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FIRE RetirementIf the idea of retiring in your early 50s, 40s, 30s, or even late 20s appeals to you, you may be interested in joining the FIRE retirement movement. Designed for those who have the discipline and cash flow to save...

Dear Financial Advisor: I'm Receiving an Inheritance

Evan D. Vladem, BFA™

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Welcome to Dear Financial Advisor - where we simplify some of your most complicated personal financial questions. Today we open a letter regarding receiving an inheritance.

Dear Financial Advisor: A Newborn & Our Savings

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Welcome to Dear Financial Advisor -  where we simplify some of your most complicated personal financial questions. My name is Evan Vladem and I’m a partner and financial advisor at Associated.

Associated was named as a finalist for the 2023 InvestmentNews Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. The awards recognize companies in the financial services industry that have made significant strides in the space.

Are Bonds Back, Baby?

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Last year was abysmal year for bonds. As a matter of fact, 2022 was the worst-ever year on record for U.S. bond investors, according to CNBC, as the total bond index slid over -13%. Worse yet, long term U.S. Treasuries were down a...

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.

Over the past 50-years, Associated has built a leading reputation as one of the top independent financial services firms in South Florida. That's no easy labor. We're highlighting the strength of our staff in this new content series.

With volatility in the market, concerns within the banking sector and worries on inflation, Associated will host a market update on Thursday, March 23rd at 4pm ET on Zoom with special guest, First Trust Economist Bryce Gill.

Self Funding Misconceptions for Small Biz

Logan Mondshein

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

While there is some risk involved in self-funding, it can also provide greater flexibility and cost savings compared to fully-insured plans.

Noncompete No More: FTC Seeks to Ban the Clause

Logan Mondshein

Monday, January 9, 2023

On Jan. 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a landmark rule that would ban noncompete clauses in employment agreements. The reason... Noncompete agreements harm competition, suppress wages, reduce labor mobility and...

Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services, the independent financial services & employee benefits firm based in Fort Lauderdale, is a 2022 Best of Florida® winner in Guide to Florida’s annual readers’ poll.

On Thursday, October 20th at 1pm ET, Associated will open their doors to clients & guests for their 4th Quarter Investment Committee Meeting with Horizon Investments CIO Scott Ladner.

How to Protect Yourself from "Dark Patterns"

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Are you aware of "dark patterns" when you're shopping on the web? According to Rethinking65, dark patterns aim to trick users, steal their data and get them to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise make. Some examples include...

A Guide to Recessions, as told by Capital Group

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

I was driving out to a client meeting on Friday afternoon when the voices of CNBC fearfully hollered from my car stereo. Typical... The US stock market was feeling pressure yet again.

A Quick Look at Biden's Student Debt Relief Package

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Friday, September 9, 2022

Students earning income of less than $125,000 ($250,000 if married filing jointly) in 2020 or 2021 can look forward to debt cancellation of up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for non-Pell Grant recipients...

As you probably heard on the news, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on August 16. Among other things, the legislation includes various initiatives such as locking in the American Rescue Plan health coverage...

Panic selling is not an investment strategy. Repeat: panic selling is not an investment strategy.

My Haircut Increased 40%!? Why I'm Concerned About Sticky Inflation

Evan Vladem

Monday, July 25, 2022

I was shocked to find that the price of my haircut had increased 40% from two and a half months earlier. That's a price that I will likely pay on my next trip into the same salon. That’s the new benchmark. That's sticky inflation.

Prime Day for Everyone! A Bellwether of More Discounts to Come?

Evan Vladem

Monday, July 11, 2022

Amazon Prime Day is upon us... What launched in 2015 as a 24-hour discount extravaganza has now extended to a two-day event.  And Amazon isn't the only ones ready to throw consumers discounts. Is it just the start of more discounts to come?

The Brutal Truth About Long Term Care Insurance & Divorce

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Sunday, June 19, 2022

This article, "Divorcees Without LTC Insurance Risk Financial Ruin", by Cathy Sikorsky, an elder law attorney, really resonates with me.  I am divorced and post-divorce, I was my mother’s primary caregiver for about 8 years....

On Wednesday, the Fed announced they will raise rates to 0.75% when many were expecting a 0.50% hike. As the markets came to a close that day, Associated partner and advisor Evan Vladem was joined by the notable money manager, Phil Blancato

Associated partner and financial advisor Shawn Wooden is joining 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to judge the championship of the State Farm Dollars and $ense Youth Investment Competition.

