Longboat Key Financial Group

Michael H. Smith, CSA

Welcome to our Web site, where you'll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.

We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that become available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation.

We created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most importantly, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.

We're here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial planning, to help you learn more about who we are, and to give you fast, easy access to market performance and data.

We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information and we wouldn't want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.

Impact of Inflation

Estimate the future cost of an item based on today’s prices and the rate of inflation you expect.

Long-Term Care Self Insurance

Will you be able to afford nursing home care?

IRA Eligibility

Use this calculator to determine whether you qualify for the different types of IRAs.

Cash Flow Analysis

This Cash Flow Analysis form will help you weigh your income vs. your expenses.

More Calculators →

HOT TOPIC: The Federal Estate Tax Is Back and May Be Here to Stay

The estate tax has been reinstated after being allowed to lapse in 2010. The new estate tax provisions are the most generous in decades — but they are temporary. A far more stringent estate tax is slated to take effect after 2012. Fortunately, a properly structured trust may help some families reduce their potential exposure to the estate tax.

Understanding the Appeal of Mutual Funds for High-Income Households

Mutual fund ownership increases directly with household income. In fact, 81% of households with incomes of $200,000 or more own mutual funds. What is it about mutual funds that attracts affluent investors?

Bring Your Life Insurance Home From Work

Only 44% of American households have individual life insurance, a 50-year low. Many workers have life insurance as an employee benefit, however relying on a group policy could mean that coverage ends should a worker's job situation change. This article examines the benefits of term individual insurance and permanent life insurance.

Put It in Writing

A high level of job satisfaction is fairly typical of business owners, but it can also be a hindrance if it keeps them from thinking about a planned exit strategy. A written exit plan could help you avoid surprises.

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