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Monthly Blog

Join us each month for a brief but insightful blog on timely, relevant topics that you can help you with achieving your financial goals. These blogs are also featured in our monthly newsletter we email out each month. If you want want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please email us admin@professional-investors.net. Happy reading! 

Listen to the Elders - May 2026

In a world chasing the next hot stock or algorithm promising overnight wealth, we often overlook some of the most reliable financial wisdom we have: the lessons passed down by our elders. They’ve lived through recessions, market bubbles, and personal financial setbacks. Their advice isn’t old-fashioned...it’s the foundation of long-term stability.

One of their core principles is simple: save first, spend second. Older generations treated savings like a mandatory bill. Today, automating transfers into high‑yield savings or retirement accounts keeps that discipline alive and builds real security.

They also warn against investing in anything you don’t understand. With crypto trends and influencer-driven “opportunities,” this guidance is more relevant than ever. If you can’t explain the risk, it’s probably not the right place for your money. Straightforward, diversified strategies still win over time.

Another timeless truth: live below your means. Many elders built wealth by resisting lifestyle inflation. Choosing the smaller home, keeping the older car, and avoiding unnecessary debt creates quiet, lasting financial confidence.

They also understood the power of compound interest long before apps existed. Starting early, even with small amounts, lets time do the heavy lifting. And maximizing employer 401(k) matches remains one of the fastest ways to grow savings.

Their wisdom goes beyond money. Many seniors say their biggest regrets involve health and time, two things that can drain savings or slip away unnoticed. Planning for long‑term care, protecting your health, and building a life that balances work and living are all part of true financial wellness.

At the heart of it all is a simple idea: financial success isn’t about hustle, it’s about harmony. Aligning your spending with your values, avoiding unnecessary debt, and staying consistent through the noise.

These same principles guide the work we do every day. Helping clients protect what they’ve built, navigate benefits and Medicare decisions, and create long‑term financial plans rooted in clarity and confidence. The tools may be modern, but the wisdom is timeless.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Why Preparing for Life's Surprises Matters More Than Ever - April 2026

In my last blog, I talked about how quickly things can change in our lives, sometimes as fast as the weather in New England. You can’t always predict the timing, but you can be certain that change is always on the horizon.

One of the clearest ways to see this is by looking back over your expenses from the last six months. Almost everyone finds a few items that fall into what I call “unexpected expected expenses.” They’re the surprises we didn’t plan for, even though they happen to all of us.

Maybe it’s a client who suddenly needs $14,000 to repair a roof. Maybe it’s a car that needs to be replaced sooner than expected. Maybe it’s a medical bill, a dental extraction, or a home repair that can’t wait. These moments show up in every household, and they’re exactly why thoughtful planning matters.

Recently, my wife, Anna, and I traveled to Maui, a place that holds special meaning for us because it’s where we honeymooned many years ago. We’ve always known it as a sunny, peaceful escape. But this visit was different. The islands were hit with back‑to‑back Kona storms that brought heavy rain, rough surf, and real hardship for many residents and businesses.

I share this not to compare our experience to what others face, but to highlight something universal: even the most familiar, reliable places in our lives can change without warning. And when they do, the impact is often financial as well as emotional.

Just last week, the news reported a tragic incident at LaGuardia Airport involving a fire engine on the runway. Two pilots lost their lives. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that life can shift in an instant, and when it does, the people we love are the ones who feel the ripple effects.

This is why planning matters. At PILA, our mission is to help you prepare for the unexpected, the expenses you don’t see coming, the life events you never imagined, and the changes that arrive whether we’re ready or not. We work with clients every day to build plans that protect their families, their income, and their long‑term goals.

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your coverage or financial strategy, now is a good time to take another look. Whether you want to update what you already have or get a second opinion, we’re here to help. With five decades of experience guiding people through life’s uncertainties, we can help you create a plan that makes sense for you and the people who depend on you.

Let us help you walk through life with clarity, confidence, and a plan that supports your future.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Fifty Years of Lessons: Why We Plan for What We Can’t Predict - March 2026

This month’s blog comes from a thought I’ve shared with clients and agents for more than fifty years: no matter how well you plan today — conservative or aggressive, careful or confident — something will change within the next two years. Life has a way of reminding us that nothing stays still for long.

You can see it right now in the health insurance marketplace. Many of our clients have relied on Affordable Care Act plans with generous subsidies that kept premiums manageable. But those enhanced credits expired, and suddenly families who were comfortable last year are facing higher premiums, rising deductibles, and medication costs that have doubled or tripled. “Affordability” isn’t just a buzzword on the news — it’s sitting at their kitchen table as they try to figure out how to make next month’s budget work. That’s how quickly things can shift.

Change also shows up in more personal ways. I’ll be turning 78 in March, and I can tell you firsthand: you don’t stop living because you’re aging. You keep traveling, you keep enjoying your life — until something unexpected interrupts it. A heart attack, a cancer diagnosis, a sudden medical event… you know these possibilities exist, but you can’t plan your life around fear. You plan around being prepared.