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? First Job Salary Expectations

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Sunday, June 5, 2022

According to the article, the average starting salary for this year's graduates is projected to be more than $50,000. However, a recent survey discovered that college students expect to earn twice that — $103,880 — in their first job. 

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 4pm EST, the Associated team will open its market “think-tank” to a select number of guests. Limited seats available, so RSVP today.

Food For Thought: Employee Engagement in the Metaverse

Logan Mondshein

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Will the Metaverse allow not just employees to virtually connect, but allow employers to communicate company strategy and employee benefits?

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? Windfall Money

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Monday, May 16, 2022

Money can change family dynamics – not necessarily for the good.

Congress Giveth and Congress Taketh Away in Latest Secure Act Proposal

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Sunday, May 1, 2022

A set of proposals that have major impact on retirement savers are sneaking past headlines. According to CNN, "the proposals have broad, bipartisan support and a clear path forward."

Good Vibes Only: Our View of Aging Impacts Health

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

If “research shows that people with positive age beliefs live a median 7.5 years longer than those with negative beliefs,” I vote for having positive age beliefs. How about you?

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? Healthcare from Home

Logan Mondshein

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Last week, Associated's Logan Mondshein noted the growing trend of consumers demanding services from their home and its impact on the healthcare and insurance industry beyond the pandemic. 

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? Our Intimate Breakfast with Investor Cathy Wood

Evan Vladem

Sunday, April 17, 2022

At one point, I looked at Wood and asked, "Do you hear all of the noise around you? From a leadership perspective, how do you remain so strong under such a tremendous amount of pressure?" Wood's herself was taken aback by the question.

Tom Brady-ing? (Normal) People Continue to Come Out of Retirement

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Thursday, April 14, 2022

According to WSJ, during the pandemic approximately 2.6 Million Americans retired early and many of those have decided retirement is not for them.

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? Financial Planners Actually Do This...

Evan Vladem

Sunday, April 10, 2022

When Associated's Evan Vladem stumbled across an illustration on LinkedIn depicting what people think financial planners do vs. what they actually do, he immediately needed to share.

Associated's Logan Mondshein on High Drug Prices, Insulin Bill

Logan Mondshein

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Mondshein is closely following a bill that has passed in the House to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month. According to a recent ABC News story, experts say it only costs drug companies $10 to manufacture a vial.

The Best Thing We Saw Last Week? Robo Advisors < Human Advisors

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Luana Mobley Corral was catching up on reading when she saw an article in Financial Advisor magazine entitled, “Nearly 90% of Robo-Advised Clients Would Switch to Humans”. Luana explains why.

Associated surely made it a point that they were celebrating their 50th this past Saturday, March 8th at their #AssociatedCares x Feeding South Florida Volunteer Day.

The #AssociatedCares 50th Year Celebration kicks off this weekend for the #AssociatedCares x Feeding South Florida Volunteer Day.

The article highlighted a handful of advisors throughout the country who work with their son or daughter at the practice. The story explored the dynamics of the unique business situation.

The independent, financial services firm with $1B+ AUM - dating back to 1972 - poised for next generation of growth after adding Evan Vladem, Travis Ruane and Logan Mondshein as new shareholders.

“Who Cares? We’re Making Differences for Generations” -Associated to WSJ on Recent Article

Evan Vladem

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

The Wall Street Journal released an article this week with a focus on a select group of wealthy millennials opting to rely on “do-it-yourself” investment platforms rather than utilizing the services of traditional financial...

Prior to serving his clients within the financial services industry over the past 15 years, Associated partner Shawn Wooden served a pivotal role with his NFL teammates of the Miami Dolphins. Playing the brutal game of football may...

Social Security Administration Announces 5.9% COLA for 2022

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Monday, October 18, 2021

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

The Pandemic as Catalyst for Change

Patrick Farrell, CPA/PFS™

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

This pandemic has highlighted just how quickly life can change for individuals, families and businesses alike. It’s easy to review the many ways COVID-19 has negatively impacted our society and altered the trajectory of...

Evan Vladem NXG Speech Associated’s Financial Advisor Evan Vladem was a featured speaker for the Advisor Group Annual NXG Conference on Wednesday August 25 from 4:30pm-5:00pm. This discussion dove deep into the “Peer...

Financial literacy courses for students in FL is not required, but an appearance at at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning HS was step in the right direction.

Associated Comments on Biden’s Mandate on COVID-19 Vaccine for Federal Employees and Large Employers

Logan Mondshein

Friday, September 10, 2021

The government has joined many large employers in mandating that their employee’s and government contractors be vaccinated against COVID 19. President Biden has also directed OSHA to draft a rule that all businesses with 100 or...

