What are the Financial Indicators Telling Us May be in Store for the New Year? Come and Find Out!

How might unemployment, inflation, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the debt ceiling crisis affect your financial future in 2013? Find out at a presentation that will look at what we can learn from recent trends and what the financial indicators are telling us about what may be in store for the new year. Presentations will be held in the following three locations:

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 10-11:30 a.m.

Dade City: First National Bank of Pasco – Boardroom

13315 US Hwy. 301

Dade City, FL 33525

continental breakfast available

Thursday, Feb. 28th, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

The Offices of Independent Financial Services

20635 Amberfield Dr., Suite 102

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(in the Offices of Devonwood Business Complex)

appetizers and drinks available

Wednesday, March 6th, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Tampa: On Point Executive Center

3030 North Rocky Point Drive W., Suite 150 W

Tampa, FL 33607

appetizers and drinks available

There are numerous signs, both positive and negative, that need to be taken into consideration as you plan for your long-term financial goals. During this presentation, my business partner and I will discuss whether or not the economic recovery that we are beginning to see has staying power, based on recent trends and future indicators.

Here is a sneak peak at some of the information that will be discussed at the presentation:

• Our current rate of inflation is well below the 50-year average. While it may not feel like it, the latest numbers show that inflation actually fell toward the end of 2012, mainly because energy prices plunged. However, there’s still a chance that the Fed’s monetary policies could lead to higher inflation in the future, because among other things, the central bank has essentially been printing money in order to buy trillions of dollars worth of bonds to take them off the market.

• The S&P Performance has advanced nearly 128% since its low in March 2009, but is only up 2.3% since the peak in October 2007. While no one can predict the future, many are questioning whether the markets have some steam left in them. We’ve barely climbed out of the bottom of this pit as equities are concerned and we’ve missed out on a lot of growth potential in the process.

• On a more positive note, an increase in Americans’ spending is clearly a positive sign for the U.S. economy, which is heavily dependent on consumer spending to drive economic growth. In December, Americans reported spending an average of $83 per day in stores, online and in restaurants, the highest monthly figure Gallup has reported since December 2008.

To hear more about what happened in 2012 and what is expected from 2013, plan to attend one of the 2013 State of the Market presentations listed above.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP to (813) 908-2701 or to independentfinancialservices@raymondjames.com.

Financial Advisors, Jeannie Holliday, CFA, CDFA and Jodi Perez, CFP, founded Independent Financial Services in Tampa, Florida in 2007 after both having previously owned and operated their own firms separately. There is over 100 years of combined experience among its dedicated staff.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.  Securities are not deposits, not insured by FDIC or any other government agency, not guaranteed by First National Bank of Pasco, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Independent Financial Services and First National Bank of Pasco are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The author of this article is the co-owner of Independent Financial Services in Land O’ Lakes. With over 100 years of combined experience among its dedicated staff, Independent Financial Services provides a variety of financial services to its clients, including comprehensive financial planning, ongoing active money management and investment management. The all-women firm specializes in four key areas: women and investing, retirement planning, divorce planning and small business solutions. Visit www.independentfinancialservices.net for more information.

Due to regulatory constraints, we are unable to accept online comments on this article. However, if you have any questions or would like to discuss issues brought up in this article, feel free to call or email Jodi directly at  jodi.perez@investmentcenters.com or (813) 908-2701.

Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor, is not affiliated with First National Bank of Pasco or Independent Financial Services. Securities, advisory services and insurance products offered through ICA, and affiliated insurance agencies are *not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government agency *not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or their affiliates *subject to risks including the possible loss of principal amount invested.