Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Discover safe money strategies with Kelly Kelly and her team
called Kelly Financial at eighty eight eight hundred one to
eighty one, or visit Kellyfinancial dot org.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Hello.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
This is Greg Murray, Senior vice president and chief Compliance
officer at Kelly Financial Services. Joined me this evening. Is
Mary Madeline Kelly, one of our Wealth afsors. How are
you doing tonight?
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Hi? Greg?
Speaker 5 (00:25):
I am doing great. Fall is definitely here, and I
am very excited about that. It's been a wonderful summer season,
but fall season is well overdue. My running training has
been getting even better now that the extreme high temperatures
are in the rearview mirror.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
I remember when you're running many miles in one hundred
degree weather. This temperature seems a little bit better for running,
and soon it'll be transitioning into skiing.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
Oh yes, it will be here before we know it.
I'm really looking forward to this conversation because it's one
of those topics that can sound complicated, but it affects
us all tariffs and trade policy and how global politics
touch or portfolio.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
That's right. People hear about tariffs and trade in the news,
usually tied to politics or international headline, and it can
feel like something happening very far away, But the truth
is it impacts your investments in even your day to
day spending exactly.
Speaker 5 (01:14):
Now, let's start with what a tariff actually is. At
its simplest, it's a tax on imported goods. So if
the US puts a tax on steel coming from another country,
that steel becomes more expensive here, and that cost usually
gets passed along to businesses and eventually to customers.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
And when costs rise, it can show up in multiple ways.
For example, higher tariffs on foreign goods can raise prices
for US companies that use those goods to make their products.
That affects profit, which in turn can affect the stock
price of those companies.
Speaker 5 (01:42):
Right, and we've seen it firsthand in recent years, whether
it was tariffs on Chinese goods or disputes between the
US and Europe. Global trade policies have had ripple effects
on everything from technology to agriculture.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
And for investors, this isn't just about big corporations. Tariffs
and trade policy influence whole sectors manufacturing, farming, technology, energy,
you name it. If you own mutual funds, ETFs or stocks,
you're already exposed to these global forces, even if you
don't realize it.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
That is such an important point. For example, think about
the agriculture sector. If another country responds to US tariffs
by adding their own tariffs on American crops, farmers may
have fewer buyers. That hurts farming communities and also the
companies that support them equipment makers, food processors, and so
on and on the.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
Flip side, tariffs can sometimes help certain industries. If the
US puts a tariff on important steel, American steel makers
might benefit because their product becomes more competitive. But it's
always a balancing act. What helps one group can hurt another.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
And that's why investors need to pay attention. Trade disputes
can create volatility in the markets. One headline about tariffs
can cause certain stocks to fall while others rise. If
you're not diversified, your portfolio could feel that swing more
than you'd like.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
So let's make this really practical. What does this mean
for the average investor listening this evening.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
It means you don't have to be I'm an expert
in international trade, but you do need to recognize that
global politics directly affect your portfolio. It's one of the
reasons we emphasize diversification. By owning a mix of sectors
and asset classes, you're less vulnerable to any single policy change.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
And it's not just about diversification across industries, it's also
across countries. Global funds, international bonds, and multinational companies all
play a role because if one reachon's experienced trade tensions,
another might be benefiting.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
And here's another layer. Tariffs and trade policies can also
affect inflation. If goods become more expensive because of tariffs,
that can push up prices, and as we know, inflation
influences interest rates, the bond market, and consumer spending, so
the effects can spread widely.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
That's a really good reminder that these policies don't happen
in isolation. They connect to the bigger economic picture, and
that's why investors should pay attention, even if it feels
like a political issue at first glance.
Speaker 5 (03:52):
Exactly now. Of course, we can't predict every twist in
turn in global politics, no one can, but we can prepare.