Associated President Paul Vladem received some substantial recognition in the Wall Street Journal last week. You can check this out in the Eastern Edition. This accolade is a reminder of how hard Paul works day in and day out for the...

Associated Sports, the dedicated Sports & Entertainment Division of Associated Investor Services, has developed an independent tracking tool to help student athletes, their CPAs, agents and families with the numerous tax implications...

Associated Financial Services & Investor Services has launched a new website to showcase the firm. The creative process behind the content and redesign was no simple task - after all the firm has reached a positive inflection point....

Associated's Benefits Practice Leader, Logan Mondshein, led an incredibly informative Zoom discussion with Hinshaw Culbertson's Employment & Labor Partner, Andrew Gordon, concerning the myriad of concerns that face employers post-COVID...

Associated's Shawn Wooden will speak at the upcoming Aventura Marketing Council panel entitled, "Former NFL Players Giving Back Through COVID Challenges," on June 8th at Noon. Wooden will join fellow NFL players Isaac Bruce, James...

Associated Financial Consultants cordially invite you to our upcoming Associated Talk Series panel, "Office Space: Post-COVID Concerns Behind Bringing Employees Back," on June 8, 2021 at 4 PM via Zoom. The talk will focus on the...

Among the many negative effects COVID-19 has had on our lives is the impact on people’s travel and work. As working from home became the norm, some people decided to relocate to the suburbs or to a second home in another state....

SMALL BUSINESSES CAN RECEIVE TAX CREDIT WITH EMPLOYEE VACCINATION PAID LEAVE

Logan Mondshein

Friday, April 23, 2021

The White House announced a new paid leave tax credit designed to incentivize employers to encourage their employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Paid leave includes both time off for employees to actually get the shot(s) and also...

Associated’s Shredding Cancer event benefitting this year’s Dolphins Challenge Cancer drive is happening this Saturday, April 17th, from 9-11 AM, at 618 Breakers Avenue, steps away from beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. In...

Fort Lauderdale, FL--Associated Financial Consultants (Associated) alongside Docugreen cordially invite you to our Free Shredding Event benefitting this year's Dolphins' Challenge Cancer (DCC) drive on Saturday, April 17th, between 9...

Welcome to Associated's "Meet the Advisors" blog series where our financial advisors will provide insightful commentary on their career, client approach, current market news, and other engaging topics. Starting off are Patrick Farrell...

NFLPA Super Bowl Chat with Magic Johnson: "Save Your Money"

Evan Vladem

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Super Bowl Week serves as more than just a battle against the two best teams in the NFL – it’s the annual celebration of football for players, coaches, partners, fans, and the sports business community. The Super Bowl host...

Associated Investors' Evan Vladem recently analyzed the market forces driving the GameStop short squeeze and how this affects both short-term and long-term financial strategies. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www...

WealthManagement.com recently interviewed Associated Investor's Patrick Farrell regarding his decision to join the firm. Farrell provides insightful commentary on the market realities that lead towards making this transition in...

Securities America-Affiliated South Florida Wealth Management Firm Welcomes Former CEO of Investacorp Patrick Farrell and former CCO of Investacorp Marcus Arneaud FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – January 28, 2021 – Associated...

Associated Investors’ Evan Vladem recently commented on Redfin’s homebuying blog post entitled, “Expert Tips for Becoming a Homeowner in 2021.” The blog provides different perspectives from national real estate...

A tumultuous year has drawn to a close. 2020 provided an unexpected journey full of doubt and immeasurable loss. Yet, despite the uncertainty, the entire Associated family worked together to keep our doors open while continuing to...

Times are changing. What once was a taboo subject across college campuses, the discussion around college athletes being able to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is now front and center. As the federal government,...

Associated Investor Services (“Associated”) proudly announces its partnership with WellCents, a comprehensive worksite platform focused on exceeding the financial wellness goals of a company’s employees. 2021 will...

If 2020 has taught us anything it is that seismic global events like a pandemic can have a direct impact on everyone’s daily lives including their financial well-being. The job insecurity and market instability created by the...

If there is one lesson to be taken from such a volatile year it is that financial wellness represents a key concern for businesses and employees alike. While many companies agree with that proposition including feeling directly...

The ongoing clamor of support for college athletes being able to profit from their name, image and likeness ("NIL") rose to a fever pitch in recent years. As a result, states enacted regulations permitting college athletes to do so...

Financial Wellness defines everyone’s financial decision-making process. Whether consciously or not, the concept of financial wellness shapes important considerations such as where to invest, how to manage retirement, and how...

