| How you can check out financial advisers
I've got answers to some interesting reader questions today, including how to bequeath a Roth IRA, who pays tax on a child's account, how to adjust your payroll withholding to avoid a big tax bill and how to transfer homeownership to a child. Q: In response to my column on an upgraded Web site for checking out stockbrokers (March 22), Jack K. asks, "Are there sites such as those mentioned in your column that similarly vet independent financial advisers, who may work on a fee-only basis, as opposed to brokers who may be affiliated with investment firms?" A: Some advisers and financial planners are also registered as brokers. If they are, you can find their dossiers at www.nasd.com. Click on NASD BrokerCheck and follow the directions. If they are not brokers, you'll have to dig deeper.
Invest in Your Memory for the Long Term
Want to make an investment in your memory for the long-term? Try a gym membership. Forget the post-it notes, to-do lists, and electronic organizers, because a recent study claims that exercising can boost your memory by generating brain cell growth in an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Researchers at Columbia University for the first time have been able to observe neurogenesis, the growth of neurons, within a living human brain. Previous studies were done using postmortem examinations in animals, which discovered new brain cell growth in the hippocampus. Dr. Scott Small, MD, found that physical activity affected a region of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus, associated with age-related memory decline, and exercise improves this process. "I, like many physicians, already encourage my patients to get active and this adds yet another reason to the long list of reasons why exercise is good for overall health," said Small, an associate professor of neurology at Columbia.
Thousands in county invest in stocks; some have concerns
Some people dip their toes into the stock markets, while others dive in and invest life savings. Some earn millions by getting involved, while others may become paupers by doing the same thing. Still others go about their lives not paying the market any mind at all. Investment adviser Gary Mellady said that thousands of Morgan County residents invest in the stock market. He said, A recent financial report shows that the investable assets of people within Morgan County amount to $6 billion. Mellady and fellow adviser Gary R. Chaplin answered questions for The Reporter-Times and also provided other information. Both Chaplin and Mellady are associated with the Edward Jones investment firm. Knowing when to invest or sell stocks determines success or failure, and thats why many people turn to stockbrokers.
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