This document provides a comprehensive guide for Raymond James clients to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding financial services and investing. It includes sections on investment risks, diversification, fees and costs, mutual funds, annuities, research reports, prospectuses, and services available. The guide encourages clients to communicate regularly with their financial advisor and read all documentation to make informed financial decisions.
Spectrum Financial Services: Things You Should Know About Us and FAQsfsplanners
Spectrum is an independent financial planning firm owned by Bill Elson, CFP® that provides fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services through VSR Financial Services, Inc. In addition to investments, Spectrum counsels clients on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, education funding, and risk management while taking a planning-focused rather than transaction-based approach. VSR is regulated by FINRA and the SEC and Spectrum has no sales quotas, product manufacturing, or parent company influencing their recommendations.
Alternative Structures- PO Financing, Factoring & MCA (Series: Business Borro...Financial Poise
Purchase-order financing (P/O financing) is a type of asset-based loan designed to extend credit to a company that needs cash quickly, to fill a customer order. A company may operate with such a small amount of working capital that it cannot afford to pay the cost of producing a customer’s order. P/O financing enables such a company to not turn away business, by borrowing from a lender using the purchase order itself as collateral to support a loan.
Factoring is one of the oldest forms of business financing. Note that the term is “financing” rather than “loan” because factoring is not actually a loan. In a typical factoring arrangement, the company needing financing makes a sale, delivers the product or service and generates an invoice. The factor (the funding source) then purchases the right to collect on that invoice by agreeing to pay the company in need of financing the amount of the invoice minus a discount.
MCA lending is, in summary, an advance on a company’s sales. Financing through a merchant cash advance (MCA) is used mostly by companies that accept credit and debit cards for most of their sales, typically retailers and restaurants. The concept is this: funder purchases a portion of the company’s future credit card receivables for a discounted lump sum. The MCA funder receives the purchased credit card receivables as they are generated either by taking a percentage of the company’s daily credit card proceeds or by debiting a certain amount of funds from the company’s bank account. Depending on the risk profile of the company, it can be a more expensive form of financing for a business compared to other types of financing.
What these three things have in common is that they are each a type of “alternative lending.” Alternative to what? To the type of loan a company can get from a “regulated” commercial bank. This webinar explains these types of financing arrangements, what to consider before entering into them, and provides some tips on how to negotiate them.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/alternative-structures-po-financing-factoring-mca-2020/
Basic Concepts Applicable to All Borrowers & Lenders (Series: Business Borrow...Financial Poise
A business borrows when it purchases goods or services on credit. And a small business may only “borrow” money in this fashion. At the other extreme is a large business with multiple lending facilities, with multiple lenders. Regardless, and regardless of the type of loan (i.e. cash flow, asset-based, etc.), many of the concepts are the same. This webinar arms the attendee with the basic vocabulary necessary to negotiate any type of loan.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/basic-concepts-applicable-to-all-borrowers-lenders-2020/
Sources of finance for Oil,Gas and Petroleum companies.Harish Manchala
This document summarizes various sources of finance available to oil, gas, and petroleum companies. It discusses internal sources like profits, customers, and suppliers. It also outlines various external sources of equity and debt finance, including short, medium, and long-term debt options like bank loans, debentures, leasing, etc. Finally, it provides details on important financial items that would be present on the balance sheets of oil companies, such as share capital, long-term borrowings, types of debentures, loans from development boards, and external commercial borrowings.
The standard 3 of the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) is described in the following order
(Duties to Clients)
1. Standard iii (A)
2. Standard iii (B)
3. Standard iii (C)
4. Standard iii (D)
5. Standard iii (E)
All the topics are described based on the key points on the standard and then after each of the standards, the way to follow for compliance is also described.
Lastly, relevant examples are given under each section to make the readings more clear and understandable.
Acquisition financing refers to the sources of capital used to fund a merger or acquisition. Common sources include bank loans, lines of credit, private lenders, SBA loans, debt securities, and owner financing. Securing acquisition financing often requires a mix of debt and equity from multiple sources. It is a complex process that requires thorough planning to obtain favorable financing terms.
KJW - Spring 2015 - Guide to Transaction OpinionsKyle Wishing
This document provides an overview of fairness opinions and solvency opinions that are commonly provided by independent financial advisors for corporate transactions. A fairness opinion expresses whether a proposed transaction is fair from a financial point of view to assist parties with fiduciary duties like boards of directors. Fairness considers both aggregate and relative fairness to shareholders. Fairness opinions are not recommendations but can reassure parties and show fiduciaries acted reasonably. They are most appropriate when conflicts of interest exist, such as mergers, buyouts, or changes in control. Solvency opinions assess if a transaction leaves a company solvent by comparing assets to liabilities.
This document discusses various types and sources of working capital finance. It describes trade credit, cash credit/bank overdrafts, working capital loans, bill discounting, bank guarantees, letters of credit, and factoring as common types of working capital financing. Sources are categorized as spontaneous, short-term, or long-term, with spontaneous sources including trade credit, short-term including bank loans, and long-term including retained profits and share capital. The document provides details on each type and source.
Spectrum Financial Services: Things You Should Know About Us and FAQsfsplanners
Spectrum is an independent financial planning firm owned by Bill Elson, CFP® that provides fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services through VSR Financial Services, Inc. In addition to investments, Spectrum counsels clients on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, education funding, and risk management while taking a planning-focused rather than transaction-based approach. VSR is regulated by FINRA and the SEC and Spectrum has no sales quotas, product manufacturing, or parent company influencing their recommendations.
Alternative Structures- PO Financing, Factoring & MCA (Series: Business Borro...Financial Poise
Purchase-order financing (P/O financing) is a type of asset-based loan designed to extend credit to a company that needs cash quickly, to fill a customer order. A company may operate with such a small amount of working capital that it cannot afford to pay the cost of producing a customer’s order. P/O financing enables such a company to not turn away business, by borrowing from a lender using the purchase order itself as collateral to support a loan.
Factoring is one of the oldest forms of business financing. Note that the term is “financing” rather than “loan” because factoring is not actually a loan. In a typical factoring arrangement, the company needing financing makes a sale, delivers the product or service and generates an invoice. The factor (the funding source) then purchases the right to collect on that invoice by agreeing to pay the company in need of financing the amount of the invoice minus a discount.
MCA lending is, in summary, an advance on a company’s sales. Financing through a merchant cash advance (MCA) is used mostly by companies that accept credit and debit cards for most of their sales, typically retailers and restaurants. The concept is this: funder purchases a portion of the company’s future credit card receivables for a discounted lump sum. The MCA funder receives the purchased credit card receivables as they are generated either by taking a percentage of the company’s daily credit card proceeds or by debiting a certain amount of funds from the company’s bank account. Depending on the risk profile of the company, it can be a more expensive form of financing for a business compared to other types of financing.
What these three things have in common is that they are each a type of “alternative lending.” Alternative to what? To the type of loan a company can get from a “regulated” commercial bank. This webinar explains these types of financing arrangements, what to consider before entering into them, and provides some tips on how to negotiate them.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/alternative-structures-po-financing-factoring-mca-2020/
Basic Concepts Applicable to All Borrowers & Lenders (Series: Business Borrow...Financial Poise
A business borrows when it purchases goods or services on credit. And a small business may only “borrow” money in this fashion. At the other extreme is a large business with multiple lending facilities, with multiple lenders. Regardless, and regardless of the type of loan (i.e. cash flow, asset-based, etc.), many of the concepts are the same. This webinar arms the attendee with the basic vocabulary necessary to negotiate any type of loan.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/basic-concepts-applicable-to-all-borrowers-lenders-2020/
Sources of finance for Oil,Gas and Petroleum companies.Harish Manchala
This document summarizes various sources of finance available to oil, gas, and petroleum companies. It discusses internal sources like profits, customers, and suppliers. It also outlines various external sources of equity and debt finance, including short, medium, and long-term debt options like bank loans, debentures, leasing, etc. Finally, it provides details on important financial items that would be present on the balance sheets of oil companies, such as share capital, long-term borrowings, types of debentures, loans from development boards, and external commercial borrowings.
The standard 3 of the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) is described in the following order
(Duties to Clients)
1. Standard iii (A)
2. Standard iii (B)
3. Standard iii (C)
4. Standard iii (D)
5. Standard iii (E)
All the topics are described based on the key points on the standard and then after each of the standards, the way to follow for compliance is also described.
Lastly, relevant examples are given under each section to make the readings more clear and understandable.
Acquisition financing refers to the sources of capital used to fund a merger or acquisition. Common sources include bank loans, lines of credit, private lenders, SBA loans, debt securities, and owner financing. Securing acquisition financing often requires a mix of debt and equity from multiple sources. It is a complex process that requires thorough planning to obtain favorable financing terms.
KJW - Spring 2015 - Guide to Transaction OpinionsKyle Wishing
This document provides an overview of fairness opinions and solvency opinions that are commonly provided by independent financial advisors for corporate transactions. A fairness opinion expresses whether a proposed transaction is fair from a financial point of view to assist parties with fiduciary duties like boards of directors. Fairness considers both aggregate and relative fairness to shareholders. Fairness opinions are not recommendations but can reassure parties and show fiduciaries acted reasonably. They are most appropriate when conflicts of interest exist, such as mergers, buyouts, or changes in control. Solvency opinions assess if a transaction leaves a company solvent by comparing assets to liabilities.
This document discusses various types and sources of working capital finance. It describes trade credit, cash credit/bank overdrafts, working capital loans, bill discounting, bank guarantees, letters of credit, and factoring as common types of working capital financing. Sources are categorized as spontaneous, short-term, or long-term, with spontaneous sources including trade credit, short-term including bank loans, and long-term including retained profits and share capital. The document provides details on each type and source.
Endeavor Business Credit is a financial services firm that provides funding solutions to small and mid-sized businesses through over 40 lenders. They offer various financing products including asset-based loans, factoring, credit insurance, purchase order financing, term notes, DIP financing, letters of credit, accounts receivable outsourcing, and equipment financing. There is no upfront cost to use their services, as they are only compensated if successful in securing financing for a client.
reframing conventional debt to Islamic financeP. Wouters
The document provides guidance on structuring financing proposals to attract Islamic financing. It discusses reframing conventional loan schemes as Sharia-compliant partnership or business deals. Various Islamic finance structures are presented, including diminishing musharakah, ijarah, mudarabah, and sukuk. The key lessons are that Islamic financiers do not provide pure interest-based loans and the deal must be structured as a real business partnership or contract.
Leveraged Alternative Capital Assets Master04232011clydeleverett
Leveraged Alternative Capital Assets helps connect businesses and banks with alternative sources of financing from private equity investors. Stricter bank regulations have reduced the availability of commercial loans from local banks. This company evaluates borrowers and locates appropriate private or non-traditional lenders to fulfill financing needs for various types of projects, especially those involving real estate collateral. Their systematic process aims to save clients time and money by quickly identifying qualified funding options.
This document provides information about IFMC, an investment and fund management consulting firm. It summarizes IFMC's services such as financial consulting, wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, and investment loans. It describes the application process for loans, which involves submitting documents for evaluation. Approved loans can range from 1,000,000 to 50,000,000 British pounds and be used for business investments. Interest rates are between 5.8-10.4% and repayment terms are customized to the borrower's needs. IFMC also works with venture capitalists to provide investment funding and strategic partnerships for growth companies.
