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Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Maximization Strategies - April 2011

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This month's newsletter features the following articles:

Is It Time To Say Good-Bye To Volatility?

Since December 2010 analysts have also reported an uptick in deposits to mutual funds, along with other indications of increased retail customer activity. It appears the average American is once again ready to entertain some risk in exchange for the possibility of higher returns. And at this point, it is fair to ask…Is this a prudent financial move or a typical “herd response” that often ends badly?

Have 401(k)s fallen short?

Ever since the stock market tanked in late 2008 and 2009, devastating the account balances of many 401(k) retirement accounts, an anguished cry has arisen lamenting the “failure” of the 401(k) to deliver on its retirement promises. Find out why a combination of misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations and unintended consequences has some Americans looking for a better retirement program.

Assumed Annual Rate of Investment Return: What the Pros Expect

The assumed annual rate of investment return, also known as the discount rate, is what a pension fund believes it can realistically earn from its investments on an annual basis when averaged over the course of 20 years or more. This assumption is a crucial calculation factor for pension managers, as a slight deviation can result in enormous savings – or losses. A look at what professional money managers consider realistic when it comes to investment returns.

Prudent and Compassionate End-of-Life Planning

Preparing for a loss is never easy. But not preparing for it can make a tough situation even harder. This can be particularly true when a family member or loved one is in failing health and close to death. Reports indicate that more than 75% of people will be unable to make some or all of their own medical decisions at the end of life, which is why preparing advance directives is both prudent and compassionate.

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Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Newsletter - April 2011

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* Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346. Securities products and services offered through PAS, (770) 390-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
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** Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346. Securities products/services and adv isory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, (770) 390-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC.

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