For Women . . .
Helping You Live The Life You Desire
By Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC®
Financial Advisor, RJFS
920 Whitehead Drive
Granbury, TX 76048
817-573-9595
800-880-9594
[email protected]
Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Member FINRA/SIPC
Today in the United States women control more wealth than men. It is expected to reach as much as
60 percent in 2011.1
Three women now receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees for every two men. For the first time in
2009 they earned more doctorates than men, and they now hold the majority of managerial jobs.2
With their proven academic, career, and personal prowess, they have become a financial superpower.
Although these statistics display women’s successes, few women feel financially secure. An Allianz Life
Insurance Company survey found that 90 percent of women felt “somewhat” or “not at all” financially
secure.3
These numbers are generalities. Women’s lives differ. Each one will have a broad range of concerns…
depending on lifestyle and career choices. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to suit Every Woman.
Suppose you are a recent widow with assets over $200,000. You are dealing with both pain from
a recent loss and also uncertainty about exactly what financial resources you have. Although you
may have a large sum from an IRA and other assets, you may not feel financially independent. You
are looking for a sympathetic advisor to help you organize your financial life and gain confidence
in your future.
You may be a savvy business woman or a talented professional. You may be used to handling
finances, yet you may be unsure whether you are doing enough to save for retirement. You are
looking for someone to educate you about your options and help you plan for the future.
Perhaps, you are recently divorced and have a large sum of money to manage on your own. You
are not yet confident in your ability to manage wealth. You want to be sure that you are taking
good care of yourself and your loved ones now and for the future.
These women see that they are responsible for their own financial needs; and, for some, they must
look after their children’s needs as well. What will help them gain greater confidence in their financial
life? Above all, they seek knowledge from complete (not dumbed down or misleading) information.
Not knowing where to turn for solid information is a serious problem for some women. Advice that’s
for you needs to start here:
What do I – a unique individual at this particular time – need?
And answers can set you on a path to smart decisions to ease your financial concerns and shrink
uncertainty.
In this White Paper you will discover “Today’s 5 Unrelenting and Unavoidable Forces” that, if not
addressed, may bankrupt your desired future. Then, the section on page 5 “How Women Approach
Wealth and Where to Uncover Answers That Are Right for You” offers information that can lead to
knowledge, understanding, and insight to help you gain a life well-lived on your terms.
1
“Women & Money and Power,” Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 2010.
2
New York Times, “The Empowerment Mystique,” September 24, 2010.
3
“Women & Money and Power,” Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 2010.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
2
Today’s 5 Unrelenting and Unavoidable Forces
Top financial challenges women face today encompass:
— The Tough Realities of an Uncertain Economy
— Recent Market Performance
— Information Overload
— The Longevity Risk
— The Inflation Risk
You may be facing more uncertainty and risk than you have ever lived through. The world is changing dramatically.
More important than what has happened is what is happening now. One certainty running through the tumult,
turmoil, and agitation is that your approach to investing must reflect this reality.
For some women their answer is to put their money where it is seems “safe” – perhaps in a bank or possibly in
fixed annuities or treasury bonds. That decision, though, could be devastating. The reasons why will become
clear as we view the “5 Unrelenting and Unavoidable Forces” that will have immense impact in the years ahead.
1 — The Tough Realities of an Uncertain Economy
Our world seems less stable today. You may not be prepared
for the economic surprises and shocks that surface almost
every day. What’s more, we are interconnected on a global
scale. The financial troubles in one country or one sector
of the economy reverberate everywhere . . . and often
immediately shape what’s taking place in your corner of the
world, whether at home, at work, or in your neighborhood.
Just one example is the fortunes of the dollar. As it is buffeted
by decisions around the world, it can affect both your nest
egg and investments.
Here in the United States Baby Boomers, as they age, will
impact the economy.
No one has a crystal ball to “know” the future. Yet an
undeniable fact is that baby boomers are aging and retiring
in huge numbers. The good news is that just as they have
redefined so much else, they are redefining retirement. For
many this means exploring new options, including new
careers and starting new businesses, well past the age of 65.