The Role of Financial Advisors (PLI Doing Deals 2016) 2-10-16Kevin Miller
This document discusses the role of financial advisors and fairness opinions. It covers topics such as how financial advisors can serve as transaction brokers, financial advisors, and transaction facilitators for both sellers and buyers. It also discusses fairness opinions, including what they say, don't say, and the analyses that can underlie them. The document notes potential conflicts of interest for financial advisors and increased regulatory and judicial scrutiny of relationships and conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of disclosing material relationships and conflicts to boards.
This white paper defines a quantitative measure of portfolio risk. It incorporates this measure in a procedure that reduces draw-down and improves returns. Applied to what may be termed "standard" portfolios this tool doubled returns and halfed draw-downs.
We are one of the first economists and lawyers firm specializing in the financial
sector, mainly in Private Placements Programs. Over fifteen years of experience back
us when it comes to working in a serious, well-organized way, and above all when it
comes to providing the customer with the greatest transparency and efficiency.
The investor will receive a monthly report from one of the most prestigious auditing
firms in the world ( PricewaterhouseCooper-PwC, Deloitte or Ernst & Young-EY )
which will fully detail all transactions made by the trader and the profit driven in each
one of them.
Clients enjoys privileged direct access to four (4) of the seven (7) largest Licenced
Traders and trade platforms in the world. These are the preeminent Traders and trade
platforms in the business; highly skilled and supremely qualified, with all the
necessary approvals, Licenced and registrations – and the muscle and “firepower” –
to get the job done.
The Private Placement Programs or High Yield Investment Programs, are private
programs based on the purchase/sale of bank financial instruments (mainly MTNs).
These instruments are bought fresh-cut with a significant discount on their face value
to then be resold at a higher price in the secondary market. The difference between
the sale price and the purchase price is the trader/investors gain. These programs are
offered to clients with high spending power and can only be executed by Traders with
a license to carry out such operations. An important part of the returns are destined to
humanitarian causes and to the financing of business projects. Therefore, any
institution takes precedence on this type of operation.
Madrid
Ten Types of Business Financing You May Not Have TriedInsideUp
This document discusses 10 types of business financing options including factoring, merchant cash advances, lines of equity, equipment loans and leases, commercial mortgages, microloans, SBA loans, franchise financing, SBA 504 loans, and the loan application process. It provides brief descriptions of each financing type and notes some of their key terms and requirements. The overall document serves as a guide to help business owners identify suitable financing options to meet their needs and grow their business.
The document discusses lending opportunities for borrowing against shares and share portfolios. Due to difficult lending conditions from banks, hedge funds have entered the market and are providing loans secured against shares, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80%. The loans can be used for any purpose and range from £100,000 to £1 billion with fast approval and funding. Borrowers must pledge qualifying shares listed on a major exchange and held free of restrictions in a separate custodial account.
This document provides an overview of ERISA and outlines fiduciary responsibilities for retirement plan sponsors. It explains that ERISA sets minimum standards for private pension plans to protect employees' retirement funds. Plan sponsors have fiduciary duties of loyalty, prudence, and diversification. The document warns that brokers who provide advice while compensated through broker-dealer relationships may have conflicts of interest, since their advice is not fully objective. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fiduciary status to properly serve retirement plans.
Representing Asset Purchasers in Bankruptcy (Series: Bankruptcy Transactions ...Financial Poise
Representing an asset purchaser in a bankruptcy proceeding presents unique benefits and challenges for a professional business advisor. Companies considering acquiring assets out of bankruptcy must understand more than the simple concept of acquiring the target assets “free and clear,” under the Bankruptcy Code. As such, professionals advising these companies must understand and be able to counsel their clients regarding various matters, such as the benefits and drawbacks of serving as a “stalking horse,” asset purchaser; drafting and negotiating the terms of an asset purchase agreement and sale order with the bankrupt debtor and other parties involved in the bankruptcy proceedings; strategies for acquiring assets at auction or by alternative means; and seeking bankruptcy court approval of a proposed transaction. For 2021, professionals must also understand the impact that the economic programs enacted under the CARES Act may have on purchasing such assets. This webinar focuses on understanding these concepts and addressing best practices for advanced reorganization practitioners and advisors.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to:https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/representing-asset-purchasers-in-bankruptcy-2021/
Financing options to help your business growInsideUp
This document provides an overview of various financing options available to help businesses grow, including business loans, merchant cash advances, home equity loans, equipment loans and leases, commercial mortgages, microloans, SBA loans, franchise financing, and SBA 504 loans. It discusses the types of each option, eligibility requirements, acceptable uses of funds, loan approval processes, and ensuring applications address the five C's of business credit.
The document discusses the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) recent exemption request to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding securitized Tenant-In-Common (TIC) transactions. It outlines the history of TIC investments and NAR's exemption requests since 2002. The exemption requests would allow real estate professionals to receive referral fees or provide advisory services for TIC investments without broker-dealer registration under certain conditions.
The document outlines examples of good practices for interest-only mortgages identified by the Financial Services Authority. It discusses checking the plausibility of repayment strategies, implementing extra safeguards for riskier strategies like selling the mortgaged property, using clear proposal forms to document strategies, effective disclosure of risks to consumers, and proactively reviewing maintenance of repayment vehicles.
1. Merchant banking involves a wide range of financial activities such as corporate counseling, project counseling, loan syndication, and issue management.
2. Commercial banks primarily deal in debt financing and have a more cautious approach, while merchant banks are more oriented towards equity financing and are willing to accept more business risks.
3. Key differences between merchant and commercial banks include their approach to risk, the types of financial products they deal in, and the scope of services offered - merchant banks offer more advisory services while commercial banks focus only on lending.
Beamonte Investments is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firm. Beamonte Investments seek to create long-term value for its investors, the portfolio companies and the companies it advises. Beamonte Investments provides various financial advisory services, including investment banking advisory, financial and strategic advisory and fund placement services. Beamonte alternative businesses includes the management the private equity funds, real estate funds and credit oriented strategies.
The document discusses a micro cap conference presentation by The J.G. Wentworth Company. It provides an overview of the company, which purchases structured settlement payments and offers other financial products directly to consumers. It highlights the company's focus on improving profitability in structured settlements and growing its home lending business. The company achieved record results in home lending in the most recent quarter while reducing costs in structured settlements.
Default Mortgage For Caar Lunch n' Learn 11 18 08Jim Duncan
This document summarizes information presented at a lunch and learn session for realtors on mortgage default and delinquency. It provides an overview of the roles of housing counselors and realtors in assisting homeowners, outlines the various alternatives available to homeowners who are facing foreclosure including short-term plans, modifications, pre-foreclosure sales and bankruptcy. It also discusses government programs available to help homeowners and warns of scams targeting those facing foreclosure stressing the importance of education and guidance from reputable sources.
10 things lawyers need to know about contract managementBerkman Solutions
Discover 10 techniques to enhance the value of legal services after the contract is signed. Build deeper, sustainable relationships for every outside legal counsel.
As a lawyer, you invest time to understand your client’s objectives, risks, and opportunities. What happens to your carefully drafted contract?
Your contract is filed and forgotten. Your client needs the benefit of your drafting during the entire contract term. Your client’s need is your opportunity.
There are, of course, organizations with mature contract management functions, but for every other client here are…
10 Things Every Business Lawyer Should Know about Contract Management
This document outlines 10 principles of economics according to a textbook. It discusses principles related to how people make decisions, how people interact through markets and trade, and how the overall economy functions. Some of the key principles covered are that people face tradeoffs, rational people think at the margin when making choices, and markets are generally effective at organizing economic activity but governments may intervene to address market failures or inequities. Productivity is the main driver of national living standards and excess money growth causes long-run inflation.
Introduction to nursing test taking strategiesMaceyHunter
The document provides strategies for effective test taking. It discusses left and right brain processing differences and emphasizes reviewing questions for key concepts before looking at answer choices. The document also discusses exploring consequences of each answer choice and avoiding rewriting the question. It outlines cognitive levels of questions from knowledge to analysis and provides examples. Memorization techniques like acronyms and mnemonics are suggested to increase knowledge. The importance of practice testing to reinforce learning is also highlighted.
Endeavor Business Credit is a financial services firm that provides funding solutions to small and mid-sized businesses through over 40 lenders. They offer various financing products including asset-based loans, factoring, credit insurance, purchase order financing, term notes, DIP financing, letters of credit, accounts receivable outsourcing, and equipment financing. There is no upfront cost to use their services, as they are only compensated if successful in securing financing for a client.
reframing conventional debt to Islamic financeP. Wouters
The document provides guidance on structuring financing proposals to attract Islamic financing. It discusses reframing conventional loan schemes as Sharia-compliant partnership or business deals. Various Islamic finance structures are presented, including diminishing musharakah, ijarah, mudarabah, and sukuk. The key lessons are that Islamic financiers do not provide pure interest-based loans and the deal must be structured as a real business partnership or contract.
Leveraged Alternative Capital Assets Master04232011clydeleverett
Leveraged Alternative Capital Assets helps connect businesses and banks with alternative sources of financing from private equity investors. Stricter bank regulations have reduced the availability of commercial loans from local banks. This company evaluates borrowers and locates appropriate private or non-traditional lenders to fulfill financing needs for various types of projects, especially those involving real estate collateral. Their systematic process aims to save clients time and money by quickly identifying qualified funding options.
This document provides information about IFMC, an investment and fund management consulting firm. It summarizes IFMC's services such as financial consulting, wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, and investment loans. It describes the application process for loans, which involves submitting documents for evaluation. Approved loans can range from 1,000,000 to 50,000,000 British pounds and be used for business investments. Interest rates are between 5.8-10.4% and repayment terms are customized to the borrower's needs. IFMC also works with venture capitalists to provide investment funding and strategic partnerships for growth companies.
The Role of Financial Advisors (PLI Doing Deals 2016) 2-10-16Kevin Miller
This document discusses the role of financial advisors and fairness opinions. It covers topics such as how financial advisors can serve as transaction brokers, financial advisors, and transaction facilitators for both sellers and buyers. It also discusses fairness opinions, including what they say, don't say, and the analyses that can underlie them. The document notes potential conflicts of interest for financial advisors and increased regulatory and judicial scrutiny of relationships and conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of disclosing material relationships and conflicts to boards.
This white paper defines a quantitative measure of portfolio risk. It incorporates this measure in a procedure that reduces draw-down and improves returns. Applied to what may be termed "standard" portfolios this tool doubled returns and halfed draw-downs.
We are one of the first economists and lawyers firm specializing in the financial
sector, mainly in Private Placements Programs. Over fifteen years of experience back
us when it comes to working in a serious, well-organized way, and above all when it
comes to providing the customer with the greatest transparency and efficiency.
The investor will receive a monthly report from one of the most prestigious auditing
firms in the world ( PricewaterhouseCooper-PwC, Deloitte or Ernst & Young-EY )
which will fully detail all transactions made by the trader and the profit driven in each
one of them.
Clients enjoys privileged direct access to four (4) of the seven (7) largest Licenced
Traders and trade platforms in the world. These are the preeminent Traders and trade
platforms in the business; highly skilled and supremely qualified, with all the
necessary approvals, Licenced and registrations – and the muscle and “firepower” –
to get the job done.
The Private Placement Programs or High Yield Investment Programs, are private
programs based on the purchase/sale of bank financial instruments (mainly MTNs).
