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First Annual Women’s Event on Aging Gracefully draws women of all ages

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Over 200 women attended the first annual women’s community event on the subject of aging gracefully on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Presenters of the free event, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., Absolute Physical Therapy and D-Signed Nutrition, spoke on the theme “3 Keys to Living Longer and Maintaining Optimum Health and Wealth” which focused on food, fitness and finances for women.

For additional pictures from the event, click here.

Dee Harris, RD, LDN, CDE of D-Signed Nutrition, LLC; Gaynell Anderson, PT, CSCS of Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida; and Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, CFP® of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., were the featured speakers. ABC-7 news anchor, Courtney Robinson, emceed the event and led the panel discussion after the speakers had completed their related topic presentations.

The morning began with a continental breakfast and the opportunity to network with other women in the community. Sponsors for the event had display tables surrounding the St. John the Evangelist Ballroom where attendees could interact and obtain vital information about services and products. Participating sponsors of the event were: A. Jaron Fine Jewelry, Absolute Physical Therapy, Beyond Motion, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc, Clementi Travel Services, D-Signed Nutrition,  Dr. Andrea Frostino, e’Bella, Eyes Wide Open, Fashionista Life-Image and Wardrobe Consulting, Health Solutions, IMG_6043aIntegrative Mindfulness, Integrity Biofeedback Inc. and Academy, Liquid Biocell Life Blend, McKenney Home Care, Naples Yoga Center, Pretty Woman Ladies Fashions, Purely You Spa, Relax The Back, Sage Events, Senior Moving Simplified, The Paper Tamer, and Whole Foods.

“The event was a huge success,” says Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, Vice President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. “Everyone seemed to learn something new — whether about nutrition, health or finances, the information seemed to ring true for so many women. We have already had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and inquiries about next year’s event.”

According to Ciccarelli, the community event was created for women with the goal to educate and inspire attendees to continue their quest for optimum health and wealth, plus, have fun at the same time.

Gaynell Anderson Bio – Panelist for Women’s Conference

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Gaynell Anderson

Gaynell Anderson

Gaynell Anderson is a licensed physical therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with over 27 years of experience.

She is an independent business owner and established Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida in 2007. Her clinic provides outpatient physical therapy services, including aquatic therapy, sports and orthopedic rehab, vestibular training, women’s healthcare and preventive exercise/sports enhancement programs. Anderson is currently pursuing her manual certification through the Florida Institute of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.

She has taught as an adjunct professor in the Doctorate program of Physical Therapy for Florida Gulf Coast University and is the treating therapist for the Miami City Ballet during their performances in Naples.

Watch the video for more information on the women’s conference.


The first annual Women’s Community Event will begin at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast and featured presentation by speakers at 9:30 followed by panel question and answers from 11 to 11:30. The event will be held at St. John the Evangelist Ballroom at 625 111th Avenue North in Naples and is a free event and open to the public. To reserve a seat, –

[aio_button align=”none” animation=”none” color=”orange” size=”small” icon=”none” text=”Click here to RSVP” relationship=”dofollow” url=”http://ciccarelliadvisory.com/newswp/health-wealth-event-sign/” target=”_blank”]

or visit or call 239-262-6577.

To learn more about the conference – Click Here

Dee Harris Bio – Panelist for Women’s Conference

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Dee Harris

Dee Harris

Dee Harris is a registered, licensed and certified dietitian and nutritionist, and a certified diabetes educator, and is the owner of D-Signed Nutrition, LLC, in Bonita Springs, Florida.

In addition to her private practice, she works with the best-selling author of Grain Brain, David Perlmutter, M.D., and is the nutritionist at the Perlmutter Health Center in Naples, Florida. Using food as medicine for multiple medical and neurological disorders, she individualizes each patient’s plan and supports them as they make lifestyle changes.

Harris graduated from the University of Georgia and completed her dietetic internship at Cornell Medical Center in New York. She is a certificate candidate for the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Watch the video for more information on the women’s conference.

