Member Highlight Patricia M. Lampert, CFP www.patricialampert.com

Consumers generally consider financial planning a high priority, so what keeps them from using the services of a qualified financial planner. The truth is consumers may believe many common myths about financial planners.

Myth - Financial planners are primarily investment advisors.
Truth - Financial planners counsel clients in many aspects of their financial lives: determining goals, cash flow, taxes, retirement, college, business planning, estate planning and insurance, among others. Think of the financial planner as a football coach designing a financial game plan and seeing that it is properly executed, often with the help of outside specialists such as attorneys, stockbrokers, insurance agents and CPAs, in the best interest of the client.

Myth - Most people don't need financial planners.
Truth - During the heyday of the bull market, the prevailing attitude among consumers was to "do it yourself." As many have painfully learned in the last three years, they could have used the expert advice and objectivity of a planner to keep them financially diversified, flexible and focused on their long-term goals during a soft economy, growing unemployment and bad markets.

Myth - All financial planners are Certified Financial Planner professionals.
Truth - Many people who call themselves financial planners are not CFP professionals. Planners who attain the CFP ceftificate must meet certain work and education criteria, pass a rigorous exam, and meet continuing education and ethical requirements in order to attain and maintain their certificate.
* Excerpt from The Financial Planning Association's article "8 Myths About 'Real' Financial Planners"

Patricia M. Lampert, CFP is a Certified Financial Planner and is the Southpointe CEO Association's newest member. Patricia was born and raised in Philadelphia and it is where she attained her accounting degree from the University of Philadelphia.

Patricia has been with Allegheny Investments, Ltd. Since 1993, as a Registered Representative and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) since 1997. Prior to 1993, she served as a financial administrator in the law firm industry for close to 19 years providing financial services such as budgeting, financial reports, computerization and a heck of a lot of "personal" advice.

When asked why she became a financial planner Patricia tells the personal story of how her father a police captain died at age 51 leaving his wife and nine children, five of which (including Patricia) were still living at home. After witnessing first hand how her family had to deal with the financial and emotional stress of their loss she knew this was a career that she could truly put her heart into.

Patricia and her staff of two, invite you to visit their website www.patricalampert.com to find out more about the services they provide and how they can help you achieve your financial goals. Patricia can also be reached at the Summit Center, 1001 Corporate Drive Ste. 250 or by phone 724-743-4755.