Pebble Creek Family Dentistry Celebrates Ten Years & Adds New Dentist

Dr. Vijay Patel (left) opened Pebble Creek Family Dentistry 10 years ago, and last year added Dr. Krupal Patel (Dr. K.P.) to a staff that he says is the “best staff possible.” 
(Photo: Charmaine George)

It’s been 10 years since Vijay Patel, D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) opened Pebble Creek Family Dentistry at the corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Regents Park Dr. (next to what is now the Chase Bank) in New Tampa in November 2010.

During that time, his practice has grown and thrived, thanks to his focus on ensuring that every patient who walks through his doors has a good experience.

“Basically,” says Dr. Patel, “We provide great service, care about our patients’ dental health and do everything we can to help them.”

Because of the growth in the practice, and to be able to continue to serve more patients, Dr. Vijay Patel (who goes by “Dr. Patel”) brought on an associate in July of last year. Dr. Krupal Patel, D.M.D. (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) is not related to the original Dr. Patel and goes by “Dr. K.P.” to avoid confusion.

Dr. K.P. earned his D.M.D. degree from the College of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, in May 2019. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics in 2014 and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology in 2013, both from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Immediately upon graduation, he joined Dr. Patel at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry. Dr. Patel earned his B.S. degree in Biology from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 2002, and his D.D.S. degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 2006.

“He provides the same caring and compassionate dentistry as I do,” says Dr. Patel about his associate, whom he met well before Dr. K.P. became a dentist.

“I’ve known Dr. Patel for a long time,” says Dr. K.P. “I actually shadowed him here before dental school. Dr. Patel motivated me to pursue dentistry and it came around full circle. Right around the time he needed someone, I had just gotten out of school and I was ready to work.”

General dentistry procedures offered by the two doctors include cleanings, exams and X-rays, composite fillings, root canal therapy and tooth extractions. Additionally, patients can opt for one of the many cosmetic procedures offered, including porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, dental bridges, veneers, bonding, inlays, onlays and more.

Dr. Patel encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the practice to search “Pebble Creek Family Dentistry” on Google and read the more than 130 positive reviews. He says readers will get a clear picture of the kind of service that’s provided at the practice, and see why so many patients choose it.

Dr. K.P. says that one of the great thing about working at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is, “Whenever we get a bigger case that takes more thought, we tackle it together and think about how to approach it.” (Photo: Charmaine George)

Al Grasser is a Wesley Chapel resident who is one of Dr. Patel’s very happy patients. Grasser has been seeing Dr. Patel since he opened the Pebble Creek office 10 years ago.

“I’m impressed with Dr. Patel and the service,” Grasser says. “Everyone is super nice, and I can schedule an appointment whenever I need it. The work that does Dr. Patel does is outstanding, and I have recommended him to all my friends and relatives.”

Grasser also has seen Dr. K.P., and says that if Dr. Patel trusts him, he trusts him, too. “Absolutely,” Grasser says. “Dr. Patel would make sure he hires someone who is well qualified.”

Having two doctors in the office allows the pair to collaborate on more complicated cases.

“Whenever we get a bigger case that takes more thought, we tackle it together and think about how to approach it,” explains Dr. K.P., “whether he’s doing the procedure or I am.”

Dr. K.P. says the relationship between the two doctors has evolved in the time he’s been in the practice. 

“In the beginning,” he explains, “it was very much a mentoring relationship. Over time, he’s treated me as an equal, even though he’s the boss. My opinion matters and we bounce ideas off each other. We have a great relationship.”

He especially appreciates what he describes as a great working environment. “It’s just a nice place to be,” says Dr. K.P. “It’s a very spacious, up-to-date facility and a relaxed environment. We’ve got great support from our team members here. The hygienists and assistants do an amazing job.”

Sharing The Credit…

Dr. Patel agrees that one of the strengths of the practice is the fantastic staff. Like Dr. K.P., he credits his three hygienists and three assistants with taking great care of the patients, and says his four front desk staffers are equally supportive and patient-centered.

“I have the best staff possible,” says Dr. Patel, proudly. “We take a lot of time with our patients to make sure they are comfortable, including helping them to understand their treatment and answering all their questions about insurance. Anything they need help with, we take the time to make sure they understand it.”

And, Pebble Creek Family Dentistry accepts most PPO insurance policies.

The doctors see patients ages 6 and older, so everyone in the family — except for the very youngest children — can be part of the same practice and see the same doctors.

Dr. Patel and Dr. K.P.  spend much of their free time volunteering for BAPS Charities, which is a non-profit organization that is the charitable arm of the Hindu temple both doctors attend. 

BAPS is short for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. BAPS Charities organizes events such as walk-a-thons to raise money for other nonprofit organizations, including Feeding America Tampa Bay and the Pepin Heart Institute. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of any walk-a-thons that would have been held in 2020. The doctors also have helped to organize and provide services at blood drives, health fairs for the community and many other types of community-oriented events.

Dr. Patel says the practice has not had to make too many adjustments to be able to continue to see patients during the pandemic.

“We are open,” he says. “We are taking all precautions that are needed to ensure the health and safety of our patients and employees. But, we are open for everything, with the same hours, and we are confident that we are keeping our patients safe.”

Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is located at 19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. It is open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, visit PebbleCreekFamilyDentistry.com, call (813) 406-4947, or see the ad on page 22 of this issue.

Education & Experience Set Marimark Mortgage Apart

Despite the pandemic, Mary Catchur says this summer has been some of the busiest months she’s had since opening Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2006. (Photo: Charmaine George)

Back in March, as the pandemic was starting to shut life down across the U.S., Mary Catchur of Marimark Mortgage was worried about what that would mean for her business. She was preparing for the worst.

But, in a way it seems no one predicted, from April through September, there was a huge uptick in people buying new homes, relocating, and refinancing their existing homes, even while Mary says the financial markets were reacting extremely erratically to the spread of Covid-19. 

People were hearing that rates were at all-time lows, but lenders were concerned about risk and tightening many restrictions.

“It was a crazy time,” Mary says. “Our phones were ringing off the hook.”

Mary first opened Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off Commerce Park Blvd. in 2006. She says the summer months of 2020 ended up being her busiest season in years — and that has allowed her company to shine, doing what they do best.

“As a small business, we could react quickly to changes that were going on and run our business efficiently,” she says. “People were calling their bank, and the bank was telling them they were too swamped to help, or it would take up to 90 days to close.” 

She adds that when someone comes to Marimark for a home loan, they are offered the same or better mortgage products as the big banks. But, they also receive a wealth of information, and are generally able to close much more quickly than they would with the big banks. In fact, Mary says they were still closing most loans within 30 days. She even had one loan — through a VA loan program — that was cleared to close in four days with a 2.375% interest rate.

Mary is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who spent 13 years as an auditor for KPMG (Klynveld, Peat, Marwick & Goerdeler), one of the “Big Four” U.S. public accounting firms, which was founded in The Netherlands. Then, she was the chief financial officer for an internet-based real estate company, in which she established a mortgage division.

As a CPA, Mary understands her clients’ income and tax returns. Her broad financial background helps her clients, especially those with special circumstances — such as being self-employed, or retired and living off of their assets. 

She says other companies may not know how to structure a loan for those clients, because they don’t have the financial background to understand the nuances of the process.

Marimark offers a complete line of financing options, such as conventional loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and loans through the Veterans Administration (VA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Mary is a Pennsylvania native who grew up helping out at her family’s electrical business, but she has called Tampa home since 1979. 

She earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Accounting and French from the University of South Florida (USF) and currently maintains her mortgage broker’s license in Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Her background also allows her a much better understanding of the entire mortgage process.

When you call a bank, for example, the person who takes your application may not have a deep understanding of the underwriting process. Mary says many people who came to her this summer had gotten an initial approval from their bank, but when the loan went to underwriting, there was something that kept it from being approved.

She understands the frustration of being told your loan isn’t approved weeks into the process, and says that hardly ever happens with Marimark.

“Maybe two times in 14 years something has come up in underwriting that I didn’t foresee,” she says, “which is completely the opposite of what I hear happens at the banks.”

Now, she says, she is grateful the craziness of the summer is behind her. She says the industry has stabilized and approval guidelines have loosened.

“Right now is a great time to get financed to buy,” she says. “Rates are still at all-time lows, people can still get loans, and we can help them.”

Education & Support

Ryan Schleich and his wife Summer bought a home in Tampa Palms in August. Three weeks later, they welcomed the newest member of their family, baby Nolan.

While expecting a child and renting, the couple decided to buy a home, and Ryan found Marimark Mortgage through a Google search.

“She was located right around the corner,” he says, “and it didn’t look like a large shop, so I thought there would be a personal touch.”

He says Marimark Mortgage went well beyond his expectations in not only that personal touch but with everything else, too.

