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Close to a year ago from today, the market hit a low point...but no one really knew it. The headline on USA Today, February 27, 2009 read, "Dow Posts Sixth Straight Monthly Loss, Drops 11.7% in February". The loss in February was the second-worst monthly decline the index measured...a loss of 18.4% in February 1933 is the lowest to date. The S&P didn't fare any better.

Remember in the summer of 2008 where oil hit $145 per barrel on its uninterrupted trek to $200 a barrel? Conversation with some clients and peers centralized around the inevitable built in cost increases due to the very reasonable thought that since oil permeated nearly every good and service prices will spiral out of control. Hyperinflation would follow and the rest would be history.

Disclosure: Every investor’s situation is different and investment decisions are best made within the context of a financial plan. Consult your professional advisor. Comments reflect our opinion only and not intended for financial advice.

Testifying before Congress today, Fed Chairman Mr. Bernanke confirmed that unemployment is the “biggest problem” facing our economy according to the Wall Street Journal (Bernanke Stresses Need for Low Rates).

Disclosure: Every investor’s situation is different and investment decisions are best made within the context of a financial plan. Consult your professional advisor. Comments reflect our opinion only and not intended for financial advice.

The IRA is a great tool to help you secure your financial future. To fully utilize the benefits of an IRA, it is important to make the maximum yearly contributions. There is still time to make a contribution for 2009 if you haven’t already done so and now is also good time to make your 2010 contribution. Please note – Traditional and ROTH IRAs have the same contribution limits.

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 2 afternoon speakers and sessions. This includes sessions on the psychology of a sale and trying to read client’s minds.

The Art and Science of Sales
Jim Watkins, Consultant with Miller Herman, Inc.

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 2 morning speakers and sessions. This includes a conversation with Terry Bradshaw and session on “dark pools”.

Terry Bradshaw
Four-time Super Bowl Champion and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. High points from his motivational speech:

Ricky is currently attending the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 1 morning speakers. Most notably, President George W. Bush (43) and President Bill Clinton (42) shared the stage to offer insights and answer questions.

Tom Bradley, President of TD Ameritrade Institutional

Ricky attended the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Conference in Orlando and below are highlights from day 1 afternoon speakers and sessions. This includes a panel discussion with three large mutual fund managers and an update from the TD Bank president.