That means building a financial plan that takes into account
not just the opportunities but also the risks that come
from outside our borders.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
And that's what we do every day at Kelly Financial,
helping clients see the bigger picture, because when you're planning
for retirement, it's not just about what the stock market
is doing this month. It's about making sure your plan
can weather changes, whether they come from Washington, Beijing or Brussels.
Speaker 5 (04:21):
And that's the key takeaway for our listeners. Global politics, tariffs,
trade disputes, agreements, they're not just headlines. They can change
the prices you pay, the companies you invest in, and
the long term performance of your portfolio.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
Well said. So if you're wondering how global politics may
influence your own financial plan, that's a great reason to
come sit down with us. We'll help you look at
your investments or retirement goals. Let's see how it all
fits together.
Speaker 5 (04:44):
Because at the end of the day, a good plan
isn't just about chasing returns. It's about building resilience so
you can feel confident no matter what's happening in the world.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Absolutely well, that wraps things up for tonight. Great catching
up and I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Mary Madeline, thank you.
Speaker 5 (04:58):
Greg you too.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Safe Money Strategies with Kelly Kelly and her team called
Kelly Financial at eighty eight, eight hundred and twenty and one,
or go to Kelly Financial dot org. That's Kelly at
Kelly financial dot org.
Speaker 6 (05:16):
And we're back with more safe money strategies. Before the break,
William and I started a conversation about his new book,
Only the Good invest Young. We talked about why he
felt called to write it and how the lessons he
grew up with around the dinner table can help people
of all ages think differently about money. If you're just
(05:40):
now joining us, don't worry. You're right on time. What
we want to do in this segment is finish laying
that foundation of why this conversation matters, and then get
very practical, because principles are powerful, but it is the
daily habits and choices that really shape your financial future.
This is really the how behind the line exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
I didn't want my book to be just inspirational. I
wanted it to be useful, something that gives people real
steps that they can take today, no matter their age
or stage of life. Inspiration matters, but without action, nothing changes.
Speaker 6 (06:16):
So let's dive into some of the principles you cover.
These are simple, but they're the kind of basics that
people often overlook.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
The first one is building an emergency fund. It doesn't
have to be thousands of dollars to start, even if
you one hundred can make the difference between swiping a
credit card for a car repair or being able to
pay cash and move on. I've watched friends get stuck
for months in debt because one surprise expense derailed them.
Speaker 6 (06:41):
And that principle applies across generations, whether you're twenty five
or sixty five, and emergency cushion is your first line
of defense. It's what keeps an inconvenience from becoming a crisis.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
The second is pay yourself first. Treat your safe like
a bill. If you set aside before you start spending,
you don't miss it, and when you look back months later,
you'll be amazed at how much you've quietly built without
really feeling the pinch.
Speaker 6 (07:09):
It's not about what's left at the end of the month.
It's about deciding right up front that your future deserves
to come first. If you wait until the end of
the month, life has a way of spending that money
for you right.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
The third one is avoiding lifestyle inflation. When you get
a raise or a bonus, the temptation is to upgrade
your lifestyle immediately. But if you keep living the same
way and put that extra money into savings or investments,
you'll get ahead so much faster. It's one of those
little decisions that adds up to a huge difference over time.
Speaker 6 (07:43):
That is so true, William. I can't tell you how
important it is to save raises instead of spending them.
It will put you in a better position in the
long run.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
And the fourth one is making investing a priority, even
if it's just twenty five dollars or fifty dollars a month.
The key is to start now. Time is the secret weapon.
The earlier you get money working for you, the harder
it works and keeps working while you sleep.
Speaker 6 (08:10):
And the earlier you start, the lighter the lift later on.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
And I think it's important to acknowledge the reality my
generation is facing student loans, high rent, rising prices at
the grocery store, and constant social media pressure to look
like you're living a certain lifestyle. It can feel impossible
to save or invest, but consistency beats perfection. Start small.
That momentum builds confidence, and confidence builds hope.
Speaker 6 (08:36):
And confidence creates clarity. You begin to realize I can
do this, I'm building something meaningful, and once you see progress,
you want to keep going Exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
People think they need thousands to invest, but that's not true.