“We are first-time homeowners and it was absolutely overwhelming,” Ryan says. “I previously worked in foreclosures, so I knew the process, but doing it on my own would have been hectic and anxiety-ridden. Mary was very organized, went through options of different programs, and explained the different types of mortgage and loans. She was very informative — even before we agreed to work with her.”

Mary encourages anyone who is considering buying a home to do a Google search for her company. She says a quick read through the many positive reviews will help you — like it did Ryan — understand how she treats her customers.

“My approach is straightforward and educational,” Mary says. “When I got into the business, I saw a real need to educate people so they would know why the product they were getting was better for them.”

Mary says she shouldn’t be the one choosing a loan product for a client, but it’s important for her clients to be fully educated about their loan. For example, maybe you’ve been offered a low rate, but do you know what fees you have to pay to get that rate?

“Maybe the most important thing to you is getting the lowest possible payment,” she explains, “or maybe it’s paying the least amount of money over the life of the loan, but we need to talk about your entire scenario and what your goals and needs are.”

Mary also is proud that Marimark offers a streamlined, efficient process, with great communication. She uses technology to her clients’ and her company’s advantage, such as, for example, automatic notifications every step of the process.

“Communication, particularly through Covid, has been key,” Mary says. “We have to be up to date on what’s happening, and we constantly communicate to our clients how that affects them.”

Marimark Mortgage is located at 5327 Primrose Lake Cir. For more info, visit MarimarkMortgage.com, call (813) 910-8020, or see the ad on page 31 of this issue.

KAP Medical Group’s Direct Primary Care Eliminates Insurance Headaches!

Dr. Karina Azank Parilo offers direct primary care at her KAP Medical Group office off BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, which promises shorter wait times & fewer insurance headaches than traditional primary care medical offices. (Photos: Charmaine George)

If you’re frustrated with long wait times at your doctor’s office, not being able to get in to see your physician, or constantly being surprised with how much you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses — even with health insurance — you might want to consider direct primary care. 

Karina Azank Parilo, M.D., of KAP Medical Group, offers direct primary care, which changes the way patients and their doctor relate to one another by removing dealing with insurance companies altogether.

KAP Medical Group, which is open to all ages, is located in the Windfair Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, behind the retail plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. that includes Dickey’s BBQ and The Hungry Greek restaurants.

Instead of collecting payment from insurance companies, patients (or “members”) pay a monthly fee, which covers unlimited office visits and virtual visits via phone or video, in-office tests, well checks, sick visits, weight management and management of chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis and more.

Dr. Parilo is originally from Tampa. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Duke University in Durham, NC, then earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of South Florida in 2005. She completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Massachusetts Family Residency Program in Worcester in 2010.

After working in a large private practice in Wesley Chapel for eight years, Dr. Parilo opened KAP Medical Group in early 2018, bringing along Michelle Diaz, who is now KAP Medical Group’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and office manager. The two have worked together since 2010.

Dr. Parilo and her husband Dane live in Seven Oaks and have a blended family of three grown children and three granddaughters. They met through the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon in 2012 and both have remained active in the club.

How Direct Primary Care Works

Dr. Parilo says the monthly fee is a transparent, controlled expense, which is affordable for most people. “It’s $54 to $66 per month for an individual,” Dr. Parilo explains, “which is a lot cheaper than most cell phone and cable bills.”

Dr. Parilo still sees patients in her office, but says that telehealth has become popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Charmaine George)

She recommends patients still carry health insurance because the monthly fee doesn’t cover expenses outside of routine care, including hospitalizations, surgical procedures, visits to specialists and lab work. However, some in-office procedures are included in the monthly cost, with just a small supply fee charged, and Dr. Parilo says she has negotiated prices with labs, so that you may pay much less for your lab work than you would pay out-of-pocket if you used your insurance with a high deductible.

“We recommend our patients have catastrophic insurance or a high deductible plan or something they can fall back on to cap their cost, which is how insurance was originally meant to be,” she explains. “Originally, health insurance was like car insurance. You don’t use your car insurance to get your oil changed or replace your tires.”

At KAP Medical Group, you will never be one of thousands of your doctor’s patients, which Dr. Parilo says is common at some large practices. In fact, at her previous practice, Dr. Parilo says she had 2,700 active patients, and was expected to take on even more.

But, in the direct primary care model, your monthly fee allows your doctor to limit the number of patients he or she will see.“We will close the practice when we hit a certain number of patients,” she says.

That way, you always have access to your doctor in the way that works best for you, whether it’s a same-day or next-day office visit, or a quick text, phone call or video chat.