Fort Lauderdale—Associated Investor Services (“Associated”) proudly announces its sponsorship of this year’s Neostar Breaking Into Sports (“BIS”) virtual seminar.

A Cup of Coffee with Associated: Where’s My Old 401k?

Travis Ruane

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

In the latest edition of A Cup of Coffee with Associated, Travis Ruane discusses options and steps to consider with old 401k accounts.

NCAA Players Considering an Opt Out: Ask Yourself These 7 Questions

Evan Vladem

Monday, August 10, 2020

Look yourself in the mirror, dig deep, and ask yourself honestly – Is it worth it? There is an immense amount of school pride at play here. This is an entire movement that comes with a lot of pressure and opportunity costs to...

In the latest episode of A Cup of Coffee with Associated, Benefits Practice Leader Logan Mondshein discusses how businesses can take their employee benefits virtual.

With questions looming in the economy, a whipsawing market and a presidential election on the horizon, Associated opened it’s AIS Market “Think Tank Tuesday” for the first time ever to the public on Tuesday, July 21,...

Here's a strategy for NFL players to help them maximize their 401(k)-plan benefit and get a jump start on their decision to pay themselves first.

If you are like most small employers, you are always looking for ways to control your group health insurance costs. Employers with at least ten full-time employees are exploring other funding options in the insurance market that will...

Associated's Travis Ruane gives tips for Retirement Plan Sponsors and Plan Participants regarding The CARES Act.

Mondshein previously worked in the Employee Benefits Division at Associated from 2010-2012. Following his time at Associated, Mondshein worked for two of the largest health insurance carriers in the country, Humana and United Healthcare.

We'd like to share two useful tools to creating a return to work action plan. Included is a Guide to Creating a Return to Work Action Plan and a Sample Return to Work Action Plan.

Last month, Associated Financial Consultants and Investor Services unexpectedly lost a family member. Marc Weiss passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from a health issue, unrelated to the coronavirus. Marc was a beloved, longtime...

While many are focusing on The CARES Act’s one-time relief payment of $1,200 or $2,400 (plus $500 for each qualified child), 401K/403B/457 participants and IRA owners may wish to focus on the provisions which loosen access to...

To our valued clients, friends and family, In light of recent worldwide events which have had significant impact on the markets, we wanted to remind you that we are here to support you as we navigate these times of uncertainty....

NFL Players: Note These (Upgraded) Benefits in the New CBA

Evan Vladem

Monday, March 16, 2020

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, the new NFL CBA was approved through 2030. The vote was certainly a close margin (1,019 to 959). While some players may still be debating the contents of the deal (and it may contain some decisions that are...

Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services add two veteran advisors including former Dolphins safety Shawn Wooden, retirement specialist Travis Ruane Former Miami Dolphins safety Shawn Wooden and retirement plan specialist...

Thoughts from an NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor on Possible Work Stoppage

Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC™, BFA™, CDFA™

Monday, June 3, 2019

“Evan Vladem and I attended the NFLPA Joint Conference for Registered Player Financial Advisors and Agents in April. The focus was preparing players for a possible work stoppage. All bets are off as to what may happen in 2020...

Associated Investor Services’ Luana Corral Designated as NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Associated’s Corral joins select group after NFLPA Regulations and Code of Conduct governing Registered Player Financial Advisors and Eligibility Requirements were tightened.

Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services Launches New Website

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services is proud to announce the launch of its new website and brand refresh. The refresh brings the independent financial services and employee benefits firm back to its traditional logo.

Should Financial Advisors Fear Rising Technology?

Evan Vladem

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

There is no doubt about it. Technology is playing a major impact on the business of financial advisors. As a matter of fact, it’s disrupting every industry. Over the past two weeks, I traveled coast to coast, spending time at...

Envestnet Managing Director Bill Seuffert and Paul with EIOC Vision Award. NEW ORLEANS - As part of its ongoing commitment to helping ensure the success of the financial services industry, Envestnet (NYSE: ENV) announced the winners of...

Vladem Attend's Barron's Top Independent Advisor Summit

Evan Vladem

Thursday, March 29, 2018

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – For the eighth consecutive year, Paul Vladem, President of Associated Investors Services, joined the nation’s top independent financial advisors at the Barron’s Top Independent Advisors Summit in...

Evan’s Journey Featured by Wealth Management Mag

Evan Vladem

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

After nearly a decade of working in the sports industry, Evan Vladem made a calculated decision to pivot and become a financial advisor. His journey after joining Associated was featured by WealthManagement.com. You can view the...