The first annual Women’s Community Event will begin at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast and featured presentation by speakers at 9:30 followed by panel question and answers from 11 to 11:30. The event will be held at St. John the Evangelist Ballroom at 625 111th Avenue North in Naples and is a free event and open to the public. To reserve a seat, –

[aio_button align=”none” animation=”none” color=”orange” size=”small” icon=”none” text=”Click here to RSVP” relationship=”dofollow” url=”http://ciccarelliadvisory.com/newswp/health-wealth-event-sign/” target=”_blank”]

or visit or call 239-262-6577.

To learn more about the conference – Click Here!

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps Bio – Panelist for Women’s Conference

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Jill Ciccarelli Rapps

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps is Vice President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., a family focused wealth management firm with offices in Naples, FL and Rochester, NY.

She is a Certified Financial Planner™ with over 26 years of experience guiding clients with their wealth management. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), she has been professionally trained to help her clients organize their thoughts and goals, and to develop and implement focused plans, both personally and financially.

As a strong advocate of financial education, Rapps has been an instructor for the National Center for Financial Education and an approved instructor for educational symposiums at the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. She was also the co-host for the Naples television program, “It’s Your Money,” and is currently a presenter of financial and estate topics.

Watch the video for more information on the women’s conference.

The first annual Women’s Community Event will begin at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast and featured presentation by speakers at 9:30 followed by panel question and answers from 11 to 11:30. The event will be held at St. John the Evangelist Ballroom at 625 111th Avenue North in Naples and is a free event and open to the public. To reserve a seat, –

[aio_button align=”none” animation=”none” color=”orange” size=”small” icon=”none” text=”Click here to RSVP” relationship=”dofollow” url=”http://ciccarelliadvisory.com/newswp/health-wealth-event-sign/” target=”_blank”]

or visit or call 239-262-6577.

To learn more about the conference – Click Here

Charting Your Legacy Through the Waves of Change

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Kim - approved headshot (brown background)Kim Ciccarelli Kantor  |  Life in Naples Magazine  |  April 2014

Managing change, our only constant, is for some natural and for others an increasingly difficult task.  When raising families, succeeding in careers or entering stages of life such as retirement…..we step in to a circumstance and manage through it. If we are visionary, we see it first and plan for it. Developing your legacy is a lifetime journey and passing it on can be limited to a one-time challenging event. This is true whether we talk of intangible things we pass or financial assets to family, friends and colleagues.

In this world of many options, your legacy planning is a journey for your family. It need not be a crisis, in many cases it is a time when families come together and appreciate the gift of values, philosophies, experiences, parenting and financial successes that are being entrusted to them. In some cases, families have tested the waters to see how well they might work together, for example with a Charitable Fund or Foundation, a business/investment venture or a dynasty trust established during a lifetime, to name a few premier choices.

Your professionals are a resource for you. The value of their time and yours is to join your personal legacies and family history with the journey you wish to have continued when you pass on your financial legacies. With over 5000 tax law changes in the last 20+ years, the technical side is best left to the professionals, but your active and meaningful preparation in composing your estate plans do make the difference; bridging effectively your thinking as you solidified your planning with the actual passing on of the financial estate to your heirs.

Whatever your desires, be flexible where it is needed, and perfectly defined and specific where required. Of most importance, evaluate your family members’ capabilities and desires to serve specific roles or inherit specific assets. Sometimes a parent’s understanding of what their child’s role should be changes dramatically when further discussion ensues.

Our current estate tax statute stems from a bill that was passed in 1916, but the estate tax law began early in 1797 when revenue was needed to finance the crisis with France. It was imposed on legacies and personal property that passed on without a will. In 1802, when the crisis ended, the tax was repealed only to be reintroduced much later during the Civil War era in 1862. The complexity continued adding a stamp tax on probate. In 1864, a succession tax on real property was added, only to find both taxes repealed by 1872.

