The FIVE STAR Wealth Management team selected 200,000 high-net worth individuals (named by the Company) and 10,000 financial service professionals (identified by the Company) to name and evaluate 3 companies.  For the purpose of research, wealth managers are those individuals who help their clients prepare a financial plan, or implement aspects of their financial plan.  Common wealth managers are financial planners, investment advisers, life insurance agents, accountants, tax advisers, estate planning attorneys, etc.

Each respondent was asked to name only wealth management advisers whom they know through personal experience and evaluate them in nine (9) criteria: (i) customer service, (ii) integrity, (iii) knowledge/expertise, (iv) communication, (v) value for fee charged, (vi) whether the wealth manager meets client financial objectives, (vii) post sale service, (viii) quality of recommendations and (ix) overall satisfaction. 

The Company scores the surveys to determine if the wealth managers meet the identified standards, and screens wealth managers, based on their regulatory compliance history reported by the FINRA and other regulatory agencies.  Only wealth managers with five years of experience in the financial services industry are considered. 

After board review and a rigorous selection process by a panel, Equitable Solutions was named a FIVE STAR Wealth Manager for 2009. 

Click here to watch our video and read more about our award!

So, here is my first one:

1.  Get a Sam's card and save time and money!  You all know I am some kind of busy woman and though I love to cook, it is relegated to the weekend when I have more time to enjoy it.  During the week we have chicken picata, breaded tilapia, broccoli stuffed chicken breast, etc. -- all courtesy of Sam's frozen food department much cheaper than I could possibly cook it and far better than TV dinners, to say nothing of better for you.  Add a salad and/or some rice and you are done.