First, I want you to know that we care about you. We care about your goals, your dreams, your aspirations, your targets in life. We assist in helping you reach those targets. We care about your challenges, your concerns, your hobbies and your priorities. Two of our hallmarks are our listening and our training and education. I want to communicate this through our newsletters.

New IRS laws passed this summer (Pension Protection Act of 2006) present a special opportunity for those IRA owners who are at least 70 years young. For tax years 2006 and 2007 an IRA owner can contribute money directly from their IRA to a qualified 501-c-3 non-profit charity. The owner does not pay any income taxes on the gift and the organization pays no taxes on their receipt of the money. This gift qualifies to meet the Required Minimum Distribution rules. If you or someone you know would like more information please give us a phone call.

For the Minnesota seniors enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, BlueCross and BlueShield

of Minnesota is offering a special enrollment in their Senior Gold plan without health history underwriting. This window is open between now and March 31, 2007. If you or someone you know would like to enroll, please call us.

Next, a comment on the stock market and its volatility: financial writer Nick Murray talks about

a “Litany of Disasters” going back to WWII. He notes the continued stream of disasters that has bombarded us. Not a one of them has stopped the forward movement of the stock market.

The disasters are real. Just ask someone who was caught in the destruction of Katrina or the World Trade Center. As critical as this litany of disasters may be, it has not spelled “Dooms Day” for investing! That is exactly the point. In the midst of a disaster we need to be reminded of the long view of investing. I predict that more disasters will happen. Don’t be in a panic.

2007 IRS Retirement Plan Limits:

Roth and Traditional IRAs: $4,000 plus $1,000 if 50 or better
401(k) and 403(b) salary deferrals: $15,500 plus $5,000 if 50 or better
SIMPLE Plan IRA: $10,500 plus $2,500 if 50 or better
SEP and 401 maximum: $45,000

Whishing our best to you, 

3rd Quarter, 2006

When it comes to retirement planning, people generally fall into one of three categories: the already retired, the hope to retire, and the never gave it a thought group. The first group is already enjoying the fruits of their planning efforts. Some are better off in retirement than they were during their careers. To them, a well-deserved "Congratulations". The third group needs to wake up to the reality of planning sooner rather than later. We encourage you to call our office to make an appointment for a personal discussion.

Now the second group – the hope to retire - group. Here are the people who need all the help they can get! Let me provide some helpful pointers for those hoping to retire

1. Make a realistic assessment of what you have to work with. Total your retirement plans and investments. Don't over-value your home equity, you still need some place to live. Set some reasonable goals for saving and retirement contributions. Consider bumps in the road (like being laid off, no bonus or no overtime, etc.). We can assist you with this assessment.
   
   
2. What can you really live on? (Not "really live", nor really "live". Catch the difference!) Try cutting back on expenses – just to see whether you can do it. See if your estimated retirement income can meet your needs. This analysis will bring a measure of reality to your retirement planning.
   
   
3. If there is a gap between "what you have" and "what you want" (that is, between expected income and desired lifestyle expenses), critically and creatively consider taking corrective action. The cliché is often true: "If we continue doing what we've always done, we will get the same result we've always gotten". Therein lies the problem; there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be. Thus, the need for our 3-C's of Critical, Creative and Corrective action. Let's assess them together, in partnership. Your success is important to us.
   

Visit our web site www.focalpointfinancial.com. View the video on the "Lifetime Achievement Award" on the Newsletters page. If you find it helpful or motivational share the experience with others. It is a distinct privilege to serve you.

We have expanded our Corporate Employee Benefits Group. An extensive Human Resources Package for employers has been added. Our 401-K plans have been enhanced for accounts with over $1 million in assets. Call us if we can help in this area.

Whishing our best to you, 

2nd Quarter, 2006

"A penny saved is a penny earned." That saying is attributed to Ben Franklin. In his day a penny meant something. It was not that odd coin left in a dish by the cash register. The principle of saving for the future still applies. With the tax advantages of retirement plans, we are encouraged to save our "pennies". The front of your Social Security statement says, "In just 11 years we will begin paying more in benefits than we collect in taxes...by 2041 the Social Security Trust fund will be exhausted". Save for your retirement! Social Security is not going to do the job for you. "A penny saved is (still) a penny earned."

Our thanks to those who have been our advocates. We really appreciate you. You have recommended our services to others in your circle of influence.

Advocates:

• Listen for those who are changing jobs and desire to roll over their pension plan.
  
• See those in business and recommend our corporate employee benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
  
• Welcome new neighbors and refer our personalized planning services to them.
  

In baseball terms, advocates "go to bat" for us. You are deeply appreciated.