For some women their
answer is to put their
money where it is
seems “safe” – perhaps
in a bank or possibly
in fixed annuities or
treasury bonds. That
decision, though, could
be devastating.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
3
2 — Recent Market Performance
What you are doing now may not accomplish what you intend – preserving assets or avoiding common risks.
Chances are you are failing to match or surpass the market rate of return. Statistically, we know this:
The average investor does not beat the market as shown in the chart below.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ©2009 DALBAR, Inc. This information is for illustrative purposes and seeks
to demonstrate the virtues of a buy-and-hold strategy rather than trying to time the market. The calculations assume a $10,000
initial investment over the specified time period from 1988 through 2008.
• The fact that buy-and-hold has been a successful strategy in the past does not guarantee that it will
continue to be successful in the future.
• The average (equity and fixed income) investor refers to the universe of all (equity or fixed income)
mutual fund investors whose actions and financial results are restated to represent a single investor.
Average (equity and fixed) investor returns are represented by a change in assets, excluding sales
charges, redemptions and exchanges.
• This method of calculation captures realized and unrealized capital gains, dividends, interest, trading
costs, sales charges, fees, expenses, and any other costs.
• Equity performance is represented by the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index (an unmanaged
index of 500 widely held stocks). Fixed Income performance is represented by the Barclays Capital
Aggregate Bond Index (an index which measures changes in the fixed-rate debt issues rated investment
grade or higher. The aggregate index is comprised of the government/corporate, the mortgage-backed
securities and the asset-backed securities indices).
• Inflation rate represents the monthly value of the consumer price index and is converted to a monthly
rate. The monthly rates are used to compound a “return” for the period under consideration.
• An investor cannot invest directly in an index. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of fees,
trading costs or other expenses.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
4
The tendency for investors is to move much or all of their money out of the market when they face a bear market
or down cycle. The outcome is that they may have missed some of the best days in the markets.
It comes down to this: You may be the biggest obstacle to creating wealth in the markets. Sometimes this
obstacle takes the form of chasing after a market as it goes up (or down). Too often, these actions accomplish
nothing except to separate you from your wealth.
3 — Information Overload
A year-long study from the Global Information Industry Center at the University of California at San Diego
measured the amount of information the average American receives.
Here’s the outcome:
The average American “consumes” 100,500 words “on an average day” (outside of work). The study included 20
different sources of information from newspapers and books to portable computer games, satellite radio, and
internet video.
Much of this information centers on the economy and on financial news. So how do you know what’s valuable
and what’s misleading? What to pay attention to and what to ignore? One answer is to Consider the Source. Is it
one you have confidence in? Are you sure?
In the financial field confidence in the quality of information comes from:
An independent voice — one that provides objective and unbiased advice. It is unlikely that you will find this
advice from an “advisor” pushing a hot stock tip.
Experience — what kind of experience backs up the source’s statements? Do they seem informed or illinformed? How many years have they been in practice?
Credentials — In the financial field there are solid credentials such as the Chartered Financial Consultant
(ChFC®) and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®). Be aware that some designations are
easier to obtain than others.
4 — The Longevity Risk
What do statistics say about Americans? Yes, Americans are living longer than ever before. According to the U.S.
National Center for Health Statistics a woman who was 65 in 2006 has an average of 19.7 years remaining. The
bottom line is that women need to save more for a longer life.
Health care expenses can rise with longer life, which is a big concern when planning for retirement. The estimate
for health care costs is up 56 percent over 2002, when Fidelity first calculated retiree health care costs.4 You may
have seen the recent headlines where a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2010 will need approximately $250,000
to cover medical expenses in retirement even with Medicare insurance coverage, according to Fidelity’s latest
health care cost estimate. A woman’s increasing concern about medical care costs can arise from her fear that
her husband may use most of their savings for medical care and support at the end of his life.
4
Fidelity’s Consulting Services nationwide study, 2010
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
5
5 — The Inflation risk
China is now the biggest car market in the world. In 2009 for the first time auto sales in China surged past the
United States. This statistic means more than bragging rights. It indicates the pressures that China and the other
growing countries worldwide will put on key resources such as water, food, oil, and steel, and the lists go on.