And even if you’re younger, with a great job, great kids, and a life that feels steady, change still finds you. Maybe two years from now you walk into work and discover you’ve been replaced by AI. Yes, unemployment helps — but if you’ve been “living the dream” without saving, that dream can turn quickly. The unexpected becomes very real, very fast.

It happens in everyday life too. Your car hits 60,000 miles and the warranty ends — and suddenly the transmission goes. Surprise. Or you decide, like we did, that the guest bathroom needs a walk‑in shower, and there goes a chunk of the budget you didn’t plan to spend this year.

This is exactly why our business stays in touch with clients at least twice a year. Not because it’s a nice gesture — but because life changes, and we want to be there before those changes turn into financial stress. Birthday cards, contract‑anniversary check‑ins, quick notes — they’re all part of making sure you’re not navigating these shifts alone. Our job is to help you plan for the “unexpected expected” expenses that show up in every household.

If you want a quick reality check, look back at your last six months of spending. Chances are, at least one significant expense popped up that you didn’t plan for. That’s life. And that’s why we’re here — to help you build a plan that bends with life instead of breaking under it.

 Until next time,

 Ed Mazur

Digging Out Together - February 2026

After our recent 22‑inch snowstorm, I found myself reflecting on how even the toughest weather can reveal the best in people. What started as a simple effort to free two cars buried in snow and sleet turned into a reminder of why community matters—both in our neighborhoods and in our business.

 A good friend insisted on meeting me outside to tackle the snow. When I told him five minutes wasn’t enough time to get ready, he joked, “Okay, I’ll see you in six!” Humor aside, we got to work. The good news: the cars were eventually freed. The bad news: I confirmed I will not be joining the USA Snow Shoveling Team anytime soon. Every few minutes he’d say, “Slow down, Ed. Take a break. I’ll finish this.” My back agreed.

But the real story wasn’t the snow or the shoveling—it was the people. Once my cars were cleared, the neighbors didn’t stop. They moved on to help others whose vehicles were still trapped. I, on the other hand, moved on to a well‑earned one‑hour nap.

That morning reminded me of something we talk about often in our work: the power of showing up for each other. Whether it’s digging out a car, navigating Medicare, completing financial paperwork, or planning for the future, no one should feel like they’re doing it alone. Just like my neighbors stepped in without hesitation, our team is here to step in for our clients—guiding, supporting, and helping clear the path forward.

A heartfelt thank‑you to the friends and neighbors who pitched in. Your kindness is exactly the kind of community spirit we strive to bring into our business every day.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

A New Year's Resolution We Should All Make - January 2026

I’m taking my January 2026 blog straight from the New Year’s Resolution playbook.

It’s a principle I’ve tried to follow every day of my life—sometimes with tremendous success, other times falling short of the challenge.

It was actually paraphrased by Bill Belichick, former coach of the New England Patriots. His mantra for his multi‑year football dynasty? “Do your job!” My resolution is similar, but a bit harder to apply in daily life: “Do the right thing!”

Whatever your age, whatever your role, exceed expectations and do the right thing. This applies to every part of our day. And as I write this, I have to admit I’ve already missed the mark this morning. I’m diabetic (under control) and I love Lindor chocolate. If you’ve visited our office, you’ve probably noticed Lindor chocolates everywhere. So today—December 29, 2025—I had two milk chocolate Lindor balls. Not the end of the world, but still not “doing the right thing.” It’s not easy, folks.

And what about you—whether you’re a client or a financial advisor working with PILA, have you done the right thing today? Have you signed the forms we need to complete the pending transactions we’ve recommended?

Another great addition to the resolution list: “Just do it!” As I look up at my bookcase, I see that one framed nicely for easy viewing. Thank you, Nike.

Happy New Year — Do the right thing. Just do it.

Leadership, Legacy and Client Care - December 2025

As time marches on, I’m so pleased to report on the continuing leadership traits exhibited by my partners, Kara Mazur-Miller and her husband, Darrel Miller. The captain of the good ship “PILA” still has the helm, but he feels great about the new leadership waiting in the wings.

Referrals—the lifeblood of any business—remain strong as we head toward the New Year. This is a testament not only to the trust our clients place in us, but also to our unwavering philosophy: every client deserves white glove treatment and the very best of fiduciary care. That principle has guided us from the beginning, and it continues to shape every interaction we have today.

The inevitability of change was brought home to me last week when I lost a great friend and long-time mentor, Bob Canfield. Bob and I went back decades to my early years at John Hancock in Boston. Our friendship and mutual respect endured, and I last saw him just last year. At 88, Bob passed after finishing a training session—still living life with the same endurance and commitment that defined him. Over the years, he completed more than 35 marathons and half-marathons, raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and other organizations. His example reminds me that true leadership is about perseverance, service, and leaving a legacy that uplifts others.

