--- title: Mark Zaifman|Money Matters Blog | registered investment advisor description: registered investment advisor | Articles on Investing, Retirement Planning, Cash Flow Planning and Tax Planning --- [![Spiritus Financial Logo](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spiritusfinancial-2016/Image/Spiritus_Financial_logo.png?width=238&name=Spiritus_Financial_logo.png "Spiritus Financial Logo")](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/) [707-534-9478](tel:707-534-9478) ![spiritus-financial-water-ripples-banner.png](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spiritusfinancial-2016/Image/spiritus-financial-water-ripples-banner.png?width=933&name=spiritus-financial-water-ripples-banner.png "spiritus-financial-water-ripples-banner.png") # MONEY matters Mark Zaifman's thoughts on money, global economic trends and politics ##### [Why You Should Develop a Trusting Relationship with a Financial Advisor Before Retirement](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-you-should-develop-a-trusting-relationship-with-a-financial-advisor-before-retirement) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Mon, Feb 24, 2020 @ 11:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hubfs/trusting.png) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-you-should-develop-a-trusting-relationship-with-a-financial-advisor-before-retirement) As I write this blog on Monday, February 24, 2020, the Dow is down about 900 points at mid-morning. Most analysts are pointing to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus in Italy and South Korea as spooking the markets, since this could set off a global economic slowdown. We shall see. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-you-should-develop-a-trusting-relationship-with-a-financial-advisor-before-retirement) ** [retirement planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning), [financial adviser](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/financial-adviser), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [It's Time to Stop Giving Your Power Away Around Money](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/its-time-to-stop-giving-your-power-away-around-money) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Tue, Jul 03, 2018 @ 10:24 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![clown2](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hubfs/clown2.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/its-time-to-stop-giving-your-power-away-around-money) For years I’ve witnessed how we give too much of our power away when we visit our Doctor’s office. Instead of asking why they recommend we do x or y, we blithely follow whatever recommendation is made. After all, they’re the one with MD next to their name, so who are we to question their instructions? [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/its-time-to-stop-giving-your-power-away-around-money) ** [retirement planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning), [fiduciary](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/fiduciary), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [Why Panic is Not an Investing Strategy](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-panic-is-not-an-investing-strategy) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Tue, May 15, 2018 @ 11:44 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![panic button](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hubfs/panic%20button.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-panic-is-not-an-investing-strategy) With the political news, or should I call it the political storm-y brewing in DC, we might recall that it was only a few months ago that talk of a trade war with China and potential tariffs on steel and aluminum created dizzying volatility in the stock market. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/why-panic-is-not-an-investing-strategy) ** [investing](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/investing), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor), [financial goals](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/financial-goals) ##### [Beware of 'IRA Rollover Specialists' Masquerading as Financial Advisors](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/beware-of-ira-rollover-specialists-masquerading-as-financial-advisors) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Fri, May 15, 2015 @ 06:33 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hubfs/masquerade-1.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/beware-of-ira-rollover-specialists-masquerading-as-financial-advisors) ### **False Promises, Dashed Dreams** A couple weeks ago, a client in Oakland emailed me an article from Money Magazine titled: **[*4 Disastrous Retirement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.*](http://time.com/money/3546592/ira-rollover-mistakes-retirement/)** The premise of this must read article for anyone getting close to retirement and wanting to **rollover their IRA** is to see past the hype being touting by many a financial salesperson masquerading as an advisor, but really only concerned with their commission payout and not your financial wellness and security. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/beware-of-ira-rollover-specialists-masquerading-as-financial-advisors) ** [book recommendation](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/book-recommendation), [fee-only financial planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/fee-only-financial-planning), [fiduciary](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/fiduciary), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [5 Reasons Stock Market Volatility Makes You a Smart Long-Term Investor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/208158/5-Reasons-Stock-Market-Volatility-Makes-You-a-Smart-Long-Term-Investor) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Mon, Oct 20, 2014 @ 05:57 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-1913944091-png/images/stock_market.png) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/208158/5-Reasons-Stock-Market-Volatility-Makes-You-a-Smart-Long-Term-Investor) If recent stock market volatility has you wanting to hide under the covers, you’re not alone. The 2009 stock market crash was a traumatic experience for investors as many watched their life savings plummet dramatically in a relatively short period of time. And now, with the recent volatility, memories of those scary days still haunt many an investor that rightfully so, remains traumatized from that roller coaster ride from hell back in 2009. The thought that runs through many a mind in times of high volatility and high anxiety like we’re currently experiencing;*** is this going to be a repeat of 2009?