These instruments are bought fresh-cut with a significant discount on their face value
to then be resold at a higher price in the secondary market. The difference between
the sale price and the purchase price is the trader/investors gain. These programs are
offered to clients with high spending power and can only be executed by Traders with
a license to carry out such operations. An important part of the returns are destined to
humanitarian causes and to the financing of business projects. Therefore, any
institution takes precedence on this type of operation.
Madrid
Ten Types of Business Financing You May Not Have TriedInsideUp
This document discusses 10 types of business financing options including factoring, merchant cash advances, lines of equity, equipment loans and leases, commercial mortgages, microloans, SBA loans, franchise financing, SBA 504 loans, and the loan application process. It provides brief descriptions of each financing type and notes some of their key terms and requirements. The overall document serves as a guide to help business owners identify suitable financing options to meet their needs and grow their business.
The document discusses lending opportunities for borrowing against shares and share portfolios. Due to difficult lending conditions from banks, hedge funds have entered the market and are providing loans secured against shares, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80%. The loans can be used for any purpose and range from £100,000 to £1 billion with fast approval and funding. Borrowers must pledge qualifying shares listed on a major exchange and held free of restrictions in a separate custodial account.
This document provides an overview of ERISA and outlines fiduciary responsibilities for retirement plan sponsors. It explains that ERISA sets minimum standards for private pension plans to protect employees' retirement funds. Plan sponsors have fiduciary duties of loyalty, prudence, and diversification. The document warns that brokers who provide advice while compensated through broker-dealer relationships may have conflicts of interest, since their advice is not fully objective. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fiduciary status to properly serve retirement plans.
Representing Asset Purchasers in Bankruptcy (Series: Bankruptcy Transactions ...Financial Poise
Representing an asset purchaser in a bankruptcy proceeding presents unique benefits and challenges for a professional business advisor. Companies considering acquiring assets out of bankruptcy must understand more than the simple concept of acquiring the target assets “free and clear,” under the Bankruptcy Code. As such, professionals advising these companies must understand and be able to counsel their clients regarding various matters, such as the benefits and drawbacks of serving as a “stalking horse,” asset purchaser; drafting and negotiating the terms of an asset purchase agreement and sale order with the bankrupt debtor and other parties involved in the bankruptcy proceedings; strategies for acquiring assets at auction or by alternative means; and seeking bankruptcy court approval of a proposed transaction. For 2021, professionals must also understand the impact that the economic programs enacted under the CARES Act may have on purchasing such assets. This webinar focuses on understanding these concepts and addressing best practices for advanced reorganization practitioners and advisors.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to:https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/representing-asset-purchasers-in-bankruptcy-2021/
Financing options to help your business growInsideUp
This document provides an overview of various financing options available to help businesses grow, including business loans, merchant cash advances, home equity loans, equipment loans and leases, commercial mortgages, microloans, SBA loans, franchise financing, and SBA 504 loans. It discusses the types of each option, eligibility requirements, acceptable uses of funds, loan approval processes, and ensuring applications address the five C's of business credit.
The document discusses the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) recent exemption request to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding securitized Tenant-In-Common (TIC) transactions. It outlines the history of TIC investments and NAR's exemption requests since 2002. The exemption requests would allow real estate professionals to receive referral fees or provide advisory services for TIC investments without broker-dealer registration under certain conditions.
The document outlines examples of good practices for interest-only mortgages identified by the Financial Services Authority. It discusses checking the plausibility of repayment strategies, implementing extra safeguards for riskier strategies like selling the mortgaged property, using clear proposal forms to document strategies, effective disclosure of risks to consumers, and proactively reviewing maintenance of repayment vehicles.
1. Merchant banking involves a wide range of financial activities such as corporate counseling, project counseling, loan syndication, and issue management.
2. Commercial banks primarily deal in debt financing and have a more cautious approach, while merchant banks are more oriented towards equity financing and are willing to accept more business risks.
3. Key differences between merchant and commercial banks include their approach to risk, the types of financial products they deal in, and the scope of services offered - merchant banks offer more advisory services while commercial banks focus only on lending.
Beamonte Investments is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firm. Beamonte Investments seek to create long-term value for its investors, the portfolio companies and the companies it advises. Beamonte Investments provides various financial advisory services, including investment banking advisory, financial and strategic advisory and fund placement services. Beamonte alternative businesses includes the management the private equity funds, real estate funds and credit oriented strategies.
The document discusses a micro cap conference presentation by The J.G. Wentworth Company. It provides an overview of the company, which purchases structured settlement payments and offers other financial products directly to consumers. It highlights the company's focus on improving profitability in structured settlements and growing its home lending business. The company achieved record results in home lending in the most recent quarter while reducing costs in structured settlements.
Default Mortgage For Caar Lunch n' Learn 11 18 08Jim Duncan
This document summarizes information presented at a lunch and learn session for realtors on mortgage default and delinquency. It provides an overview of the roles of housing counselors and realtors in assisting homeowners, outlines the various alternatives available to homeowners who are facing foreclosure including short-term plans, modifications, pre-foreclosure sales and bankruptcy. It also discusses government programs available to help homeowners and warns of scams targeting those facing foreclosure stressing the importance of education and guidance from reputable sources.
10 things lawyers need to know about contract managementBerkman Solutions
Discover 10 techniques to enhance the value of legal services after the contract is signed. Build deeper, sustainable relationships for every outside legal counsel.
As a lawyer, you invest time to understand your client’s objectives, risks, and opportunities. What happens to your carefully drafted contract?
Your contract is filed and forgotten. Your client needs the benefit of your drafting during the entire contract term. Your client’s need is your opportunity.
There are, of course, organizations with mature contract management functions, but for every other client here are…
10 Things Every Business Lawyer Should Know about Contract Management
This document outlines 10 principles of economics according to a textbook. It discusses principles related to how people make decisions, how people interact through markets and trade, and how the overall economy functions. Some of the key principles covered are that people face tradeoffs, rational people think at the margin when making choices, and markets are generally effective at organizing economic activity but governments may intervene to address market failures or inequities. Productivity is the main driver of national living standards and excess money growth causes long-run inflation.
Introduction to nursing test taking strategiesMaceyHunter
The document provides strategies for effective test taking. It discusses left and right brain processing differences and emphasizes reviewing questions for key concepts before looking at answer choices. The document also discusses exploring consequences of each answer choice and avoiding rewriting the question. It outlines cognitive levels of questions from knowledge to analysis and provides examples. Memorization techniques like acronyms and mnemonics are suggested to increase knowledge. The importance of practice testing to reinforce learning is also highlighted.
Corruption has a significant negative impact on India's education, employment, living standards, and humanity. India ranked 94 out of 176 countries in corruption according to a 2012 index. Corruption occurs through political, administrative, and professional means. It leads to issues like lack of employment, economic stability, and effective leadership. Corruption results in a loss of national wealth and hinders development. Some major corruption scandals in India include the 2G spectrum scam, Commonwealth Games scandal, and Satyam scandal. The Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988 aims to prevent corruption by punishing public officials with imprisonment and fines. Modernization of lifestyle and lack of concern for the country's future are seen as contributing to increased corruption.
Introduction to nursing test taking strategiesMaceyHunter
The document provides strategies for effective test taking. It discusses left and right brain processing differences and emphasizes reviewing questions before answering to identify key concepts. Critical thinking requirements for nursing exams include identifying assumptions, collecting accurate information, determining relationships, and establishing priorities. Effective strategies involve applying knowledge, comprehending concepts, and analyzing patient situations at higher cognitive levels. Regular practice testing reinforces learning concepts and applying critical thinking skills.
The document discusses portfolio management through a disciplined trend following approach using technical analysis. It advocates combining fundamental and technical analysis to time market entries and exits. The key aspects of the approach are identifying market trends using indicators, letting winners ride while cutting losses quickly, and strict risk management including stop losses on all positions. The goal is participating in market trends to generate returns while managing downside risk.
This document provides tips for nursing students taking tests. It suggests that involving students through active learning helps them understand and remember material better than just telling or showing them. The document also lists different levels of content that could be covered for test preparation.
Dış Ekonomik İlişkiler Kurulu (DEİK), Türkiye’nin ve Türk özel sektörünün küreselleşme sürecine ‘yüksek katma değerli’ entegrasyonunu hedefleyen bir iş dünyası kuruluşudur.
5174 sayılı kanunun 58. maddesince “Türk özel sektörünün dış ekonomik ilişkilerini yürütme” görevini üstlenen DEİK’in 2012 itibari ile 750 üye şirketi, 40 Kurucu Kuruluşu, 112 İş Konseyi, 129 Ticaret ve/veya Sanayi Oda ve Borsa Oda Temsilciliği, 3 Yurtdışı Temsilciliği bulunmaktadır.
This document discusses Luxembourg income tax rules for individuals. It covers tax residence, tax classes for residents and non-residents, who must and may file a tax return, obtaining costs, special expenses, and extraordinary expenses. Tax residence is based on main residence or time spent in Luxembourg. Tax classes vary based on marital status, children, and age. Filing requirements depend on income thresholds and income sources. Obtaining costs, special expenses, and some extraordinary expenses can be deducted from taxable income.
Luke Berry-Dagnall evaluated his media product of a heavy metal magazine. He focused on establishing a consistent house style through color palette and font choices to represent the genre. Researching conventions, he designed pages with continuity across covers, spreads, and contents through a unified visual identity. Primary research at concerts helped him understand the target audience and represent them authentically through imagery, content, and advertisements. Comparing early work to final designs showed his growth in skills like photography, layout, and understanding magazine conventions.
Este documento apresenta o livro "Informativos STF 2015: teses e fundamentos" produzido pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal. O livro compila resumos de decisões do STF no ano de 2015, elaborando teses jurídicas extraídas dos acórdãos e resumindo a fundamentação de cada caso. O objetivo é fornecer um produto que permita estudar a evolução da jurisprudência do STF de forma concisa.
The document provides background information on Pakistani author Nadeem Aslam and discusses his debut novel Season of the Rainbirds. It summarizes the novel's plot, which is set in 1980s Pakistan and centers around mysterious letters that reappear after being lost in a train crash 19 years prior. The story explores themes of oppression, power dynamics, and religious discrimination through its various characters as mysteries unfold around a murder.
Introduction to nursing test taking strategiesMaceyHunter
The document provides strategies for effective test taking. It discusses left and right brain processing differences and emphasizes reviewing questions before answering to identify key concepts. Critical thinking requirements for nursing exams include identifying assumptions, collecting accurate information, determining relationships, and establishing priorities. Effective strategies involve applying knowledge, comprehending concepts, and analyzing patient situations at higher cognitive levels. Regular practice testing reinforces learning concepts and applying critical thinking skills.
Christopher Financial Group is an independent financial advisory firm located in Conshohocken, PA. The firm's president, Thomas Christopher, offers financial planning and investment management services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services. The document provides background on Christopher's qualifications and experience, as well as information about the services offered by the firm to help clients achieve their financial goals.
The trustee plays an important role in ensuring a trust meets its objectives. When selecting a trustee, the creator of the trust must consider appointing either a personal confidant, relative, or professional with the necessary expertise to impartially manage the trust. An individual trustee may have intimate knowledge of beneficiaries but lack skills, while professional trustees have expertise but less personal connections. The ideal trustee can provide loyalty, expertise in legal, tax, and investment matters, and make impartial decisions for the lifetime of the trust.