That lesson resonates deeply with our work today. Just as Bob invested his energy into causes greater than himself, we at PILA invest our time, expertise, and care into the lives of our clients. Leadership transitions, mentorship, and endurance all echo the same truth: businesses thrive when they are built on trust, service, and a commitment to something larger than profit.

As we look ahead, we honor those who paved the way, while embracing the new leadership that will carry our mission forward. To our clients, know that your trust fuels our journey, and we remain steadfast in delivering the clarity, care, and fiduciary responsibility you deserve.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

The Road Less Traveled - And Why It Matters in Financial Planning - November 2025

Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken ends with a quiet declaration: “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” It’s a line that invites reflection. What does it really mean to choose the less conventional path—and how does that apply to our lives today?

In financial services, we often see clients at a crossroads. Should they follow the standard advice, or forge a path that better reflects their values, goals, and unique circumstances? The truth is, the road less traveled isn’t always easier—but it can be more meaningful. I’ve walked that road myself. Here’s what I’ve learned—and what it might mean for you.


1. You’ll encounter the unexpected

The well-worn path is predictable. It’s lined with benchmarks, formulas, and conventional wisdom. But when you choose a financial strategy that’s tailored to your life—not just your income—you’ll face decisions that require adaptability and resilience. Whether it’s early retirement, self-employment, or caring for aging parents, the less traveled road demands flexibility. That’s where we come in: helping you pivot with confidence when life throws a curveball.


 2. You may walk alone—at first

Choosing a nontraditional financial path can feel isolating. Maybe you’re prioritizing impact over income, or building a business while others are climbing corporate ladders. But solitude can be fertile ground for clarity. We help clients build a support system that reflects their values—whether that’s a community of entrepreneurs, a family legacy plan, or a retirement vision that’s uniquely yours.


3. You’ll learn to trust yourself

Financial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values. When you step off the beaten path, you start making decisions based on what matters most to you, not what others expect. We encourage that kind of self-trust. Our role is to provide the tools, context, and guidance that empower you to lead with conviction.


4. You define success

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s flexibility. For others, it’s impact, security, or joy. When you take the road less traveled, you get to decide what a “good life” looks like—and we help you build the financial foundation to support it.


The road less traveled doesn’t guarantee ease. But it does offer authenticity, purpose, and the chance to create a life that’s truly your own. At PILA, we’re here to walk that road with you—offering clarity, strategy, and support every step of the way.


Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Guiding Clients Through a Changing Financial Landscape - October 2025

This coming January I'll have been in the financial services industry for 53 years. For over five decades, our clients have trusted us to help them navigate an ever-evolving financial world. From young families just starting out to seasoned business owners planning for succession, we’ve been honored to provide clarity, confidence, and solutions tailored to each stage of life.

At 77, people often ask why we’re still doing this work. The answer is simple: because helping people is the constant. It’s the reason we started, and it’s the reason we’re still here. Financial tools and strategies may evolve, but the human need for guidance, empathy, and honest support never changes.

Our approach is grounded in experience—53 years of it, in fact. That depth of knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, simplify decisions, and offer strategies that stand the test of time. We don’t just work with clients; we build lasting relationships. Many have become lifelong friends, and we take pride in being a trusted resource through every chapter of their financial journey.

If you're looking for a partner who sees beyond the numbers and truly understands what’s at stake, we’re ready to help—just as we’ve always been.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

It's All About Who You Know - September 2025

We had been shopping for a much needed bathroom project, converting the existing shower/bathtub to just a walk-in shower, with age-appropriate safety handles. It seems that one of us has become a tad unsteady. Stepping out of the bathtub has become difficult. We visited a well know local business who handles bathroom remodeling and has a great reputation!


Long story short is they were rude, ridiculously expensive and never showed up for our appointment to prepare an estimate. We decided to walk away! Then came the parade of TV commercials, with everyone doing advertisements touting lower prices and one day conversions.


At that point, we were referred to Bee's Contracting & Remodeling! We got in touch with Bryan Bielefeldt, the owner, and could not be more pleased with his help and professionalism. He came as a great referral from the PILA Team of Kara & Darrel Miller.


So, if PILA has helped you and if you would be comfortable doing so, please refer us to friends, family and acquaintances, as we would love to help them. Everybody deserves to work with a time-tested fiduciary advisor that comes highly recommended.


Until next time,
Ed Mazur

It Goes By Fast - August 2025

I saw a visual early this morning. It was a caricature of a young man about age 3 or 4 standing and looking into a mirror. Reflected in the mirror was not his image, but rather a very old person, hunched over and looking like he’s on his last leg. The old guy speaks to the young man and says “it goes by fast so use your allotment of time wisely!”


Now as I sit here in my mid 70’s I’m consumed by my lack of time. Not because I want to get one more trip in to Maui, but to help as many as I can and do the best thing financially for their loved ones. To make sure their families have been covered and planned for!