KAP Medical Group uses an app that maintains patient privacy and connects directly with each patient’s electronic medical record.

Covid Care & Precautions

Dr. Parilo says that her direct primary care model was an advantage when the office had to shut down at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where some practices had to close their doors altogether, KAP Medical Group had a seamless transition to virtual patient care.

While the practice has experienced a couple of positive Covid-19 tests, Dr. Parilo says everyone has recovered well, and that KAP Medical Group continues to follow strict guidelines to keep all of its patients safe.

“We have frail patients and don’t want anyone getting hurt,” she says.

Now, as the pandemic continues to play out, Dr. Parilo and Michelle are in the office three days a week, and doing telehealth the other days.

“We have a warm and fuzzy practice, with a coffee machine and a couch,” says Dr. Parilo. “We try not to have you wait, but if you have to wait, it’s a comfy place. But, no one has sat on our couch in seven months, so it’s been different.”

The Patients Love It, Too!

Connie Ceparano, who lives in New Tampa, is a long-time patient who originally began seeing Dr. Parilo when her sons, now 27 and 22, were in elementary school.

“I chose her to begin with because she saw adults and children,” Ceparano says, “so our family wouldn’t have to go to two different doctors.”

Back then, though, when Dr. Parilo was with a larger practice, Ceparano says she was often frustrated with the office staff and the way things are generally done at most other doctor’s offices. If someone in her family was sick, they would offer her an appointment several days down the road. Sometimes, she would have to sit in the waiting room an hour or more. Sometimes, there’s even more wait time to see the doctor once you actually get into a room.

“I’m not bashing the practice she was with,” says Ceparano, “because they’re all like that.”

But, the hassle was worth it, because Ceparano says Dr. Parilo is an excellent doctor who truly cares about her patients, and is extremely thorough and detailed.

She also says that when Dr. Parilo started her own practice, she would have followed the doctor anywhere, but she had no idea what to expect from the direct primary care model. As it turns out, she has been very pleased.

“I love this new way of practicing,” Ceparano says. “It really comes down to being very personal. I don’t ever have to worry about seeing a physician’s assistant instead of the doctor herself. Not only do I get in the same day, I always get to see her.”

The transition from insurance-based fees to the monthly fees has been a benefit to Ceparano’s family, too. “It’s so well worth it,” she says. “I feel like it pays for itself. If you need to, you can go in 10 times in a month and you’re not paying a $30 or $40 copay each time.”

Ceparano adds that she and her husband and her sons won’t go to any other doctor for primary care.

“My son’s job takes him out of town a lot, but he doesn’t have to worry about finding a doctor. If he’s in California, for example, he has the app on his phone and he can call, text, or video chat. It really is a great benefit.”

KAP Medical Group Direct Primary Care & Family Medicine is located at 2615 Windguard Cir., Suite 101, across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The practice is currently open by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, visit KAPMedicalGroup.com or call (813) 536-0050.

North Tampa Law Group Can Help With Estate Planning & More!

North Tampa Law Group’s attorney Brian Arrighi and title manager Taylor Oliveri provide legal assistance for estate planning, probate and real estate transactions in their office in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 near I-75 in Wesley Chapel.

Attorney Brian Arrighi, the owner and managing partner of North Tampa Law Group, says his firm has the knowledge and experience to be your go-to expert if you need legal assistance for a real estate transaction, estate planning or probate.

North Tampa Law Group is conveniently located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park, about a mile east of the I-75 exit off S.R. 56 (behind MINI of Wesley Chapel). The firm relocated there several years ago, after Brian originally opened it in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2014.

Brian Arrighi

Brian has been practicing law for more than 14 years, since earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, and a B.S. degree in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He’s a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.

He says the busiest part of his practice might be real estate transactions, as the housing market in this area remains very active.

“It has been and still remains more of a seller’s market,” says Brian. “If the home is priced fairly, we frequently see homes go under contract quickly, with multiple offers. In a seller’s market, we also see an increase in calls regarding ‘For Sale By Owner’ transactions.”

He explains that North Tampa Law Group offers the same title services as a title agency, but a title agency has to refer a buyer or seller to legal counsel if any legal issues arise. With a real estate attorney already involved, Brian and his team simply go to work addressing those issues, and act as your title agency.

“It’s a convenience,” he explains. “We cover all the bases, whereas a title agency can’t address anything that requires legal advice or legal documents.”

