Once again, we saw a "New Year's Resolution" Effect with employees being more proactive about their finances in the first quarter. We continue to see declines in employee debt, despite record levels of consumer debt and all time highs in personal bankruptcies.

Issues addressed in this report include: - When is the best time to roll out plan communication and participant education programs? - What financial issues are on the forefront of employees' minds? - How have employees' financial situations changed over the last year and what does this mean for a company and the retirement plan?

(To receive a free copy of the complete report, including color graphics, please email tanya@financialfinesse.com)

Q1 2004 Financial Helpline Topics

Top Questions by Topic

Taxes

How do I find someone who can help me with my taxes?

I have specific questions on the deductions I am eligible to take.

Which tax forms do I use?

How do I estimate the tax withholding allowance on my paycheck?

What Federal & State taxes am I subject to?

Debt

How do I deal with my creditors?

Am I a candidate for credit counseling?

How can I refinance or consolidate my debt?

Should I consider bankruptcy/foreclosure?

What strategies will help me reduce my debts?

Budgeting and Savings.

How do I put together a budget?

How do I manage my financial affairs after a divorce?

How do I manage the stress of money problems?

I need help evaluating my financial situation due to a change in employment status.

Is it better to pay down my debt or increase savings and investment?

Retirement Planning

What is the difference between a Traditional and Roth IRA from a tax perspective?

What are the pros & cons of taking a loan from my retirement plan?

What are some of the options for funding my retirement?

How much do I need to retire and how much should I be saving?

How do I choose the right investments in my retirement plan(s)?

Homeownership

What steps are involved with the purchase of a first home?

I am interested in investing in rental real estate.

What are the tax consequences of selling a home?

Are there any programs available to help me purchase a home?

How do I get pre-qualified for a home loan?

Finding a Financial Planner

I have never met with a financial planner before and am interested in what an FP can do for me.

I need someone to help me plan for retirement.

I need someone to help me assess how my investments should be allocated.

I need help evaluating my financial situation due to a change in employment status.

Insurance

How do I financially prepare for a disability leave?

Investing

I want to work with someone who can help me get started in investing.

I need someone to help me assess how my investments should be allocated.

How much do I need to retire and how much should I be saving?

What are some of the options for funding my retirement?

How often should I rebalance my accounts?

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.