Let this be your reminder to take advantage of one of your most valuable assets…time.


Until next time,


Ed Mazur

Sign Me Up for my Pension! - July 2025

I remember turning 62 and wondering if I should wait to take my Social Security at full retirement at age 65, or just work from 65 to 72 and watch my Social Security increase by 8% a year? I also remember getting called by John Hancock at age 65, and being told I had a small pension. I chose to receive $690 a month with a 100% benefit payable to my spouse for her life, should I predecease her! Pensions are a beautiful thing!

Remember when it seemed like everyone had a pension with benefits that would continue to the spouse for life? Then along came the 401K, and investment risk was passed from the employer to the employee along with no pension and only market risk! Now it was up to you as the employee to make sure you saved enough in order to be able to reitre since there was no pension to fall back on. If you have funds set aside for retirement, whether it be a 401K, IRA, Non-qualified, etc, did you know you can turn it into a pension plan?!

Let's say you have a retirement nest egg of $700,000 and it’s invested in the market with upside and downside potential. We’ve all seen the bad markets and the short-term devastation that can occur. If I’m 60 years old, have $700,000 and want to both protect my money from market volatility while not outliving it, what should I do? Rule #1- don’t retire or be forced to retire on a down market!

Here’s how it could work. If you took even just a portion of your nest egg, for example, $400,000 of your $700,000 and "pensionize" it, your lifetime income payout immediately would be $22,080 for life with a 100% survivor benefit. Each year you wait to start income, that number would increase by 10% guaranteed, the same way waiting to take Social Security does. For example, if you decided to work 8 more years and retire at 68, your income for life at that point would have doubled to $47,360! 

Wouldn’t it be nice to have enough income that is guaranteed to never run out, for both you and your spouse? What are you waiting for! Call Kara Miller today to learn more about this retirement income concept.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

10 things I wish I had learned sooner - June 2025

  1. Criticize in private, praise in public.
  2. If you cannot visualize your goal, you won’t achieve it. Make your goal public!
  3. Everyone accepts the idea of their death, but none of us think it will be today! This is why we postpone doing things that we should get done. Like a last will & testament not written. Like buying life insurance when you’re healthy.  
  4. We have a spare tire in our trunk for a reason.
  5. On my way to the office this morning, I had to pull over for an ambulance. They weren’t practicing.
  6. Return missed calls or messages within an hour.
  7. Smile at others and always keep your promises.
  8. KISS! ‘Keep it simple stupid’.
  9. All the goals and plans you make today will need to be reviewed and updated in 2 years.
  10. Read the book “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson. 

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Some of the best things in life appear unexpectedly! - May 2025

While in Hawaii celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary, one of the planned activities was a photo shoot, complete with the setting sun, a secluded sandy beach, and of course the bride & groom, 40 years older!

What we didn’t plan on was a bad left foot on yours truly and so I worried about walking on sand and walking near the water. It turns out I was correct to be fearful as I limped through the photo shoot. Our photographer was doing his best to make the camera cover my difficulty in “holding a pose” or even staying upright.

Eventually he said to me "Have you heard of the Hawaiian super drink that cures everything? You should take it for your foot pain & inflammation." I am always one to take a chance and asked more, including where I could buy it and learned it was sold at the Maui Costco.

You can guess the rest of the Blog as I sit at my desk at PILA (and 4 weeks removed from the photoshoot). Two things I was told that were true.

1.)   It works- as blood pressure and blood sugar are better and best of all my foot is apparently inflammation free!

2.)   Its taste is not something that you will like.

Stay tuned as I start walking around my neighborhood again. 

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Rules of Life from My View - April 2025

Recently I was lucky to be on vacation to celebrate my 77th birthday and it got me thinking about how I was lucky enough to get a second chance at life. I’m still here living life to the fullest at 77 while at the same time, so many friends, past acquaintances and clients have passed away. What makes me so lucky?

When I met my wife Anna, I was 38 when she got pregnant with our first child together. That was a pivotal point in my life where I made a lifestyle change because I decided it was time to take care of myself if I wanted to see all my children grow up.

Here are my Rules of Life that I would like to share with each of you.

1. Exercise when you are young! Continue into your late thirties and 40s and '50s like you mean it. It pays dividends later in life. When you live longer than perhaps the actuarial table will say you should. You really want to play with your grandkids! And in my case great grandkids!

2. Be the best human you can be. Treat all with respect.

3. In business be true to your word.

4. As you age, take appropriate supplements to help your aging poorly with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart issues. The 3 Stooges of all our lives.

5. Listen to old ones and heed their advice. They know what they're talking about.

Mahalo,

Ed Mazur

Be Careful Going Down the Mountain - March 2025

Last week, I was honored to participate with my daughter and business partner, Kara Mazur Miller, in a video shoot discussing what is “trust”.

