Sometimes it is the little things in life that really make the difference. That's especially true then when it comes to dealing with financial matters. Decisions about who to trust, what to invest in, making gifts or the type of insurance to buy all have long-term consequences--and often unintended results. There are many times that a simple answer from a professional would have made all the difference. And now you can get that answer free of charge.



I've written over 160 articles since Guarding Your Wealth was nationally-syndicated over two years ago. Based on the comments from readers, these articles contain information they find very helpful, allowing them to answer many of life's financial questions. You can freely explore this wealth of information at my website.

But sometimes it can be difficult to make the connection from a general news article to your own specific situation. Sure, that reader from Florida needed a Living Trust, but what about me? Those articles about Equity Indexed Annuities are informative, but what do I do about my elderly mother that just sunk all her money into one? It's obvious that retirement portfolios need to be well diversified, but what do I do with my nest egg?

That's where my 'Ask Jeff' can be of such a benefit. I can take my advice to readers nationwide and personalize it specifically for you. Many times you'll hear back from me in a couple of hours. Other times it may take a day or so--it all depends on how tied up I am at the time.

How do I make money doing this? (My wife asks me that question all the time!) 99% of the time I don't. I make a living serving as a personal, private money manager for a small group of clients nationwide. I provide a service they can't find anywhere else for a fraction of what others charge.

Most of those who ask me questions will never need or use my services. Occasionally someone will and, if they become a client, I receive a fee for managing money on their behalf. But the only payback for nearly all of the questions I answer is the knowledge that I am able to provide unbiased, honest advice that can't easily be found elsewhere. It's that I'm doing what's right.

Turning to the traditional financial services industry for answers to these kinds of questions isn't easy. If you go to an insurance agent, their answer will involve an insurance product. If the advisor makes money selling stocks or bonds, don't be surprised if their answer involves investing in them. Remember, if all you have is a hammer, everything begins looking like a nail! And you don't want to get nailed!

I'm not saying that most advisors are dishonest. They aren't. They are hard-working professionals with the best of intentions. But they work in an industry that values sales of products over all else. And consumers are typically kept in the dark about the tremendous conflicts of interest coloring their advisor's recommendations.

For instance, I've been researching a product pitched to seniors that has an 80% market share. But if someone were given all the information on this investment, no one would buy it! Of course those selling it are going to give you only the information you need to arrive at the conclusion they desire.

That's the way it usually works in the financial services industry. And that's a shame. It does a great disservice to industry professionals who should be highly regarded, and to those the industry is supposed to serve.

Nationally-syndicated financial columnist and Certified Financial Planner Jeffrey Voudrie provides personal, in-depth money management services and advice to select private clients throughout the USA. He will answer your financial question FREE.

Readers find my articles refreshing because they provide straight-forward, tell-it-like-it-is advice. Since I don't have a financial incentive in the outcome there isn't a reason for me to mislead you.

You will be sent an email to verify your email address. It is very frustrating for me to take the time to write a detailed answer to someone's question only to find out that the answer didn't reach them.

Remember, today's financial decisions may have long-term unintended consequences. So take me up on my offer, it won't cost you a thing.