Keep us posted when you change jobs, move, have a birth or death in the family. The NASD requires us to keep current on each client's personal and financial information. The USA Patriot Act requires driver's license or passport identification. We want to keep up with you because we care about you and your well-being. We care about your new job, changes in your family, changes in your lifestyle. We care about you.

Just a reminder of a couple of items: Use our website www.focalpointfinancial.com to view a broad spectrum of our services. Read past newsletters archived there. Visit www.focalpointresumes.com to see postings for those who are looking for positions. Our corporate clients can access our Human Resources Services through our website.

You are some of the most wonderful people in the world. I appreciate you. I count it a privilege to serve you.

Gratefully, 

1st Quarter, 2006

Time does have a way of moving onward. Our family, like many of you, has dealt with this recently. My grandson, Henry, was born early last year. Not yet a year old, he is a delight to hold and to hug. Time brings the coming generations into focus. Time takes the preceding generation. My father died in early December, 2005. Being with him the day before his passing was very special. I am so grateful that my parents were prepared for this passing of time. It has been a smoother transition for Mom. Having taken the steps necessary and communicating that to family has been a tremendous help.

Enclosed with this newsletter is an open letter to my grandson, Henry. Many will find this helpful. Some will be inspired to write their own letter to children or grandchildren. My family has given permission to share this letter with you. You can see pictures of Henry on my desk. Much of what we do today is not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of upcoming generations. If you echo these values, share this letter with others.

Another mark of time is the change we see in the investment world. Statements are now showing the breakdown of charges on each purchase for investments. This additional disclosure shouldn’t be alarming. Serving the public good and providing our clients with excellence in service has always been our goal. Of course, it would be nice to see disclosed the amount of mark-up for each gallon of gas at the pump! It would be interesting to have printed on each prescription drug the amount of profit for the pharmaceutical company! Time has not gotten to these industries.

This is our time. We say “Thank you” to each of you. We value your friendship and the privilege of serving you and your household. We want you to know how much you are appreciated.

Graciously,

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Dear Henry,

Since the day you were born you have been a delight. Your eyes sparkle and your smile can light a room. As you grow older (as if the rest of us grow younger instead) let me share several thoughts with you.

First and foremost, know that God loves you - very, very much! You may have days of hardship and want to doubt this. Be affirmed that God does love you. Next, your family loves you. Yes, that includes your mom and dad, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. There is no conditional love in the family! There may be times of frustration and clashing of wills. Even then your family will still love you. I hope that this reminder will be reinforced by your own experiences in life.

My third thought for you, Henry, is to learn to be a "consequences action taker". I'm not sure how else to phrase this. Take actions in light of their longer-term consequences. When your father was training for the winter Olympics he knew that hard and smart exercising now would yield improved results later. I know that those who start earlier in saving for retirement have a greater chance for a successful retirement later. Exercising and saving require action now: the results will come later. That is why I say "consequences action taker". Think of the results of your actions. Then do the things now that are more likely to bring you the results you want later.

Henry, one of the things I've learned over the years is little phrases to help reinforce goals. Here is one of those phrases: "I choose not to afford it". It is rarely helpful to say: "I cannot afford ..." Rather, take control and think of the consequences and say: “I choose not to ..." This will do you well in financial areas and in life's many temptations. "I choose not to do ..." "I choose to take this path in life."

One more thought, Henry. Know the goal at which you are aiming. I suggest the goal is to have the freedom to do what is most important to you. Or, to phrase it another way, the freedom to do what God wants you to do. I work with finances and investments, Henry. The goal is not to accumulate a lot of money just to have a lot of money. The goal is to so arrange your life that you are able to do and to accomplish those things that are your highest priority. Finances are a means to a life journey.

Henry, my prayer is that as you grow you will reflect on this letter from your grandpa. Know that I love you. Know that God loves you. Know that you can do great things in the course of life. I am proud of you.

Your grandpa,

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NOTE: Dale Hedstrand is a registered principal associated with AIG Financial Advisors, Inc., Member NASD/SIPC. Before proceeding further, please be advised that Dale Hedstrand is licensed to discuss with or offer investment and financial services and products only to residents of AL, AZ, CA, FL, ID, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NM, ND, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY. Securities related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not listed above. The information offered is for informative purposes only. None of this information is to be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities referred to within or otherwise. Neither Dale Hedstrand nor AIG Financial Advisors, Inc makes any guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.

This information has been prepared from sources and data believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed by NASD/SIPC or AIG Financial Advisors, Inc., nor is any representation made herein as to its accuracy or completeness. This listing is provided for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein.

We do not endorse any business or product you may find as a result of these links. The links were chosen as a sample of what the Internet has to offer. We caution you: do not enter into any agreement or purchase anything via the Internet until you and your advisors are satisfied that you are getting what you are paying for.