During the interview session, I related a story from the 1990’s and my attempt to summit Mount Baker. I never reached the summit, as I know most folks and injuries occur after you reach the summit. That’s right, going down the mountain is dangerous!

It’s like chasing the retirement accumulation conundrum. You save and invest trying to build up your retirement accounts to a significant sum. You retire and that’s when you realize, your income has stopped. You have to live the rest of your life on your retirement cash flow.

Like the Mount Baker story, this is where most people fail to plan, which to me means they plan to fail without knowing it!

We now have a solution built for the trip down the mountain. Consider pensionizing your 401K or TSA account by turning some part of your cash “stash” into lifetime income payments. Yes, “I said lifetime income”- Consider it?  

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Every Two Years - February 2025

So, this morning, January 30, 2025, we all woke up to the terrible news of the American Airlines and Black Hawk helicopter crash into the Potomac River with no survivors. It certainly brought into focus our mortality.

Two important parts! As a planner, many of you have heard me say to you, “we’ve put together a great plan for you! But, I know 2 years from now your situation will be changed, either for better or for worse.”

We have a great Annual Review Checklist that covers thoughtful questions in several areas. This form is designed to see if your planning needs a “tune-up”. For your free, no obligation copy, please click here and email it to us so we can have a conversation, either in person or virtually.

Please reach out. We’d love to have a cup of coffee with you to discuss your annual review. 

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Welcome to Goal Setting- January 2025 

It's exciting to think about personal goals for 2025! Every year I get excited to think about the coming year and work at achieving my goals.

Goal: Improve physical fitness.

  • How:
  • Set a specific exercise routine (e.g., 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week).
  • Find an activity you enjoy (dancing, hiking, swimming).
  • Track your progress with a fitness app or journal.
  • Consider a personal trainer or fitness class for guidance.

Goal: Enhance mental well-being.

  • How:
  • Practice mindfulness or meditation daily.
  • Prioritize sleep (aim for 7-9 hours per night).
  • Engage in hobbies that relax you (reading, painting, listening to music).
  • Seek professional support if needed (therapy, counseling).

Goal: Adopt a healthier diet.

  • How:
  • Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.
  • Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Plan your meals in advance and cook at home more often.
  • Consult a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized advice.

Goal: Learn a new skill.

  • How:
  • Identify a skill that interests you (coding, a new language, playing an instrument).
  • Enroll in online courses, workshops, or find a mentor.
  • Dedicate specific time each week to practice.

Goal: Improve communication skills.

  • How:
  • Practice active listening in conversations.
  • Take a public speaking course or join a Toastmasters club.
  • Work on expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely.

Goal: Expand your knowledge.

  • How:
  • Read regularly (books, articles, blogs).
  • Listen to podcasts or audiobooks on topics that interest you.
  • Attend lectures, seminars, or online webinars.

Goal: Strengthen relationships with family and friends.

  • How:
  • Schedule regular quality time with loved ones.
  • Express your appreciation and affection.
  • Be present and attentive in conversations.

Goal: Build new connections.

  • How:
  • Join clubs or groups with shared interests.
  • Attend social events or networking opportunities.

Goal: Improve financial stability.

  • How:
  • Create a budget and track your expenses.
  • Save a portion of your income regularly.
  • Pay off debt and avoid taking on new debt.
  • Invest your money wisely.

Goal: Travel to new places.

  • How:
  • Research destinations that interest you.
  • Set a travel budget and save accordingly.
  • Plan your trips in advance and book accommodations and transportation.

Goal: Try new experiences.

  • How:
  • Step outside of your comfort zone and try activities you've never done before.
  • Explore your local area and discover hidden gems.
  • Be open to new opportunities and adventures.

Remember, the best personal goals are the ones that are meaningful and motivating to you. Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve in 2025 and create a plan to make it happen. Write it down and get to work. It could be very rewarding.

Happy New Year! 

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Don't Quit- December 2024 

Sometimes we need a little bit of inspiration to energize us on any given day. As I was cleaning out my office in preparation for our move, I came across this and thought I would reshare with you. Over my many years, the following has always been an inspiration:

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re on seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

When you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.


Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a fellow turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out,

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.


Often the goals is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor’s cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.


Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tine of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar,

So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

-unknown-


Until next time,

Ed Mazur

It's All In Where You Sit- November 2024 

Many years ago, a Regional Vice President and very good friend, exposed me to the title of this blog, “It’s all in where you sit!”

Simply explained by using an example of this concept in action.

Last week I was informed by my dentist that he recommends that I have 3 of my teeth extracted as soon as possible and plan on putting implants in. He’s a great dentist and from where he sits, I’m a wonderful new patient and as a business owner, it (meaning Ed Mazur) should generate a sizable amount of revenue for his practice. So of course, he’s very much in favor of my getting the recommended procedure done.

For my part, I’m not too crazy about starting the process even though it makes sense. That’s because from where I sit, I know that Anna and I have planned a vacation starting in late February 2025. Do I wait until after we return to start the process? Or do I bite the bullet and get the entire process started as soon as possible?

