What is Keeping You Up at Night?

By Yvonne Marsh, CPA

If you are anything like me, it seems like the world is moving at breakneck speed, and it is hard to keep up with the daily demands of life, much less ponder your and your family’s financial future. That is, until your head hits the pillow and the house is quiet. Then the uncertainties start to swirl in your mind:

• Will I have enough money to send my kids to college?
• Will we have enough money to live on if I or my husband can’t work because we get seriously injured?
• Am I investing enough for retirement?
• Is my “nest egg” invested wisely? What if I run out of money after I retire?
• Should I buy long term care insurance? It seems expensive, but is it worth it?
• What will I do if my spouse dies? Do we even have enough life insurance?

It’s a small miracle you get any sleep! But these are just a few of the nagging questions most of us ask ourselves on a frequent basis before our fast-paced lives push them to the back burner once again.

The solution, though, is easier, faster, and less expensive than you might think. At Marsh Professional Group, we have created a process we call building your “Financial Foundation.” It quickly zooms in on your current financial strengths and weaknesses so we can build on what you are doing well while strengthening any cracks in your foundation. Because we are CPA’s and also partner with an estate attorney, we can address your entire financial world with one comprehensive approach – from tax minimization and smart, conservative investment options to retirement planning, wills, and spousal survival, we provide the answers to all of your nagging questions. You are left with the certainty and peace of mind you and your family deserve.

As part of our “Financial Foundation” process, we create a unique custom binder that is yours to keep. It reflects your complete financial world – bank accounts, investments, debts, insurance policies, retirement plans, wills, and estate planning documents, just to name a few. Not only does it allow you to keep track of how you are doing, but just imagine what a relief it would be to a surviving spouse or adult children to have all of this information gathered in one spot and up to date.

We also provide a Survivor’s Checklist as an invaluable tool to help with the many financial decisions that must be made at the loss of a loved one. This is especially important for you wives and moms (and this includes me), because the fact is that most of us will outlive our spouses, requiring us to be the financial head of the household at some point in our lives, if we are not already.

Truly, building your “Financial Foundation” is an absolute necessity that no individual, couple, or family should live without.

To learn more, I encourage you to call me today. It’s time to put those financial worries to rest and get a good night’s sleep! You’ve earned it.

Marsh Professional Group, LLC
404 Ebenezer Road
Knoxville, TN 37923
865.622.2162
www.marshpros.com

American Trust Bank of East Tennessee

“Right By You”

It comes as no surprise that, since 2007, the nation has been preoccupied with economic matters. Whether it’s been housing, the auto industry, Wall Street, you name it, it doesn’t appear that any sector of our economy has escaped one of the longest and deepest of American recessions in recent memory.

While we have seen recent improvements in a variety of economic areas of our economy, much work remains to be done. Banking is no exception.

American Trust Bank of East Tennessee stands as an example of such an institution committed to restoring the trust in banking for individuals and businesses, the nation’s best hope for the future, by always doing what’s “right by you.” American Trust has at its core a team of banking professionals who represent more than 650 years of combined banking experience. But the American Trust experience goes far beyond just their knowledgeable bankers. Each member of the American Trust team lives in your community. They live where you live, their children attend school where your children attend, and they worship where you worship.


The American Trust team takes the time to understand your precise needs before recommending just the right solution. Unlike most banks, whose decision makers are located in other cities and states, at American Trust, decisions are made locally by professionals who understand your unique circumstances. Whether an individual or business client, customers appreciate the fact that American Trust Bank is also locally and privately owned.

So just what’s different at American Trust? How about:

• Four convenient locations
• Free ATM service worldwide
• Online & mobile banking
• The ability to deposit checks from nearly everywhere

And that’s just for starters.

Innovative services, unparalleled expertise, and a commitment to always do what’s “right by you” offers East Tennesseans the reassurance needed to restore the American Trust in banking. Individual and small business friendly, American Trust Bank is committed to the security and prosperity of our community.


American Trust Bank of East Tennessee
www.atbanktn.com

5426 Homberg Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.588.1500

256 Medical Park Drive
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865.986.7880

Collage-A-Pet Your Pet

By Heather Wolfe Smith

As any pet lover will tell you, our four-legged friends bring us great joy while offering unconditional love and companionship. They become a part of the family!

That’s why I founded Collage-A-Pet. I’ve combined my passion for art with my desire to help people celebrate the important role their furry friend has in their lives, be it today or in a cherished memory. All too often, people have special photos tucked away in boxes or in photo books on the shelf. At Collage-A-Pet, I work with pet owners to create a larger than life, customized portrait of their pet that serves as a loving reminder of their pet and true piece of art.

Those who see Collage-A-Pets in person can’t help but glide their fingers across the textured surface, wondering what it’s made of. The answer is simple: paper! To be more specific, we use high-end exotic fibers from all around the world. We also use woods, metals, ropes, fabrics, paints, ribbons, faux fur, feathers, yarn, glitter, pet toys… anything I think will make each specific collage very special for each pet owner.

