On Tuesday, January 24th, we learned from GJ’s Senior Financial Advisor Christine Schmitz that 1/3 of American women could be defined as being a member of the “Sandwich Generation,” caring for both an elderly parent and a child in some capacity.  That explains why the third Women: Protect Yourself workshop, “The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Aging Parents” was a packed house!!

Along with Christine talking about financial issues associated with this stage of life, we heard from:

Kimberly Battaglia, Esq. Hodes, Pessin, & Katz, P.A. on legal issues, and

Eric Trautman, Head of Security, Oakcrest Retirement Community on scams and  frauds that target the elderly and ways you can protect your parents (and yourselves!).

You can view all the presentations and documents here, but here are the top three takeaways:

1. The median cost of nursing home care this year is $75,190 per year!  Medicare/medicaid would only cover a very small portion of this and only for a short time.  How are you going to pay that bill if you parent needs assistance?  With government assistance all but disappearing and many insurance carriers discontinuing long-term care insurance policies, now is the time to talk about your options with Christine.
2. Advanced healthcare directives do NOT take any power away from you.  However, they are essential to your piece of mind and your families.  If you don’t have these set up for you and your parents, contact Kim Battaglia to do so.
3. Talk to your parents about paying their bills online or with a credit card, versus with a check.  It can offer them more protection in case of fraud or identity theft.

***Bonus tip***

In the age of camera phones, do not stand in line at the grocery store or anywhere else with your credit card out of your wallet!  All it takes is a quick (and quiet) snap for someone to steal your card information.

For more information on the Sandwich Generation workshop, contact us.  Make sure to sign up the fourth workshop in the Protect Yourself Series, Business 201: Taking Your Business to the Next Level.

Glass Jacobson’s Tammy Schneider Honored
as One of Maryland’s “Leading Women.”

Award Given to Women of “Tremendous Accomplishment”

Tammy Schneider

Business Practice, has been honored as one of The Daily Record’s “Leading Women” of 2011.

The annual award was presented this year to 46 women 40 years old or younger “for the tremendous accomplishments they have made so far in their career,” according to Baltimore’s The Daily Record. The women are judged based on “professional experience, community involvement and a commitment to inspiring change.”

Ms. Schneider certainly scored high marks in all three categories. She has been the director of Glass Jacobson’s Women-Owned Business Practice since its inception in 2010 and co-founded the successful series of women-focused seminars – “Women: Protect Yourself!” – that strive to teach women financial and legal strategies to keep their businesses and their personal lives solid, as well as providing relevant personal help in areas such as self-defense and nutrition.

Ms. Schneider is also tremendously active in the Baltimore community and philanthropic activities. For two years she has served on the board of directors for Camp Fire USA – Baltimore, Inc., one of the state’s leading not-for-profit youth development organizations that allow young people to participate in community-based experiential learning programs that are socially responsible and environmentally focused.

She also sits on Junior Achievement MD’s Associate Council and contributes bi-monthly articles to the Independent Insurance Agents of MD’s “Maryland Messenger” publication. Ms. Schneider is a supporting member National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and volunteers time with Mechanicsville Elementary School PTA, Carroll County YMCA Sports, Oasis Homeless Shelter and her church.

“This recognition shows what we at Glass Jacobson have known since Tammy Schneider joined the firm in 2007 – that she is a dynamic force for positivity for Baltimore’s business community and the women who work in it,” said Glass Jacobson President Ed Jacobson. “Her tireless work ethic, devotion to the community and creativity are an inspiration for everybody who is fortunate enough to work with her.”

The Daily Record received more than 100 nominations for this year’s “Leading Women” award, and Ms. Schneider’s accomplishments stood out as particularly inspirational. In addition to her frenetic professional schedule, she maintains a close and loving family relationship with her husband and two sons and has achieved the balance so many struggle to find.

“While I’m very pleased to be included in a group of truly amazing women, I hope my success can continue helping other women carve their own path to success,” Ms. Schneider said. “If  future “Leading Women” awards are given to women I’ve helped along the way, then I’ll feel like I truly earned the award.”

About Glass Jacobson

Founded in Baltimore in 1962 as a traditional CPA firm, Glass Jacobson has evolved into a wealth management firm to better serve its clients’ diverse, ever-growing financial needs. Today, the firm’s unique Wealth Management Model brings together the essential services of Investment Management, Advanced Planning and Relationship Management, and delivers them with unparalleled expertise and professionalism.  Serving as a business and personal advisor, Glass Jacobson looks beyond the numbers to get to the core of every client’s financial situation. The firm delivers a full team of in-house CPAs, investment advisors, financial planners and insurance specialists to every client. To learn more about Glass Jacobson, please see www.glassjacobson.com.

Securities by licensed individuals offered through Triad Advisors, A registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Medical Economics Names Owings Mills-Based Financial Advisor for 2011

Owings Mills, Md. – Nov. 29, 2011 – Owings Mills CPA/-Wealth Management firm Glass Jacobson is pleased to announce that Jonathan S. Dinkins has been recognized as one of the “150 Best Financial Advisers for Doctors” by Medical Economics magazine. Dinkins is one of six Maryland-based financial advisers on the prestigious list, and 2011 marks his fourth year of inclusion.