Legacy Trust Company provides wealth management and private equity services. It prides itself on long-term relationships and solutions rather than short-term gains. For over 45 years it has successfully invested in businesses around the world through partnerships and without outside pressure. It ensures privacy and confidentiality for clients through offshore locations and legal protections. The company helps clients obtain funding and minimize risk through guarantee structures and credit analysis.
Legacy Trust Company provides wealth management and private equity services. It prides itself on long-term relationships and solutions rather than short-term gains. For over 45 years it has successfully invested in businesses around the world through management buyouts and private partnerships. It offers clients privacy and guarantees to protect investments from risk of loss.
This document promotes trust deed investing as a way for investors to earn high, consistent returns of 9-12% annually. It describes trust deed investing as providing loans secured by real estate properties. Investors' funds are used to finance loans to borrowers, with the loans secured by deeds of trust on the properties. This provides investors protection and the right to sell the property if the borrower defaults. The document claims this is a secure investment that pays high yields, and outlines the process for investors to provide funds and receive monthly interest payments and return of their principal investment over time. It encourages contacting the company to learn more about investment opportunities and getting started with trust deed investing.
This document promotes trust deed investing as a way for investors to earn high, consistent returns of 9-12% annually. It describes trust deed investing as providing loans secured by real estate properties. Investors' funds are used to finance loans to borrowers, with the loans secured by deeds of trust on the properties. This provides investors protection and the right to sell the property if the borrower defaults. The document claims this is a secure investment that pays high yields, and outlines the process for investors to provide funds and receive monthly interest payments and return of their principal investment over time. It encourages contacting the company to learn more about investment opportunities and getting started with trust deed investing.
The document discusses the benefits of working with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) over a registered representative, noting that RIAs are fiduciaries legally bound to put clients' interests first, they provide personalized financial advice through long-term relationships focused on clients' goals, and they are typically paid through flat or asset-based fees to avoid conflicts of interest unlike commission-based registered representatives.
This document discusses hard money loans, which are loans provided by private investors for real estate projects that do not qualify for traditional bank financing. It provides details on who hard money lenders are, what types of properties and borrowers they typically fund, and their application and underwriting process. Hard money lenders have more flexible standards than banks and make funding decisions based more on the borrower's experience and ability to sell the property for a profit within a few months than on credit scores. They typically require 50-65% loan-to-value and fund residential and commercial investment properties.
KYC - Know Your Costumer and the Importance of SuitabilityMichaelSabaJD
This slide deck was prepared as a fictional compliance project. It contains helpful information from FINRA for broker/dealers on the importance of knowing your customer, anti-money laundering, and how the suitability rule should be applied.
This document discusses the various financial services companies and partnerships that support the author's independent financial advisory practice. It describes how the broker-dealer FSC Securities Corporation provides back office support, the clearing firm Pershing LLC handles financial transactions, and excess SIPC insurance is provided through Lloyd's of London. The author works with these companies to offer clients services like investment guidance, retirement planning, insurance products and more.
Investor's Capital Funding (ICF) provides alternative real estate financing in Texas, focusing on short-term loans secured by commercial and residential property. The company was founded by Managing Partners Rob Champion and Tom Wagner, who have over 30 years of combined real estate lending experience. ICF offers investors opportunities to earn returns of 10-12% by participating in non-traditional real estate loans that are secured by hard assets and have protective equity.
The document introduces Wealth Guidance Group and Raymond James, outlining their commitment to clients, team, process, and capabilities. It discusses planning for retirement and wealth protection, and highlights Raymond James' resources and advantages, including their focus on individual investors, size and stability, and account protection. The presentation aims to determine if a relationship would be mutually beneficial.
The document introduces Wealth Guidance Group and Raymond James, outlining their commitment to clients, team, process, and capabilities. They aim to determine if a relationship would be mutually beneficial by understanding the client's needs and designing customized solutions using Raymond James' extensive resources and independent platform. Raymond James focuses on individual investors, has full resources as a large firm, and maintains a culture of independence to serve clients' best interests.
This document provides information about Aegis Wealth Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm. It includes a letter from the president welcoming the reader and encouraging them to schedule a meeting. The document then provides details about the firm, including its mission to help clients optimize, preserve and protect their assets. It lists various informational materials enclosed for the reader, including the firm's profile, investment strategy, a list of "10 Things All Successful Investors Should Know", information on getting a second opinion, and client bill of rights.
This document compares registered investment advisors (RIAs) and registered representatives. It discusses that RIAs are fiduciaries legally obligated to put clients' interests first, while registered representatives ensure recommendations are suitable but may be commission-based. RIAs typically charge fees on assets managed rather than commissions. The document suggests that RIAs provide personalized long-term financial advice aligned with clients' goals, while registered representatives facilitate securities transactions. It advises readers to consider their needs and preferences to determine the best option.
This document compares registered investment advisors (RIAs) and registered representatives. It discusses that RIAs are fiduciaries legally bound to serve clients' best interests, typically charging fees, while registered representatives facilitate securities purchases/sales and are usually commission-based. The document suggests RIAs provide personalized long-term financial advice aligned with clients' goals, unlike registered representatives whose primary function is facilitating transactions. It advises readers to consider their needs and preferences to determine the best option.
This document compares registered investment advisors (RIAs) and registered representatives. It discusses that RIAs are fiduciaries legally obligated to put clients' interests first, while registered representatives ensure recommendations are suitable but may be commission-based. RIAs typically charge fees on assets managed rather than commissions. The document suggests that RIAs provide personalized long-term financial advice aligned with clients' goals, while registered representatives facilitate securities transactions. It advises readers to consider their needs and preferences to determine the best option.
The document discusses operational due diligence best practices for hedge funds, with a focus on preventing fraud. It notes that US hedge funds have higher fraud risk because managers often have direct custody of client assets, unlike other countries where independent administrators handle expenses. The summary provides steps for investors to avoid fraud, including hiring an independent third party for due diligence, confirming audited financials and use of a qualified custodian, and watching for red flags like lack of transparency, unconventional behavior, and inconsistent information.
Mackie Research Capital Corporation is one of Canada's largest independent full-service investment firms that has been in business since 1921. It is privately owned by over 350 employees. As a fully integrated national investment dealer, it offers wealth management and capital markets services to private clients, institutions, and growth companies. It prides itself on independence, innovation, and integrity in providing unique products and exceptional personalized service.
UnityNet World Environment Day Abraham Project 2024 Press ReleaseLHelferty
June 12, 2024 UnityNet International (#UNI) World Environment Day Abraham Project 2024 Press Release from Markham / Mississauga, Ontario in the, Greater Tkaronto Bioregion, Canada in the North American Great Lakes Watersheds of North America (Turtle Island).
SUSTAINABLE INVESTING UNVEILED: THE ROLE OF BOND RATINGS IN GUIDING GREEN BON...indexPub
The increasing urgency to address climate change has propelled sustainable investing into the spotlight, with green bonds emerging as a pivotal instrument for mobilizing the capital required for environmental projects. This study delves into the critical role that bond ratings play in guiding investments in green bonds, shedding light on how these ratings influence investor confidence and the allocation of funds towards sustainable initiatives. By employing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of green bond performance with qualitative interviews from industry experts, this research offers a comprehensive overview of the interplay between bond ratings and green bond investments. The findings suggest that higher bond ratings, often indicative of lower risk and better sustainability credentials, significantly impact the attractiveness of green bonds to investors. Additionally, the study examines the evolution of rating criteria to encompass environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, highlighting the shift towards more holistic assessments of investment risk and potential. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable finance by providing insights into the mechanisms through which bond ratings can facilitate more informed and impactful green bond investments.
Bienestar Financiero al servicio de su jubilación anticipada
Pago de su 🏡
Estudio de sus hijos
Directamente a tu cuenta bancaria
Con Tesorería Auditoria Jurídica comercial
Administración de carteras
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Desarrollo de tu marca personal
Acceso a Desarrollo de varias industrias
Cuentas bancarias
Estructuras Físicas en USA y en América Central
Avalado por Bolcomer
Puesto de Bolsa Comercial
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Y mucho más
Link de registro
https://business.myinfinity.global/maurod8/
https://therusnetwork.com/
Contacto:
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1. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A RAYMOND JAMES CLIENT
Spend some time with this comprehensive guide to get the most out of your experience with
Raymond James and your advisor, including services available and our keys to better investing.
2.
3. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
INTRODUCTION
Investing is serious business. All investments involve risks that can result in losses even though the
goal is to preserve and increase wealth. We believe you should have every opportunity to understand the
risks, rewards and implications of the investment alternatives and services, as well as financial planning
and investment strategies, offered for your consideration. With that in mind, we are providing you this
explanation of Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Raymond James Client, either because you are a
new client or as a periodic, updated reminder. We are very proud to have been the first firm in the nation
to offer our clients their own “bill of rights.” We encourage you to invest a little time now to read this
important document before proceeding further with your financial planning and investment program.
Even if you have read a prior version, you should read this revised edition as it has been updated to
include new, important information related to new investment alternatives and investment risks.
Our investment philosophy goes beyond the primary objectives of preservation of principal, genera-
tion of income and capital appreciation. While there is no doubt these are important objectives for
you, a personalized investment plan requires even more – the peace of mind resulting from exemplary
service, education and appropriate risk management.
Therefore, all Raymond James financial advisors, including the one you have selected, are profession-
als supported by experienced associates who handle the execution and processing of transactions,
a state-of-the-art computer system to generate comprehensive account statements, online client
services to give you convenient access to your accounts, and one of the most highly regarded research
groups in North America to review investment alternatives before they are offered to you.
While having all of this support available to you is reassuring, we believe it is critically important that
you first understand the investment process and your rights and obligations as an investor so that you
may better utilize our support.
We believe this document is one of the most complete descriptions of the practical considerations
dealing with investments. It also describes many of the policies and procedures employed by
Raymond James. Furthermore, the “20 Keys to Better Investing” are useful in dealing with other firms.
You should retain it for reference purposes after reading it upon receipt. Our hope is that you will
become more knowledgeable as a result of reading this material and, as an informed investor, you will
make better financial planning and investment decisions with assistance from your Raymond James
financial advisor.
Thank you for selecting a Raymond James financial advisor and our firm for your financial planning
and investment needs. Our combined goal is to provide you advice, investment alternatives and ser-
vices designed to help you attain your financial objectives. Since we are committed to enhancing our
service, we solicit your suggestions for improvements. Please feel free to offer these to your financial
advisor or to Client Services at 800-647-SERV (7378).
We appreciate and thank you for your business.
1
4. A CLIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS
1. A client is entitled to courteous service from his or her 7. A financial advisor should project reasonable, achievable
financial advisor and all other associates of our firm. results to prevent the formation of unreasonable expectations
on the client’s part. But a client needs to remember that many
2. A client has the right to work with a trustworthy, indepen-
unforeseen factors can frustrate expectations and result in losses,
dent professional financial advisor who is competent in financial
particularly in the short term.
planning matters and investing, someone who will be available
at all times to answer questions and encourage the client to 8. Transactions should be executed in a timely fashion, at the
participate in regular portfolio reviews, as well as communicate best available price, with prompt reports to the client.
with the client on a regular basis. A client has the right to ask
9. Information should be clearly communicated.
his or her financial advisor for, and to receive, information from
our firm about his or her work history and background, and to 10. Client account statements should reflect all positions
contact the client’s state or provincial securities agency to verify held and cash receipts and disbursements made by a broker/
the employment and disciplinary history of a financial advisor dealer. With the exception of infrequently traded securities,
and our firm. all positions should be priced as accurately as possible. Fixed
income securities prices are often estimated utilizing general
3. All financial planning and investment recommendations
formulas.
should be based upon a client’s needs and objectives. A client’s fi-
nancial advisor is responsible for assisting the client in the diver- 11. Errors should be corrected and complaints addressed
sification of the client’s investments through allocations among promptly. For trade errors, a corrected trade confirmation
asset classes and individual securities. In the event a client initi- should be issued promptly and the subsequent correction re-
ates an investment decision without the benefit of or against the flected in the next client account statement should reflect the
advice of his or her financial advisor, the order ticket and trade correction.
confirmation will be marked “unsolicited,” reflecting that the
12. If a problem is not resolved to a client’s satisfaction, the
decision is the client’s sole responsibility. For accounts managed
client has the right to contact the branch manager and/or Ray-
by a professional money manager, the order ticket and confir-
mond James’ international headquarters. (Please see “Conflict
mation will reflect that the decision is the responsibility of the
Resolution” on page 35.)
money manager, not the financial advisor.
13. Information about a client’s financial situation will be kept
4. Each client has the right to expect that recommendations will
confidential. Raymond James has the highest regard for client
be made consistent with the objective of enhancing his or her fi-
privacy. We believe in a client’s right to the privacy of his or
nancial well-being. While the performance of individual invest-
her personal information. We do not sell personal information
ments can fail to achieve reasonable expectations and markets
to anyone. When a client provides his or her financial advisor
can underperform their historical averages, a client has the right
and/or Raymond James personal information, such as name,
to receive recommendations based upon the goal of attaining
e-mail address or telephone number, Raymond James does not
superior performance in light of the facts and circumstances
provide this information to any external organization unless we
known at the time of investment selection. Unfortunately, fu-
are required to by regulation, except as necessary to process a
ture performance may not be consistent with goals and/or past
client’s orders or provide the services requested, or by opera-
performance.
tion of law. Unless a client requests otherwise, all subsidiaries of
5. Reasonable investment alternatives suitable for a client’s in- Raymond James may share client information internally to pro-
dividual objectives should be presented with full disclosure of vide informed service. (Please see “Privacy Notice” on page 27.)
both risks and costs, as well as benefits.
14. A client has the right to select his or her financial advisor. In
6. A client has the right to know all costs and commissions associ- the event a client is uncomfortable or dissatisfied with a finan-
ated with an investment, as well as fees the firm charges for its cial advisor, he or she has the right to ask the firm to suggest
services. An exception to the above is that the commissions and alternative professionals for consideration.
trading profits are included in the purchase price of a security
traded in a principal capacity. (Please ask your financial advisor
for the most current copy of our fees and charges brochure.)
2
5. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A CLIENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. A client should be forthcoming about his or her current financial upon changing circumstances.
situation, as well as his or her needs and objectives to assure that a
8. A client should describe the investments made and the ratio-
financial advisor can make appropriate recommendations.
nale for purchase to a spouse or other relevant family member,
2. A client must have cash or available margin buying power in as well as maintain accessible records of financial plans and
his or her accounts or arrange payment for the purchase of se- investment transactions. We recommend that a client prepare
curities by settlement date. The settlement period for most se- an annual balance sheet detailing all of his or her investments,
curities transactions is three business days. A new client may be including their locations.
asked to make a deposit in advance of placing an order. Similarly,
9. A client should understand all investments have some degree
purchases of low-priced or volatile securities, or unusually large
of risk and it is possible to lose money on any investment. (Please
transactions, may require a deposit.
see the section “Understanding Investment Risk” on page 7 for
3. A client should read and carefully review all trade confir- additional information.) Generally, low-priced or recently issued
mations and account statements thoroughly and promptly to equity securities (initial public offerings or IPOs), and unrated or
ensure they accurately reflect all the activity the client trans- below BBB-rated fixed income securities are considered speculative
acted with the institution and its agents for the relevant pe- investments. Even bonds and longer-term CDs have price risks in
riods. The client should report any errors or transactions the event they are sold before maturity.
not in accordance with instructions promptly to his or her
10. A client should seek the advice of a tax professional, CPA or
financial advisor, the branch manager or Client Services at
attorney, as appropriate. Financial and investment planning inher-
800-647-SERV (7378) and/or ask for clarification of anything
ently involve potential tax and legal implications. A client’s financial
he or she does not understand.
advisor is generally familiar with these implications. However, Ray-
4. In an asset-based fee relationship, the client pays an annual fee mond James and its financial advisors do not practice as lawyers or
for the advice and services provided by the financial advisor as a CPAs and cannot give specific legal or tax advice.
part of the brokerage relationship. This fee is based on the level
11. When dealing with representatives of Raymond James &
of assets in the client’s account, independent of the level of trad-
Associates, a client should only accept payments from the firm.
ing activity. By deciding to pay a fee based on services provided
Payment from any other business name or the representative,
rather than transactions, the client should understand that the fee
including cash, should be immediately reported by the client
may be higher or lower than the cost of a commission alternative.
to the institution. A client should also never borrow from or
An investor should be satisfied with the total of all fees and com-
lend money to a representative of a financial institution. By the
missions given the services provided.
same token, payment for securities transactions should be made
5. Financial planning and investment literature, prospectuses, directly by the client to Raymond James & Associates. Financial
and/or other offering documents, when applicable, should be advisors are required to have clients make checks payable only
read carefully prior to making purchases. Any questions should be to the firm. Clients should not make checks payable to a finan-
directed to the client’s financial advisor. A client should carefully cial advisor or any other entity.
consider all investment risks and/or considerations contained in
12. To protect the security of a client’s financial information, a
the document. In the event the client does not receive an offering
client should protect his or her Raymond James Investor Access
document or prospectus, one should be requested. The time a
password. A client’s login name and password control online
client dedicates to this decision-making process should reflect the
access to the client’s account information. A client should take
financial importance of the decision.
all precautions to preserve the secrecy of his or her password.
6. A client should report changes in his or her financial and per- Under no circumstances will a Raymond James associate ask a
sonal circumstances to the financial advisor in a timely fashion to client for his or her password and a client should not give this
assure recommendations reflect all relevant factors. information to anyone he or she does not want to have access to
his or her account.
7. A client should make time to meet with his or her financial
advisor on a regular basis, at least annually, to review and pos-
sibly revise financial planning strategies and investments based
3
7. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
20 KEYS TO BETTER INVESTING
One of the fundamental building blocks requisite to the and commission rates may apply to each mutual fund or an-
attainment of an individual’s financial objectives is the es- nuity among the thousands available in the market.
tablishment of a long-term relationship with his or her fi-
5. Always strive for diversity among investments, styles and
nancial advisor. A financial advisor must be educated in the
portfolio managers, even when investments appear to offer
techniques of financial planning, possess an understand-
limited risk. Due consideration by a client and an explana-
ing of all the investment alternatives available in the mar-
tion of the incremental costs of diversification by the finan-
ketplace, and exhibit unquestionable honesty and concern
cial advisor are integral to this decision-making process.
for his or her client. Raymond James makes every effort
to attract and educate financial advisors who fulfill these 6. Establish cash distribution rate objectives on invest-
criteria. Once you have selected a financial advisor who ments that are lower than actual earnings or yields. Since
possesses these attributes and with whom you are com- mutual funds, master limited partnerships (MLPs) and
fortable, it is necessary to build that long-term relationship. certain other investments often distribute more than earn-
Moreover, there are a number of simple rules of investing ings, clients should utilize a withdrawal plan that results
that our chairman of the board, Thomas A. James, believes in a growing principal account balance over the long run to
should be followed throughout the relationship: compensate for inflation and growing cash flow require-
ments in the future.
1. Communicate frequently and frankly with your financial
advisor, particularly about your concerns with respect to 7. An asset allocation model should be designed for a cli-
any financial planning strategy, investment and/or compen- ent, and a client and his or her financial advisor should meet
sation. An honest, sincere relationship is fundamental to regularly to determine if the client’s changing economic cir-
the success of the client’s efforts. cumstances require revisions to his or her portfolio. The
asset allocation model should err on the conservative side,
2. Work with a trained financial advisor to develop an
but almost always include some quality equity exposure.
agreed-to financial plan that will guide investment deci-
Inflation requires a growing principal balance to maintain
sions. Review it at least annually and revise as needed.
the client’s standard of living. The financial advisor should
3. Don’t reach for unrealistically high returns. Keep expec- prepare meeting notes for the client’s records.
tations realistic. Any investment which is represented to
8. All, or a substantial majority, of equity investments
provide significantly higher-than-market-rate returns gen-
should be in professionally managed portfolios or in a
erally is not legitimate. Investments such as prime bank
diversified group of high-quality stocks. While emerging
notes, special bonds or accounts that promise double-digit
growth stocks and small-capitalization stocks have a place
interest, are just a few examples of the ploys to part you
in every wealthy investor’s portfolio, and should make up
from your money. If an investment sounds too good to be
a modest proportion of almost everyone’s equity portfolio
true, it probably is and may not perform up to expectations.
(with the exception of a retired person of insubstantial
In periods of low interest rates, higher investment returns
means), the vast majority of dollars should be in high-
imply risk to the value of the principal. Be skeptical about
quality, recognizable names with favorable prospects. It is
“guarantees.” Financial advisors cannot share losses or
often useful to establish a separate small-cap or risk-ori-
gains in a client’s account.
ented portfolio to ensure that a client and financial advisor
4. While a prospectus or other investment literature can be have the discipline to understand and limit the risk.
intimidating, investing hard-earned dollars is a serious task
9. Part of an equity investment portfolio should be invest-
and requires an investor’s attention and involvement. With
ed in foreign equities through professionally managed
the assistance of a financial advisor, read the literature and
international mutual funds and/or asset management
strive to understand the investment’s fundamentals, risks,
portfolios. There are additional risks associated with in-
potential rewards and costs. For example, different features
ternational investing.
5
8. 10. Asset allocation models for high-net-worth clients should 15. Be both receptive to and skeptical about new ideas.
include some real estate investments. Real estate investment Evaluate them carefully and use them in moderation.
trusts currently provide the most convenient vehicle.
16. Generally, avoid giving investment discretion to anyone
11. As the name implies, income investments should al- other than financial advisors, professional managers or
ways be purchased for the income they provide, but also professional fiduciaries who have been approved by a repu-
for capital preservation. They should always be high in- table firm.
vestment grade unless a client is willing to assume incre-
17. Everyone makes errors in investment selections. Learn
mental risk in exchange for the growth potential offered by
to recognize an error and take losses early. It is generally
income-producing equity investments such as dividend-
far less painful to recognize a small loss than to ride it to
paying stocks, bond funds or closed-end funds. Even then,
zero. Do not make the mistake of waiting to recover the
the incremental yield may not be worth the risk.
original cost.
12. Use margin in the Raymond James Ready Access Ac-
18. Do not panic out of the market when investments have
count (margin) sparingly for investment purposes. Lever-
declined in value because of a general market decline. That
age increases risk. However, if borrowing money for non-
is often the most opportune time to increase investment
investment purposes, consider a Ready Access loan as it
positions, as long as the fundamentals of the selections
is often the lowest-cost alternative. Maintain the same dis-
remain positive.
cipline in paying down a Ready Access loan that you would
with any other loan. 19. It is better to err on the side of conservatism than to be
too aggressive.
