Greetings to our current and prospective Chapter Members and welcome to the American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA) chapter website for Newport Beach, CA #4926!

As an IRS approved, 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization, our mission is to empower Americans to take control of their finances by providing local communities with objective financial education. It is our pleasure to educate our local communities and share how AFEA works to provide all Americans the education and experience they need to enhance their financial understanding and management.AFEA specializes in providing high-level financial education classes and events at establishments of all types:Libraries | Universities, Colleges, Junior Colleges | Businesses | Nonprofit and Fundraising OrganizationsClass offerings include: 

A Guide to 401k Rollovers ♦ The ABCD’s of Medicare ♦ Advanced Estate Planning ♦ An Introduction to Annuities ♦ Business Continuation Planning ♦ College Planning ♦ The Essentials of Estate Planning ♦ Financial Planning Basics ♦ Investing for Women ♦ IRAs, Annuities, and Other Sources of Retirement Income ♦ Living a Tax-Free Retirement ♦ Most Common Financial Mistakes ♦ Myths and Facts About Annuities ♦ Planning for Long-Term Care ♦ Retirement Basics ♦ Retirement Income Planning ♦ Roth IRA Conversions ♦ Safe Money Principles of Retirement Planning ♦ Social Security Benefit Options ♦ Special Needs Planning ♦ Understanding Your IRA ♦ Understanding Your Roth IRA ♦ Variable Annuities ♦ Women and Money ♦ Your Employee-Sponsored Retirement Plan 

We invite you to attend our local workshops and become an active member by participating in our educational events throughout the community. 

Thank you for visiting your local Chapter’s website; we look forward to seeing you in a class soon!

“The most valuable asset of an investment firm is its good name.  Let us do everything we can to protect it and let us not allow profit to distort our judgement.  We have a sacred trust to protect our customers.”

“In the long run those firms which survive and prosper are those who maintain conservative policies and put their customers’ interests first.”

• Dean Witter
•  

My grandfather, Phelps Witter along with Dean Witter, ran and grew their firm through the Great Depression.  While many businesses failed during that time, they were able to grow.  They made it because they genuinely wanted to help individuals meet their investment goals safely.  It’s something instilled in all of us who decided to enter this business. 

When I started in this industry in 1984, I ran my practice with my clients at the heart of it.  Who they are, what they are trying to accomplish, and how I can get them there; that’s what drives what I do in the office every day. 

My Investment Principles are:

1. Slow and Steady Wins the Race.  There is no need to swing for a homerun investment every time.  That method inevitably gives you the largest number of strike outs.  Singles and doubles.  That’s what will get you to and through retirement with your chosen lifestyle.
2. Invest in Great Companies.  I firmly believe that great investing means investing in great companies.  A great company is one that has a chance to grow… a lot over time.  They have a competitive advantage, have great people, and set themselves up for the long-term. 
3. Protect What You Have.  My grandfather told me: “Ron, you don’t have to make your clients a lot of money, just don’t lose it.”  I pay close attention to the risks you take in your investments.  This means the investment strategies we use are tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
4. Be Prepared for the “What ifs.”  There are so many unexpected things that happen in this life.  Career changes, health challenges, or the sudden loss of a loved one.  Many of life’s changes bring with them a change in needs and priorities.  I firmly believe in planning for those “what if” scenarios through a customized wealth management plan.

Life Outside the Office

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

• Jacques Cousteau

I am a native of Huntington Beach, California.  Outside of the office I am often out on the water.  I love everything about being out in the water.  I love surfing and competing in long-distance open ocean paddling.  When not at the beach or on the water, I am with my family and two dogs.  My wife, Janine, and I have been married since 1988.  We have three wonderful children, Chase, Marisa, and Mason.  Our two Golden Retrievers, Buckley and Annie, ensure I see plenty of my neighborhood on our regular walks.