He adds that hiring North Tampa Law Group to handle a real estate closing doesn’t necessarily increase the cost of a transaction without an attorney. “Our fees are very competitive compared to a standard title agent,” Brian says.

Covid Choices

Brian says that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Tampa Law Group has changed the way it handles closings, giving clients a variety of choices to allow them to close in the manner that is most comfortable for that client.

“We can send a mobile notary to the client, or we’re even offering curbside signings, where the client pulls up in their car, calls us, and we send the notary out to them,” Brian explains. “Clients also can choose to sign in the office, but we space it out and clean the conference room in between groups.”

In most transactions, the seller is the party who chooses the title agency, and sellers often use whoever their Realtor recommends. But, people are free to choose, so they can let their Realtor know they would like North Tampa Law Group to handle their closing and title insurance.

Taylor Oliveri

Taylor Oliveri, the firm’s title manager, works with clients from start to finish on real estate transactions to ensure that those transactions close without a problem.

“Taylor is extremely responsive and very helpful,” says Brian. “Buyers and sellers are calling, they’re anxious and nervous and worried, and she’s great at bringing everybody back down to earth…calming them down.”

Taylor says North Tampa Law Group will go the extra mile to make sure your closing goes smoothly. 

“As a smaller law firm, we have more of a boutique feel, rather than a large corporation,” she says. “We establish a good rapport with our clients and with Realtors, as well.”

Many of the clients Taylor works with are those who are selling their homes without a real estate agent. “People want to save money by not hiring a Realtor,” she says, “and they still get top-notch service with us.”

Seven Oaks resident Sandy Villeneuve agrees. When she was ready to sell a townhome that she owned as an investment property in The Bay at Cypress Creek (near I-75 off S.R. 56), she says she didn’t want to use a real estate agent.

“Nobody knew the property better than I did, so I refused to pay a Realtor thousands of dollars to sell it for me,” she says. “But, I couldn’t do the legal side of it, so I needed an attorney.”

Sandy says she and her husband sat down for a consultation with North Tampa Law Group and were pleasantly surprised at the low cost of hiring the firm. From the first meeting, Sandy says it was a great experience every step of the way. “Brian was absolutely wonderful,” she says. “He and Taylor were so responsive and easy to work with. They made it a very easy transaction.”

People looking to sell their property “by owner” can schedule a free phone or in-person consultation with North Tampa Law Group. At that point, Brian and his team go over the steps to the transaction and provide of the all necessary documents, such as a real estate contract, seller disclosure form and homeowners association documents.

To access some of the documents, or to find out what your title costs would be, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com.

Estate Planning & Probate

North Tampa Law Group also helps people ensure that they don’t unintentionally leave behind problems for any heirs they may have, which can require a lot of time and expense to resolve. Estate planning is preparing for the management of your assets and determining how to efficiently distribute the assets to your loved ones when you pass away. 

People are often most familiar with a Last Will & Testament document, which directs the distribution of assets, but does not avoid the potentially lengthy and expensive court process known as “probate.” North Tampa Law Group also can discuss a “living will” and other options to avoid probate. 

At a consultation with North Tampa Law Group, all estate planning options are discussed to avoid or minimize any court involvement. While probate might not be the best option for everyone, Brian says there are times when it can be beneficial.

In addition to asset distribution, Brian adds that real-life factors — such as long-term health care, guardianship and insurance coverage — also are part of estate planning.

 “There is really a lot we can help you with,” he explains. “Many clients are relieved to find out it was not as expensive or as difficult as they thought.”

Brian says that communicating effectively with clients is an important part of the firm’s success. “I think we do a great job of explaining things in simple terms and allowing the client to proceed at their own pace,” he says, adding that many people don’t like to think about estate planning. “Addressing the issues is more difficult for some people and it can take a few discussions before they determine how they want to handle their affairs, and that is perfectly fine.”

For those who have recently lost someone and find themselves needing assistance in the probate process, Brian is experienced in that area as well.

North Tampa Law Group is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102. For more information, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com or make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling (813) 518-7411.

Jim Plummer Wants To Make Your Money Work For You!

Jim Plummer

Most people wonder if they will have enough money to retire comfortably, and many don’t really understand their investments, or know what they need to do to be prepared for their post-work years.

“It’s so complicated,” says James B. Plummer, wealth advisor with ILG Private Wealth. “People need help in retirement.”

Plummer, who goes by Jim, is an independent advisor representative (IAR), and ILG is a registered investment advisor (RIA). Jim says being an IAR — as opposed to working for a specific investment firm — means his primary responsibility is to put the client first.