During this time however, the concept of limited exemptions was introduced. Minor children were allowed an exemption up to $1,000. Congress, 22 years later added the inheritance tax imposing taxes on gifts and inheritances. This was in 1894 and was included with the tax imposed on interest and dividends in US Banks. The Supreme Court found this tax unconstitutional and shut it down, only for Congress in 1898 to pass another inheritance tax whose purpose was for military emergencies, repealed in 1902. The exemption at this time was $10,000 for spouses and estates.

Our current bill stems from the tax statute passed in 1916, followed by the introduction of the gift tax in 1924 (repealed 1926). In 1932, Congress passed the foundation of the Gift Tax law we know today, combined with the unified credit rules in 1976.  And the list goes on for tax enactments and subsequent repeals.

Change has always been a constant. And nothing is different when it comes to policies and taxes.  Seek out your attorney’s advice as to how best he can draft your wishes and be sure to tie everything together with your family advisor.

The views expressed in this newsletter may not reflect the views of FSC Securities Corporation. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, it cannot be guaranteed. Federal tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. FSC Securities Corp. does not offer tax or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice.

Economic Update – First Quarter 2014

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1st qtr 2014 graphsThe first quarter of 2014 has proved to be very interesting with results that were significantly different than 2013. For example, the total return of the S&P 500 for the first quarter of 2014 was 1.8%. This is a far cry from the almost 10% rise in the same quarter of 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the Dow fell 0.7%—its first quarterly decline in a year.  The NASDAQ ended the quarter up with a gain of 0.5%.

Contributing to the fall were concerns about many stocks’ rich valuations and lawmakers’ questions about high drug prices. During the quarter many stocks struggled to maintain the upward momentum of 2013, though they remained near record highs a majority of the past three months.

Fortunately for investors, stocks staged a broad rally on the last day of the quarter and kicked off the second quarter with major gains, propelling the S&P 500 to its seventh record close of the year. Although the Dow closed at the highest level of 2014, it was still 0.3% short of its December 31st record finish. (WSJ – April 2, 2014)
The Economy

The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.6% annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2013, up from 2.4% due to a revised calculation. Many economists expect economic growth to rebound in the second quarter as the weather improves. (WSJ – April 4, 2014)

One major problem in the first quarter was that U.S. exports fell in February due to weak demand overseas. This also caused the largest trade deficit since December of last year.  (WSJ – April 4, 2014)

Another area of disappointment came from new-home sales, which dropped by 3.3% in February. Higher mortgage interest rates and poor weather conditions seemed to contribute to the decline.

But let’s look on the bright side. Most economic data has been positive recently and growth seems to be gaining traction, though at a pace less than we would like to see:

  • Real GDP rose higher than its earlier estimate, chiefly due to consumer and business spending.
  • The Conference Board’s Index of Consumer Sentiment climbed to 82.3 in March, its highest level in six years.
  • Orders for durable goods also increased, along with personal income and spending.

The bottom line is that things are continuing to improve gradually. According to sources at Economy.com, “The economy’s fundamentals are strong. Businesses are profitable and competitive. Household debt loads are low and credit conditions are strengthening. Banks are well capitalized and liquid. The fiscal health of government at all levels is much improved.” (Bob Leclair’s Finance & Markets Newsletter- Mar. 29, 2014)
Possible Stock Market Correction

The U.S. equity markets provided strong gains in 2013. Despite worries about Fed tapering and higher interest rates, Washington’s dysfunctional behavior and a modest economic recovery, the S&P 500 rose almost 30% for the year.  However, many investors started speculating about when the next correction would arrive and what could cause it.

The U.S. economy surged in the last quarter of 2013 and appears set to maintain that momentum. Even with this positive outlook, it shouldn’t surprise any investor if a market correction comes along and produces a decline of 10-12% and lasts up to eight weeks or longer.

One of the most obvious triggers for a correction could be a stalling U.S. economy. The economic data seem to show the economy continuing to recover at a modest pace, but there are still significant pockets of weakness and things could potentially change rapidly.