In life we are all faced with decisions that are usually viewed differently by the parties involved. It all depends on where you sit! By the way I’ve decided to wait until after vacation to start the process.

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Change is Coming- October 2024

I love the weather change, most of the time!

I hate to use the old expression about New England weather, but I will use it anyway. “If you don’t like the weather just wait a few minutes” attributed to Mark Twain.

As September turns to October, change will be coming. As a financial advisor, I’d like to remind all of our clients and advisors to plan for change, because it’s a constant. I’ve told many clients over the years upon finishing up a financial review, that we should meet every 2 or 3 years to review everything as circumstances change like the weather.

The family that had made all the right financial moves and plans 2 years ago should take time to take a long hard look at their situation, just to make sure all is well in the planning department.

Now I’m thinking, “a stitch in time saves nine.”

Gosh I feel like an old wise man!

Until next time,

Ed Mazur

Road Less Traveled- September 2024

If you decided to drive to California from Boston, you're not going to just jump into your car and start driving West. That would be silly! 

In the old days you would buy maps, toss them in your car and you'd be off to the races, no pun intended. Nowadays we have the luxury of technology but in either case, with research and proper planning, we can make sure that we get to California the quickest and most efficient way possible without any dreadful mishaps to impede our trip and goals. 

The same planning should be used when thinking about your family upon your death or incapacity. If something happened to you, would your family feel like they are driving aimlessly to the West without any roadmap to tell them where your assets and liabilities are? In our experience, often times there is one person in a relationship who handles the finances and over time it can cause the other person to realize they would be lost without their partner and would have no idea where anything is.

Well, we can help you with the planning, it's what we do.

We have such a planning tool! It’s called the "Family Love Letter." If you'd like a copy, please let our office know and we'll be happy to send it out to you at no charge. It will help you organize and document all of your holdings and accounts which would make life easier for you and your heirs. It's not an easy task but one that will be well worth the effort you put into it. 

I recognize that some of you may want to revisit your planning for your family and if that's the case, please let us know and would be happy to set up a convenient time to get together. Should we be checking the beneficiaries on all of your life insurance policies?

Take advantage of the "Family Love Letter".

My very best to you all,

Edward Mazur

Pushing the Limits- August 2024

In July, my grandson and granddaughter competed in the U.S. Junior Nationals in karate. In the competition, they competed against the very best athletes that practice karate including members of the current USA Junior Team.

As in most ventures, you need to see the best to understand what has to be done to compete against he very best! It is the same in everything we do. You have to compete and expose yourself to the “best” if you want to win.

In financial planning you need to work with a financial advisor that you trust and admire! Someone who can coach you through the planning process, gently guiding you down the path of financial planning.

They will help you reach your destination quicker and easier than if you do it yourself. They provide you with a roadmap to take you where we want to go with no detours or time wasted going the wrong way. Give us a call if we can help!

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Smart Women Love Money- July 2024

In July, my grandson and granddaughter competed in the U.S. Junior Nationals in karate. In the competition, they competed against the very best athletes that practice karate including members of the current USA Junior Team.

As in most ventures, you need to see the best to understand what has to be done to compete against he very best! It is the same in everything we do. You have to compete and expose yourself to the “best” if you want to win.

In financial planning you need to work with a financial advisor that you trust and admire! Someone who can coach you through the planning process, gently guiding you down the path of financial planning.

They will help you reach your destination quicker and easier than if you do it yourself. They provide you with a roadmap to take you where we want to go with no detours or time wasted going the wrong way. Give us a call if we can help!

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Planning Tip- June 2024 

Have you seen the television commercials where a couple is talking about a friend who passed and they say to themselves “I hope they had life insurance!”?

The conversation then turns to whether or not they did have life insurance and of course they don’t. This is then followed by some catchy line to the tune of “For only $25 a month, you get $500,000 of life insurance with no exam and quick issue.” Sounds easy enough and no planning needed, right?

Well, I guess it’s better than nothing, but it seems to me that the couple should talk really talk with a financial advisor, preferably a fiduciary. 

At PILA, we have a service that we offer that consists of 3 steps. We are always looking to help people plan their financial future and we have an easy to complete form to start the process. Step 1 is to complete the confidential fact finder with us. Step 2 is we prepare a written brief with the client's prioritized goals and objectives. In the brief, we lay out a game plan for the client and finally in Step 3, with client approval we put the plan into action.

Yearly reviews and regular contact make sure that we continually monitor the client’s progress.

If you’d like to explore this service, please call Alexa Perry at 860-678-7806 extension 203 to set up an initial call.  

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Solving Problems by Finding the Right Solution- May 2024

The power of our mind is a beautiful gift that each and every one of us has. Our choices are make good decisions or make bad decisions.

In "The Slight Edge", author Jeff Olsen talks about making good decisions and watching the compounding effects of all these various good decisions. Nothing extraordinary to see here, we all struggle to make good decisions and sometimes we do in fact make bad decisions.

