Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy a happy, healthy and successful year ahead.

We are happy to announce several exciting events happening in our company in the first quarter. Keep an eye out on PBS for their Spotlight series in April — we have been asked to do a segment on their “Money Matters” series. Also, in April’s Seattle Magazine we will be featured again on the list of “Best Wealth Managers in Seattle.” We truly appreciate the nominations for this award. It is based on recommendations by clients and research relating to our security recommendations, communications, and integrity, among other things.

This is a good time to check your IRA beneficiaries. Of note, beneficiaries should be actual, named people, rather than simply “my estate” or “my living trust.” Why? Trusts, estates, and other entities don’t have life expectancies. If they ‘receive’ an inherited IRA, they must draw down — and pay taxes on — the entire IRA account within five years, or according to the distribution plan of the original owner if the owner had already begun taking distributions before his or her death. Do not leave the beneficiaries blank assuming that the account automatically will be distributed to heirs as part of your will.

A reminder as you are doing your taxes: fees paid to Katz Family Financial may be deductible. Please check with your CPA. Year-end statements with fees listed are always available at Fidelity.com or contact us for further information.

As the New Year starts, manage your financial health by reviewing your insurance for the year. Be sure you have taken advantage of all discounts available for your car, home, and any other property. Many insurance companies will not proactively recommend these discounts — you need to meet with your agent and ask about them. Also take this time to consider if your life insurance amounts are reasonable for any changes in the past year.

Sincerely,

Katz Family Financial