By “Coach Pete” D’Arruda Credit Card Fraud is on the rise. Here are some practical DOs and DON’Ts: Do: Keep copies of all correspondence regarding disputed charges until the matter is resolved. When you are at a cash register using your card, don’t let the card out of your sight, and get it back as quickly as possible. Save all receipts. Compare them with what’s on the monthly statement. Sign the back of your cards, and put your picture on them if that service is available. Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number…

Cruising the Mississippi – the IARFC 2017 CE@SEA Destination The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) is excited to announce their 2017 Riverboat Cruise on the Lower Mississippi. From Memphis to New Orleans, cruisers will experience the vibrant culture, rich history and diverse environment of America’s largest river – all which are the subject of fascinating Mark Twain stories. Scheduled for July 1 through July 8, 2017, IARFC members and friends can enjoy this 7-day adventure on the American Cruise Lines’ “America” and attend the CE@SEATM continuing education conference onboard – a floating classroom of convenience. “We chose…

By Bill Bachrach  (exert from The Relationship Bridges article from the Register) How can you improve everything you currently do for your existing clients? Here are four words that might help.  Visual. How can you make everything you do more visually interesting and therefore easier for your clients to understand everything they receive from working with you?  Engage. What can you do to engage both spouses in the conversations about their future and the financial decisions necessary to make that future a reality while protecting against the inherent risks of life and world events?  Compelling. How can you make every…

The results of the MRFC Certification Board elections are in.  Elected by a membership vote are Barry Dayley, RFC®, CFP® – Money Concepts in Afton, WY and Dr. Walt Woerheide, ChFC, CFP®, RFC® – The American College in Byrn Mawr, PA.  Both IARFC members have extensive experience in the financial services industry. “This is an exciting time of change and development for the IARFC,” said Chairman H. Stephen Bailey. “We welcome the guidance and expertise of these two gentlemen to our MRFC Board.” The MRFC Board oversees the accreditation process for the proposed new financial designation that the IARFC is…

By Susan Cappa The IARFC has just spent the past couple of weeks orchestrating the move of the Association Headquarters. “We did not just move furniture,” comments IARFC Operations Manager Charlotte Isbell.  “We moved people and memories.” Having been at the prior location for 20 years, it was a huge task to plan, organize and finally get the boxes unloaded in the new offices.  A total evaluation of past IARFC history was completed with huge amounts of time devoted to scanning and shredding.  It was a timely opportunity to convert old, but still important files to electronic format. Along with…

With the main goal of increasing membership, the IARFC Chairman, H. Stephen Bailey has issued members a challenge – Send In Referrals!  Each member has someone they can refer. Membership goals are not met unless everyone does their part.  At the minimum, talk about the IARFC to your Associates.  The more members, the more influence, the more benefits.  It’s a win-win for us all! Download Member-Refer-A-Member form.  Take a few minutes to fill out the form and return it to the IARFC Team.

The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) announces Dr. Jerry Mason of Cedar City, Utah as the 2016 recipient of the Loren Dunton Memorial. This award is to “honor a person who has made a substantial contribution to the financial services profession and/or the financial interest of the public.” Generally regarded as the “Father of Financial Planning”, Loren Dunton organized financial professionals in the late sixties and with their help created the financial planning movement. Loren Dunton developed associations, magazines, colleges, university programs and foundations. He was able to use his experiences to frankly explain what all financial advisors…

For those of you looking for professional visibility – why not consider submitting your name for the IARFC Register Cover.  Published by the IARFC, this industry recognized publication is a valuable tool in circulating your profile out to the public.  It’s an impressive visual to send to prospective clients. Profile Criteria Be an IARFC Member in Good Standing Have made contributions to the financial industry, i.e. writing articles, donations to industry events and/or continuing education programs activities. Register Profiles are selected according to the annual Editor Calendar theme and topics. Contact the Register Editor-in-Chief, Wendy M. Kennedy at editor@IARFC.org,…

The MRFC Board is looking for two Association members to fill open positions on the MRFC Certification Board.  The Board is responsible for the following regarding the accreditation of the new designation – Master Registered Financial Consultant: Determine the scope of the designation Review the policies and procedures relating to the designation Oversee exam process Work together as a team to better the Association One position will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of a previous Board Member to fill the balance of the term which ends August 31, 2017 and the other is for a 3 year term…

By Susan Cappa, IARFC Public Relations Last week I found myself at Charlotte Motor Speedway facilitating our National Financial Plan Competition.  First let me say that the support from Speedway personnel was PHE-NO-ME-NAL.  They were pros in handling any situation and I quickly warmed up to genuine North Carolina hospitality – y’all. Day 1 …consisted of CE presentations from Barry Dayley of Money Concepts – a Corporate Sponsor, IARFC President Pete D’Arruda, IARFC Vice Chairman and Event Emcee Nicholas Royer, and our Speedway host Stephanie Bailey.  These presentations were geared toward our young financial professionals who were just starting their…