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2010 Fall E-Update Newsletter (PDF)

abailin@hmapr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KEATS, CONNELLY AND ASSOCIATES OFFICE NOW SOLAR, PAPERLESS

Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC, a wealth management firm that assists Canadians and Americans in realizing their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle, is pleased to announce that as part of its 20th anniversary celebration it has gone green by installing solar panels across its roof, reducing its power consumption by 58.8%. The entire solar program is tied to a computer system and is backed up by a natural gas generator.

“When talking about ways to celebrate our 20th anniversary, the subject of giving back – both to our clients and to our own community – kept coming up,” said Robert Keats, RFP (CDA), CFP™ (CDA), CFP® (U.S.), MSFP, president and co-founder of Keats, Connelly and Associates. “Going green seemed a natural fit. Plus, if we are saving on our costs, we are able to pass that savings on to our clients as well.”

In addition, the firm recently installed an energy-efficient cooling system and is now almost 100% paperless by enhancing its use of electronic files.

“Once we added the solar panels, it was a natural next step to add the cooling system. The new cooling system vents used air to our courtyard and saves us 60% of the energy that we used to spend on direct cooling costs to cool the building. As the office cools, the warmer air rises through vents that lead to the courtyard, which in turn reduces the temperature in the courtyard – and the

temperature in the office,” said Dale Walters, CPA, PFS, CFP®, chief executive officer for Keats, Connelly and Associates.

The firm welcomes its clients and colleagues to see the new green implementations themselves via a digital display in the office that shows how much power the office is generating at any given time. Keats estimates the offices green makeover will reduce their power consumption by half or more, even throughout the hot Arizona summer.

About Keats, Connelly and Associates

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC is the largest wealth management firm in the United States specializing in cross-border issues. With offices in Arizona, Florida and Michigan, the firm’s focus is to reduce the stress associated with living, investing and working on both sides of the border, while at the same time creating opportunities for very large potential tax savings. The firm’s fee-only compensation model enables the company to maintain its philosophy of promoting clients’ best interests, at all times, while avoiding any potential conflict of interest with commissions. For more information, please visit www.keatsconnelly.com.

Related Downloads

Press Release – PDF

One feature of the new US health care law should be welcome news for Canadians: the elimination of pre-existing condition clauses in US health insurance policies.  For years, these clauses have prompted some Canadians with health concerns to set aside plans for US residency or retirement in the Sun Belt.  Fortunately, those days are  coming to an end.  Under the new law, pre-existing condition clauses are banned for children under 19 as of September 23, 2010.  For others, pre-existing condition clauses will be prohibited beginning in 2014 when new, no-condition insurance options will be available.  The three year delay for adults is not such welcome news.  But that is not the end of the story.

On July 1, the Federal Government established a transitional high-risk pool program to serve as a bridge to 2014.  The Feds are making hundreds of millions of dollars available ($351 million to Florida alone) to provide pool coverage to otherwise uninsurable residents (not just citizens).  In states that decline the funding offer, the Feds will administer the pool program directly.

To qualify, an applicant must

• Be a US citizen or otherwise lawfully reside in the US (that would include green card holders, adjustment applicants, and persons with long term nonimmigrant visa status such as E treaty trader/investor visa holders, H-1B professional workers, L intracompany transferees, and perhaps others).
• Have been uninsured for at least six months before applying; and
• Have a problem obtaining insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

To apply,

• Complete and sign an application available at http://www.pcip.gov/Apply.html; and
• Obtain a copy of a letter dated within 6-months of your application from an insurance company or health plan showing that you have been completely denied individual coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or you were offered coverage but were denied certain benefits (for example, by a rider to an insurance policy) because of a pre-existing condition; or
• For children under age 19 or persons who live in Massachusetts only:  Obtain a letter that shows you were offered coverage at a premium that is at least twice as much as the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan premium (the monthly payment you make to an insurer to get and keep insurance) for your state.

US citizens applying before August 15, must include photocopy proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate) because the citizenship verification computer may not be operational before then.

Noncitizens should provide photocopy evidence of their current immigration status.  A photocopy of an official document that clearly show the Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number will probably suffice (a green card or I-94 would be ideal).  A list of acceptable documents appears on page 5 of the application.

Currently, applications must be mailed.  Applications may be submitted online beginning August 1.  Generally, for applications received on or before the 15^th of any month, coverage will be effective on the first day of the next month.  For applications received after the 15^th, coverage will be effective the first day of the month after next.

Coverage will include a broad range of primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.  Premiums will vary by state and age.  Using examples from the new government website, www.healthcare.gov, a 50 year old Arizona resident may pay $491 to $600 monthly.  A 50 year old in Florida may pay $552 to $675.  Though premiums may seem high, they are tax deductible subject to IRS rules.  For those who need the high risk pool but cannot afford the premiums, states may offer financial assistance.