Another potential risk is high expectations for corporate earnings in 2014 and beyond. Many economists are skeptical that earnings growth can meet projections. If the market comes to the conclusion that the economy is not going to see that kind of earnings growth, this could be the catalyst that might cause a major correction. Also, an increase in the costs of raw materials, labor or interest expense could pose a threat to profit margins. If profit margins slip, current stock evaluations might prove unsustainable.

Outside factors are the most likely threats to the U.S. economy. Europe is a long way from resolving its problems or even being on a long-term path to recovery, and it could spin out of control at any time. China is changing its policies and those changes will affect the global economy. There are several significant emerging economies that could have debt payment or economic problems. A wide range of global political issues may also result in a crisis or war that could unsettle markets.

Of course, there may not be a correction at all. A major argument supporting that possibility is the fact that U.S. businesses are sitting on cash at a level not seen since WWII. According to Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab and Company, Inc., “We know the capital is there, but we haven’t had the animal spirits to put it back to work yet. But this is the year we’ll probably see increase in [capital expenditure] spending.” (Investment News–Feb. 2014)

Potential problems will always cause concern for the equity markets, but this does not necessarily mean you should constantly alter your portfolio. A prudent approach is to invest in a manner that will not cause you to be up all night worrying about your investments.
Interest Rate Changes

Long-term treasury interest rates moved a little lower at the end of the quarter. Many investors did not expect this when the Fed began to cut back on its bond-buying program. Although treasury rates have dropped, mortgage interest rates moved higher. This movement might have put a chill into new-home sales. Many investors are concerned that housing might not prove to be the investment that it has been in the past.

During this quarter, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen offered new assurances that the Fed plans to keep short-term interest rates near zero as long as unemployment stays relatively high and inflation low. This is what Ben Bernanke said throughout his term as Fed chief. On March 31st, in her first public remarks outside Washington since she took the Fed’s helm in February, Ms. Yellen said, “While there has been steady progress, there is also no doubt that the economy, and the job markets, are not back to normal health.” She also used unusually personal terms to describe why the economy needs these policies to support a weak job market, saying, “The Recovery still feels like a recession to many Americans, and it also looks that way in some economic statistics.” (WSJ, April 1, 2014)

The Fed announced on December 18th that it would start to reduce its bond‑buying program.  It decreased its buying from $85 billion down to $75 billion in January of this year, $65 billion in February and March, and now $55 billion starting in April.  What is left unsaid is how the tapering process will unfold from here.  If left unchanged through the end of 2014, the Fed’s balance sheet will add $635 billion by December 31, 2014, taking the Fed’s total assets to $4.4 trillion.  The Fed held only about $480 billion (i.e. $0.480 trillion) of securities in early September 2008. (Federal Reserve– March 19, 2014)
Bond Market Risks

1st qtr 2014 bonds&interest ratesThe bond market continues to confuse many investors. Since the Fed announced the tapering, there has been an expectation that interest rates would rise. However, bond prices are actually higher and interest rates are lower.

The long end of the treasury yield curve has flattened a bit, which suggests that many bond investors don’t see much in the way of U.S. economic growth. That is one of the reasons that many investors have put their money to work overseas. (Barrons – March 31, 2014)

Investors might still put their money into long-term bonds for safety. In fact on several occasions, bonds delivered strong returns. Currently, though, with market interest rates at such a low level, it’s difficult to even think that bonds will be able to offer most investors that kind of return at this time.

In the past, bond yields might have been high enough to compensate for their drop in value even if interest rates increased. But today, with interest rates remaining low, the math just doesn’t work. Conservative and moderate investors still need to consider bonds, but they should proceed with caution. We will be monitoring the bond market carefully over the next year or two. (Money Magazine – Jan. 2014)
Quantitative Easing

We are currently experiencing QE3, which started in September 2012 at $40 billion dollars of monthly bond purchases, increased to $85 billion/month in December 2012, and is now $55 billion/month. Five years ago, on President Obama’s inauguration day, the U.S. had a total debt of $10.6 trillion. By January 15, 2014, that number was up to $17.3 trillion. The increase of $6.7 trillion over this five‑year period equals an average daily deficit of $3.6 billion! (Treasury Department, January 20, 2014)

However, there is also some good news – reports in the first quarter of 2014 showed that December 2013 produced a surplus of $53 billion for the U.S. government. This was the first time that December has had “receipts in excess of outlays” since December 2007. (Treasury Department, January 2014)
What Should an Investor Do?

