ADVISORY/Experts Available to Discuss Retirement Planning.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2003

TOPIC: Many people who are close to retirement will have less money because of diminished 401(k) and IRA portfolio earnings resulting from the stock market declines over the past three years, according to an article by the Houston Chronicle. A recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute states that four in 10 retirees will rely on their Social Security checks to cover almost all their monthly expenses. Currently, the average Social Security check is $895 per month, or $1,483 for a couple. Experts say adult children should ask their parents how they plan to retire. Because this isn't an easy subject to bring up with most parents, experts say one can ask his/her parents for advice about how to approach their own retirement and estate planning. EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Sandra Wiley is the Sr. VP of National Training and Reverse Mortgage Coordinator of the largest privately held mortgage banker/broker company in the United States. Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation has over 750 offices in 48 states, Guam and the Virgin Islands. The company has experienced sequential double-digit growth since it was founded in 1991 and recently financed more than $1 billion dollars in a single month. Ms. Wiley has more than 20 years' experience in the mortgage and real estate industries and can offer practical advice and opinion on the subjects of training for retail/net branch mortgage operations. She is also well versed in reverse mortgage products offered to seniors across the country. 903-454-1401, [e-mail]; PR: Jason Bellini, 281-591-2000 x 113, [e-mail]

Ed Lombardi is an Investment Advisor with Centara Capital Management Group and also the firm's Managing Director. He specializes in investment management, tax planning, and long-term care planning for investors age 55 and older. Ed is a graduate of the University of Washington Balmer School of Business where he majored in finance. He has earned the Certified Senior Advisor designation from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, a group founded in 1996 by forward-looking geriatric MDs, gerontologists, attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners. He is the author of several publications for seniors advising on such issues as reducing taxes on social security payments and pitfalls to avoid when choosing long-term care policies or mutual funds. Ed has helped seniors cut taxes by as much as 50 percent, avoid taxes on social security income, reduce estate taxes, and protect estate values. His clients include retired government employees, teachers, physicians and business executives, as well as those approaching retirement. 619-209-6170, [e-mail]

Pat Meidell is the founder and President of American Retirement Planners. She is a Certified Financial Planner and NASD Registered Principal with Associated Securities Corporation. Armed with 26 years of experience in finance and an extensive background in education and counseling, Pat is uniquely qualified for financial planning. Her varied experience has helped make her an astute listener, skilled at assessing the individual needs of her clients. Pat received her BS from Idaho State University, a Masters Degree from the University of Arizona, and has done post-graduate work in counseling. She earned her first securities license in 1972 and has owned a financial services business since 1982. PR: Christina Stoever, 775-686-7403, [e-mail]

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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