You just need to begin. The very act of starting
changes your mindset.
Speaker 6 (08:55):
In your book, you also outline some of the biggest
mistakes to avoid, and sometimes steering clear of the wrong
steps is just as valuable as making the right ones.
Let's talk about some of those because they're common and they're.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Costly, definitely, and number one not budgeting. If you don't
track your money, it disappears. But budgeting isn't about restriction,
it's about empowerment. It gives you control and helps you
match your spending with your priorities.
Speaker 6 (09:23):
That's so true. When you know your numbers, you know
your options. Is not about limiting yourself. It's about freeing
yourself to make better choices.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Number two is lifestyle creep. Spending more every time you
earn more keeps you trapped. And number three is being
too afraid to invest. Fear holds a lot of people back,
but with today's tools, anyone can get started with small amounts.
Speaker 6 (09:48):
Agreed, and once they take that first step, the fear
starts to melt away.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
I also see this book as a family resource. It's
not just for young people. Parents and grandparents can use
it too to start conversations at home. Imagine families gathered
around the dinner table, sharing stories and lessons. Money doesn't
have to be awkward. It can be a way of
passing down values and building stronger connections.
Speaker 6 (10:13):
And values are what make the difference. Some of the
strongest families we've worked with are the ones who talk
openly about money, who pass down not just wealth but wisdom.
Those conversations strengthen not only financial security, but also family.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Bonds exactly, patience, discipline, planning ahead. These aren't just financial habits,
their life habits. And financial literacy isn't just about numbers.
It's about creating freedom and choices, which.
Speaker 6 (10:44):
Is why I believe your book has something to offer
every generation. It's about money, yes, but it's also about
values that last, and those values ripple through families for
years to come.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Thanks that really means a lot.
Speaker 6 (11:01):
And dear listeners if you have not reserved your copy yet,
As I've mentioned before, we are now taking pre orders
for the very first run of William's book, Only the
Good invest young. Copies are limited, and this is your
chance to be among the first to receive it. To
(11:22):
reserve yours and to schedule a complimentary consultation with a
Kelly Financial advisor, call eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen
eighty one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
That's right. The earlier you start, the better, but it's
never too late to start making smart choices.
Speaker 6 (11:41):
Well that's all the time we have for now. I'm
Kelly Kelly.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
I'm William Kelly Junior.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Stay tuned.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
There's more to safe Money Strategies coming up right after
the break Safe Money Strategies with Kelly Kelly and her team.
Called Kelly Financial at eighty eight eight hundred and one
or go to Kelly Financial dot org. That's Kelly at
Kellyfinancial dot org.
Speaker 7 (12:05):
We're back Mike Ducett, Chief Operating Officer at Kelly Financial Services,
and tonight we're talking about healthcare planning, pre and post retirement.
I have the pleasure of introducing one of our trusted partners,
David Dupui. Dave is a true professional that has over
fifteen years of experience helping his clients navigate the ever changing,
(12:26):
very complex landscape of all Things health Insurance.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Welcome, Dave.
Speaker 7 (12:30):
Thank you for taking the time to join Greg and
I on Kelly Financial Safe Money Strategies.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
Thank you, Mike. It's great to be here with you
and your team once again. Your team does a great
job helping people with their financial futures, and I'm proud
to play a small but significant pot in the success
of a client's financial plan.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Let's jump in.
Speaker 7 (12:47):
I know our listeners are dying to know the inside
scoop on all things health insurance and Medicare. Open enrollment
is fast approaching, so turn up the volume and take
some notes. Let's start at the top, Dave, what is
medi Care and when do we get it?
Speaker 4 (13:02):
Medicare is the federal health insurance program in the US
that primarily covers people age sixty five and older, but
certain younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions such
as ND stage renal disease also qualify. So when do
you get it? Most people become eligible the first of
the month that they turn sixty five.
