THE PRESS 2PRESSPAPERS.

COM OCTOBER 30, 2013

A17

F I N A N C I A L F O C U S BY B O B B R O O KS

R E A L E STAT E H OT L I N E BY K E N KO D G E R

Dont get frightened by these scary investment ideas

Halloween is upon us. Of course, whether youre navigating the dark corridors of a haunted house or just dealing with the creepy characters coming to your door demanding candy, youre probably not too fearful of the sights of the season. But as you go through life, youll want to avoid some things that really are scary, such as these investment moves: Chasing after a hot investment. By the time you hear about a supposedly hot investment, it may already be cooling off. But even more importantly, it might not have been appropriate for your diversification needs in the first place, especially if you already own similar investments. Investing too aggressively. To achieve your longterm goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you will unquestionably need to own a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented investments in your portfolio. However, the greater the potential reward, the greater the risk, so you dont want to go overboard by investing too aggressively. Investing too conservatively. Some types of investments can offer a high degree of preservation of principal. But they carry their own type of risk the risk of not keeping up with inflation. Consequently, just as its not a good idea to invest too aggressively and own only growth-oriented investments, its also not wise to invest too conservatively by owning only

FINANCIAL FOCUS
Reported By

BOB BROOKS, AAMS

those vehicles that sacrifice growth potential for principal protection. Following the crowd. In many arenas of life, youll find that it may make sense to go your own way rather than follow the crowd. And thats usually the case with investing, too. Its quite common for the crowd to collectively make an unwise investment decision so, make your choices based on your individual needs, goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Taking a time out from investing. After sustaining big losses during the financial crisis of 2008, many investors decided to take a time out from investing, which meant they may have missed out on the rally that began in 2009 and ultimately resulted in the financial markets achieving record highs. The best investors just keep on investing right through market

downturns and, quite often, their persistence is rewarded. Overreacting to the headlines. Too often, people will make long-term changes to their investment strategy in response to short-term news events, such as political turmoil, a bad economic report and even natural disasters. Youll likely help your cause tomorrow by not overreacting to the headlines today. Underreacting to changes in your life. You will experience many changes in your life, such as a new job, new spouse, new children, new home, the empty nest and so on. Many of these changes may require changes in your investment strategy. You could jeopardize your progress toward your financial goals by not reviewing this strategy regularly at least once a year, in consultation with your financial adviser and making the necessary adjustments in response to your evolving life. By staying away from scary investment moves, you may well find that investing can be a positive, productive experience. And thats not a frightening thought at all. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Bob Brooks, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Wow! Is it time to prepare your home for winter?

As discussed before, weather related happenings present the greatest risk to your property here in The Best Location In The Nation, where winter is our biggest natural problem but it will not destroy your home as will flood, mud slide, wind and wild fire. If you have not, now is the time to do your repairs while the weather is beautiful. The most sever of winter damage is the possibility of basement wall damage. Inspect the grading around your home. Its slope must pitch downward away from the foundation so that when snow melts, the melting water will drain away from the home. If the snow melt runs down between the basement wall and the frozen earth, the walls could be damaged. Damage can occur when the night temperature falls below 32 and that snow melt freezes and expands between the frozen ground and your basement wall. The expanding ice will crack the basement walls before it moves the frozen earth. A cracked basement wall will always require a professional basement repair company and is always more expensive than prevention. So check the grade of the ground around your foundation and do not be mislead by mulch. Thick mulch will not prevent ice melt from following the ground contour. To keep the cold outside check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Replace or re-caulk as needed. Re-sealing caulk with a thin coat will go a long way to delaying the requirement for a complete caulk removal and replacement. Check dryer vent openings, cable and electrical line openings, water spigot and