Published in Medical Economics’ Nov. 10, 2011 issue, the list reflects an exhaustive nationwide search for the best financial advisers for doctors.  “Jonathan Dinkins represents the expertise, professionalism and high level of trust that Glass Jacobson clients expect,” said Edward J. Jacobson, president of Glass Jacobson. “Being recognized again by Medical Economics provides a tangible symbol of what his clients and colleagues have always known – that he is the best of the best when it comes to providing doctors the highest level of financial advice.”

A leading national trade publication, Medical Economics helps educate physicians regarding the business side of medicine, the nonclinical problems associated with running a private, office-based practice.

About Glass Jacobson

Founded in Baltimore in 1962 as a traditional CPA firm, Glass Jacobson has evolved into a wealth management firm to better serve its clients’ diverse, ever-growing financial needs. Today, the firm’s unique Wealth Management model brings together the essential services of accounting and tax, Investment Management, Advanced Planning and Fiduciary Consulting, and delivers them with unparalleled expertise and professionalism.

Serving as a business and personal, Glass Jacobson looks beyond the numbers to get to the core of every client’s financial situation. The firm delivers a full team of in-house CPAs, investment advisors, financial planners and insurance specialists to every client. To learn more about Glass Jacobson, please see www.glassjacobson.com.

# # #

The second seminar in the Protect Yourself Series, Business 101 was fantastic! Thank you to all who joined us, and mark your calendars for Business 201 on March 20, 2012.

Here are three KEY TAKEAWAYS from each presenter on protecting yourself, your new business and your health:

From Lauren B. Ades, Esq, Hodes, Pessin & Katz, P.A.~

Incorporating your business entity is a priority. However, choosing an entity type is not black and white. There are pros and cons to LLCs, S Corporations, partnerships and all the others. You should not view your entity type as set in stone. As your business grows and changes, so might your entity type.

Download Lauren’s Business Question Check List. If you have started a business, or are planning to, you need to make sure you can check the “yes” box to all these questions.

Questions on how to make sure your new business is protected? Contact Lauren.

From Tammy Schneider, CPA, Director of Women in Business Practice, Glass Jacobson~

Know the difference between an employee and a contractor. If you dictate a “contractor’s” hours, provide them with equipment, outline their job duties. . . your contractor is probably an employee! The IRS is vigilantly looking for these “oversights.”

Check out other ways to practice safe tax in Tammy’s presentation:

Questions about setting up your business’s finances? Contact Tammy.

From Lynn Brick, RN, President & Founder of Lynn Brick’s Fitness and Brick Bodies~

First, you can do push ups in a suit and high heels. At least Lynn can. And the rest of us are now inspired to be able to as well.

Second, starting a business can cause stress. But, not all stress is bad:

Strength train at least 2 times per week

Take time for yourself every hour

Restore and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with yoga, tai chi or spa treatments

Exercise your heart every day

Stretch your body

Surround yourself with positively positive people

This stress is good. Prolonged emotional, psychological or physical stress from extrinsic or intrinsic forces becomes chronic, which can be detrimental to your health.

Visit Lynn Brick’s Fit Tips to find out how you can better incorporate the good stress into your life to manage the bad.

Glass Jacobson’s Douglas White Receives
Certified Forensic Financial Analyst Designation

Designation Bolsters Firm’s Forensic Accounting Department

ROCKVILLE, Md. – November 14, 2011 – CPA wealth management firm Glass Jacobson is pleased to announce that Douglas White, CPA, CVA, has been awarded the Certified Forensic Financial Analyst (CFFA) credential in the field of Forensic Accounting. The CFFA credential is sponsored by the National Association of Certified Valuation (NACVA) Experts and holds the designee competent in experience and knowledge in professional forensic financial support services.

Mr. White’s designation adds to Glass Jacobson’s already impressive Forensic Accounting department, which helps uncover and identify fraud schemes and protect businesses. In 2010, more than 42 percent of small businesses fell victim to some form of fraud, and stemming that tide is part of Glass Jacobson’s mission as a business advisor.

“Because small and medium-sized business suffer a disproportionate amount of financial fraud, it’s crucial that they are given the tools they need to detect and prevent fraud,” said Glass Jacobson President Ed Jacobson “Doug White receiving the CFFA designation provides yet another level on which our clients can know that we are eternally vigilant regarding their needs.”

Requirements to earn the Certified Forensic Financial Analyst designation include being the holder of one of NACVA’s three business valuation credentials (Certified Valuation Analyst, Accredited Valuation Analyst, or Government Valuation Analyst) or a comparable credential such as a CPA, or an advanced degree (masters level) in economics, accounting or finance, or business administration. In addition to demonstrating proof of substantial experience providing litigation consulting, CFFA applicants must also complete two weeks of intensive training offered by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts’ Forensic Institute and pass a comprehensive examination.

