Financial advisement, how to make intelligent decisions by Richard Akirmaian

Date: Friday March 17th, 2006
Time: 12pm
Where: GL 100A

Abstract:

Most Americans spend far more time planning their annual family vacation than they do planning their family’s finances. As a Certified Financial Planner, Mr. Akirmaian has extensive experience working with many south Florida agencies, including staff at Florida International University, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the School Board of Broward County, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and others, in planning for all aspects of a person’s financial life. The first step in any rational financial plan is to set realistic expectations. Goals and objectives must be stated in quantifiable terms and prioritized. Once determined, an on-going evaluation of progress toward these goals is essential. Effective financial planning involves establishing a workable budget to serve as a framework to launch the plan. Incumbent in the budgeting process is a discussion on the difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’. Also included were a frank discussion on the importance of living within your means, avoiding debt issues, monitoring your credit report, and what to do when credit issues create a roadblock to your financial success. Once the basics of cash flow have been covered, the discussion shifted to the investment process. Understanding the risk-return tradeoff and one’s tolerance for fluctuations in the investment portfolio will allow the investor to take advantage of market increases while limiting the frustrations in ‘down markets’. Various investment vehicles including cash and cash equivalents, income instruments, and equities were covered. Finally, the discussion will turn to the time value of money. The three components controlling the growth of money (time, amount saved, and return) were covered.

Bio:

Richard Akirmaian was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He is currently a resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida, but he graduated from American College in Pennsylvania. Richard Akirmaians' philosophy is to provide a methodical, full-service approach to meeting financial goals of individuals through integrity and quality one-on-one service.

• Former Director, Society of Financial Planning Professionals, Million Dollar Round Table, 2000 – 2005 Qualifier
• MetLife Resources Golden Circle, 2000 – 2001-2002
• MetLife Resources Platinum Club, 2003-2004
• MetLife Resources Chairman’s Club 2005
• Mercury Award, American Express Financial Advisors 1998
• Coordinator for Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), State University System, Comprehensive Financial Planner

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
• Certified Funds Specialist (CFS)
• Certified Long Term Care Specialist (C-LTC)
• Life, Health, and Variable Annuity (State of Florida 215)
• Series 7, Series 63, Series 65 ( Investment Advisor Representative)
• Property and Casualty, Series 220