13. Treat IRAs and other qualified plan investments as very
serious money and let the magic of compounding work with 20. Never purchase any securities outside the finan-
professionally managed stocks and bonds. Generally, do cial advisor’s broker/dealer and immediately ask the
not fund qualified plans with partnerships or other complex firm about any purchase you have made not reflected on
invest ents because they can lead to reporting, valuation
m your client statement at the broker/dealer.
and tax problems. Before opening an IRA or qualified plan
If you follow these common sense rules of investing, your re-
account, clients should carefully review the IRA Agree-
sults should have a higher probability of success. Although
ment and Disclosure document or qualified plan trust
none of these “rules” work all of the time and there are no
document provided by their financial advisor and consult
“guarantees” in the world of investments, these disciplines
with him or her regarding any questions or concerns they
have produced excellent results over the long term. A disci-
may have.
plined approach to investing, assisted by a financial advisor
14. Don’t try to “time the market.” Be a long-term investor, with whom you have established a good relationship, will
and practice patience and adherence to an asset allocation better enable you to attain your financial objectives.
model. Avoid the latest funds. Dollar-cost-average where
possible – continue to add to equity investments, if able, on
a regular basis. Studies demonstrate that timing decisions
need to be “right” over 70% of the time to add value, and
moving to cash increases the risk that you may miss market
rallies, which often run in short bursts.
6
9. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
UNDERSTANDING INVESTMENT RISK
Securities investments, including mutual funds and even The third principal risk involves the concept of duration.
government bonds, are not insured by the federal govern- While holding fixed interest rate obligations until maturity
ment against market loss. provides return of principal, these investments vary in price
as interest rates change during the life of the bond. Longer-
All investments contain some measure of risk, from the high
term certificates of deposit are subject to the same risk. As
risks attendant to investing in small, unproven companies to
interest rates rise, fixed income securities’ prices gener-
the risks of price fluctuations based on interest rate changes
ally fall to provide the market rate of return. Conversely,
in investments issued by the U.S. Treasury or banks. There
falling rates imply higher prices. While there are generally
are fundamental economic risks associated with the op-
secondary markets for longer-term bonds and CDs, those
eration of any individual business, including maintenance
markets can be illiquid and involve high spreads between
of product quality, success in research and development to
the bid and ask prices, reflecting the infrequency of trad-
assure a flow of new commercial products, competition, and
ing and the attendant risks to a market maker of finding a
adequate cost control, to name just a few. Some of these
buyer at the appropriate price. Because of infrequent trans-
risks may transcend the individual company and relate to the
actions in fixed income securities, many of the valuations
health of the industry and/or the U.S. and world economies.
on client account statements could be the last (“old”)
Furthermore, reasonable investment objectives can be frus-
trade prices, costs or formulaic estimates of values –
trated by factors outside of anyone’s control.
not bid prices – and may not reflect what a client might re-
Typically, low-priced stocks and newly issued securities, ceive at the time of sale. Always consult with a financial
as well as securities of historically unprofitable compa- advisor for a current bid or ask quote before initiating a
nies, are considered speculative in nature, involve more transaction. Fundamental factors that might influence the
than normal risk and can experience volatile price behavior. issuer’s ability to pay also affect prices. If the debt instru-
For example, most stocks in new industries are relatively ment is subject to changes in interest rates by its terms,
unproven companies whose valuations can materially ex- that can also negatively impact market price.
ceed those based on traditional business methods. Call
All but the most sophisticated and affluent investors
options are similarly speculative as the price declines over
should avoid purchasing significant amounts of fixed in-
the option’s life unless the underlying stock price moves
come securities that are unrated or rated below “BBB,” in-
up quickly. Although prospective investment returns may
cluding high-yield (below investment grade) mutual funds.
be higher than normal, only investors capable of sustain-
Although yields are normally higher to reflect the increased
ing the complete loss of their investments should purchase
risk, issuers may fail to pay interest or be unable to make
these securities.
required principal payments, resulting in a loss of capi-
In addition to the above fundamental factors, equity prices tal or a delay in the receipt of funds. Generally, investors
are affected by investors’ perceptions of how the company, should limit purchases of such securities, if any, to a mod-
the industry, and/or the U.S. and world economies will per- est amount of their portfolios and consider them equity al-
form. In any short period of time, perceptions can vary ma- ternatives. Similarly, many closed-end funds utilize lower-
terially from reality. As a result, stock prices of companies quality securities with leverage to enhance yield, which can
with excellent results and fundamentals can decrease ma- generate principal losses, particularly in periods of rising
terially for substantial periods of time (e.g., in a bear mar- interest rates.
ket). In short, investments are subject to the impressions
Limited partnerships are generally illiquid and should not
of others. Generally, this type of risk is mitigated by the
be purchased unless an investor is prepared to own them
length of time the security is held, as the stocks of compa-
until the time the partnerships are scheduled to liquidate.
nies exhibiting good long-term economic results generally
Moreover, these investments generally are riskier than
perform well over an extended period of time. On the other
other securities because they often involve the direct own-
hand, stocks driven by “irrational exuberance” (e.g., the
ership of units subject to commodity price risks, leverage
“dot-coms”) can lose 100% of their values.
7
10. risks and/or risks related to the direct ownership of oper- purchased on margin may require the client to provide ad-
ating businesses. However, since these investments are ditional funds to Raymond James to avoid the forced sale
an excellent method of owning real estate, equipment and of those securities or other securities in his or her account.
other tangible assets, as well as investing in venture capi-
Raymond James can force the sale of securities in a cli-
tal, it may be prudent to allocate part of a portfolio to this
ent’s margin account. If the equity in an account falls be-
category after weighing the above considerations, particu-
low the margin maintenance requirements under the law,
larly when the economic outlook is inflationary.
or Raymond James’s higher “house” requirements, Ray-
The fourth investment risk relates to the type of security mond James can sell the securities in the account to cov-
and its priority in the order of liquidation. Equity invest- er the margin deficiency. The client also will be respon-
ments (i.e., common stocks) are most susceptible to the sible for any shortfall in the account after such a sale.
risk of loss if a company’s fortunes deteriorate. On the
The firm can sell a client’s securities without contact-
other hand, a collateralized bond (e.g., debt secured by an
ing the client. Some investors mistakenly believe that
airplane owned by an insolvent airline) can still be “money
the firm must contact them for a margin call to be valid
good,” even in bankruptcy, provided the collateral value ex-
and that the firm cannot liquidate securities in a client’s
ceeds the debt.
accounts to meet the call unless it has contacted the in-
A fifth investment risk relates to the use of margin through vestor first. This is not the case. Most firms will attempt
the Raymond James Ready Access Account (i.e., bor- to notify their clients of margin calls, but they are not
rowed funds to finance all or part of the purchase of an in- required to do so. However, even if Raymond James has
vestment). The following provides some basic facts about contacted a client and provided a specific date by which
purchasing securities on margin and discusses the risks he or she can meet a margin call, our firm can still take
involved with trading securities in a margin account: necessary steps to protect its financial interests, includ-
ing immediately selling the securities without notice to
Before trading stocks in a margin account, clients should
the client.
carefully review the margin agreement provided by their
financial advisors and consult with them regarding any Clients are not entitled to choose which securities in
questions or concerns they may have with their margin their margin accounts are liquidated or sold to meet a
accounts. Please note that margin accounts are not ap- margin call. Because the securities are collateral for the
propriate for all investors. margin loan, Raymond James has the right to decide
which to sell in order to protect its interests.
When purchasing securities, investors may pay for the
securities in full or may borrow part of the purchase price Raymond James can increase its “house” margin main-
from Raymond James. If the client chooses to borrow tenance requirements at any time and is not required to
funds from our firm, he or she will open a margin account – provide a client advance written notice. These changes
a Ready Access Account – with us. The securities pur- in policy often take effect immediately and may result in
chased are our collateral for the loan to the client. If issuance of a margin maintenance call. A client’s failure
the securities in the client’s account decline in value, to satisfy the call may cause Raymond James to sell se-
so does the value of the collateral supporting the loan. curities in his or her account.
As a result, Raymond James can take action, such as
Clients are not entitled to an extension of time on a
issuing a margin call and/or selling securities in the cli-
margin call. While an extension of time to meet margin
ent’s account, in order to maintain the required equity
requirements may be available to clients under certain
in the account.
conditions, a client does not have a right to an extension.
The use of margin increases the impact a price decline may
Sixth, while it is often appropriate for an investor to incor-
have on the value of a client’s equity. In fact, a client can
porate foreign securities in a portfolio, these investments
lose more funds than he or she deposits in the Ready Ac-
can be volatile and are subject to many additional risk factors,
cess Account. A decline in the value of securities that are
8
11. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
including currency fluctuations, possible political and eco- By diversifying assets, the risk of any fluctuation adversely
nomic instability, and different financial accounting stan- affecting a diversified portfolio is less than if “all of your
dards. Generally, foreign securities are best purchased in a eggs are in one basket.” However, diversification does not
professionally managed mutual fund or asset management ensure a profit or protect against loss.
portfolio to achieve broader diversification, or through
A client can diversify among different types of securities,
ADRs traded on U.S. securities exchanges.
debt, durations or companies possessing differing
Finally, market prices are a function of human emotions economics. The process of developing an asset allocation
as well as rationally determined supply and demand. Thus, model specifically designed to complement each client’s
even when the fundamental investment characteristics financial plan is essential to success in investing. Moreover,
are sound, individual securities or general market prices the model should be updated regularly to accommodate
can decline, often for protracted periods of time. Investors changing financial needs and personal circumstances.
must have patience and perseverance, as well as the cour-
Raymond James financial advisors can assist their
age, to invest or hold when things might look the bleakest,
clients in the asset allocation process and can help them
as long as the investment’s fundamentals are intact.
understand the amount and types of risks inherent in each
Clients must make the final purchase or sale determina- investment, which enables them to position their portfolios
tion, unless they have established discretionary accounts to work efficiently in ever-changing market conditions.
with their financial advisors. While a financial advisor who
The first phase of our recommended asset allocation pro-
is trained in these financial matters should be relied on for
gram organizes a client’s investments into four categories:
advice, on occasion those recommendations will not pro-
equities, fixed income, real estate and other tangibles, and
duce the expected results because of the complex nature of
cash equivalents. The recommended allocation among the
the risks described above. Since neither the financial advi-
classes is based upon the client’s objectives, risk toler-
sor nor the securities firm shares directly in the profits of
ance, time horizon and economic outlook.
successful investments, except possibly those in fee-based
accounts where the financial advisor’s fee increases and When a client’s asset allocation model has been put into
decreases proportionately to the value of the account, the effect, the program’s second phase is an ongoing periodic
client necessarily bears the risk of loss from unsuccessful review of how the portfolio is performing and what changes, if
investing. Investing is a serious business, which, while of- any, might be needed in view of changing variable conditions.
fering prospectively good returns, merits a client’s atten-
Asset allocation models are useful in the evaluation of
tion to the decision-making process. Investors should re-
different hypothetical portfolio structures, as well as in
member that the higher the potential reward, the greater the
the analysis of trade-offs between risks and prospective
potential risk of an investment.
returns in the process of selecting an appropriate asset mix.
