Hi all.
   The next local meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, at Hiltunen, Nash and Maguire,  2 Juniper Road, North Hampton, NH. The topic is "Real Estate Considerations in Retirement." Mary Williams from Coldwell Banker will be our guest and she will bring another person to address reverse mortgages.

   Then, on Wednesday, June 20th we have the Vice-President of the MA/NH Chapter of the Alzheimers's Association, speaking on Alzheimer's Disease.

     Remember the Annual meeting is scheduled for October 26, at the Yard Restaurant near the Manchester, NH. airport. Our main speaker is Richard Swenson. More information to follow.
-Neil

Attending: Neil Hiltunen, Dave Rosania, Skip Homicz, Rollie Bryan, Bob Haney, Rich Berryman
Guest Speakers:   Charles Riopel from:
                                            Charles Schwab, (603) 430-6237
                                            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
                           Scott Baughman from:
                                           Gannett Welsh & Kotler, LLC, Investment Mgt.    (617) 236-8900,
                                          This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Here are a few “bullets” from this interesting meeting:
·     The bond market is relatively inefficient resulting in prices that are
negotiable.
·     Because of the fluctuations in interest rates, it is best not to hold
bonds to maturity.
·     “Laddering” is a good strategy to reduce interest rate variations and
have a more steady return.
·     Managed bond portfolio is usually better than a bond fund because;
o  It can be tailored to individual needs.
o  Fees are lower than a fund.
·     Difficult for individuals to do efficiently.
o  Due diligence, and research
o  Ability to negotiate price with large volume
·     Although the tax exempt status of muni’s has been questioned, it
probably won’t change.
·     The larger the municipalities the better. –Lower default rate.
·     Revenue bonds are usually safer because income streams finance them.
·     Rating agencies are usually fairly accurate.
·     Rates are expected to be flat for two years.
·     MSRB.org  (Municipal Bond Rule Making Board) for more information.

   
A group of ARD members got together for a component meeting in New Hampshire on September 26 and were inspired to discuss Bud Ham's recent article that he wrote for ARD's website. This fascinating topic stimulated lively discussion and questions.

Near the end of June, 2011 we received an inquiry from the Academy of General Dentistry that included specific questions.  This inquiry was stimulated because of a story about a vascular surgeon who, while practicing at age 78, had a patient die.   These are the questions: 
  1. Many dentists are practicing into their older years.  What could be
some clues for aging dentists that might tell them it's time to stop--or
slow down?
2. What are some of the psychological/emotional challenges that dentists face when deciding whether or not to retire (or semi-retire)?
3. While there is no set age in the United States required for dentists to retire, what are some ways that older dentists can "check" themselves to ensure that they are still practicing at their peak?