This insurance program will give Canadians residing in the US full access to US medical facilities and treatments including new treatment options not available in Canada or only available through a long wait list.  For Canadians who were not sold on US residency, for those still looking for reasons to make a move, this could be a big one—and it is available now!

Bradford Flecke, JD, CFP

Senior Planner

Pre-existing Conditions Eliminated Ahead of 2014 Law Change (PDF)

ABAILIN@HMAPR.COM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC, a Phoenix-based wealth management firm with approximately $200 million under advisement that assists Canadians and Americans in realizing their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle, is pleased to announce that Kenneth W. Brown has joined the office as a business development officer. In this role, Brown will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, expanding recognition of the firm in the different market segments and acting as the communication link between the firm and prospective clients.

Brown obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from John Abbott College in Canada.

Currently a north Scottsdale resident, Brown is a native of Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the Coyotes Curling Club, Scottsdale Rotary Club and past chair with the Calgary Committee for the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission. He is also a past president of the Specialty Advertising Association’s Arizona Chapter and the founder of Completely Canadian, a website focused on educating visitors about both sides of the Candian/U.S. border.

About Keats, Connelly and Associates

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2010, Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC is the largest wealth management firm in the United States specializing in cross-border issues. With offices in Arizona, Florida and Michigan, the firm’s focus is to reduce the stress associated with living, investing and working on both sides of the border, while at the same time creating opportunities for very large potential tax savings. The firm’s fee-only compensation model enables the company to maintain its philosophy of promoting clients’ best interests, at all times, while avoiding any potential conflict of interest with commissions.  For more information, please visit www.keatsconnelly.com.

Related Downloads

Press Release – PDF

Health Care Bill – 2010 (pdf)

ABAILIN@HMAPR.COM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

VIRGINIA E. DHONDT NAMED PRESIDENT

Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC, a wealth management firm with approximately $200 million

under advisement that assists Canadians and Americans in realizing their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle, is

pleased to announce that its own Virginia E. Dhondt, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in

both Canada and the United States, has been named president of the Financial Planning Association of Greater

Phoenix.

As president, Dhondt, who has been with Keats, Connelly and Associates since 2006, will be

responsible for unifying the voice, focus and resources of the financial planning community; bringing together

those who champion the financial planning process; facilitating the success of members and growth of the

organization; cultivating the body of knowledge of personal financial planning; advancing the awareness of the

characteristics of professional financial planners; and effectively communicating a common understanding of the

discipline of personal financial planning and the benefits of its use. Dhondt has also served as vice president and

secretary/treasurer of the organization.

About Keats, Connelly and Associates

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC is the largest wealth management

firm in the United States specializing in cross-border issues. With offices in Arizona, Florida and Michigan, the

firm’s focus is to reduce the stress associated with living, investing and working on both sides of the border,

while at the same time creating opportunities for very large potential tax savings. The firm’s fee-only

compensation model enables the company to maintain its philosophy of promoting clients’ best interests, at all

times, while avoiding any potential conflict of interest with commissions. For more information, please visit

www.keatsconnelly.com

(602) 957-8881 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 18, 2009

JOHN RICE JOINS CFA SOCIETY OF SOUTH FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC, a wealth management firm with approximately $200 million under advisement that assists Canadians and Americans in realizing their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle, is pleased to announce John Rice, a staff planner in the firm’s Florida office who holds a Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has joined the CFA Society of South Florida’s Board of Directors. His duties will include overseeing a mentor program he recently launched for the organization.

Rice, who also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Arizona State University, is also a member of the CFA Institute and has been assisting clients with their investments since 1992. Rice joined the Florida office from the Arizona branch, where he worked since 2000.

The CFA Society of South Florida is a member driven organization of financial professionals dedicated to the highest standards of professional competence and integrity. The Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1971, serves the investment community and its members by promoting active participation in Society programs and events and by providing useful tools to advance personal and professional development among members. For more information, please visit www.cfasouthflorida.org.

About Keats, Connelly and Associates

Keats, Connelly and Associates, LLC is the largest wealth management firm in the United States specializing in cross-border issues. With offices in Arizona, Florida and Michigan, the firm’s focus is to reduce the stress associated with living, investing and working on both sides of the border, while at the same time creating opportunities for very large potential tax savings. The firm’s fee-only compensation model enables the company to maintain its philosophy of promoting clients’ best interests, at all times, while avoiding any potential conflict of interest with commissions. For more information, please visit www.keatsconnelly.com.

Related Downloads

Press Release – PDF

2009 Fall E-Update Newsletter (PDF)