R E A L E STAT E HOTLI N E
Reported By

KEN KODGER
sprinkler outlets, air conditioning lines and sump-pump outlets. Any areas where two dis-similar surfaces interface must be caulked such as between the porch stoop and the foundation. While you are inspecting the water spigots openings, be sure to disconnect all hoses before a freeze. If you do not have freeze-less spigots, shut off the water inside the home and drain the spigots. Clean the gutters of all debris and be sure your down spouts are not clogged. It takes years but if you do not screen at least the down spout openings you will eventually clog those drains = major costs. Check the flashing around chimneys, roof vents and skylights. Inspect the shingles. Any cracking observed

needs your immediate attention before water seeps in and begins to do real damage from the top down. If you plan to use the fireplace as a wood burner, be sure the damper operates and closes tightly. If you have gas logs, be sure the damper is affixed in a slight open position. In either case, a well-sealing hearth opening set of glass doors is always recommended to help keep the furnacewarmed-inside air from venting up the chimney. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for servicing your furnace heating system and the hot water tank. Check to see that all heating and return vents are unobstructed. Consider additional attic insulation if it has less than a 12 of thickness. Landscaping and yard preparation is a must. Lower your lawn mower blade for the last several cuttings. Protect evergreens from heavy snow damage by covering with burlap. Clean annual flower beds so those spring flowers can appear. Rose bushes need to be trimmed and protected with insulating cones. Tend to each perennial as needed in preparation for winter. This is a paid advertisement by Ken Kodger of Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West.

The Press is on Twitter

Follow us at www.twitter.com/2presspapers

Thank you for reading The Press

Bob Brooks, AAMS

Financial Advisor Drug Mart Plaza 33382 Walker Rd., Suite H Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 www.edwardjones.com 440-930-4897

16 1

When it comes to meeting your financial goals, you really need to see one person. At Edward Jones, we strive to meet all your financial services needs while providing exceptional personalized service. Because we serve individual investors and business owners, all of our energy and resources are dedicated to helping you reach your long-term financial goals. Thats why we live and work in your community. We meet with you face to face to discuss the key steps to creating your financial strategy. You talk, we listen, and we get to know you. Equities Education Saving Strategies Insurance Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews Annuities Individual Retirement Accounts Mutual Funds For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today.

2x4 Edward Jones Inv

ABR, CRS, GRI

We take the stress out of buying and selling

Great opportunity to own 16.7 acres of prime Avon real estate. Current rental income is $2100/month plus owners ranch home. 420 foot frontage expanding to 517 width for over 1080 of the total 1420 property depth. Potentially a wonderful builders street of new homes! $549,000

LA

4x4.5 Keller Williams Kodger

L. A.

25 0W ILL IA M

47 85

CE

Why Go Anywhere Else?

No one works harder for your success! Call Ken & Lois today!
A. L.

-A VO

OP EN

ER

SB

UR

11/ 3

NT

1T O3

PM

Nearly 4,000 sq.ft. w/fin. bsmt! 3-car gar! 2-story foyer! Newer hdwds in Foyer & Kitchen! 1st fl office! Granite, custom Cabinets, planning desk & island! Vaulted ceiling in Family Room w/window wall with treed view! MBR and Bath have vaulted ceiling! Extensive walk-in! $341,900

NE

LI S

.L.

AW

AH

TO

GREATER CLEVELAND WEST

Member SIPC

1930 sq.ft. no-Bsmt Ranch w/3 Bdrm, 2 newer Baths! Family Rm vaultl has twin sky lights! 120' x 145' lot! Newer granite Kitchen! Newer windows, shingles, vinyl exterior, & furnace! 2-car gar w/cement drive! No HOA or fees! $159,900

Call Today!

440-933-8326 www.KodgerTeam.com

Over 1,250 Customers Served!

3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath slab Ranch! All new paint! New Kitchen floor! New windows, 1995; shingles 1995; vinyl exterior, 1999; Cement drive to oversized 24x24 garage constructed in 1985 on 16 centers; pull-down steps to overhead flooring; new shingles in 2008! Quiet street in desired neighborhood! No HOA or HOA fees! $114,900

In our business YOU are #1

14 2

UL

TI N