Glass Jacobson Continues Growth in Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Merger with OneSource Financial Services Increases Firm’s Wealth Management Expertise

ROCKVILLE, Md. – November 1, 2011 – CPA wealth management firm Glass Jacobson today announced that it is merging in the Montgomery Village-based firm OneSource Financial Services. OneSource President Michael K. Creamer will become a principal of Glass Jacobson. The transaction, effective immediately, represents Glass Jacobson’s third high-level merger in the Washington, D.C. metro area in the past year, and further enhances the firm’s sophisticated accounting, tax and investment services.

“The growth Glass Jacobson has experienced in the Washington market in the past year affirms that the services we provide are unique and will fill a need in the business community,” Glass Jacobson President Ed Jacobson said. “Michael Creamer fits perfectly with our holistic approach to client management and will be a tremendous asset in helping area business owners navigate the personal and business issues they face.”

Mr. Creamer brings expansive knowledge of the area to Glass Jacobson. He has more than 19 years as a Certified Public Accountant and more than 14 years as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Mr. Creamer assists clients with investment advisory, financial planning and risk management.. He also provides accounting services to small and mid-size businesses customized to his clients’ needs and economic parameters. His extensive client base includes professional service providers and not-for-profits.

“In little more than a year, Glass Jacobson has become a dynamic player in the Washington market, and it’s exciting to be part of a truly full-service firm,” Mr. Creamer said. “I look forward to helping the firm continue its already impressive growth.”

A 1990 graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Mr. Creamer is a Registered Securities Representative and earned the Professional Education Certificate from the College for Financial Planning. He is a licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

About Glass Jacobson

Founded in Baltimore in 1962 as a traditional CPA firm, Glass Jacobson has evolved into a wealth management firm to better serve its clients’ diverse, ever-growing financial needs. Today, the firm’s unique Wealth Management Model brings together the essential services of Investment Management, Advanced Planning and Relationship Management, and delivers them with unparalleled expertise and professionalism.  Serving as a personal CFO, Glass Jacobson looks beyond the numbers to get to the core of every client’s financial situation. The firm delivers a full team of in-house CPAs, investment advisors, financial planners and insurance specialists to every client. To learn more about Glass Jacobson, please see www.glassjacobson.com.

Our Women in Business Practice is partnering with this leadership and networking conference, by women, for women.  The Conference brings together high-powered business, legal and community leaders with experience in areas of importance to women working in the design and construction industry. Now in its sixth year, the conference was co-founded by Ober|Kaler principal Barbara G. Werther.

Key takeaways from the day will include:

1. Can there really be a work-life balance?
2. Emerging trends in health care construction
3. Women as negotiators: Advantage or Disadvantage?

Please join us for interesting panel discussions and great networking on November 2 at:

1777 F Street NW

Washington, DC 20006

The agenda and registration information is available here.

Join the LinkedIn Group for the latest on speakers, attendees and events.

Announcing the 2nd seminar in the Women: Protect Yourself.  Strategies for Navigating Life’s Stages series.

Starting and running your own business can be a daunting endeavor.  It can also be an extremely rewarding experience, assuming you set yourself up for success. Join us for BUSINESS 101 on November 15th to learn how to start and run your business successfully.

If you missed our last seminar, download the Top 5 Tips for Retiring and Empty Nester Women here!

BUSINESS 101

Set Yourself Up For Success

How to Start and Run a Business

***

Protect Yourself Financially:

“Do You Practice Safe Tax?”

Tammy Schneider, CPA, Director of Women in Business, Glass Jacobson

***

Protect Yourself Legally:

“Preventative Measures Now to Avoid Expensive Problems Later”

Lauren B. Ades, Esquire, Hodes, Pessin & Katz, P.A.

***

Protect Your Health:

Effective Stress Management Techniques

Fitness with Lynne Brick’s

***

November 15, 2011

11:45am-1:30pm

Lunch will be served

Hodes Pessin & Katz, P.A.

901 Dulaney Valley Road, Ste. 500

Towson, MD 21204

(next to Sheraton)

THIS SEMINAR S IS FREE, BUT RSVP REQUIRED!

ecovell@hpklegal.com

Glass Jacobson will be attending the Baltimore Accelerent breakfast on October 12th.  If you are interested in networking with 200 of Baltimore’s business leaders and hearing what Don Yaeger, Sports Illustrated editor has to say about leadership, business and the Ravens, contact us about attending as a guest.

Click here for more information about Accelerent and Don Yaeger.

Today’s seminar, held over lunch, focused on women in the empty nest stage.  Women at this time in their lives finally have a moment to think about their own future!  Christine Schmitz of Glass Jacobson shared some interesting financial tools women can use to accumulate assets for their retirement, Kim Battaglia of Hodes, Pessin and Katz talked about legal ways to protect those assets, and our special guest, Elise Rubinstein, a Health Coach, helped us understand how we can feel good enough to enjoy them.

We will be posting the tools, articles and handouts from today’s session here.

Our next seminar, Business 101, is scheduled for November 15th from 11:45-1:30.  More details to follow.