Thus, while it is a client’s right to expect our firm to use its
REDUCING RISK THROUGH best efforts to recommend investments that will perform
DIVERSIFICATION and are suitable for the client’s financial circumstances,
it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that his or her
Avoid investing a high percentage of assets in one company,
chosen financial advisor is aware of his or her overall asset
one sector or one securities classification. The combination
allocation picture and to make the final purchase and sale
of concentration and margin is a recipe for potential
decisions. In this way, the client can more intelligently
disaster. One way to reduce risk – in fact, we think it is the
balance the risks and reap the rewards of his or her
best way – is through asset allocation. Because investments
investment selections.
can be affected by inflation, cyclical markets, fluctuating
interest rates, world events, corporate operations, and new
domestic laws and regulations, investors always face risk.
9
12. COMMISSIONS AND COSTS markdown. Additionally, the broker/dealer may also make
ATTENDANT TO INVESTING a trading profit or take a trading loss on the transaction.
Prices are reflected to the client net of these costs.
As a securities firm, we are in the financial consulting and
transaction execution businesses. We are paid in commis- New issues of securities include remuneration to the finan-
sions on transactions, fees based on assets and/or hourly cial advisor and the securities firm. The amount is included
fees. Generally, commissions on transactions range from in the offering price and reduces the net proceeds to the
less than 1% to 7% of the principal involved, depending on issuer. The total spread and the commission portion are de-
the type and size of the transaction. scribed in the offering prospectus.
The most common transactions are purchases or sales of These securities include initial public offerings of all secu-
securities on an agency basis in which the securities firm rity types, new issues for companies that are already public,
is utilized as an “agent” for the client. Except for very small as well as open-end mutual funds, unit investment trusts
transactions, agency stock and bond trades have commis- and annuities, among others. In addition, there may be al-
sions that generally range from .75% to 3% of the principal ternative methods of paying sales costs or discounts for
involved. The commission is added to the principal amount which you may be eligible. (Please see “Mutual Funds” on
of a purchase or subtracted from the proceeds of a sale. A page 11 and “Annuities” on page 15.)
major portion of the cost is remuneration to the financial
An asset-based fee is an annual fee – paid quarterly –
advisor. This directly and indirectly benefits the client, as
based on a percentage of assets in the account. The fee
the financial advisor earns compensation for providing the
varies with respect to account size, types of securities, and
financial advice and dedicating the time to servicing the
the level of advice and services provided by the financial
client’s account. Contrasted to the costs of marketing and
advisor. Through this compensation structure, the client,
selling other types of products, these costs are very low and
the financial advisor and the securities firm share a
include both the internal and external out-of-pocket costs
common interest in increasing the size of the client’s
associated with effecting the trade on an exchange or in the
assets. The asset-based fee is independent of transaction
over-the-counter market.
activity. As a result, the fee may be higher than the cost of
If a client generates considerable activity and consequent a commission alternative during periods of lower trading
commission revenue or does not utilize the services of the activity. When considering your payment alternatives,
financial advisor, a discount from standard rates may be ne- you should carefully analyze the projected costs of an
gotiated. However, if a financial advisor is providing good asset-based fee account versus other types of accounts,
service to a client, the client’s cost is small contrasted to including such factors as transaction size and volume,
the value of professional financial advice. Good financial level of service expected from the financial advisor, and
decision-making requires broad investment knowledge, a personal philosophical convictions.
general understanding of tax laws, the capacity to analyze
There are also pricing alternatives utilizing asset-based
investment alternatives, and the skill to design a financial
fees, in conjunction with lower transaction fees, to accom-
plan and complementary investment strategy customized to
modate various types of assets and activity levels. In the
an individual’s needs, objectives and risk profiles, as well as
event a client wishes to purchase a new issue in this type
input related to the method and timing of a transaction. Re-
of account, there is an exception, as the client will pay the
search information on securities provided by the investment
commission described in the prospectus and that security
firm is an essential element in the decision-making process.
will be excluded from the asset-based fee for one year.
Principal products (i.e., over-the-counter stocks or bonds in
Raymond James client accounts offer all of these pricing
which the financial advisor’s brokerage firm is a dealer as
options. A client should consult his or her financial advisor
well as a broker) have commissions that are more difficult
to select the alternative or series of alternatives that best
to identify. The financial advisor receives a commission
suit his or her individual needs.
that is referred to on the trade confirmation as a markup or
10
13. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to recognize that the maintenance of cash reserves MUTUAL FUNDS
and/or the use of leverage through a Raymond James Ready
Raymond James1 offers clients a wide range of investment
Access Account margin loan are often appropriate, financial
alternatives and services, including a variety of mutual
advisors are compensated at a rate of approximately 15
funds. Deciding which mutual funds to invest in can be com-
basis points (0.15%) on a combination of the Eagle Class
plex. It is important for you to work with your financial advi-
of U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Eagle Class of
sor to evaluate how a fund’s investment objectives, risks and
JPMorgan Prime Money Market Fund, Eagle Class of JP
associated costs fit your individual needs and objectives.
Morgan Tax Free Money Market Fund, Raymond James
Client Interest Program, Raymond James Bank and margin An important aspect of this fund screening and selection
balances, credited to them annually. process is to read the fund’s prospectus carefully before
investing. Each prospectus contains important information
Commissions and related costs are reported to clients on
that will help you make informed decisions. Your financial
trade confirmations. Read your confirmations, as they de-
advisor will provide you a prospectus for the funds you are
scribe the security in detail not provided by other firms. A
considering. He or she will also answer your questions on
current copy of our fees and charges is available from your
how the fund’s shares are priced and the compensation the
financial advisor or by visiting the “Personal Investing”
financial advisor and Raymond James will receive from
section of our website, raymondjames.com, and reading the
your investment.
“Personalized Client Account Services Fees and Charges”
after clicking on “Client Bill of Rights.” The popularity of mutual funds results from features in-
cluding professional management, diversification, daily
pricing and redemption, and ease of purchase, among other
INDIRECT COMPENSATION FOR investor benefits. Because many funds have minimum in-
ORDER FLOW vestments as low as $1,000, mutual funds have become the
investment of choice for many large and small investors.
Some transactions, generally in equities and options, in-
Their popularity has grown significantly in recent years,
volve an indirect form of compensation to the firm. If trans-
and almost half of all U.S. households now own mutual
actions are directed to it, the firm receiving the directed or-
funds (Source: Investment Company Institute 2004 Mutual
der may reciprocate by giving other orders to the referring
Fund Fact Book).
firm. This practice is somewhat common for listed orders
directed to “third-market” firms that execute trades at pric- It is generally advisable to select a mutual fund whose
es equivalent to or better than exchange quotes, as well as manager has extensive experience and qualifications,
in the over-the-counter market. Similarly, firms may receive along with a well-defined discipline and consistent perfor-
payment for order flow on some options transactions. The mance record. While past performance is not indicative of
amounts vary substantially, but generally do not exceed future results, a fund’s long-term performance record and
$0.75 per contract. All market makers do not pay for option manager tenure are also likely to be factored into the selec-
order flow and such payment is not generally relevant in tion criteria. Your financial advisor will help you review a
making the decision as to where to send the transaction. fund in light of your investment objectives to assist you in
making a decision that may help you achieve your specific
Raymond James & Associates will send trades to a particu-
investment goals, as this selection may pertain to that por-
lar broker/dealer or market center in order to receive best
tion of your portfolio.
execution quality. As a result, we may receive compensation.
It may also be possible that this practice has resulted in mar- Costs
kets that are less efficient. The source and specific amount All mutual funds charge management fees, which are used
of any such compensation are available upon request. to pay for the fund’s continuing operation, including pay-
ing the fund’s portfolio manager, accounting expenses and
Additionally, Raymond James & Associates is a market mak-
recordkeeping costs. Many funds also have sales charges,
er in a number of over-the-counter securities. As a result of
these directed orders, trading profits or losses may be gen-
erated by Raymond James in stocks purchased by clients. 1
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
11
14. which are partially used to compensate financial advisors When your financial advisor executes trades in mutual
for providing financial advice and client service. These funds on your behalf, he or she calculates any Class A
sales charges may be charged when you make your invest- share breakpoints to which you may be entitled based on
ment (known as a “front-end sales charge”), when you re- accounts you have with Raymond James, as well as other
deem your investment (known as a “back-end sales charge” account information you have shared. However, if your fi-
or redemption fee) or annually, in the form of “12b-1” fees nancial advisor does not have the most complete informa-
or service fees. tion concerning your investments, particularly any held
directly with a fund company rather than through the secu-
Please note that 12b-1 fees are used for overall marketing
rities firm, he or she may not be able to best help you take
expenses and also to compensate the securities firm for ac-
advantage of sales charge breakpoints – either through re-
tivities or expenses related to distribution and/or retention
couping charges you may have overpaid or by taking advan-
of fund shares, such as compensation paid to your financial
tage of breakpoints in the future. Therefore, you should take
advisor and to participating dealers who have entered into
a few minutes to review your records to determine what
sales agreements with Raymond James; advertising, sala-
other mutual fund investments you have made either at
ries and other expenses of Raymond James relating to sales
other securities firms or directly with fund companies, and
or servicing efforts; expenses of organizing and conducting
regularly provide that information to your financial advisor.
educational and sales seminars, printing of prospectuses,
statements of additional information, and reports for other Although mutual fund breakpoint policies can differ, here
than existing shareholders; preparation and distribution of are some common ways they can be achieved:
advertising material and sales literature and other sales
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION: “Rights of accumulation”
promotion expenses; or for providing ongoing services
allow you to combine your mutual fund purchase with your
to shareholders.
existing investments in the fund family to reach a break-
Depending on share class and the type of account, the ini- point on new purchases. Rules for rights of accumulation
tial sales charge can range from 0% to 8.5%, based on the and precise breakpoints will vary from one fund family to
fund and size of the transaction. For a further explanation the next. Consult the prospectus and/or your financial advi-
of mutual fund share classes and their related fees, please sor for information on how rights of accumulation may be
visit the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority website applied to their specific investments.
at FINRA.ORG.
LETTER OF INTENT: Investors can take advantage of rights
Reducing Sales Charges of accumulation from the time they purchase initial shares
While it may sometimes be judicious to own mutual funds by agreeing to invest a certain dollar amount over a speci-
from different fund families, it may also increase your to- fied period of time. In most instances, this requires sign-
tal costs. Fund families often offer discounts on Class A ing a Letter of Intent (LOI). In addition, many mutual fund
share sales charges based on the investor’s total dollars companies also permit investors to include purchases com-
invested within the fund group. The holdings levels neces- pleted before the letter of intent is signed, by instating a
sary to receive these discounts are known as “breakpoints.” retroactive letter of intent. However, if the amount stated
Often, fund groups will allow you to combine your holdings for investment in the letter of intent is not invested, the fund
with those of your immediate family members to reach can retroactively collect the higher sales commission.
breakpoints. Each mutual fund describes its breakpoint
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) TRANSFERS AND BUY BACKS:
policies, including how investors can reach breakpoints,
After an investor redeems fund shares, some fund families
how the fund group defines which family members qualify
will allow him or her to buy back into certain funds within
as “related,” and which funds and account types qualify for
a certain time frame without a Class A share sales charge.
breakpoints, in its prospectus.
They may even allow the investor to apply past redemptions
of funds from other fund families toward purchases into
12
15. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
their fund family at no sales charge. Please see a fund’s
The fund industry has developed share classes to give investors more choices for how
prospectus or the statement of additional information
they pay sales charges. The most common share classes are Class A, Class B and Class (SAI) or specific policies.