Be watchful. On March 9, 2014, the S&P 500® Index reached the fifth year of the bull market, which is quite an accomplishment. Since the global financial crisis hit bottom on March 9, 2009, the S&P has risen a cumulative 178%. This is quite an accomplishment: of the 13 bull markets since 1928, only four have made it to their fifth anniversary, and only two went on beyond a sixth. This worries some investors who fear the market might be nearing its peak. (Fidelity, March 2014)

1st qtr 2014 bull marketsPut the current bull market into context. Today’s bull market has been strong, but it follows the third-worst bear market (a drop of 57% compared to the average of 37%). The current bull market also took much longer to return to its previous peak (4+ years vs. the 2-year average). While no one can predict the future, prior bull markets that survived beyond their five-year anniversaries went on to post much higher returns. (Fidelity, Mar. 2014, Bloomberg Finance, L.P.)

Minimize risk in the bond market. Bonds can still be a part of a diversified portfolio, but caution is probably a prudent strategy. Minimize your risk by:

  • Reducing the maturity of bond holdings
  • Using some bonds with floating rates
  • Using shorter-duration bonds
  • Incorporating some callable bonds, which can be redeemed before their stated maturity

Focus on your own personal objectives. Revisit your personal timeline. Understand your commitments and categorize your investments into near term, short term and longer term time horizons. We can easily help you with this.

Don’t try to predict the market. Ben Graham, father of value investing, has Warren Buffett as one of his most well-known disciples. Graham often said, “The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator.”You are an investor, not a fortune teller. Base your decisions on facts, not speculative forecasts. 

Discuss any concerns with us. Our advice is not one-size-fits-all; we will always consider your feelings about risk and the markets as well as your unique financial situation when making recommendations. For example, given today’s stock and bond valuations, and the expectation of many economists that interest rates will rise, “there’s nothing wrong with pulling 10 % off the table and sitting in cash,” says James Stack, a market historian and editor of the Invest Tech Research Newsletter.

Our goal is to guide you based on your situation. If you have any questions, please call our offices. 

Note: The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of FSC Securities Corporation, and should not be construed, directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Investors should be aware that there are risks inherent in all investments, such as fluctuations in investment principal. With any investment vehicle, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Material discussed herewith is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. This material contains forward looking statements and projections. There are no guarantees that these results will be achieved. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will outperform a non-diversified portfolio in any given market environment. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. In general, the bond market is volatile, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually pronounced for longer-term securities. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to a substantial gain or loss. The investor should note that investments in lower-rated debt securities (commonly referred to as junk bonds) involve additional risks because of the lower credit quality of the securities in the portfolio. The investor should be aware of the possible higher level of volatility, and increased risk of default. The payment of dividends is not guaranteed. Companies may reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends at any given time. Sources: Wall Street Journal, Investment News, Bob Leclair’s Finance and Markets Newsletter, BTN Research, Federal Reserve -By the Numbers, Barron’s, Treasury Department, By the Numbers, Fidelity, March 2014, Bloomberg Finance, L.P. Copyright 2014 MDP Inc.

“Aging Gracefully”- Inaugural Women’s Community Event

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FFF-logo2Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., along with Absolute Physical Therapy and D-Signed Nutrition, will present their inaugural Women’s Community Event on Thursday, May 8, 2014. The presentation, “3 Keys to Living Longer and Maintaining Optimum Health and Wealth” will focus on food, fitness and finance for women.

Speakers for the event will include Dee Harris, RD, LDN, CDE of D-Signed Nutrition, LLC; Gaynell Anderson, PT, CSCS of Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida; and Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, CFP® of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc.

Courtney Robinson of the ABC7 local news team will be emceeing the panel discussion and fielding questions from attendees.

