NY Bankers Urge Examination of Financial Planning for Loved Ones on Valentine's Day

NEW YORK, NY (02/14/2008)(readMedia)-- As Cupid shoots his arrows, New Yorkers should take a close look at their personal finances to see if they are adequately protecting their loved ones, according to Michael P. Smith, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association, and Melinda Sartori, NYBA Trust Marketing Committee chair and Executive Vice President of Chemung Canal Trust Company (Elmira).

“On Valentine’s Day, New Yorkers show their love for their families but they should also take some time to ensure that their financial planning is up-to-date. Before we get too far into 2008 and given the vast uncertainty surrounding the nation’s economy, now is the perfect time for families to look at their personal finances and make sure that their short-term and long-term financial goals are being met,” Smith said.

Smith reminded all media news outlets – television, radio, newspapers, magazines, websites and blogs – that in times of economic uncertainty, stories that remind their viewers, listeners and readers to examine their personal and family financial planning issues are an important service for their audience.

“We know that this is a time when millions of New Yorkers show their love for their spouses and families, but an important question that too many people don’t ask is ‘am I protecting my loved ones?’ Now is the perfect time for people to ask if their financial planning – trusts, estate planning, tax planning, insurance – meets the goals they have set to protect their spouse, children or parents,” Sartori said.

The New York Bankers Association recently issued a new media resource guide entitled, “Financial Planning Professionals: Leaders In Their Field.” It is a resource for members of the media who need background information and/or on-the-record analysis of issues such as trusts and estates, financial planning, retirement planning, wealth management, tax planning, and elder law.

“The individuals listed in the resource guide – from every corner of New York State – are leaders in their field,” Sartori said. “They are available to talk to members of the media on the record or for background and can provide the analysis and expertise journalists seek when presenting stories on estate, tax or financial planning, trusts or other important financial issues.”

A copy of the resource guide can be found online at the New York Bankers Association website (www.nyba.com), or by clicking http://www.nyba.com/press/TrustMediaKitOctober%2007.pdf. Please feel free to contact the financial planning experts listed in the resource guide at your convenience.

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