BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK MAKER

February 24, 2006 - Whatever your chosen profession, you're a professional in your field. To paraphrase a certain car dealer's current television spot, you should devote your efforts to what you know best and put your portfolio in the hands of the right financial advisor.

At CFS, one of the most exciting experiences for each of our clients is the creative, self-discovery process of defining one's Personal Financial Thesis.

All of our clients are unique and different people, each with individual goals, risk tolerances, and views about money...a rapidly evolving concept today.

Because each client portfolio at CFS Investment Advisory Services is individually managed, our philosophy encompasses a customized investment strategy that is designed for every individual. Each portfolio thus has a differing balance of stocks, bonds and money market funds--based on understanding what is mutually agreed to be the very best strategy for each individual. Our experience allows us to see how the emotional and logical aspects of people may be out of balance when it comes to the highly charged concept of money, and how best to work with our clients to achieve a sound strategy and maintain financial poise in all market conditions.

To arrive at this critical understanding, the CFS investment process takes clients through very important, and sometimes challenging questions: about lifestyle, wealth accumulation goals, time horizons, children and grand children, college savings, risk tolerance, estate planning, and many other variables. Every investment planning session is literally started with a blank pad. Our goal is to listen - very closely, very carefully, and with a great deal of concern and financial experience - to what people hold deeply as their dreams, their needs. What does a person believe they need to be financially secure? Which approaches make them secure, and which do not? Are they comfortable managing wealth, or does it create complications and stress? And when it comes to retirement, does a person want a traditional path, a career change, or wish never to stop working at all?

CFS' planning strategy focuses on two key issues: how to help achieve consistently above-average returns without exposing you to a level of risk you are uncomfortable with; and how to manage your portfolio in the most tax-efficient manner. Owning pieces of healthy, growing companies (individual stocks and stock mutual funds) is the only proven way to have your money grow over time. Real long-term growth -- growth that is greater than the assured losses brought by taxes and inflation -- cannot be obtained from bank deposits, money markets or bonds. And as you grow older, priorities sometimes change. Producing income and protecting the assets that you have accumulated can become more important. In such cases, the amount you invest in stocks may be reduced, whereas the amount in bonds or guaranteed investments may increase.

We understand, in all cases, that to be our clients' financial advisors, it is imperative for us to gain real insight into each person with whom we work...an approach very different from many other financial organizations. At CFS, we know that the financial planning process is centered around the notion that money is a tool to achieve objectives on many different levels, with our role to help facilitate these objectives. The result? A planning experience that leads to the creation of your Personal Financial Thesis, and a secure financial path that leads into your future.

Whether you're a butcher, baker or candlestick maker, telephone me and let's discuss how we may be helpful in providing the appropriate financial path to follow. Our number is 973-826-8800 and I would be pleased to hear from you.

Please Email bob@cfsias.com with your questions.

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INSIDE FINANCE will appear regularly, addressing financial matters of interest to our readers. Any questions? Email bob@cfsias.com

If you wish to review your investment portfolio, please contact me for a complimentary consultation: bob@cfsias.com 973-826-8800. Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member NASD/SIPC. Cambridge and CFS are not affiliated.

The preceding article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the primary basis for an investment decision. Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All examples given are hypothetical and do not reflect actual investments. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Cambridge. Bob Jaffe is Managing Director of CFS Investment Advisory Services, LLC in Totowa and has been a Clifton resident since 1984. Active in community affairs, Bob is Past Board Chairman of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce and president of its foundation board. He serves as a commissioner on the Clifton Rent Leveling Board and is Vice President of the Clifton Rotary Club. Representatives of Cambridge do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult a professional for your personal situation.