LASSUS AS "BIZ BRAIN" IN THE STAR LEDGER (GRADUATE TO INVEST $1,000 GIFT)
Diahann W. Lassus, CPA, CFP® practitioner, and President of Lassus Wherley & Associates, P.C. was quoted in the “ASK The BIZ BRAIN” column of the Star Ledger in the Fall of 2003. The question asked was from a recent graduate, who wanted to know how to invest $1000 of gift money. “I know I don’t want to just leave it sitting in the bank because interest rates are so low. I also don’t want to put it into something like a 401(k), where I won’t be able to touch it until I’m old and gray.” Ms Lassus suggested “a “no load” mutual fund – that is, one without sales charges. But if the fund has had an extraordinary return, the added charges may be worth the investment.” She also suggested “setting up an emergency fund of at least three to six months worth of basic expenses that will help if, your car breaks down or you have other types of emergencies.. This could be in a money market or short term bond fund.” Ms Lassus also said that if you are willing to put your money at risk, consider a stock index mutual fund as a starting point for your longer term investment portfolio.
Lassus Wherley & Associates is a wealth management firm with offices in New Providence, New Jersey and Naples, Florida, providing fee-only comprehensive financial services, including financial planning, investment management, tax, trust and family office services. The Lassus Wherley web site is www.lassuswherley.com.