Here’s but one example: A gallon of gas went from 36 cents per gallon in 1970 to over $4 per gallon in 2008.
Suppose gas prices went up only half that much in the next 30 years! In 2038 gas would reach $22 per gallon.
It comes down to this: Inflation must be taken into account in retirement planning because low inflation rates
may not continue. The weakening dollar and the budget deficit along with escalating demand for resources both
from a growing world population and from developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil will have an
impact. That’s why a portfolio of only fixed investments such as cash alternatives, treasury bonds, and fixed
annuities will generally not keep up in an inflationary environment.
How Women Approach Wealth
And Where to Uncover Answers
That Are Right for You
What is wealth to women? It’s not so much a number such as a total in dollars or the sum of your assets. Rather,
if you are like most women, you associate wealth with emotions.
It can mean feeling confident about your future financial situation.
It can mean having enough so that you will never be dependent on your children or your family.
Wealth, too, can create a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
Further, it can show up as a feeling of independence with the ability to help others.
Perhaps, you are an individual who takes your time and weighs possibilities before making a decision. Possibly,
you are the primary financial decision maker and are already investing. You may be alert for better ways to plan
for the long term, to close the gap between where you are today and where you’d like to be. Maybe, you have
come into wealth from a divorce settlement. You may be on the lookout for information and details to give you
an organized system of wealth management to help you get what you want from your money.
A reality is the stress women feel because of lack of time. Yet when it comes to coping with finances, even more
important than time is a lack of knowledge.
1 — Seeking Answers To Your Financial Questions
More and more women are taking on responsibility for their own financial future, and often for their family’s as
well. They desire to do the best for themselves and their loved ones. Asking questions like these can be valuable:
Do I feel at risk when I consider my finances?
How sure am I about my ability to make smart financial decisions?
How can I put to better use the financial resources that I have?
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
6
Am I saving enough for retirement?
How can I provide for my loved ones when I am no longer able to look after them?
By expanding their “financial education,” they can grasp and benefit from the options in front of them.
Above all, the information must be straightforward, practical, and useful – information that can lead to knowledge.
That means getting the full range of information in a straightforward manner – not a version that is “dumbed
down” to meet someone else’s assumptions about what women can handle or what they really need. In short,
they want a solid financial IQ. What’s more, women who consider themselves successful investors often seek a
more profound understanding.
2 — Gaining Greater Control Over Your Financial Future
In general, women are steady, long-term investors. Short-term results are a distraction. According to a 2005
Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Survey, women are less likely to be swept up by the emotions of the moment
when confronted by a hot tip or sales pressure. They are consistent investors. Also, they are patient, and will stay
with an investment through its ups and downs.
By seeking unbiased and complete information you can gain the knowledge essential to guide you to a sound
decision.
You may want holistic advice to fulfill your long-term goals. You may be seeking a personal plan that begins with
the discovery of: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? When working with an advisor, you want the process
to center on you . . . to feel as one woman did, “that I am the only person in the world.”
You may be looking for a long-term relationship with an advisor built on understanding and trust – one that
is not superficial and shallow. For that to occur the advisor behind the plan must offer objective, independent
advice. They don’t rush, but allow you all the time necessary to make sure you are confident in your decisions
and in your financial plan. That means you are welcome to ask questions and ask again until you understand all
that’s essential for a knowledgeable decision.
Nine out of ten women will manage their own finances at some point in their lives (according to the Center for
Women’s Business Research). You want to be involved, and yet you may not want to know everything. You are
smart enough to get what you need to out of the conversation.
What to watch out for: Avoid an advisor who talks down to you or who tries to overwhelm you with jargon or
fast talk. It’s hard to overlook a patronizing attitude. Also, be alert for someone who pushes you to buy a certain
(maybe scarce) product.
