Thursday, April 28, 2016

STRS Ohio’s 2016 Retiree Series Seminars




Since 1980, Donald W. Owens has helped clients attain their long-term financial goals as president of Financial Security Group in Hamilton, Ohio. As an experienced financial consultant, Donald W. Owens has an in-depth understanding of federal and state retirement systems, including the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) of Ohio.

Founded in 1920, STRS Ohio serves approximately 485,000 active and retired Ohio public educators and administrators and manages investment assets exceeding $76 billion. To help its members learn about their benefits and prepare for retirement, STRS Ohio offers counseling, webinars, and seminars, including those in the organization’s Retiree Series.

Each year, Retiree Series seminars focus on one topic related to retirement income and savings. In 2016, STRS Ohio’s Member Education staff and knowledgeable guest speakers are delivering in-depth presentations on estate planning. The three-hour program examines wills and trusts, financial powers of attorney, estate taxes, and Medicaid planning, among other topics.

There are a number of upcoming Retiree Series seminars scheduled in cities throughout Ohio. Members can register up to six weeks prior to a seminar by logging on to their personal STRS Ohio online account or by calling the organization’s toll-free number. For more information, including seminar dates and locations, visit www.strsoh.org.

Monday, April 11, 2016

What Is the Financial Services Certified Professional Designation?


Donald W. Owens serves as president and chief financial consultant of Financial Security Group in Hamilton, Ohio. In October of 2016, Donald W. Owens received the Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP) designation from the American College of Financial Services, the largest nonprofit educational institution dedicated to financial services in the United States.

Through the FSCP program, financial service professionals can hone their technical and advising skills and gain insight to succeed in their field. Students hoping to work in the financial industry as well as seasoned agents and advisors can participate in FSCP courses, which take place both live and via webinars.

To receive an FSCP designation, candidates must complete the ethical advisor course and certification course in addition to five elective courses and a final exam. Courses topics include product solutions, ethical standards, practice management, and financial, estate, and retirement planning. FSCP designation recipients are better equipped to comprehend consumer needs in a way that leads to client loyalty.