*** [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/208158/5-Reasons-Stock-Market-Volatility-Makes-You-a-Smart-Long-Term-Investor) ** [investing](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/investing), [stock market](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/stock-market), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [Vanguard Shows How Investment Advisors Can Add Up to 3% in Returns](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/205933/Vanguard-Shows-How-Investment-Advisors-Can-Add-Up-to-3-in-Returns) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Tue, Apr 15, 2014 @ 11:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-667822583-jpg/images/arrow_neon.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/205933/Vanguard-Shows-How-Investment-Advisors-Can-Add-Up-to-3-in-Returns) ****How much of a boost in net returns can financial advisors add to client portfolios? Well according to Vanguard, maybe **as much as 3%**. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/205933/Vanguard-Shows-How-Investment-Advisors-Can-Add-Up-to-3-in-Returns) ** [investing](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/investing), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor), [Vanguard](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/vanguard) ##### [Outsourcing Your Money Worries During Retirement](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/118914/Outsourcing-Your-Money-Worries-During-Retirement) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Fri, Oct 04, 2013 @ 03:39 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-336439281-jpg/images/feet_up.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/118914/Outsourcing-Your-Money-Worries-During-Retirement) ****If you’re like most people near or currently in [**retirement**](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/retirement-income-planning/), you’ve spent most of your adult life managing your personal finances to the best of your ability. You’ve witnessed your share of stock market crashes, often referred to euphemistically as “market corrections”, you’ve saved and hopefully invested well, and you’ve done what’s needed to have a nest egg large enough to never have to worry about running out of money during retirement. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/118914/Outsourcing-Your-Money-Worries-During-Retirement) ** [retirement planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning), [couples and money](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/couples-and-money), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [Why Good Financial Advice is Hard to Find](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/108941/Why-Good-Financial-Advice-is-Hard-to-Find) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Wed, Sep 05, 2012 @ 09:26 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-15143915-gif/images/decisions.gif) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/108941/Why-Good-Financial-Advice-is-Hard-to-Find) I wrote a blogpost a few months back titled '**[Make Financial Integrity #1 When Choosing an Investment Advisor](http://spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/101741/Make-Financial-Integrity-1-When-Choosing-An-Investment-Advisor),** where I attempted to clearly define the lay of the land in regards to the financial industry  - specifically the investment advisor role.  Today I came across a similar article written so well, I have to share it with you. Rueters columnist Mark Miller, in his article '[**Shakeup Complicates Finding a Good Financial Adviser**](http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/31/column-miller-adviser-idUSL2E8JUCE220120831?feedType=RSS&feedName=financialsSector), expresses how as a result of recent difficult financial markets and tougher regulations, it is becoming more challenging to find a financial adviser to match you and your needs. He navigates the reader through the process by explaining the differences between financial advisers from brokerage firms and (often independent) fee-only planners. He goes on to describes what an RIA is and what their responsibilities to their clients are. He discusses the future of financial advisers and explains what is going on in the industry. He talks about fraud and enforcement of rules and regulations and then ends his article with a few solid takeaways. [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/108941/Why-Good-Financial-Advice-is-Hard-to-Find) ** [fee-only financial planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/fee-only-financial-planning), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [The 3 Major Benefits of a Solo-401k Plan for Your Small Business](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/104096/The-3-Major-Benefits-of-a-Solo-401k-Plan-for-Your-Small-Business) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Thu, Apr 12, 2012 @ 10:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-15883645-jpg/images/solo_401k_plan.jpg) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/104096/The-3-Major-Benefits-of-a-Solo-401k-Plan-for-Your-Small-Business) [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/104096/The-3-Major-Benefits-of-a-Solo-401k-Plan-for-Your-Small-Business) ** [retirement planning](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning), [save money](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/save-money), [Solo 401(k)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/solo-401k), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) ##### [3 Things Women Look for in a Financial Advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/102110/3-Things-Women-Look-for-in-a-Financial-Advisor) ** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 02:42 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-15147446-png/images/financial_advisor_sonoma_county_001-resized-600.png) ](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/102110/3-Things-Women-Look-for-in-a-Financial-Advisor) [Read More   **](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/102110/3-Things-Women-Look-for-in-a-Financial-Advisor) ** [women and money](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/women-and-money), [registered investment advisor](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor) [All posts](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/registered-investment-advisor/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Recent Topics - [retirement planning (103)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [investing (93)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/investing) - [book recommendation (54)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/book-recommendation) - [relationship with money (39)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/relationship-with-money) - [risk management (39)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/risk-management) - [fee-only financial planning (38)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/fee-only-financial-planning) - [save money (38)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/save-money) - [financial planning (36)](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/topic/financial-planning) © 2026 Spiritus Financial Planning. 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