Health Highlights

“The event will include one-of-a-kind resource booths and small local businesses promoting happiness and well-being,” says Jill Ciccarelli Rapps. “This is a community event especially for women and we hope to educate and inspire attendees to continue their quest for optimum health and wealth, plus, have fun at the same time with prizes, giveaways and more.”

Sponsors for this first annual event are: A.Jaron Fine Jewelry, Absolute Physical Therapy, Beyond Motion, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc, Clementi Travel Services, D-Signed Nutrition, Dr. Andrea Frostino, e’Bella, Eyes Wide Open, Fashionista Life-Image and Wardrobe Consulting, Health Solutions, Integrative Mindfulness, Integrity Biofeedback Inc. and Academy, Liquid Biocell Life Blend, McKenney Home Care, Naples Yoga Center, Pretty Woman Ladies Fashions, Purely You Spa, Relax The Back, Sage Events, Senior Moving Simplified, The Paper Tamer, and Whole Foods.

The first annual Women’s Community Event will begin at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast and featured presentation by speakers at 9:30 followed by panel question and answers from 11 to 11:30. The event will be held at St. John the Evangelist Ballroom at 625 111th Avenue North in Naples and is a free event and open to the public. To reserve a seat, –

[aio_button align=”none” animation=”none” color=”orange” size=”small” icon=”none” text=”Click here to RSVP” relationship=”dofollow” url=”http://ciccarelliadvisory.com/newswp/health-wealth-event-sign/” target=”_blank”]

or visit or call 239-262-6577.

About the Speakers:

Dee Harris

Dee Harris

Dee Harris is a registered, licensed and certified dietitian and nutritionist, and a certified diabetes educator, and is the owner of D-Signed Nutrition, LLC, in Bonita Springs, Florida. In addition to her private practice, she works with the best-selling author of Grain Brain, David Perlmutter, M.D., and is the nutritionist at the Perlmutter Health Center in Naples, Florida. Using food as medicine for multiple medical and neurological disorders, she individualizes each patient’s plan and supports them as they make lifestyle changes. Harris graduated from the University of Georgia and completed her dietetic internship at Cornell Medical Center in New York. She is a certificate candidate for the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Click Here – To view a video and the bio of Dee Harris Raps as she explains the Women’s Community Event entitled, “Aging Gracefully.”

Gaynell Anderson

Gaynell Anderson

Gaynell Anderson is a licensed physical therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with over 27 years of experience. She is an independent business owner and established Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida in 2007. Her clinic provides outpatient physical therapy services, including aquatic therapy, sports and orthopedic rehab, vestibular training, women’s healthcare and preventive exercise/sports enhancement programs. Anderson is currently pursuing her manual certification through the Florida Institute of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. She has taught as an adjunct professor in the Doctorate program of Physical Therapy for Florida Gulf Coast University and is the treating therapist for the Miami City Ballet during their performances in Naples.

Click Here – To view a video and the bio of Dee Harris as she explains the Women’s Community Event entitled, “Aging Gracefully.”

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps is Vice President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., a family focused wealth management firm with offices in Naples, FL and Rochester, NY. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ with over 26 years of experience guiding clients with their wealth management. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), she has been professionally trained to help her clients organize their thoughts and goals, and to develop and implement focused plans, both personally and financially. As a strong advocate of financial education, Rapps has been an instructor for the National Center for Financial Education and an approved instructor for educational symposiums at the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. She was also the co-host for the Naples television program, “It’s Your Money,” and is currently a presenter of financial and estate topics.

Click Here – To view a video and the bio of Jill Ciccarelli Raps as she explains the Women’s Community Event entitled, “Aging Gracefully.”

About the emcee:

Courtney Robinson

Courtney Robinson

Courtney Robinson joined the ABC7 news team as the main anchor of the 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m. news in July 2011. She came to Southwest Florida from Washington, D.C. where she worked for WJLA/ABC7 as a general assignments reporter. She began her career at WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Virginia as a reporter and fill-in anchor and reported on the massacre at Virginia Tech and the death of the Reverend Jerry Falwell. The Virginia Associated Press honored Robinson with “Outstanding Effort by an Individual Reporter” for two consecutive years.