Who do you know that would cherish a collage of their pet? Your mom’s cat and best friend as a child, you and your spouse’s first “kid” before children, or perhaps the dog your kids are making memories with today… the list is endless. I’d be honored to help you create your own legacy collage. Learn more about creating your custom pet portrait at www.collageapet.com!

Collage-A-Pet
865.567.4159
www.collageapet.com

“In business for yourself, but not by yourself”

By Suzanne Saah

As a woman and experienced, licensed cosmetologist, I’ve visited numerous salons over the years, and as an entrepreneur, I’ve always enjoyed interacting with stylists and other salon professionals. Each person I’ve spoken with has shared their personal story and oftentimes their hopes for the future.

Many professionals have shared their hopes of owning their own business in the future. With two out of every three new businesses starting today being launched by women, the hopes of owning their own business is escalating.

The major reasons cited for not starting their own business is usually high startup costs and a lack of marketing expertise. That’s why I created Saah Salon Suites, an upscale, European-inspired salon that offers stylists and other salon professionals the opportunity to achieve their dream of self-employment without all the high startup costs associated with launching a new salon. At Saah Salon Suites, we also combine 25 years of salon experience and the necessary level of marketing support to help you achieve your personal objectives.

Saah Salon Suites is an entirely new concept for salon professionals that offers would-be entrepreneurs the opportunity to be “in business for yourself, but not by yourself.” With minimal startup costs and business support, Saah Salon Suites makes perfect sense for any salon professional wishing to launch their own salon, where they can keep 100% of all revenue earned.


Saah Salon Suites, Knoxville’s premier salon provider located at 8915 George Williams Road, is searching for beauty professionals looking to achieve their own dream of freedom and financial independence that only self-employment offers. We offer stylists and their clients a luxury salon experience, which allows each stylist the opportunity to operate their very own customized salon with personalized products and services.

If you are a stylist or other salon professional that is seeking independence, or if you know someone who is, call me today for a confidential consultation. Available space is limited.

You may just be one phone call away from personal and financial independence. Call 865-705-5234 today!

Saah Salon Suites
8915 George Williams Road
Knoxville, TN 37923
865.705.5234
www.saahsalonsuites.com

Knoxville is Barkin’ on Sunshine!

Local dog lovers raise more than $75,000 for Morris Animal Foundation and their fight against canine cancer

Last month, more than five hundred Knoxville area dog lovers rallied together to fight canine cancer at the annual PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk benefiting Morris Animal Foundation, a non-profit organization that invests in science that advances veterinary care for animals. The walk raised more than $50,000, and combined with the recent money raised at the PetSafe Black Tie and Tails Gala, more than $75,000 was raised for canine health research.

“Knoxville is one of the most welcoming communities in the nation,” said Kate O’Brien, senior event specialist with Morris Animal Foundation. “Everyone really cares about their community, and that includes helping their dogs live longer, healthier lives. Morris Animal Foundation would like to thank the dog-loving community in East Tennessee and the team at PetSafe for taking a stand against this horrible disease.”

Sadly, cancer is a disease that touches many of us. Canine cancer is the number one cause of death of dogs over the age of two. About 50 percent of dogs will develop the disease in their lifetime, and one in four will die from it.

You too can join Morris Animal Foundation in finding a cure. Simply visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/petsafewalk and donate today.

To learn more about the PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk and to see who won top team honors, visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Photo Credit: ©Doug Folmar

Reverse Mortgages
You’ve heard the rumors… now get the facts.

Is a FHA insured reverse mortgage right for you? Your parents? Your grandparents? Perhaps. While reverse mortgages don’t make sense for every homeowner, they are a versatile and powerful financial tool that any retiree should know about. Unfortunately, there are many more rumors than facts circulating about reverse mortgages. Here are some facts to consider.

» Our nation has experienced an unprecedented financial crisis over the past five years.

» Most of us have been adversely impacted by this economic calamity, including declining investment portfolios and home values, job losses, slow economic growth, and lowered expectations for the future.

» Americans are realigning their future goals with their new reality for the future and are searching for solutions and alternatives to help them recover.

That’s why Americans age 62 or older need to understand and consider all of their options for retirement planning, and one of the most powerful, and most misunderstood, is the FHA reverse mortgage.

The rumor mill has been steadily turning out information. Some information has been accurate and some highly inaccurate. Many that might have benefitted from a reverse mortgage have instead substituted fiction for fact, choosing to ignore this option that may eliminate mortgage payments and provide access to additional tax free income for the rest of their lives.

“It’s unfortunate that this amazing program, offered by HUD/FHA, is so misunderstood,” says Kim Mizer, Reverse Mortgage Specialist with FirstBank. “It’s so versatile and affordable and can provide valuable options, but many dismiss it without even taking time to get the facts or understand how it actually works. My goal is to educate people about today’s FHA reverse mortgage, so they can evaluate it for themselves as one tool in retirement and life planning.”