As an example, let's say you decide you should start doing daily walks of 30 minutes a day. That's probably a mile and a half as an average and I think we can all agree it is a good thing to do. So, the good decision is made and you take a step (no pun intended) in the right direction.

But what if the decision is to do the wrong thing? Instead of walking, you have the brilliant idea that you are going to have a martini and relax because you "deserve it", and so what happens? Well bad decisions compound as well as we know.

If you feel you need a reset and reminder as to the power of good decisions, I would absolutely recommend you pick up a copy of "The Slight Edge". It has a great philosophy and one that each of us should be reminded of from time to time to stay on track.

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Don't Wait- April 2024

I really want to stress how important it is not to wait! Yet we all somehow believe we can postpone what needs to be done until next week, next month, or after I get back from vacation.

Last Thursday I lost a dear friend that I had lost touch with. He passed away, falling victim to prostate cancer -the quick one- and went from bad to deceased in a rush of months. As he was battling this disease, I was clueless. I hadn’t talked to him in years and for some reason, maybe intuition, I had been trying to connect with him. He had retired 8 years ago, but I should have kept in touch. Should have, wished I did, but didn’t.

So don’t wait to do your financial planning. From my bird’s eye view of life as I sit on my age 76 perch, I know I need to take care of things, not next week, month, or some undetermined time in the future, but now!

Call your friends today, stay in touch, do your financial plan asap. Purchase life insurance if you need it. Like the old saying “Just do it”  

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Time- March 2024

What a gift time is! Yet we never have enough of it. But I’ve learned a little secret. As you age, you don’t sleep as much.

I find myself up at 3:00 to 4:00 AM every morning. Coffee gets made and poured, and I’m at the computer working. But yet even with the pre-dawn awakening, I’m still out of time.

Here’s what I make time for:

1.)   Make time to have others enjoy your company. Make them laugh and smile!
2.)   Make time to visit grandchildren and great grandchildren.
3.)   Make time to visit those you should visit, from family to old friends.
4.)   Make time to exercise 30 minutes a day. This is something I don’t currently make time for and I should.
5.)   Make time to sing & dance to music. Is this exercise? Hmm!
6.)   Make time to tell those you love, that you love them.
7.)   Make time to listen to others and actually hear what they are saying.
8.)   Make time to be introspective. To quietly sit and meditate.

So, it’s time to get doing & stop writing. 

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

To Settle or Not to Settle- February 2024

This month's edition is going to be a rambling jumble of thoughts. I'm going to touch on a topic that has been bothering me for some time.

Term Life Insurance - as I think back over the vast quantities of term insurance that we have marketed through our business to consumers, I'm floored by the fact that people have aged out and have been caught with their term policies expiring outright, or being offered ridiculously high new premiums, or not being offered anything except a conversion privilege.

Yes, we covered their families when their kids were small or the mortgage was high. And we did it for pennies on the dollar. Everyone in the transaction felt good about it. The client felt good because they were not spending a lot of money and they were doing the right thing and taking care of their family in case of an unexpected death. But let's look at the rest of the story. I think there's a real lesson here for anyone who reads this.

I subscribe to the belief that if you're age 55 or older, you are about to suffer ailments that are not a good thing. I called this The 3 Stooges of Health. They are, in no particular order, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes adult onset, and the ever popular atrial fib. At age 55 I was in great health, by age 57 I had a list of medications that I couldn't believe I had to take. I had been diagnosed with the Big 3.

So let me give you the good news. If you are thoughtful and proactive in your planning with a financial advisor, they will advise you to look at some sort of permanent insurance that most probably can be designed as a limited pay for coverage for the rest of your life, Perhaps it is a 20-year payment plan, or less. But this does not mean that your insurance stops, like it does with term insurance, rather it continues! The only thing that would stop would be the pain of premiums. Who doesn't want that?

Good planning will not solve your health issues but good planning can guarantee your family could benefit by your having life insurance later in life instead of having a policy that runs out and no coverage is provided to the family because you can't afford the yearly increasing premiums once the term period has ended.

We are working with a number of clients on what are called Life Settlement cases. 

So if you happen to be one of the many clients that we have and you get a letter saying that your term insurance premium is going to go up, please call us so that we can run an audit on the policy and tell you if one of the life settlement companies would be willing to take it off your hands and pay you CASH for that policy.

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

No Blog For You- January 2024 

Sometimes you read something that resonates and you wonder how you can share the message with others. In place of my writing my blog this month, it is my honor to share the words of Charlie Munger.

Charlie Munger died on November 28 at age 99. These reflections on his life and career, which he wrote for CNBC Make It, are among his final writings. Click here to read the article.

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

The Dirty Truth About Term Insurance- December 2023

Did you know that less than 2% of term insurance policies sold is collected by the beneficiaries as a Death Benefit? So, we are buying a product that will not be used as a settlement in a death claim.