C. Each class has different fees and expenses applied, and therefore results in differ-
Finally, it is important to note that while Class A share
ent performance outcomes when fees and expenses are included. While there are no
standard, industry-wide definitions of these classes (each fund defines its share classes breakpoints are beneficial, you should not forsake prudent
in its prospectus), some of the typical differences are discussed below. asset allocation among mutual funds simply to take advan-
tage of them. It is wise, however, to select a mutual fund
Class A – This class usually carries a front-end sales charge. This means a percentage
of your investment is deducted from your initial investment. Typically, Class A shares that is part of a family of funds if you choose to purchase
have lower expense ratios (total annual fund operating expenses as a percentage of Class A shares in a commission-based account. As your
the fund’s assets) compared to the other share classes of the same fund. Most funds objectives change, you can switch among the funds in the
offer “breakpoint” discounts if you make a large purchase, already hold mutual funds family whose objectives most closely meet your needs
in the same family in your account or commit to purchasing additional shares. These
without incurring an additional sales charge. Staying within
breakpoints are described in the fund’s prospectus. Please see the “Reducing Sales
the same fund family may be preferable, since switching
Charges” section for more information. For very large purchases, A shares are often
the least expensive option. from one fund family to another often involves additional
costs or fees. At the same time, there can be legitimate
Class B – This class is characterized by a back-end sales charge, meaning that a sales
reasons to switch to a fund in another family of funds when
charge may be paid when you redeem (sell) the fund. Class B shares do not usually have
a front-end sales charge at the time of purchase. They impose a contingent deferred
the existing fund family does not have the type of fund re-
sales charge (CDSC), which you pay if you sell your shares prior to the end of the CDSC quired or that fund family’s alternatives don’t appear to
holding period. The CDSC normally declines and eventually is eliminated the longer you be as well managed based on long-term historical results.
hold your shares. Once the CDSC is eliminated, Class B shares usually convert to Class
A shares. Class B shares will generally have higher management expense ratios when If you do choose to switch to a fund in a different family
compared to front-end shares (usually Class A) within the same family. Since Class B or to another type of investment, and your account with
shares rarely offer breakpoints, they are usually inappropriate for large purchases. Raymond James is commission-based, you will most likely
Class C – This class has a constant sales fee that is charged to the fund each year incur a sales charge on the new investment. In those in-
throughout the life of the investment in the fund. Class C shares frequently impose a stances when a mutual fund switch to a different fund or
contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) if you sell your shares within a short time of to a variable annuity will result in a new commission being
purchase, usually one year (see the fund’s prospectus for more information). Class C charged, you and your financial advisor will be required to
shares typically have higher management expense ratios than Class A shares. In most
execute a Mutual Fund/Annuity Switch Disclosure Form.
cases, the expense ratio would be higher than Class A shares, and even Class B shares,
The additional sales charges, if any, will be disclosed on
if you hold the shares for a long time.
this form and you will be asked to acknowledge that you
Because your expected holding period for each mutual fund plays a role in determining may have been able to switch within your existing open-
which share class is best for you, you should prvide your financial advisor information
end mutual fund family.
about how long you plan to hold your mutual fund shares.
Fee-based Accounts – Mutual funds may also be owned in fee-based accounts. In
How Raymond James and Your
fee-based investment advisory accounts, an annual fee – paid quarterly – is based Financial Advisor are Compensated
on a percentage of assets in the account. The fee varies with respect to account size, Raymond James and your financial advisor receive com-
type of securities managed, style of management and/or other services provided. One pensation for selling, recordkeeping and monitoring mutual
advantage is that you can select funds from different fund families without concern
funds that varies by share class. Raymond James is paid by
for commission charges. Since it is an asset-based fee, costs are usually independent
the fund family from the total commissions, fees and ex-
of transaction activity. Additionally, the financial advisor and the securities firm share
the client’s interest in seeing the value of the assets increase. When considering your penses paid by investors, and a portion of that payment to
alternatives, you should carefully analyze the projected expense of a fee-based ac- Raymond James then goes to your financial advisor. The
count versus commission-based accounts, including such factors as transaction size compensation formula to determine the amount of payment
and volume, level and types of service expected from the financial advisor, as well as to your financial advisor is the same for all funds, includ-
your own convictions as to how you are most comfortable paying for these services.
ing any funds managed by Raymond James’ affiliates as
Fees are negotiable.
investment manager.
13
16. Some fund classes carry higher sales charges or asset- search coverage of funds by Raymond James. Instead, these
based fees than others (e.g., Class A shares may have fees are used to cover the types of services outlined below
higher or lower front-end sales charges, depending on the and are not shared with Raymond James financial advisors
size of the purchase and therefore higher or lower com- or their branch managers as compensation.
pensation to Raymond James than Class B shares). As
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER: Fund companies with
a result, your financial advisor may receive more or less
funds electronically linked or “networked” with a broker/
compensation depending on the fund or share class you
dealer’s account system or with funds available through a
purchase if purchased on a commission basis. In addition,
broker/dealer’s fee-based account programs often reim-
while the absolute amount of your financial advisor’s initial
burse broker/dealers for a portion of their account adminis-
compensation is lower for Class C shares, the percentage
trative costs, which can include accounting, reporting and
of the initial payment, in some instances, may be greater
other services to shareholders.
than the percentage that the financial advisor receives for
the sale of Class A or Class B shares. Networking is a service that enables the sharing of data be-
tween Raymond James and mutual fund companies. For net-
Raymond James does not participate in programs that pro-
worked accounts, Raymond James – rather than the mutual
vide preferential treatment to financial advisors based upon
fund company – produces statements, trade confirmations
the sale of certain mutual funds. Raymond James financial
and IRS form 1099s, in addition to providing client service.
advisors are compensated at the same level and compete
Fee-based account-eligible funds may reimburse Raymond
on a level playing field in terms of transaction charges for
James up to $15,000 annually for the costs associated with
sales within all fund families.
setting up the funds for availability in these accounts, per-
Our financial advisors currently have available approxi- formance reporting software, enhanced statements, and
mately 9,000 mutual funds from more than 230 fund families. marketing- and sales-related costs, among others.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION: Consistent with MARKETING SERVICE AND SUPPORT: Raymond James
FINRA rules, fund distributors and/or their affiliates may provides a variety of marketing services and other support
compensate Raymond James for training and education to sponsors of mutual funds regarding their funds. These
seminars for Raymond James’ associates, financial advi- services include, but are not limited to, the provision of: de-
sors, clients and potential clients. This may include due tailed mutual fund information to financial advisors, stra-
diligence meetings regarding their funds, recreational ac- tegic planning support to assist fund sponsors by making
tivities or other non-cash items. The representatives of financial advisors available for educational information
fund companies attend meetings, provide speakers for edu- regarding their funds and branch office support, including
cational presentations and attend events where they can phones, computers, conference rooms, as well as facilities
interact with our financial advisors. and distribution support for prospectuses and promotional
materials relating to their funds.
Other Raymond James Services and Compensation
Mutual fund companies may also compensate Raymond CERTAIN RETIREMENT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
James and its affiliates for services in addition to sales FEES: Raymond James receives an annual fee of up to
charges and asset-based fees in connection with clients’ $5,000 for providing administrative services to the mutual
purchasing and holding mutual funds. This compensation fund companies that offer corporate retirement plans.
may not be disclosed in detail in a fund’s prospectus.
AFFILIATED FUNDS: Raymond James makes available to
Raymond James’ clients can purchase shares of those mu- its clients a variety of mutual funds advised by its affiliate,
tual funds whose affiliates have entered into contractual ar- Eagle Asset Management. Raymond James may receive
rangements with Raymond James. This contractual arrange- more revenue from selling these funds because it receives
ment provides for the payment of one or more of the fees compensation for providing these affiliated funds invest-
described below. These fees do not purchase placement on ment advisory, administrative, transfer agency, distribution
any preferred product lists or any special positioning or re- and/or other services that Raymond James may not provide
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17. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
to unaffiliated funds. However, it is important to note that • ponsor companies, which may also route some portfo-
S
Raymond James financial advisors receive the same com- lio trades through those distributors for execution and
pensation and compete on a level playing field for sales of research services. These payments do not generally
funds from all available fund families. exceed $.05 per executed share.
OTHER SERVICES: Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE- • ur open-end mutual fund research reports on which
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RJF) is a Florida-based diversified holding company whose the following disclosure appears: “Raymond James
subsidiary companies provide financial services to indi- Associates, Inc. or its affiliates may have received
viduals, corporations and municipalities. For these ser- compensation from the distributor of this fund, or
vices, Raymond James receives compensation. As a result, the fund’s investment advisor or sub-advisor.”
Raymond James pursues additional business opportuni-
Investors should carefully consider the investment objec-
ties with companies whose mutual funds Raymond James
tives, risks, charges and expenses of mutual funds before
makes available to its clients. Consistent with industry reg-
investing. The prospectus contains this and other infor-
ulations, these services could include (but are not limited
mation about mutual funds. The prospectus is available
to) banking and lending services, sponsorship of deferred
from your financial advisor and should be read carefully
compensation and retirement plans, investment banking,
before investing.
securities research, institutional trading services, invest-
ment advisory services, and effecting portfolio securities
transactions for funds and other clients. Raymond James
professionals who offer mutual funds to individual inves- ANNUITIES
tor clients may introduce mutual fund company officials to Another investment alternative that has grown in popularity
other services that Raymond James provides. is the annuity. Annuities are investment products – issued
A mutual fund’s business policies can be found in its by insurance companies – that offer tax-deferred capital
statement of additional information, which is available on accumulation as well as certain types of insurance guar-
request from the fund company. For additional information antees. Annuities also have the ability to provide a guaran-
on mutual funds in general, contact your financial advisor teed lifetime income stream. All guarantees are backed by
or visit the educational websites of the U.S. Securities and the issuing insurance company and its ability to pay.
Exchange Commission at SEC.GOV, the Financial Industry Consequently, careful research is required before
Regulatory Authority at FINRA.ORG, the Securities Indus- purchase. Additionally, if you are buying an annuity to fund
try Association at SIA.COM, and the Investment Company a retirement plan that already provides tax deferment (such
Institute at ICI.ORG. as an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan), you should do so for the
annuity’s other features and benefits, because tax defer-
Disclosure ment would not be an additional benefit.
Mutual fund companies are required to outline revenue-
sharing arrangements, along with a fund’s fees and risks in There are four basic types of annuities:
their prospectus and/or statement of additional information. • An immediate annuity is purchased with a single payment
In addition to the disclosure information posted in this and, characteristically, distributes a specified income
stream that commences immediately.
brochure, Raymond James provides disclosure through:
• A fixed annuity guarantees a fixed rate of return for a
• ur trade confirmations. Each mutual fund trade
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specified period of time. It is generally designed to pro-
confirmation indicates, “Raymond James Associates,
vide guaranteed-level payments for a specified period
Inc. or its affiliates may have received compensation of the annuitant’s lifetime, on a tax-advantaged basis.
from the distributor of this fund, or the fund’s investment
• A fixed index annuity, or equity index annuity, as they
advisor or sub-advisor. This may also be referred to as
are commonly referred to, is a type of fixed annuity in
revenue sharing.”
which the rate of return is tied to a well-known index
15