For more information about Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., please call 239-262-6577 or email Ciccarelli@CAS-NaplesFL.com or visit www.CASMoneyMatters.com.

Dee Harris, Gaynell Anderson & Courtney Robinson are not affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation.

Check presented to help rebuild the Greater Naples YMCA

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IMG_5854

Ciccarelli Advisory Services was thrilled to present a check to the Greater Naples YMCA for $60,000 which represents the donations received from our December 2013 fundraising event, “A Holiday Concert with Paul Todd & Friends” held at Vi at Bentley Village.  The proceeds went directly to help rebuild the Greater Naples YMCA, which received catastrophic damages from a lightning strike fire on Labor Day 2013.  For additional information or to learn how you can help the YMCA rebuild, please contact Paul Ciccarelli at 239-262-6577 or email Ciccarelli@CAS-NaplesFL.com

Thank you to all those that attended and supported this special event!

Putting taxes into perspective – be insightful

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Kim - approved headshot (brown background)Kim Ciccarelli Kantor  |  Life in Naples Magazine  |  March 2014

The IRS will see flow through its doors, or its computers, nearly 150 million tax returns. More than 50 systems are needed to process these tax returns that are based on reporting what occurred and how much we owe. It’s been vague to us why we label this filing as a “return” when the funds didn’t originate with the IRS.  This connotation has no resemblance to the retail world, of course where items are returned for cash or store credit. The IRS lives in a different world…..a phrase used often regards our ability to control many things, but death and taxes. We can, however, play a significant role in the outcome of both of these.  A difference can be made if you plan wisely before you are upon either of them.

With 90% of the IRS operations closed during the shutdown, they are in for a very tight timetable to be ready accepting returns by the January 31st announced date. Many Americans who are fortunate to have tangible and intangible invested assets will file much later as tax information is received. Some may defer and elect an automatic six (6) month extension. No one likes to pay the bill, and the bill must be settled by April 15, regardless of when you actually file. This is the not so great part.

What we do love at our firm about tax time is the value you receive if you approach your tax information with an insightful eye. Leave the details to a great accountant for your filing, but know your role is to decipher this information and use it as a planning guide and tool. This is not the role of your CPA and many confuse the two areas of tax preparation and tax planning. “Preparation” reports what occurred, “planning” proposes a specific outcome you are looking to achieve and planning for it well in advance. Every report-1099s, W-2, 1098, 1041, K-1, schedule C, the list goes on, tells a story. In the compilation of your information, keep a keen eye and then take the time to bring this information into a different light. This period is the most insightful look/see to how you are handling your financial endeavors, and what opportunities for improvement stand before you:

Review your itemized deductions – should you be doubling up on real estate taxes paid into the same year, can your medical expenditures be more effectively directed for improved health or less cost, should charitable gifts be given from stock or your mutual funds rather than cash, would a one time “charitable donor advised fund” provide a tool in a particularly high income year for future gifts you wish to make? Compare your last two years of itemized deductions and determine any trends that need consideration for your cash flow planning.

Review your front page on the 1040. What are the income sources and will there be significant changes in the upcoming year? Is there income from a Trust? If so, review your k-1 with your investment firm to determine the origination of the income and whether it will be consistent in your cash flow. Determine if tax planning may be accomplished within the Trust.

How will the new tax on investment income effect your liabilities going forward on your dividends and capital gains? Are there distributions received from pensions, annuities or IRAs? If so, is principle being depleted due to these distributions? Is there choices in how this income is received? What are the spouses surviving benefits should you die? These and many more questions and insights can be stimulated just from an overview of your return at the appropriate time.  Best of success in understanding the rich rewards that can follow.

The views expressed in this newsletter may not reflect the views of FSC Securities Corporation. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, it cannot be guaranteed. Federal tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. FSC Securities Corp. does not offer tax or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice.
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