Adrian Mastracci, president of KCM Wealth Management, says “You may not know it, but that tax shoebox of yours is full of wisdom. Some, perhaps, not so obvious.”

For Immediate Release

Vancouver, BC (March 20, 2006): The mountain of paperwork for the tax return filing is getting to the point of filling the shoebox. The filing deadline is just around the corner.

An unknown author once said, “People who complain about taxes can be divided into two classes: men and women.”

Adrian Mastracci, “fee-only” investment counsel at Vancouver based KCM Wealth Management, comments, “Investors are very happy when the shoebox full of tax bits can finally be offloaded onto the tax preparer. Some even tackle the job themselves. Either way, it’s a huge relief off their shoulders.”

But not so quick with the sigh of relief. Filing the tax return is only the first part of the job. I can already hear investors wondering just what other ideas I have in mind. The tax bill is pain enough.

Relax. This portion of the exercise is typically much easier than the tax filing. Perhaps, even very gratifying. You’ll be happy to read on, so here goes. Especially if you’re retired, or nearly retired.

Wisdom hunting
You may not know it, but that tax shoebox of yours is full of wisdom. Some, perhaps, not so obvious.

It has salary slips, interest slips, dividend slips, mutual fund slips, gains and loss slips – just to name a few. Along with plenty of other very useful information about your investment game plan.

For starters, it brings together all the moves you’ve been making for the past year in that world called your investment plan. I’ll assume that you do have one, of course. But if not, why not?

More important, it provides you with the opportunity to review and analyze your game plan today. Have you been making the right moves? Are you happy with them? What should you be doing differently?

This is how you take advantage of the wisdom from your tax shoebox. So, a little patience before you put it away for yet another year. It can provide big picture perspective to your game plan.

Dig deep into what you’ve been doing. It won’t cost you much, if anything at all.

Seven powerful questions
There is no pressure now. Let’s do a little homework. Revisit what your nestegg needs to accomplish.

You know the drill. Figure out what’s important to you about your future. What’s in your best interests.

I’ve circled seven easy, but powerful, questions for you. Reference your tax shoebox and ask:

1. Are you on target with your investment and retirement plan?
2. Are you getting objective and coordinated counsel from your advisers?
3. Are you comfortable with your mix of assets or are you chasing hot investments?
4. Would you purchase the same investments today?
5. Are you paying too much in investment fees and expenses?
6. Are you paying attention to quality, diversification and your time horizon?
7. Are you managing your investment risks well?

This will get you started on the right track. Examine your portfolio from all angles. Poke deep and wide.

Question everything you’re doing or contemplating in your investment plan. Perhaps, another opinion would provide you valuable input.

Your investment plan
Make sure that your big picture is well in focus. Stand away from it so that you can see all your moves at once.

Don’t take anything for granted. Just because it worked in the past, it does not mean that .…... you know the rest.

The bottom line is to organize and follow an investment plan designed with you in mind. Coordinate all your holdings. Don’t place those tempting tax considerations ahead of sensible investment strategies.

Resist continuing with, or rushing into, something you’re not comfortable with. Understand the investments you own and those being proposed. Focus on managing the investment risks you incur.

Take ample time to conduct your in-depth review. No need to rush. Put you investing decisions on hold temporarily. Your portfolio can easily wait until you’re ready.

There you have it. An easy approach to find some wisdom you had not counted on. From your tax shoebox, of all places.

Now that is a welcome bonus. Happy planning.

NOTE: The information provided above is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice for anyone's specific situation. Everyone should always first consult directly with their advisors to determine the appropriateness of any information contained above before taking any action. KCM Wealth Management Inc. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance upon the above information.