A 60-year-old male can buy a $250,000 15-year term policy with a guaranteed premium of approximately $279.56 per month. But, at his age 76, the year 16 premium goes from $279.56 per month to $1,831 per month or $21,972 for the year. See chart below for the years 17 and 18 rates.

It goes up every year exponentially!

This is a real case and we are trying to get this individual a Whole Life guaranteed death benefit of $250,000 for $1,912.70 a month or $22,952.40 annually and if approved, it will never go up and it will build cash value! Plus it is a permanent policy so they won't have to worry about not having coverage.

Please call us to discuss your term insurance. We are happy to provide a no cost analysis of your situation.

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Almost a Senior, and with Senior Clients- November 2023 

The below scenario is something we run into all the time with individuals we are working with. Below is a real client and an even more real problem.

Problem #1:
“My $250,000 term insurance policy is reaching the end of its 20 years and the insurance company is saying my premium is going up from $355.35 a year to $4,240 a year.” -Client  

Problem #2:
“I took this out when I was 45 years old and I was in great health. In fact, I was a preferred risk. Now, I’m not in such great health. I know I could convert the term policy to whole life but I really can’t afford it. I have Type 2 diabetes with a high A1C, I have high blood pressure and I’ve gained a bit of weight. I don’t think I can qualify for new insurance as I also have atrial fib.” -Client  

What can I do? If I keep the old policy, will it go up in price every year? Can anyone help me?

Solution:
You can sell your old life insurance policy. It’s a process called life settlement!

It’s the sale of a life insurance policy to a third party for an immediate cash benefit.

For a brochure that can provide you an overview on life settlement, please call our office at 860-678-7806 ext. 203 (Alexa, of course) and we’ll get the brochure right out to you. If you’d like to have a conversation with one of our three partners about what this can mean to you and your family, please schedule a time to talk either in our office for an in-person meeting, or schedule a 15-minute phone call. Many folks out there don't even know they have options when they feel trapped in this situation.

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Expect the Unexpected- October 2023

As a financial planner, I am well aware of the meaning of this month’s blog title, “Expect the Unexpected.” We know that unplanned expenses are going to occur, it is just a matter of when. This is something I too experience just like the rest of us so is there a way to be better prepared?

I have two favorite expressions that I counsel clients on continually. The first is that no matter what planning we are doing now, in two years, things will have changed somehow and we should and will need to make adjustments.

The other is expect the unexpected! The best test is to look back on your unexpected expenses listed in your check book over the last 12 months. You’ll start to see that it is not so "unexpected" and it’s more like clockwork. Here is what most people do. They put together a budget for the month and then at the end of the month it is no where near what was planned.

Pie in the Sky Budget
Income                 $6,000
Expenses             - $4,500
Savings                + $1,500

Reality Check Budget
Income                               $6,000
Expenses                            - $4,500
Unexpected Expense      - $3,200
Savings                               - $1,700

I like this example because this past month, $3,200 was the cost of my new “unexpected” water heater. I hope the takeaway here is that we all need a secure, reliable source of savings that is liquid and accessible to help weather the storm. Trust me, there will always be another storm so let us help you be ready for the next one. 

Until next time,

Edward Mazur

Look at Yourself- September 2023 

Look at Yourself!

When you get what you want in your struggle for success and you feel on top of the world...go to a mirror and look at yourself long and hard and see what that guy has to say!

It’s not your mother, your father, or spouse whose judgement you have to pass. The person you have to confront is the guy staring back at you from the glass.

Never mind everybody else, they don’t matter, the one that matters is the guy in the mirror. He’s with you to the end and he knows everything about you. If the guy in the glass is your friend, you have won!

You might think you are a wonderful guy, but are you? If you can’t look the guy in the mirror in the eye, you are a bum!

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years and get pats on the back as you pass through life.

But the final reward will be heartaches and tears!

You cannot fool the person in the mirror  

Sincerely,

Edward J. Mazur 

P.S. Always do the right thing! 

Mazur's Musings- August 2023 

Just called my little sister. Of course, it went to voicemail. The reason for the call? I was thinking of her. Her face popped into my brain and without much thought I dialed her number. I know we’ll talk sometime in the next 24 hours.

We should do this more often with the folks we love. We should be persistent with family and those we love. Go ahead and try it.

On the business side, I want to mention a great new product. It’s a joint long term care policy from Nationwide, the only plan I’m aware of to insure 2 people and offer LTC benefits to both insureds on 1 plan. Another interesting wrinkle is that if you qualify for payments by satisfying 2 out of the 6 activities of daily living, the payments come to you, not to a nursing home or not to a home health care provider.

The other nice part is that the premiums are guaranteed not to increase. All the players, the insurance Company, the clients, all know exactly what they will pay and what benefits they will receive.

Call our office to set up a time to talk to our staff. 

Sincerely,

Edward J. Mazur