Speaker 8 (13:24):
If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you are already
enrolled in some form of Medicare coverage.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
Correct, If you're getting Social Security You're usually auto enrolled
in Medicare A and B, but you can have the
option to waive the Part.
Speaker 7 (13:41):
B alphabet soup part ABC and D Dave, can you
provide a brief description of each.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
Absolutely A is hospital insurance, think in patient care. B
is medical insurance, think doctor's visits, outpatient and preventative care.
C is Medica care advantage private plans that bundle AB
and D. D is easy D for drugs. Your prescription
(14:08):
pharmaceutical coverage is Part D.
Speaker 7 (14:10):
I know you can bump into rather costly penalties for
late Medicare enrollment. Common scenarios include when you work past
age sixty five, you're covered by a spouse plan, and
or you're relying on.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
A COBRA or retiree coverage.
Speaker 4 (14:24):
Yeah, penalties can be permanent, which means they really add up.
Take Part B. If you don't sign up when first
eligible in you don't have qualifying coverage, your premium may
go up ten percent for each twelve month period you delay,
and that penalty is usually permanent. With Part D, that's
(14:45):
the drug coverage, A late enrollment penalty is one percent
of the national base premium for each month you don't
have coverage and is also generally permanent.
Speaker 8 (14:56):
In twenty twenty two, about two point five million in people,
approximately five percent of party enrollees paid a part dy.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Late enrollment penalty. OUCH.
Speaker 8 (15:08):
You know that is costly and in most cases one
hundred percent avoidable with a little bit of forethought and planning.
Speaker 4 (15:16):
Bottom line delays a safe only if you or your
spouse are still working for a lodge employer. Lodge employer
is twenty more employees on Medicare and you're covered under
that plan. Otherwise, penalties and gaps are likely. You said it, Mike,
A little planning goes a long way, and Kelly Financial
does a great job of identifying these pitfalls when you're
(15:37):
analyzing someone's financial snapshot.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Okay, next topic.
Speaker 7 (15:41):
Medicare advantage or medigap.
Speaker 4 (15:44):
Medicare advantage is like buying a vacation package. Low cost upfront,
but limited choices and more rules. You're going to be
in a network, pay copays, and you may need prior authorizations.
Medic gap or Medicare supplement is like booking first class
air and choosing your own hotel. It costs more upfront,
but gives you freedom, predictability, and peace of mind. You
(16:06):
can see any doctor you want nationwide as long as
they accept Medicare.
Speaker 7 (16:10):
So it's flexibility versus frugality exactly.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
And it's important to note switching isn't always easy. You
can change advantage plans annually. Getting into medigap plans may
require medical underwriting, unless you're in a state like Massachusetts
with is no underwriting.
Speaker 8 (16:27):
There have been changes in twenty twenty five. A big
one is the two thousand dollars annual cap on out
of pocket drug costs.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
Dave, is that a big deal in your eyes?
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Huge deal for about three percent of Medicare part D
enrollees who previously spent more than two thousand annually in
twenty twenty one. That was one point five million people
in over five million hit that amount at least once
between twenty twelve and twenty twenty one. Starting in twenty
twenty five, over one million seniors will save more more
(17:00):
than one thousand a year, and by twenty twenty nine,
nearly ten percent of non subsidy enrollees will benefit.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
This has been great, and we touched on some essentials.
Let's wrap with a lightning round fire away. Myth one
Medicare is free.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Falls Most people make a monthly Part B premium plus
Part D in any supplemental coverage.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Myth two. Medicare covers everything.
Speaker 4 (17:24):
Wrong again, no long term care, no dental vision, no
hearing aids unless you have a plan that includes them.
Speaker 8 (17:31):
Myth number three everyone has to enroll at age sixty
five or get penalized.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
Not always. If you have employer coverage and are actively
contributing to an HSA, you may want to delay Part
A and B. It depends on the employer size and
the plan design.
Speaker 8 (17:52):
Myth number four You can switch back and forth between
advantage and metagap easily.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Not true. You can switch advantage plans annually and during OEP,
but switching to metagap might involve underwriting. Unless you're in
Massachusetts mid five.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
The government will help you pick the best plan.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
They can give general info, but they won't tail anything
to you prescriptions, doctor network, what travel needs. And that's
what license brokers like myself are for.
Speaker 8 (18:23):
Here's a great one. Mith number six. Medicare covers long
term care.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
This is one of the biggest areas of confusion around Medicare.
The answer is no, Medicare does not cover long term care.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
We get that last one a lot.
Speaker 8 (18:39):
Long term care is typically paid for by personal savings,
long term care insurance, or a hybrid life annuity policy
or medicaid for those who may qualify.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
If you want to sell fund comfortably, plan on setting
aside two to three hundred k per person. Even more,
if you want to live in a high cost geography
that where you and the team at Kelly Financial do
a great job practical planning approaches that maximize your client's
nest dagg over time.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
Thank you, Dave.
Speaker 7 (19:09):
It's a team effort and you are a valuable business partner.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Thank you for all you do.
Speaker 7 (19:13):
I know our clients speak highly of your professionalism and
follow through. Are you prepared for the long run? Have
you plan to maximize Social Security? Do you have a
budget and retirement income strategy to support that budget? Have
you planned for healthcare costs and retirement? If the answer
is no to one or more of these questions, it
may be time to speak with a financial professional at
(19:36):
Kelly Financial. Our highly qualified team is here to support
the health of your financial future. So call us at
eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one or visit
us on our website at Kellyfinancial dot org. Thank you
for listening and join us next week for more safe
money strategies.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Discover safe money strategies with Kelly Kelly and her team
called Kelly Financial at eighty eight eight hundred one. Poor
visit Kelly financial dot org.
Speaker 6 (20:04):
Each week we share a reflection from Bill Kelly, stories,
lessons and wisdom that continue to inspire us today. This time,
Bill recounts an extraordinary dream that brings together three generations, himself,
our son William, and his grandfather Tim Murphy. In this
(20:26):
vivid vision, he passes down lessons of faith, perseverance, and
the American spirit, reminding us that even in uncertain times,
hope and resilience light the way forward. Here's Bill Kelly.
Speaker 9 (20:43):
The other night, I had a dream that was so
realistic it was incredible. In the dream, I was walking
in a flat meadow. It was a thick, thatched, vibrant
green meadow with no hills, trees, or flowers. In the distance.
To my left was a river. There was a corner
at which the river changed core and now it was
flowing towards me with its gorgeous, deep blue water. It
(21:03):
was a sunny day, but not with a blinding sun
up ahead there was a child sitting on the bank.
As I approached him, I realized it was my son, William.
I asked him how he was doing, and he replied, Hi, Daddy,
how are you. There's somebody coming, he said, and he
pointed down stream toward the other bend. There was a tall,
gray haired man there with broad shoulders, and I knew
(21:26):
in a second who he was. I said to my son,
that's Tim Murphy, my grandfather. He's your great grandfather. It's
Grandpa Murphy. My son looked up at me and responded, really, Daddy.
I answered, yes, I think he's coming to talk with us.
And Gramp approached. He was ambling along the river, taking
his time. When he reached us, I hugged him and
(21:48):
William ran up and took his hand. Granam said, sit down,
sit down, I want to talk to you. How have
you been. I could remember all the questions I've had
every day of my life since he passed away almost
thirty years ago. There were things I wanted to ask him,
and I wanted him to recite some poems again so
William could hear those poems. I wanted William to hear
(22:08):
the stories of the Irish immigrants and Providence at the
turn of the century, and how they all operated when
they got there. I wanted him to hear the jokes
about the Irish people and the culture, and how gramp
used to call different people by different nicknames and tell
us what they did. I wanted him to relive every
childhood experience he had. He used to tell us about
(22:30):
Bishop mac vinnie and John Pastor, who were his choir
mates at Blessed Sacrament Church. Graham said, I want to
tell you these stories. I don't have a lot of time,
but I'm here to tell you some things and to
give you some lessons to help you move ahead in
your life. He sat us down and said, don't ever
let God go out of your life. Then he looked
(22:52):
at my son, don't ever give up on your dreams.
