Administrative Office 330 Wenneker Drive, St. Louis, MO , Fax:

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1 St. Louis Brief! May 2012 St. Louis Mission Statement The Society of Financial Services Professionals - St. Louis Chapter is dedicated to: 1) Enhancing the competence of financial service professionals through quality lifelong education; 2) Promoting public recognition of the high ethical standards and professional expertise practiced by our members; and, 3) Encouraging others to attain the professional designations and graduate degrees endorsed by our national organization. Administrative Office 330 Wenneker Drive, St. Louis, MO , Fax: President s Message by Mark Dunlop CLU, ChFC President s Message: The Society of FSP Approves the AEP Credential for Society Membership The Society of Financial Service Professionals is the standard bearer for excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance for the nation's top financial advisers. The following recognized financial service credentials enable a prospective member to join the Society : CASL, CEBS, CFA, CFP, ChFC, CIMA, CLF, CLU, CPA, CPC, CPCU, CTFA, EA, JD, MSFS/MSM, REBC, RHU, Graduate Degrees in Financial Services, and effective this year, the AEP. The Society examined the educational and experience requirements to earn this credential; the continuing education and ethics requirements to maintain it; and other information it deemed relevant regarding the credibility of the AEP in the professional community. Based on its examination, the Society concluded that allowing holders of the AEP designation as FSP members is most appropriate. "The AEP designation fits extremely well within the breadth and scope of other credentials that we accept for Society membership, and we look forward to developing for and receiving value from the vast network of men and women who currently hold this important credential," said April Caudill, JD, CLU, ChFC, AEP, President, Society of FSP. Perhaps you know of a potential eligible member, such as one with the AEP designation, who has a recognized credential who has not yet joined the Society. If so, encourage such a candidate to explore the national website and see the benefits of membership. ( or specifically : and also encourage the potential member to look at the local FSP website which gives examples of the caliber of events the local St. Louis chapter sponsors. ( As you know, today's economy offers no guarantees for anyone. Actively learning, participating and taking advantage of the benefits offered through a membership in the Society of Financial Service Professionals. As I have shared before, my FSP membership has been very rewarding for me personally and I know it will be for others too. Continued on Page 3 You can go anywhere for education, but you come here for wisdom!

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3 As I have shared before, my FSP membership has been very rewarding for me personally and I know it will be for others too. This organization provides great local, national, and online networking and educational offerings that can expand one s knowledge base, advance one s career, help one better serve clients. I hope you'll consider introducing the Society to at least one person. Put your name on the application as the sponsor, so you too can be recognized, and please don't hesitate to contact me or Society headquarters if you have any questions. For new members, special pricing is currently in effect. Don't miss out on this one, encourage your nominee to visit the link below to join: Best Regards, Mark Dunlop, CEBS, CFP, ChFC, CLU, CPA, MSFS, MSM, REBC, RHU, AEP-St. Louis Chapter President / dunlopm@msn.com Continuing Education Series: May 2, 2012 Estate and Life Insurance Planning with Certainty in a Sea of Tax Uncertainty Guest Speaker: Steven Spewak Estate Plan Strategies, LLC Program Overview The ever changing estate and gift tax landscape we have witnessed since 2001, coupled with the uncertainty as to what that landscape will look like come January 1, 2013, has left estate planning and life insurance professionals in a quandary as to how to properly plan for their clients futures. Don t miss this opportunity to learn how using traditional time tested planning strategies alongside brand new planning strategies created by the sweeping changes to the estate and gift tax laws enacted in 2010, professionals can confidently plan for their clients futures. Time: 7:30am registration, 8-9am Program (refreshments will be provided) (Pastries provided by Guardian) Location: Des Peres Lodge 1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres, MO To make a reservation send an to Joan_Hecker@sbcglobal.net or call the association office at CE: No CE Cost: Members free, Guests $35

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5 Page 5 Society of FSP Greater St. Louis Chapter Partners in Professionalism Continuing Education Series: June 12, 2012 The Art of Listening Speaker: Robert E. Guest, Jr. Affinity Law Group, LLC What are Clients really telling us when we meet with them? Whether they come to see you for a simple increase in their insurance or they are looking for assistance starting a business, people normally have more concerns in their lives that they are not stating. The key to any successful practice is listening to what a Client is stating, but also learning to listen to what they are not directly stating. Key Points: What should we be listening for when meeting with Clients. Learning to understand Clients as a whole and not as a simple transaction. How to discuss opportunities with Clients beyond their initial purpose. Time: 7:30am registration, 8-9am Program (refreshments will be provided) (Pastries provided by Guardian) Location: Des Peres Lodge 1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres, MO To make a reservation send an to Joan_Hecker@sbcglobal.net or call the association office at CE: No CE Cost: Members free, Guests $35

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7 Page PROGRAMS May 17, 2012 VTC Program 7:30am registration (refreshments will be provided), 8:00-11:00 a.m., Program (Pastries compliments of Guardian) RSVP to Joan_Hecker@sbcglobal.net or June 12, 2012 The Art of Listening 8:00-9:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Robert E. Guest, Jr. Affinity Law Group, LLC What are clients really telling us when we meet with them? Whether they come to see you for a simple increase in their insurance or they are looking for assistance starting a business, people normally have more concerns in their lives that they are not stating. The key to any successful practice is listening to what a client is stating, but also learning to listen to what they are not directly stating. Key Points: What should we be listening for when meeting with clients? Learning to understand clients as a whole and not as a simple transaction How to discuss opportunities with clients beyond their initial purpose Sponsorships Available We are looking for annual sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Joan Hecker at About the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) The standard-bearer for excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance, FSP is a national network of credentialed professionals working in diverse financial disciplines. The Society has created high-level connections amongst the country s top financial advisors for nearly 80 years. FSP members assist the public in achieving personal and business-related financial goals. Consumers can obtain free financial information or find a Society member in their community by calling the Society s toll-free National Consumer Referral Service at or by visiting and clicking on Consumer Info. Society of FSP- St. Louis Vision Statement To be recognized as the pre-eminent organization in the St. Louis area of credentialed professionals in the financial services industry who are committed to working together as a team to help the public achieve their financial goals and to provide a strong commitment to providing superior educational opportunities to credentialed professionals.