“I’m paid differently than a broker dealer (which typically charges fees for trading securities such as stocks and bonds),” he explains. “I can work with whatever companies I want to, (the ones) that best suit my clients. We look at the whole picture, so the client sees how everything dovetails together to be prepared when they get to retirement age.”

That whole picture, he says, includes bonds, stocks, exchange traded funds (ETF), life insurance, long-term insurance, annuities (which is income for life) and other options.

While ILG Private Wealth is located in Pennsylvania, the company also has an office in Celebration, FL. Jim was working for the company in Pennsylvania when he and his wife of 44 years moved to Tampa Palms last October to be closer to family.

Jim goes into the Celebration office as needed, but his clients only deal directly with him. He typically visits a client’s home or work, where they have easy access to any paperwork they will need to go over with him. If a client prefers to come to Jim, he’ll gladly meet them at another location, such as the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club.

A Little History…

Jim earned his B.S. degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI. He became an accountant, then was a chief financial officer for 30 years for two multimillion dollar corporations. He says that during that time, he saw the need for employees to get good advice when they were “handed a lot of money” at retirement, so he got licensed to begin a new phase of his career.

He says he has been an IAR for 18 years now, and that he has some clients who have been with him from the beginning.

Because of his background working in business, Jim is particularly interested in helping small business owners prepare for retirement.

“I’ve dealt with family business owners all my life,” Jim says. “I work with anybody who is interested, but my focus is on business owners.”

You Need An Expert

If you spend a few minutes talking with Jim, he’ll probably share some interesting tips that could help you retain more of your money in retirement. Here’s one example: 

“Most people probably have a 401(k) if they’re working, or maybe an IRA,” Jim explains. “If you look at how much money that investment is worth, it’s not all your money. The government will take taxes out before you get it.”

So, in some cases, he says, it might be more beneficial to put that money into a Roth 401k or Roth IRA. You pay taxes on it before you put the money in, but once you invest in a Roth, what you accumulate is all your money.

“There are no taxes when you take that money out,” says Jim. “There’s nothing on the growth and nothing on the principal.”

He says you can move money from a regular 401k to a Roth, but you want to move enough that you can afford to pay those taxes on it, but not so much that it puts you in the next tax bracket.

Sound confusing? It can be. That’s why Jim says you need someone like him to help you figure it out.

“We’re a planning organization,” says Jim. First and foremost, he gathers his clients’ information and focuses on finding out what their needs are: How long until you need your money? What do you want – or need – your money to do for you?

Then he shares more of those valuable tips. Here’s another one:

 “Make sure there’s enough money for you,” he says. “If you want to give your kids a bunch of money, do it through life insurance. You could give them an insurance policy that’s worth 10 times as much [as you could give them now]. You don’t know what life holds for you.”

Jim also reminds people to keep their beneficiaries updated, saying that the beneficiaries listed on a life insurance policy or other investment supersede any will or trust. As life changes, you may want to change beneficiaries.

He also can help you understand Social Security and the taxes related to Social Security benefits.

“Most people have more money in Social Security than they have saved for themselves,” he says. While full retirement is at age 66, should you take your Social Security benefits then? Or, should you wait until you’re age 70? Or later? Essentially, he says, “Social Security is paying 8 percent on that money. You can’t earn that on money in the investment markets right now.”

But, he notes that delaying when you take your Social Security still isn’t right for everyone, and Jim can help you figure out what’s best for you, your spouse and your family.

He offers these words of caution, however. “You’re stuck with that decision the rest of your life,” he says. “You can’t make a change once you’ve decided what to do.”

Jim says he helps many clients do a Social Security analysis to decide what’s the most beneficial time for each of them to take that money, whether that’s early, late, or a blend of both.

Webinars Can Help

Jim has a series of webinars that he offers to help educate people about  important financial topics, including how to plan for Social Security. Anyone, whether they are a client of Jim’s or not, can attend the sessions, which last about 45 minutes to an hour, depending upon the questions asked by the participants.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jim says he would offer the educational seminars in person, but they are now available online only, in the comfort of your own home or office. He says the technology today to attend his webinars is so simple, that you just click a link to get connected to the Zoom meeting. So, even people who are not technologically savvy are easily able to attend.

Jim Plummer works remotely in Tampa Palms and will meet you at your home or business for a consultation. For more information, to register, or to discuss how Jim might be able to help you with your financial planning, call him at (814) — not 813 — 931-4271.