In short, Google U.S. alone is emitting the same quantity of CO2 every year as 28,823 average U.S. homes.

“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing”

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Wealth Management
 
 
July 23, 2010 (La Mesa) -- You may never have given it much thought, but the amount of energy needed to maintain the billions of web pages on the internet is rising, with an increasing carbon emissions footprint of around 10-percent each year - on track to soon surpass the air travel industry!

Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
 

President, Blue Summit Wealth Management

 

July 9, 2010 (La Mesa) -- We have just received notification that two of our top-rated carriers, John Hancock & Metlife, will be raising rates for new policies. If you have already secured your long term care policy, CONGRATULATIONS…you made a great decision! If you have been considering taking out a long term care insurance policy, please contact an independent Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) agent right away for quotes. (See below for tips on what to look for.)

Update on Tax Deductible Premiums:

A column written for the East County Magazine
 

“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing”
 

 By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group
  

April 1st, 2010 (San Diego) --The rules of finance have changed since the economic collapse that began in October 2008. The global financial crisis, due largely to unregulated corporations engaging in greed-driven behavior, has caused us to re-think what is currently considered good financial advice.
 
So on this April 1st, 2010, I hereby concur that we have a new set of “foolish” financial rules to live by. Here is my top ten list:

 
 
“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing”

By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group
 
March 20, 2010 (San Diego) -- As shareholders we have the power to influence corporate policies. Over the years, systems have evolved within the Socially Responsible Investment industry by which our collective shares may be leveraged to create major policy shifts in corporate America, so that companies incorporate more sustainable and just business practices.

“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing”
 
By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group
 
Although past performance is not an indication of how a fund may perform in the future, a notable report recently released shows that Socially responsible investment funds outperformed their benchmarks in almost all asset classes last year, as investors look for companies that align their values and also provide good returns.

The Social Investment Forum (SIF) released its analysis earlier this year of 160 socially responsible mutual funds from 22 members of the forum, revealing that 65% of the funds in all asset classes outperformed their traditional non-socially screened benchmarks.

Good Money: Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing
 

ESTATE TAXES – WHICH WAY WILL THEY GO?

By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group

Estate Tax Reform

President George W. Bush's 10-year, $1.35 trillion across-the-board tax cut, passed in 2001, included a slow-but-steady reduction of the amount of wealth that is subject to "the death tax." Under the law, the value of an inheritance exempt from estate taxation increased from $1 million in 2001 to $3.5 million in 2009. In addition, the tax rate on inheritances larger than that decreased from 55% to 45%. And currently with a $3.5m exemption amount, this allows a couple who have done proper estate planning to leave a $7m estate completely free of federal estate taxes to their heirs.
 

But this tax is scheduled to revert to the 2001 pre-Bush levels (55% rate on estates over $1 million); unless Congress takes action this year and passes new legislation.

Editor's  Note:  Our columnist, Judith Seid, has been a featured guest on NBC and San Diego News Network recently, for those who want more of her "Good Money" advice.

GOOD MONEY: Your guide to profitable & socially responsible investing

By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group

August 15, 2009 (La Mesa) -- It doesn’t get much better than this for first-time home buyers. Low interest rates. Home prices at a five-year low--and free government money for your purchase!

Your Guide to Socially Responsible Investing
 
What Is a Certified Financial Planner™?
 
By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group
 
July, 2009 (La Mesa)--The public is sometimes confused by the alphabet soup of credentials out there in the financial planning and investment industry. A Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) has the most highly regarded credentials and is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Creating comprehensive planning solutions when given varied and often complex personal situations requires knowledge and experience in all of the following topic areas: