theft was committed by a family member… and another 26% by others close to them including friends, an employee in the home or a neighbor. • A study by AARP stated that roughly 60 percent of adult protective services (APS) cases of financial abuse nationwide involved an adult child of the elderly person (as reported in the JULY-AUGUST 2011|ABA BANK compliance magazine). • Bankrate.com reports that experts estimate between 60 to 90 percent of financial elder abuse is committed by family members. • It can happen to anyone. Just prior to his death, Mickey Rooney went public with his story of victimization at the hands of his stepson and his wife: www,cnbc.com/id/101568802#. What constitutes financial abuse of an elder? • Using the elder’s money or assets contrary to the elder’s needs, wishes or best interests – or for the abuser’s personal gain . • Fraudulently appropriating the elder’s identity for personal gain. Financial abuse is often committed by family members why? • Family members are in a “unique relationship of trust” with the victim . • They have an ongoing relationship that is not easily modified. • They have access - which allows them the ability to take control of money, information/records, property or assets.. • The elder may rely heavily on the family member for some type of assistance and/ or feel they don’t have other options. Abusers have a variety of motivations: • They may fear that the older family member will get sick and “use up” their savings or inheritance. • They may feel justified in taking what is “rightfully” or “almost” theirs..
• They may be “getting back” at an elder that they believe wronged them in the past . • They have rationalized that caring for the elder has become too stressful, burdensome and without reward, therefore deciding that they are entitled to some kind of “payback,” • They may feel desperate for some reason, such as being in deep debt. • Simple greed,. Other common characteristics of abusers: • Often depend on the victim for housing or other financial support (may excessively charge the elder excessive. fees for basic care services). • May have some kind of substance abuse problem or addiction that needs financial support. • Might promise “lifelong care” to the elder in exchange for money but may not follow through on this promise . • The abuser may try to explain away questions from the elder or other concerned family member or friend by saying that “they are just confused – I’m helping them” or “it’s not a problem, they just forgets things.” • May threaten the victim that if they don’t comply, they are going to put them in a nursing home . • The abuser may start to speak on behalf of the elder, even when they are present (not allowing them to take part in conversations or make decisions on their own). • The family member isolates the elder from other family members or friends . How does the abuse start? • Often it starts “small” – first there are missing funds or small personal possessions . • Abuse evolves into using an elder’s assets or possessions without permission. • The abuser sees opportunity and begins to gain access to personal documents, medical forms, tax, mortgage and investments paperwork; the abuser may also assume the elder’s identity. Who is victimized/lifestyle risks: • Elders who have cognitive impairments (memory, reasoning, judgment); Vulnerable adults who are too confused to give informed consent . • Elders that are isolated or have limited societal relationships/connections in the community . • Elders who have resources (Social Security, pensions, savings, real estate, investments, assets, insurance, etc.). • Elders who are intimidated by financial matters and are open to a family member taking over their financial affairs or assuming an oversight role. • Elders who rely on a family member for some type of care (housing, transportation, errands etc.). (continued on page 3)
Why does this fraud work? • Elders being victimized may “protect” the abuser, particularly if the abuser is a child or grandchild . • Elders are fearful of anyone knowing that they can’t manage on their own – for fear of being moved out of their Home. Tips for protecting yourself and preventing this type of financial abuse: • Plan ahead to protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are followed. • Consult with a licensed financial advisors or attorney before signing complex agreements or anything that you don’t understand . • Build relationships with professionals who are involved with your finances – they can assist in monitoring for suspicious activity. • Limit your use of cash (using checks and credit cards leaves a paper trail). • Trust your instincts and feel free to say “no.”Remember, it is your money . • If you think someone close to you is pressuring you for info/access to your finances – report it to another family member or friend . • Always ask for details in writing and get second opinions before changing your power of attorney, wills, trusts etc.. . Tips for caregivers, friends or Relatives: Do you suspect an elder may be experiencing financial abuse? Here are some warning signs: • Unpaid bills when funds to pay them should be readily available • Unexplained disappearance of funds or household items. • Abrupt changes in their will, Trust, insurance or other financial documents . • Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming they have a right to funds •Sudden or unexplained transfers of assets . • Fear or anxiety when discussing finances; an unwillingness to talk . • Increased activity on credit/debit/ATM cards . • Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities . • The elder seems confused about recent financial arrangements/changes. Where to report financial exploitation of elders: Michigan Statewide 24-Hour Hotline: 1-855-444-3911 Indiana State Hotline: 1-800-992-6978 Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) Thank you to Better Business Bureau for allowing the reprinting fo this article (www.bbb.org).
Anita’s Fudge Many of you ask about my fudge…I’ve decided to share our family’s recipe! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy making and giving it away! 3 sticks butter or margarine 6 cups sugar 1 1/3 cups evaporated milk Mix in large sauce pan and heat on high until boiling. Reduce heat and insert candy thermometer. Let simmer, stirring occasionally until thermometer reads “soft ball” (234°). Remove from heat. Add 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tsp vanilla Nuts as desired 16 oz jar marshmallow fluff Note: peanut butter, white chocolate, or milk chocolate, chips may be substituted for the semi-sweet chips. Mix well. Pour into greased 9 x 12 pan. If you like your fudge thinner, you could pour into a normal sized cookie sheet. Cool completely before cutting.
______________
We are so excited… Sometime this coming spring, we will be moving into our office in Sturgis, Michigan! We are opening an office closer to home, and will be in on the beginning stages of Moso Village, a new development in downtown Sturgis (http://www.mosovillage.com/MosoVillage/Home. html)! While I will maintain a presence in our wonderful Kalamazoo office and meet my “northern” clients there, much of my time will be in the Sturgis office. Jessica will be working from Sturgis as well. We will offer the same client service and financial advice as we currently do! You can still call our Kalamazoo number during business hours: (269-492-9701 or 888-574-8279): I am always available to my clients directly at 269-625-4367. Jessica can be reached at 269-501-0745. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our upcoming office. We will be announcing an open house once settled, and we welcome you to visit our new digs!
What’s on your horizon??
The time to start planning your financial future is today!
Face-to-Face Business Financial Planning Retirement Planning College Funding
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Anita Ritter Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated.
ANITA RITTER FINANCIAL 2632 SOUTH 11TH STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49009 PH: 269.492.9701 269-625-4367.
Be sure to check out our new website! www.anitaritterfinancial.com