Here are several reverse mortgage myths to consider:
• With a reverse mortgage, the lender owns my home – FALSE
• My children won’t have an option to keep my home if I die – FALSE
• I can’t quality if I have an existing mortgage – FALSE
• Only low income seniors qualify or can benefit – FALSE
• I can be forced out of my home if I outlive my life expectancy – FALSE
• I must have a good credit score to qualify – FALSE

These are just a few of the reverse mortgage myths which exist. Doesn’t it make sense to get the facts from a local resource who specializes only in reverse mortgages? It might just provide the peace of mind that you, your mom, or grandmother deserve.

For more information, contact Kim Mizer, Reverse Mortgage Specialist, at FirstBank. A Knoxville resident, put Kim’s more than two decades of mortgage experience to work for you today. Kim’s motto is “no pressure, just information.” Call 423-677-7877 or email kmizer@firstbankonline.com.

FirstBank – Kim Mizer
423.677.7877
kmizer@firstbankonline.com
NMLS#891935

Estate Planning
Designing the Legacy You Envision
By F. Clark Denton

The term estate planning means different things to different people. One meaning of estate planning is the creation of a legacy. This involves the accumulation of assets during your lifetime.

A second aspect of estate planning is the process of determining who should inherit your assets and how they should inherit them. This step involves making personal choices and can involve drafting legal documents such as wills and trusts to communicate those wishes.

Finally, estate planning can mean devising plans to reduce or eliminate federal and/or state income, estate or inheritance taxes. It may also involve utilizing strategies that help pay any taxes due from the transfer of assets.

When it comes to something as important as planning for the disposition and preservation of your assets, you’ll want to partner with a team of professionals and a company that can help coordinate a sound estate plan. It’s important to be able to trust the members of your team to listen to your concerns and help make informed decisions.

The next step is to evaluate your present and future needs and desires, as well as those of family members. It may be helpful to make a list reflecting these aspirations. This list constitutes the basic building blocks for creating an estate plan. If you’ve already created a plan, compare it to these current concerns to see if the plan adequately meets them.

Important Points to Consider in Planning Your Estate

1. Will: Have you made a will and been diligent in updating it to keep it consistent with current objectives and family changes?

2. Power of Attorney: Has sound management of assets been arranged if you’re no longer able to perform this function?

3. Health Care Proxy: In the event of terminal illness, has health care been considered? Have you created a living will or health care proxy?

4. Property Distribution and Trusts: How will the distribution of property under the current estate plan affect your family? Will assets passing to beneficiaries be prudently managed?

5. Life Insurance: Has life insurance been purchased to meet your estate planning objectives? Have the benefits of irrevocable trusts been considered?

6. Charitable Giving: Does the current plan take advantage of charitable giving in order to support those causes most meaningful to you?

7. Business Interests: If you own a business, is the current plan designed to carry out your wishes regarding the succession or transfer of the business?

8. Preserving Wealth: Do you anticipate having a large enough estate to be subject to estate tax? If so, how does the current plan provide funding for this tax liability?

To learn how to live your dream, how to protect, accumulate, and transfer wealth now and in the future, and to plan for the “if” in your life, I encourage you to contact me.

Be free to live life, your way.

Denton Financial Group 
An office of MetLife
412 Ebenezer Road in Knoxville 
683-A Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge 
1780 N. Broad Street in Tazewell
865.483.7909

www.clarkdenton.metlife.com

The Spirit of an East Tennessee Dog Lives On
By Tina M. Martinez

Betsy’s story is like that of so many East Tennessee dogs. She loved the outdoors. She would often join her owner, Jay Clark, on his duck-hunting adventures and backpacking trips. And although she had battled arthritis for many years, her favorite thing to do was to swim alongside his boat, especially in the Elk River.

But five months ago, Betsy’s life was claimed by cancer, a disease that no family is ever prepared for. This disease is one that touches many of us – that is why Betsy’s forever companions, Stacy and Jay Clark, have teamed up with Morris Animal Foundation and PetSafe to raise awareness about canine cancer. By sharing their story, they hope to help find a cure for this horrible disease.

Betsy had always been full of energy, so when the Clarks received news from their dog sitter that Betsy wasn’t acting like her typical active self, they knew something was wrong. From there, it didn’t take long for x-rays to confirm that Betsy had cancer.

After four rounds of chemotherapy and a tough decision to amputate her leg, it was nothing short of a miracle that Betsy gained back her independence and was back to being her active self. She played with her canine brothers, NEWP and Indy, like nothing had happened. But things took a turn for the worse at the beginning of April. As Betsy’s body started to shut down, the Clarks knew it was time to let her go.

On the day they laid her to rest on a hillside on their property, they lost a part of their hearts. But her spirit is still very much alive, and the Clarks have made it their mission to share their story with other dog lovers and to support canine cancer research.

The Clarks invite you to join them as they take a stand against canine cancer at the PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk on Sunday, September 23, at the Cove at Concord Park. The event will benefit Morris Animal Foundation, the global leader in funding research to help prevent, treat, and cure cancer in dogs. Additional details can be found at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/petsafewalk.