In contrast, you will appreciate an advisor who respects you and who listens to understand your values, your
goals, and your dreams. What’s more, your trusted advisor will check up on happenings in your life that will
change your priorities such as the sale of a business, a divorce, or the death of a spouse. The result will be a
comprehensive plan for the long term that helps to mitigate risk and enable you to reach what you value most.
And that plan will assist you in gaining greater control of your financial future.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
7
3 — Making A Difference In The World
Like many women, you may be serious about leaving the world a better place and generous with the causes that
mean the most to you. A Grey Advertising study lists women’s number one aspiration as “to make the world a
better place.”
The top three aspirations uncovered in the study were:
Make the world a better place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85%
See kids become really successful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83%
Have enough time to do what I want . . . . . . . . . . . 82%
Of course, everything you do to improve your financial picture will enable you to contribute more to your family
and to the world and, at the same time, to add more enjoyment in your life.
Today, women make up the majority of philanthropic donors in the United States, which isn’t surprising given
their ever growing financial strength. What’s more, they are more likely than men to give both their time and
money. About seven out of ten said they helped to raise money for a cause.5 By the act of giving and the fulfillment
that comes with “making a difference” you will be taking steps for greater satisfaction and delight.
4 — Enjoying Life
Time and again you may put the needs of others ahead of
your own. You may feel that you are expected to sacrifice
things in your life for the benefit of your family – your
children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters, and
your “family” of friends.
Often, you may not be getting the support for yourself that
you willingly give to others, especially when it comes to
financial issues. You don’t have to do it all yourself. You
can gain assistance from a competent financial advisor who
helps you to thoroughly understand where you are and to
plan for your future, whether for educating your children,
preparing for your retirement, or designing a time when
you will no longer need to work.
This valuable backing can ease your concerns about not
doing all you can do to improve your financial situation.
The Boston Consulting Group’s 2009 global survey of
women finds them “over-worked, over-extended, and overstressed.” Sound financial guidance can simplify your life
and free time for yourself.
5
Today, women make
up the majority of
philanthropic donors in
the United States, which
isn’t surprising given
their ever growing
financial strength.
What’s more, they are
more likely than men to
give both their time and
money.
WEALTH: Financial and Lifestyle Perspective from Northern Trust, Winter, 2007
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
8
How To Increase Confidence
In Your Financial Future
“I especially enjoy helping women.
I want you to have a comfortable lifestyle and to help you
create a plan to reduce worry about running out of money.”
— Deborah Fleming
You might wonder exactly what’s behind helping women have “a comfortable lifestyle.”
Helping You Plan For The Rest Of Your Life
With Our 4-Step Collaborative Process
Through the 4 Step Collaborative Process we work in partnership with you to help you achieve what you want
in life.
Step 1 is to Understand your fears, situation, and dreams. We talk
with you about your priorities, goals, and desires. In
addition, we educate you on key risks to address given
your specific financial situation.
Step 2 is to Design strategies with you to help you
gain control of your future. Here we analyze
your unique situation and propose a viable
investment approach that addresses your needs,
balances risks, and reflects your priorities. You
have all the time you need to ask questions so
that you can grasp how our recommendations
can work for you.
integrated solutions
with advisor and firm
client needs, goals,
tolerance and time
First and
Foremost
Our Process
Focuses on
Your Needs
custom portfolio for
meeting objectives
Step 3 is to Implement the plan we have agreed upon. We
take care of the details so that it’s as easy as possible
for you.
Step 4 is to Monitor the plan regularly and recommend necessary
adjustments. This means we communicate frequently to help to ensure that we
are on the right track. Also, we ask about changes in your life that will affect the
plan. Then, we update your plan as needed.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
9
Raymond James Is On Our Team
First and foremost, Raymond James gives financial advisors the flexibility and independence to serve our clients
without a corporate “push” of being obligated to sell proprietary products.
Our relationship with Raymond James benefits you by providing the tools and resources to execute our mission
to serve clients to the best of our abilities. Raymond James was the first financial services firm to create a Client
Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in 1994. Today, many firms have followed this example
You gain the full resources of a large, multinational financial services firm. Raymond James is one of the largest
financial services firms in the United States with more than 5,300 financial advisors serving 1.9 million accounts
in 2,300 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. The company’s business includes
investments brokerage, professional asset management, insurance solutions, trust services, investment banking,
and private and commercial banking.
