With all the choices available today, how do you choose an employer, an employee, a business partner, or even a financial consultant? There are many ways to answer this question, but I find there is one method that has met the test of time. I believe so strongly in this method that my business practice and mentorship program reflect its principles.

Many people believe the best person to work with is the most intelligent, but this is only a third of the equation. We all can think of situations where very intelligent people failed to make the right decision due to lack of character. Situations become even more disastrous if a highly intelligent person is energetic and lacks character.

Intelligence, Character, Energy - I.C.E. My mentorship is centered upon teaching today's college students the importance of I.C.E. in the work place. Two movies that each candidate watches and reports on are the 1987 movie, "Wall Street" and the 1993 movie, "The Firm." Both films focus on using one's intelligence and energy to get to the top. The great Coach John Wooden believed, "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." The movies main characters, Gordon Gecko, Bud Fox, and Mitch McDeere all have highly successful careers until their lack of integrity destroys their lives and loved ones.

I hope that you will consider the I.C.E. method the next time you are making an important decision.

My investment philosophy starts with understanding the many risks that investors face. Before contacting me, an individual, or their accountant, has usually identified some risk. It might be the risk of underfunding their retirement account. Underfunding is just one of the major risks that needs to be addressed in order to reach and maintain a prosperous retirement. Some other risks are:

1. The market and its sequence of returns.
2. Current living expenses and inflation.
3. Longevity.
4. Taxes.

In addressing risk, I often use these investment strategies: diversification, cost benefit analysis, "buckets of money" approach, and margin of safety.

In my twenty-five year career, I have researched a number of products to address the above mentioned risk. Some of these products include:

• Mutual Funds
• Fixed Annuities
• Fixed Indexed Annuities
• Immediate Annuities
• Variable Annuities
• I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to help you plan for a prosperous and secure retirement.  

Thomas J. Mooney, ChFC, CLU

Securities are offered to residents of AL, CA, FL, IL, IN, MI, TX, UT and WI.

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