Finish what you start, and keep your word to others
and to God. He looked over at me and said,
save your money. With that, he reached into his flannel
shirt pocket and picked out a pass book. This is
a past book I wanted to give you but never
had the chance. I wanted to give you this when
(23:14):
we were in the ambulance going to the nursing home.
I replied, you gave it to me, you did, but
he handed it to me anyway. I remember looking at it.
It was from the Industrial National Bank in Providence, Rhode Island.
We talked and he told me that even though life
had dealt him some tough blows, especially during the Depression,
he wasn't bitter when the crash came. There were twelve
(23:36):
people in his household since his wife's parents lived with
him in Cranston. The crash affected not only his business,
but also his tenant's ability to pay rent. When the
going got tough, Graamp got going as if to emphasize
that fact. In my dream, Gramp continued, don't ever give up.
I want to tell you that this country, America is
(23:57):
the best in the world. We need to reach realize
the best way to help people is to allow them
to have jobs, families, housing, education, and the ability to
live their lives freely and worship God. People want to work.
When they have their jobs again, people will be a
lot happier. So what you're saying is things are going
to get better. Grant responded, Yes, they might get a
(24:20):
little worse first, but then they're going to get a
lot better. Everybody needs to stick together. I remember thinking, wow,
this is great. Then I asked, what about me? How
am I going to do? He replied, You've got to
follow your path and you have to take care of
your son. You have to stay true to yourself, to
(24:41):
God and to your family. You're going to be just fine.
All at once he began to sing an old Vaudeville
tune and do a little buck and wing. When I
was a kid, he used to tap dance for me
on the green linoleum floor in the kitchen. Picture a
tall irishman in his seventies singing, tap dancing and reciting
(25:02):
verse to a small child seated at the table. Graham
used to work what were called the smokers in Vaudeville
so he could earn twenty five or fifty cents. If
you could do a three minute act while someone else
was changing, then you could earn some money and also
have some fun. So in that Verdant meadow, Grant began
to tap dance and sing an old Vaudeville song, and
my son and I just sat there watching him in awe.
(25:24):
Then he slowly faded into the background, dancing and singing.
I remember thinking, boy, I wish we had more time
to talk, but the message from the dream was clear.
Things are going to get better. It's going to be
a little tougher than we might like in the meantime,
but they are going to get better. It was an
amazing dream and it seemed real. When I woke up.
I remember finding a box with an envelope full of
(25:47):
pictures and family mementos my brother Walter had shared with
me over Christmas, and there was a canceled passbook containing
pages filled with transactions. It had been stamped with a
machine that made holes in it and the cover read
Idustrial National Bank. I opened it up. On the inside
cover was Grams's name, Tim Murphy. It was the past
book from my dream that discovery validated the message about
(26:11):
our being okay in life. Graham said, we're going to
get back on our feet. God, family, home, school, work,
and play. Components of the American dream are going to
be restored. I believe it's a great dream for all
of us, and we can make it happen for everyone
by working together, which in the end will.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Do discover safe money strategies with Kelly. Kelly and her
team called Kelly Financial at eighty eight eight hundred one
to eighty one or visit Kelly Financial dot org.
Speaker 10 (26:52):
All opinions expressed by the host guests for employees of
Kelly Financial Services are solely their own and do not
reflect the opinions of Kelly Financial Services. Information has been
obtained from SIS source is deemed to be reliable, but
their accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information provided
is general in nature and is not intended to be
specific investment, tax, or legal advice. It is always advisable
to consult a professional before making a financial decision.