Through Raymond James we have access to over 20,000 mutual funds, 100 money managers, and 60 insurances
carriers. That means that we are able to be innovative in our solutions to meet your needs.
What’s the Next Step?
You don’t have to repeat mistakes you may have made in the past. You can discover more about how we can help you
tackle your tough financial challenges. We invite you to a personal, no-obligation Get-To-Know-Each-Other Meeting.
To request your personal meeting, simply send an email to [email protected] or call
Deborah at 817-573-9595.
Helping You Live The Life You Desire
Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC®
Financial Advisor, RJFS
Inheriting Values from Growing Up On A Texas Farm and Ranch
“One of seven children, I enjoyed country life on a farm and ranch in Texas. We
raised cattle and goats along with crops to feed the animals. To be as self-sufficient
as possible, we had a large garden. My sisters and I picked vegetables, hauled hay,
gathered eggs, and milked cows along with our cleaning and cooking chores.
“My parents instilled a strong work ethic in us and taught us to stand by our word.
There was never extra money for luxuries such as vacations although my parents made sure that they could send
all seven of us to college. For birthdays we didn’t receive gifts, but we got the cake of our choice.”
Starting on a Career in the Financial Field
“My first paying job was as a sales assistant at Merrill Lynch. I backed up six stock brokers who spent every day on
the phone calling to track down prospects and trying to sell more to current clients. The more aggressive they
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
10
were, the more stocks and bonds they sold. From this experience I learned what I didn’t want to do with my life.
“Of course, I never dreamed that I would find my life’s career in the financial field. My college degree was in hotel
and restaurant management. Soon, though, I brought my management and people skills to the financial services
industry. I became sales assistant to a producer, where I got licensed by completing Series 6, 7, and 63. A few
years later I completed Series 65, which allowed me to manage fee-based accounts.”
Gaining Experience, Skills, and Credentials
Deborah has devoted more than 14 years to her career in the financial field. She is a Certified Funds Specialist.
She became a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) in 2002 through the American College. She took
required courses and passed rigorous exams on key planning issues such as income taxation, investments, and
estate planning.
She was awarded the prestigious Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation from the
College for Financial Planning. This designation emphasizes the changing needs of retirees and the unique
challenges they face, particularly in seeking guaranteed sources of income throughout their retirement. She is
also licensed to sell insurance in Texas. Each designation requires from 16 to 30 hours of continuing education
every two years.
When she moved to Granbury in 1998, she worked as a financial advisor at a local bank until 2006, when she joined
Michelle Berry, CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, now Berry-Fleming Financial Services, an independent firm.
In the Best Interest of Clients
“Especially, I enjoy helping women business owners and professionals, widows, and divorced women. I want
them to have a comfortable lifestyle and to help them create a plan to reduce worry about running out of
money. That’s where financial planning comes in. I can help a client imagine her future life and take steps to
fulfill her desires.”
“As an independent advisor, I offer clients objective advice that’s in their best interest. I have no quotas, nor am
I obligated to sell proprietary products.”
Deborah Fleming is an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and is Past President of the Kiwanis Club, now
a board member. She and her husband, Gary, have two children. Their son Justin is serving in the U.S. Army and
daughter Lauren, in college on a volleyball scholarship, is majoring in accounting.
Deborah invites you to a personal, no-obligation Get-To-Know-Each-Other Meeting.
You can send an email to [email protected]
or call her at 817-573-9595.
The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or
developments referred to in this material. Any opinions are those of Deborah Fleming and not necessarily those of RJFS or
Raymond James. Expressions of opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investments mentioned
may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Keep in mind that there is no
assurance that our recommendations or strategies will ultimately be successful or profitable nor protect against a loss.
©Deborah E. Fleming, CFS®, ChFC®, CRPC® | For Women… Helping You Live The Life You Desire | 817-573-9595 • 800-880-9594
11