FINANCIAL REMEDIES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Ralph Figueroa is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC.
When it comes to discussing personal finances with clients, Ralph Figueroa believes in an honest, no-nonsense approach. Ralph acknowledges that talking about money is a touchy subject for some, but chooses to always be upfront. Once he provides his clients a realistic assessment of their current financial condition, Ralph proceeds to educate them on the opportunities and solutions he envisions. His pragmatism stems largely from experience: money was tight when Ralph was growing up. Born into a large family, Ralph learned out of necessity to rely on himself for financial stability. In a sense, it was the perfect training for the career that would become his calling. Ralph worked full-time through high school, then college, where he studied business and accounting. The more he took control of his own personal finances, the more he realized that doing the same for others would be a natural fit for him. Upon graduation, Ralph was recruited into the financial services industry where he has worked ever since. And though a career in this industry can be a challenging path, Ralph's discipline and dedication have enabled him to help his clients' achieve their goals - as well as his own. Ralph's insistence on full transparency as well his commitment to client education has helped develop his financial services practice, which now grows almost exclusively by personal referral. "Most people don't think to contact their financial advisor when they experience a major life change, though that's when they most likely need some guidance," says Ralph. "To the extent that I am able, I try to be proactive and reach out." In a typical month, Ralph will contact hundreds of clients to check on their lives and stay in touch. When Ralph is not working he spends a great deal of time with his family, and helping in the community through his church and various charitable organizations. He serves on the board of Sunnyview Hospital Foundation. Ralph lives in Clifton Park, New York with his wife, Rebecca, and their three children.
Robin's interest in personal finance dates back to 1999, when she started studying investment strategy to better understand her own investments. "Books weren't providing the kind of information that hands-on conversations could," she says, adding that her conversations with advisors and financial-savvy friends were truly fascinating. After seeing an advertisement for a financial services support position, Robin expanded on her personal interest and began her career in the industry. Today, Robin has more than a decade of experience. As office manager, Robin ensures the smooth operations of the back office. The skills she draws upon most at Financial Remedies are those she developed as an independent business owner for over twenty years. She credits her customer service expertise for her ability to ask the right questions of her clients and work efficiently under pressure. Robin has two adult daughters and a grandson. She currently resides in Raymertown, NY.
Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they're gone. 1
But a will is an instrument of power. Creating one gives you control over the distribution of your assets. If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property without regard to your priorities.
A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as "testator") identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will can typically be broken down into four main parts.
1. Executors - Most wills begin by naming an executor. Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It's recommended that you name at least two executors, in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation.