Entrust Freedom, L.L.C.

2010 Retirement Guide

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com
2010 Retirement Guide
1. Welcome Letter – Dave Owens
2. Retirement Contribution Limits – Daniel Fisher
3. Rebuilding Nest-Egg – Brian O’Connell
5. Enhanced Life Estate– Edward Hale
6. Mortgage Planning - David A. Wright
7. Diversify Retirement Investments – Dave Owens
8. Saving Money With 1031 – Theresa Knower
9. The Total Control IRA – Brandon Hall
10. Goal Setting is S.M.A.R.T. Business– Heather Christie
11. Save On Your Taxes in 2009 – Randy Wright
12. Roth 2010 Is At Hand – Dave Owens

The New Age of Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning – Will we have
enough? That is the big question. Will you
have enough to live a lifestyle that you feel
comfortable with? Less than half of working
Americans have even begun to save for their
retirement, and most believe they will live
18 years after they retire. Retirement is not
hard, but saving for retirement is.
That is why we have assembled this
retirement guide for 2010. The rules for
retirement are changing. We have asked
experts in various fields of finance to
contribute their expertise and compiled
the best of these to help you get started or
evaluate your current progress and adjust to
today’s financial climate. You will read about
specific strategies involving setting goals,
using real estate in your plan, alternatives to
traditional retirement accounts and more.
The earlier you begin to plan for retirement,
the more choices you have and the greater
your chances are for success. Retirement
planning is much like planning a vacation.
Any trip begins with determining your
destination, or goal, and a timetable for
taking each step toward that goal.
Retirement is one of the most significant life
events many of us will ever experience. From
both a personal and financial perspective,
realizing a comfortable retirement is an
incredibly far-reaching process that takes
wise planning and continued determination.
Even when goals are reached, managing your
retirement is an ongoing process that must
not be neglected. 
Please feel free to call Entrust Freedom
or any of the other authors that have
contributed to this guide.
We wish you all the best and hope this
guide proves helpful as you pursue your
retirement goals.
Dave Owens
Dave Owens, CPA, CES is
the managing member of
Entrust Freedom, LLC and
can be contacted at owens@
entrustfreedom.com or practicing
tax accountant for over 20 years.

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

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 2010 Retirement Contribution Limits Announced

By Daniel Fisher

Health Savings Ac- 2009 2010

Now is the time to meet with your CPA, Financial Ad- counts
visor or Planner to discuss your current IRA contribu- Definition of High Deductible Health Plans -
tions and your IRA contributions for the coming year. Deductibles/Out of Pocket Limits
You need to be sure that you have not contributed in
excess of the contribution limits for 2009 and that you Single Coverage - $1,200/$5,950
are effectively planned for 2010. The majority of IRA Minimum/Maximum
contribution limits for 2010 have remained unchanged. Family Coverage -
However contribution limits for Health Savings Ac- Minimum/Maximum
counts have been slightly increased for 2010. The fol- Health Savings Account Contribution Limits
lowing tables show the limits for 2009/2010:
Single Coverage $3,000 $3,050
Family Coverage $5,950 $6,150
Traditional IRA Contribution 2009/2010
Limits and Roth IRA Profit Sharing/401(k) 2009/2010
Contribution Limits Contribution Limits
Up to age 50 $5,000 Roth 401(k) Contribu-
Catch Up Contributions $6,000 tion Limits
Provision Age 50+ Up to age 50 $49,000
Catch Up Provision  $54,500
Age 50
SEP IRA Contribution Limits 2009/2010
SEP IRA Contribution Limits $49,000*
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits 2009/2010 Daniel Fisher
New Account Specialist
SIMPLE 401(k) Contribution Limits Entrust Freedom
Up to age 50 $11,500* 4560 Via Royale #1
Fort Myers, FL33901
Catch Up Contributions Provision $14,000*
239-333-1031 ext.
Age 50+
daniel@entrustfreedom.com

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Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

2
 Did the Financial Market Train-Wreck of 2008
Derail Your Retirement Plan?
Perspective on rebuilding your retirement nest-egg
The financial-market crisis that transpired and
eventually waned during the past year has left investors
wondering whether they are still “on track” regarding
their plans for retirement. The unfortunate truth is
that most investors suffered some form of financial
setback during the past year, causing the need to adjust
their retirement forecasting. Worse yet, many investors
who had chosen to manage their retirement assets
on their own (instead of through a financial advisory
relationship) found themselves in a state of shock
after watching a significant portion of their retirement
savings disappear over the six month period between
October of 2008 and March of 2009.
Not surprisingly, investors with shorter investment time
horizons (particularly those who are already retired or
are nearing retirement) are likely to have been most-
affected by the recent financial market turmoil, while
younger investors with longer investment time horizons
may not even need to alter their plans for retirement.
Based on this premise, the commentary below is
intended to provide some direction to the three general
age/career groups which comprise the majority of the
investment community.
Assuming that you already use a financial advisor
for your retirement planning, the topics below can be
used to initiate a discussion regarding whether you are
“on track” to meet your goals with respect to your
retirement funding. If you determine that there is a
shortfall in your retirement funding, your advisor should
be able to provide some guidance on how to “right the
ship.”
Investors Over the Age of 55 (presently retired
or nearing retirement)
Although this might be difficult for some investors to
stomach, retirement planning assumptions should be
adjusted to reflect current investment values rather
than investment values at the market highs in 2007.
Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031
3
Although it was only a short time ago, we are currently
in a much different economic and financial market
environment. By working with your financial advisor,
you will be able to determine whether you might need to
spend less, save more, or put off retirement for several
years in order to recoup the value of the portfolio
declines experienced between October of 2008 and
March of 2009.
Avoid the temptation of repositioning your portfolio in
an overly-aggressive manner (in an attempt to recoup
recent losses) or in an overly-conservative manner (in
an attempt to avoid any future losses). Aggressive
positioning will likely result in a more volatile portfolio,
possibly compounding investment losses; while an
overly-conservative approach, for instance moving
completely into money market assets, is not likely to
keep up with long term inflation.
Discuss with your financial advisor, the amount of
annual income you might expect to need to withdraw
from your investment portfolio during retirement,
in order to help determine the most appropriate
investment strategy for your particular needs-one that
is tailored to providing for your annual income during
retirement without taking on undue investment risk.
Investors Between the Ages of 40 -55
(maximum earning potential)
As you make the transition from early-career into
a seasoned-professional, you are likely benefit from
significant increases in annual income. Consider using
additional income to “max out” annual contributions
in company sponsored retirement plans (i.e. 401(k))
on a pre-tax basis. Discuss with your financial advisor
ways to maximize the long term growth of any other
discretionary retirement savings, possibly on a tax-
advantaged basis through a Roth IRA or tax-deferred
annuity.
www.entrustfreedom.com
By continuing to make regular contributions into your
retirement savings during a “down” market period, you
have effectively purchased a larger quantity of mutual
fund shares for the same cost in dollars. As the stock
market resumes its long term upward trajectory, your
portfolio will benefit as a larger number of “shares”
should magnify the growth of your investment base.
Consult with your financial advisor to confirm that
your strategic long term asset allocation is consistent
with your appetite and capacity to take on investment
risk. As your portfolio gains critical mass, you should
consider transitioning from the more aggressive
positioning of your portfolio to a more balanced
investment strategy. Your investment horizon (time
until you need to use retirement reserves to meet
expenses) is now somewhat shorter than it was than
when you were just beginning your career.
fee-based Registered Investment Advisor (advisors
who have obtained the Certified Financial Planner™
Professional designation are ideal candidates). Unlike
many insurance and broker-dealer relationships which
generally compensate an advisor through a product-
related sales commission, fee-based investment
advisors are generally compensated for their time on
either an asset-based or hourly-based fee structure.
Please feel welcome to contact Marquis Wealth
Management Group toll-free at 877-454-1117
with any questions or comments regarding the
topics outlined within this article. Marquis Wealth
Management Group is an independent Registered
Investment Advisor based in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Investors Under the Age of 40 (early career)

You have the longest investment horizon of any of the Brian P. O’Connell, RFC®
age-groups listed in this article. Begin making invest- Financial Advisor
ments on a regular basis (this can be done through on-
going payroll deduction). This will provide you with the
best advantage of allowing your investments to “work
for you” through the power of compounding returns
over a period of 30-40 years prior to retirement. Entrust freedom has
Recognize that there are different asset classes (stocks, some great classes
bonds, etc.) in which you can invest. Mutual funds
are considered to be excellent investment vehicles for planed for 2010.
new investors, from the standpoint that they generally
provide instant diversification via a pooled investment Check out the complete
fund consisting of a wide array of portfolio holdings, webinar schedule on the front
and managed in a specified fashion (i.e. large company of our website.
U.S. stocks).
Generally speaking, stocks are known for having
a higher risk profile than bonds or cash, which is
also why they offer higher rates of return. As a
result, consider investing a significant portion of
your retirement reserves in stock mutual funds (or
individual stocks).
For investors who do not presently have a financial
advisor and would appreciate some additional
guidance, you may want to consider contacting a

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

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 Enhanced Life Estate Deeds

By Ned Hale, Esq. (or better yet, fully insurable by my law firm)
That’s it. No expensive and lengthy probate.
An “enhanced life estate deed’ is a great,
inexpensive, easy way to avoid probate for a real The only minor drawback of an enhanced life
estate asset while maintaining almost all of the estate deed is that if the owner does want to sell
benefits of standard “fee simple” ownership. the property during his or her life, then it must be
at fair market value for consideration. In other
So often a decedent’s only asset of any real value
words, the owner cannot simply disinherit one or
is their home. But unfortunately, usually that asset
more of the remaindermen by signing new deed
must go through sometimes lengthy and always
back to himself or herself, or by signing a new
expensive probate proceedings. That is because by
enhanced life estate deed, but leaving out the child
the time a decedent dies, it is too late for him or
that they wish to disinherit. I consider that to be
her to “plan” his or her estate. The estate is what
a very minor drawback, because again, the owner
it is at death. The heirs are left to do the work and
can still sell the property at fair market value
pay the attorneys to probate the estate.
during his or her life, or mortgage it to the hilt
Fortunately, the living can still plan their estate. (including by a reverse mortgage), and keep all of
Where one’s main asset is their home, I often the money generated thereby.
recommend that they execute an enhanced life
estate deed.
What is it? It is a simple warranty deed whereby
the owner states in the deed that he or she is the
owner of the property for the span of his or her Edward W. (Ned) Hale
life. During his or her life, the deed states that Attorney at Law
he or she maintains control of the property. The Hale Law Group, P.A.
deed states that he or she can sell the property
(at fair market value) or mortgage the property
and keep all of the proceeds generated thereby. It
also states that he or she can improve the property
or even let it fall into disrepair. He or she can do Are you an Attorney,
all of this with needing anyone else’s signature. CPA/Accountant, or
And if the property is homesteaded, there is
no effect on the homestead tax exemption and financial Planner?
Florida constitutional homestead protection from
creditors. And only nominal documentary stamps Join the Entrust Advisors to gain
(all of seventy cents) are due when he or she signs more exposure to clients that are
the enhanced life estate deed, since there is no interested in self-directed IRA’s
change in the beneficial ownership of the property. and need your service!
The deed goes on to state that upon the owner’s
death (and only then), the property automatically Contact us to discuss getting started:
goes to whomever is named in the deed. Those 239-333-1031.
named parties are called “remaindermen.” (The For more information on the
remainermen are usually the decedent’s children).
Entrust Advisors Program,
The remaindermen would just record the deceased
owner’s death certificate in the public records. visit www.entrustfreedom.com
Then the property is theirs. No probate necessary
for that asset. Fully insurable by a title company

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

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 Do Mortgages Play a Role in Retirement Planning?

By David A. Wright $417,000 leveraged dollars to work for my retirement

if the cost of funds is a pre-tax 5.000% or so?” If one
Many people’s retirement strategy includes a paid-
answers “yes,” perhaps mortgage loan secured by one’s
for home. No mortgage and no mortgage payments
home becomes part of the conversation regarding one’s
help diminish cash outflows for housing and allow
retirement planning.
each month’s dollar to be allotted for some other
task. A solid notion and certainly not one a mortgage Clearly the advice of an experienced financial planner
lender would take issue with, but there is an alternate would be invaluable in this discussion because as
strategy that may merit consideration, especially at this the conversation unfolds, questions of anticipated
moment. I will expound. returns, risk tolerance, income tax strategies and
life style would be of paramount importance. And
For the past 11 months our Federal government has
to be sure, I am not advocating borrowing to fund
attempted to stimulate our nation’s housing market
retirement. However, it seems to me that there may be
through a concerted policy of support for the mortgage
circumstances when informed planning takes
industry. The Federal Reserve allotted $1.4 trillion
advantage of Washington’s largess for the benefit of a
dollars to purchase mortgage backed securities, and
retired borrower.
their participation in the market has resulted in 30
year fixed rate loans priced as low as 4.750% and
seldom higher than 5.125%. Our intention here is
David A. Wright
not to discuss the wisdom or mechanics of this policy
Sanibel Captiva Bank
action but simply to note that, wow, money is cheap.
Library Way
As one considers his or her retirement strategy, Sanibel, Florida 33957
a question worth asking is, “Can I profitably put

Real estate in Your IRA?

Broaden your investment horizons– put some real estate in your
IRA. Entrust has a free guide to purchasing real estate in your
IRA account. Email Theresa@entrustfreedom.com
to get your copy today.

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

6
 Diversify Your Retirement Investments with a Real Estate IRA
By Dave Owens, CPA, CES The purchase of real estate through a self-directed re-
tirement plan is a popular investor choice for this and
There are two facts that have converged to make some
other reasons.
exciting news for your retirement planning. First,
today’s interesting real estate market is making for A self-directed IRA or real estate IRA gives you the
some great opportunities. Second, with the power of freedom to invest in many different types of real estate
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), all gains inside including:
an IRA account are tax free. These two points come
• single-family and multi-unit homes
together given the quiet fact that you can own real
estate in your IRA. • apartment buildings
Why Real Estate IRAs? All the proceeds from the sale • co-ops
of a piece of real estate in an IRA can be reinvested in • condominiums
to your next property without giving that large percent-
age to the government as federal and state taxes. This • improved or unimproved land
will allow you to have more principal for you to grow • Commercial property,
for your retirement. If you are a successful real estate
investor this could be your opportunity. Real estate in • Foreclosures and more
a IRA can be a powerful investment tool. You can buy Please note: investing in real estate takes hard work.
real estate as easily as you can mutual funds with the There are also nuances (prohibited transaction and dis-
money in your IRA! What a time to buy at historically qualified persons) involved exclusively with real estate
low prices and reap the benefits tax free in the future. IRAs that require you to stay on top of the investment
It is important for all investors to note that every deal and follow all rules. Please be sure to consult your
or piece of property is unique, and it is important that financial advisor or real estate advisor before starting
you have adequate information and representation. The any transaction.
author advises all investors to properly consult tax or
legal counsel when making an investment. Also, proper
planning can go a long way toward a successful trans-
action. Self-direction means freedom of choice, but Dave Owens, Managing Member
it also means the responsibility is yours to be sure the 4560 Via Royale #1
real estate you are investing in is the right fit for you. Fort Myers, FL33901
Over time, real estate investments have opened up a 239-333-1031 ext. 203
world of appreciation and income to many investors. owens@entrustfreedom.com

1031 Exchanges are Call Today to request

making a comeback! your Free Real Estate
Learn what you need to know by
IRA Handbook, Entrust Freedom
Guide To

requesting our free 1031 hand- written by Real Estate

IRA’s www.Entru

Dave Owens!
stFreedom
.com

book or by visiting our website:

www.entrustfreedom.com 239-333-1031

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

7
 Saving Money on Taxes is as Easy as Ten Thirty One

By Theresa Knower, CES In order to defer all of the capital gains (as well as
any other applicable taxes), you must purchase a
Despite the current market conditions, there is a
property that is of equal or greater value to the
glimmer of hope as we ease our way into 2010.
property you are selling.
What is that glimmer of hope, you ask? Well, it has
something to do with a long lost friend known as the You must use a Qualified Intermediary to facilitate the
1031 exchange. There has been a serious influx of exchange. It must be an independent third party, and
calls from people wanting to know more about this real thus cannot be you CPA, Attorney, Realtor, etc.
estate based tax-saving strategy. More importantly,
You have a total of 180 days to complete your
these people not only want the information, they
exchange. This means that you must close on all
actually want to do one! How is this relevant to the
intended purchase within 180 days of closing on
rest of us? First let me walk you through the exchange
your sale.
process, what is involved, and how this might help you.
You must identify up to 3 possible replacement
1031 is a section of the tax code that enables an
properties within 45 days of closing on your sale.
investor to sell a piece of investment real estate and
defer the capitals gains taxes, depreciation recapture So while times have changed, the rules of exchanging
taxes and applicable state taxes as long as they are still the same. Knowing about 1031 exchanges can
purchase another piece of investment real estate of prove to be a valuable tax-saving opportunity for you
equal or greater value within the allotted time frame. or someone you know.
Here is an example. A recent client sold some of his
farmland in Ohio for approximately $200,000. He
reinvested those funds into several smaller fixer-uppers
here in Southwest Florida. He purchased property that Theresa Knower
was equal to or greater than $200,000.00, and thus 4560 Via Royale #1
paid no taxes. He couldn’t be happier over the fact Fort Myers, FL33901
that he was able to purchase several properties at such 239-333-1031 ext.
great prices. He has since fixed each house up and has theresa@1031company.com
tenants in each of them. He was able to sell vacant
land and exchange it for income producing property
without paying taxes.
Now let’s get back to why this is a good sign. If more
people are doing exchanges, this means that they An Entrust
actually have some gain in their property that they
want to shelter. If there is gain to shelter, this is an Self-Directed IRA
indication that things are turning around for the better. Has A Good Deal
Call me an optimist, but I see this as a very good sign.
For many of you out there, 1031 exchanges have been of Gold.
pushed to the back of your mind. It’s time to brush up
on your 1031 know-how because they are making a Did you know your self-directed IRA
comeback. The basic rules still apply. For those of you can purchase gold?
who need a refresher, here are the five basic rules: This has become a growing trend
Property sold and property purchased must be among clients. For more information,
investment/business use property. You cannot exchange please visit www.entrustgoldira.com
your primary home or second home.

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

8
 The Total Control IRA

By Brandon Hall, CISP There are a lot of savvy investors that come up with
creative ways to use their IRA.  At Entrust Freedom,
Ever since IRAs were established in 1975, Wall Street
we are more than happy to discuss these options with
has convinced investors that stocks, bonds, and mutual
you.  While we cannot give direct financial advice, we
funds are the best and only way to create long term
can discuss available options and provide important
wealth.  You could choose or “self-direct” your IRA in-
information in regards to IRS regulations. 
vestments, as long as you chose what they were selling. 
For instance, did you know that an IRA can partner up
But what about other choices to build wealth?  What
with other IRAs or even non-IRA money to purchase
about buying raw land, rental property, lending money,
an asset that is more than the IRA can afford alone? 
or starting new business ventures?  Since these assets
Did you know an IRA can borrow money through a
are not traded on the major stock exchanges, there is
non-recourse loan?  Feel free to take advantage of
little incentive for commission-based sales people and
the knowledge that the professionals at Entrust can
their brokerage houses to publicize their availability. 
provide.  We are always available to answer any ques-
Knowledgeable, high net-worth individuals have known
tions you may have and eager to help you on the road
about broader choices in their IRAs for years.  Due to
to self-direction.
the internet and educational outreach of self-directed
IRA administrators such as Entrust Freedom, the
general public is beginning to awaken to the power of
Brandon Hall, CISP
choice as well.
Director of Operations
Many people hear the term “self-directed” IRA and Entrust Freedom
think that it is a special type of IRA.  However, in real- 4560 Via Royale #1
ity, the IRS doesn’t recognize a “self-directed” IRA as Fort Myers, FL33901
a type of IRA. 239-333-1031 ext. 211
brandon@entrustfreedom.com
Any IRA, whether it be a Traditional, Roth, SEP or
SIMPLE IRA can be Self-directed.  The key to TRUE
self-direction is the administrator.  If you want to invest
in real estate, for example, you don’t need a special How Healthy is
IRA.  You need a special administrator.  For over 28
years, Entrust Group has been providing self-directed Your Retirement
IRA administration without the limitations of the typi-
cal brokerage houses.  
Portfolio?
There are a few regulations and limitations that the Call Entrust Freedom today to
IRS places on IRA accounts.  Your IRA is not allowed learn how a self-directed IRA may
to invest in Life Insurance or Collectibles.  Also, your
IRA cannot invest in anything that provides a benefit to be just what the doctor ordered to
you or your linear descendents.  For example, the IRS
would prohibit an IRA purchasing a vacation home help you reach your
that the IRA owner wants personal use of.  A rental retirement goals.
home could be purchased by an IRA, but the tenant
must be unrelated to the IRA owner.  Also, the rental 239-333-1031 or
income would need to be paid to the IRA, not the
IRA owner. www.entrustfreedom.com

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

9
 Goal Setting is S.M.A.R.T. Business
By Heather Christie, Action Coach
Goal setting is as important in personal life as it is in
business. The common denominator in all the self-help
literature and books is the importance of goal setting.
We’re told to set long-term goals, short-term goals,
lifetime goals and personal goals.
The benefits of Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Results orientated, Time-framed (S.M.A.R.T) goals
have been written about in self-help books for years.
So, it follows that goal setting is obviously a powerful
process.  It is about ‘laying a foundation one brick at
a time’ and turning vision into achievable, actionable
things. It’s the common denominator of successful
individuals and businesses.
Despite their obvious value, our experience with goals
has shown that while some people are good at setting
goals and achieving great results, others can’t keep a
New Year’s resolution to stop smoking for two days
in a row.  Failure to set goals can be seen as a fear
of failure. That is, the blow to our integrity when we
don’t reach our goals prohibits us from setting them
in the first place. When we don’t achieve our goals,
we lose confidence in our ability to make and keep
commitments and to trust ourselves. However, when
we make and keep commitments, such as setting and
achieving goals, it reflects the amount of trust we have
in ourselves. We increase our confidence in ourselves to
make and keep commitments to others and ourselves.
There are many reasons why we don’t achieve our
goals. Sometimes the goals we set are unrealistic. New
Year’s resolutions are typical examples. Suddenly, we
expect to change the way we eat or the way we exercise
just because the calendar changes. It’s like expecting
a child that’s never ridden a bike to suddenly jump
on and go or to run a marathon without months of
training. These goals are based on illusion with little
regard to natural growth. You must be able to crawl
before you walk.
So, how do we set and achieve goals? Stephen R. Covey
says it best in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People. “To begin with the end in mind means to start
with a clear understanding of your destination. It
means to know where you’re going so that you better
Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031
10
understand where you are now so that the steps you
take are always in the right direction.”
An example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal might look something
like the following:
WHAT
My goal is to maintain a healthy body.
WHY
So that:
I can be fit to do the things I enjoy.
I can be an example to my children in health
management.
I can build my personal character strength.
HOW
Good Nutrition. I will increase my intake of fresh
fruits and vegetables and decrease my intake of sugar,
fats, salt and red meat.
Physical. I will exercise aerobically 3 times a week for
30-minute periods.
Focus. I will be aware of my body and look out for any
health problems.
By concentrating on the smaller, short-term steps and
achieving success at those, you will gain confidence to
set other goals. So, remember, set your goals based on
the S.M.A.R.T. principle to have the best chance of
achieving your goals.
If you would like learn more about how you can set and
achieve the goals within your business, call your local
Action coach Heather Christie at 239-220-5900. For
more information on ActionCOACH, you may visit our
website at www.ActionCoachFLA.com. 
Business Coach Heather Christie
Professional Business Advisor/Attorney
ActionCOACH & Phoenix Law
12800 University Drive, Suite 240
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Direct: 239-322-1481 or
Cell: 239-357-4052
Fax: 239-220-5901
www.entrustfreedom.com
 There Are Still Opportunities to Save on your Taxes in 2009
By Randy Wright, CPA
While many changes have recently been enacted and more
are sure to come, there are still some things you can do
to save on your taxes in 2009. The following is a list of
tax planning opportunities, some tried and true tips and
some new ideas to help minimize how much you pay in
taxes this year. Please feel free to call me with specific
questions about your situation.
For Individuals:
• Deduct state and local sales and use taxes instead of
state and local income taxes.
• Take a standard or itemized deduction for state sales
tax and excise tax on the purchase of vehicles.
• Utilize the above-the-line deduction for qualified
higher education expenses.
• Take advantage of tax-free distributions for those age
70 1/2 or older from IRAs for charitable purposes.
• Use the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit, if
qualified.
• Increase the amount you set aside for your health
flexible spending account.
• Realize losses on stock while preserving your
investment position.
• Postpone income until 2010 and accelerate
deductions into 2009.
• Consider converting traditional-IRA money into a
Roth IRA.
• Consider using a credit card to prepay expenses that
can generate deductions this year.
• Accelerate big ticket purchases into 2009 for sales
tax deduction.
• Make energy saving improvements to your residence
to qualify for tax credits.
• Save gift and estate taxes by making gifts sheltered
by the annual gift tax exclusion.
• If you receive Social Security benefits, you can take
steps to reduce tax on your benefits.
• Donate appreciated stock.
• Boost your margin interest deduction by taking short-
term gains.
Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031
11
For Businesses:
• If you own an interest in a Partnership or S-Corp you
may need to increase your basis in the entity so you
can deduct a loss from it for this year.
• Make expenditures that qualify for the business
property expensing option.
• Make expenditures that qualify for 50% bonus first
year depreciation if bought and placed in service this
year.
• Defer a debt-cancellation event until 2010.
• Worker, Homeownership & Business Assistance Act
For Individuals:
The first-time homebuyer tax credit [FTHTC] has been
extended until April 30, 2010 and, with a valid contract,
closing may occur as late as June 30, 2010.
• The FTHTC can’t be claimed unless a taxpayer is 18
or his/her spouse meets that requirement.
• The FTHTC can’t be claimed by a taxpayer if (s)he
can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer
for the tax year of purchase.
• A new FTHTC credit of $6,500 for prior homeowners
if you’ve maintained the same home for five
consecutive years out of the last eight before buying
the new residence.
For Businesses:
• The expanded period for the carry-back of Net
Operating Losses [NOL] has been extended.
• The NOL can be used to offset up to 50% of the
taxable income for the fifth tax year preceding the
loss, and 100% of taxable income in the remaining
four
carry-back years.
• It allows the opportunity to revoke a previous waiver
of the carry-back period. The taxpayer has until the
extended due date of its last tax year beginning in
2009 to make the election.
Randy Wright, CPA
Marham Norton Mosteller Wright
Fort Myers, FL
239-433-5554
www.entrustfreedom.com
 Roth 2010 is at Hand
Major changes are coming to retirement accounts
in January, 2010. If you are not familiar with ROTH
IRAs, read on. Roth IRAs are one of the most unique
and popular retirement planning tools. Roth’s have a
great feature that not only allows retirement earnings
to grow tax free but when the funds are withdrawn, the
distributions are tax free! With a traditional IRA, the
distributions are usually 100% taxable. The down side
of a Roth is that money going in to the account goes in
post tax, which means you do not get a tax deduction on
the contributions. But beauty of the Roth is that if you
grow the account, all withdrawals will be tax free to the
beneficiary.
Many taxpayers are currently locked out of ROTH IRAs
and not allowed to have one. If you have adjusted gross
income of greater than $100,000, you cannot convert
your Roth IRA to a Traditional IRA. Effective January
1st, the law will allow everyone, no matter what your
income is, to convert to a Roth IRA and start making
contribution. Please note if you do not have an earned
income you cannot put contributions in a ROTH. Please
consult your tax advisor for the details of this particular
case. In January, 2010, you will be allowed to convert
your Traditional IRA to a Roth no matter what your
annual adjusted gross income is.
• The benefit of converting lies in the fact that
distributions from a Roth are tax free versus taxable
in a Traditional IRA. Below are some examples of
when a conversion would be favorable.
• Asset value of retirement assets appreciates from
time of conversion
• Increasing income tax rates
• Ability to pay the income tax on the conversion from
assets outside of the Roth IRA, and no future need
for the Roth IRA
• No need to ever withdrawal from the Roth IRA
• Ability to pay the income tax on the conversion from
assets outside of the Roth IRA, and no future need
for the Roth IRA
• Passing wealth to family
• Longer life expectancy of the participant after
conversion
• Roth’s have many benefits that Traditional IRAs
Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031
12
do not have. These benefits include the opportunity
to make contributions after age 70 ½, something
you cannot do with a Traditional IRA. Also, a
Roth IRA is not subject to Required Minimum
Distributions (RMDs) so money can be left in the
IRA to appreciate. And finally, a Roth may be left
to a beneficiary tax free. This can be a huge estate
planning tool for many retirees.
If you are considering making a conversion, there are
several factors that must be considered.
Value of the asset being converted – Based on current
market condition, it might be an excellent time to do a
conversion. When you do a conversion to a Roth, you do
have to pay regular tax based on the current value. If you
own a piece of land in your IRA, now maybe the time to
do the Roth conversion because most values are down
and this will minimize the taxes due. If you own gold, you
might want to hold off because gold prices are at an all
time high. As noted above, you will have to pay income tax
on the converted amount but you are not subject to IRA
early distribution penalties of 10%.
(*When you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, the
conversion is taxed at the current Fair Market Value. What
is fair market value?- IRS Definition of FMV - “The fair
market value is the price at which the property would change
hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither
being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having
reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.” )
Do you have the money to pay the tax on the conversion?
Typically you do not want to use IRA conversion money to
pay the tax. It is best to use personal funds so that all tax
sheltered retirement money can continue to grow tax free.
What will your income be in the year of conversion? If
you know that your income will be down in 2010 that
might be a better year to convert versus future years when
the income is greater. When you do a conversion you are
still taxed but try to do a conversion when you are in a
lower tax bracket.
Finally any Roth Conversion in 2010 will let you defer the
tax payment for two years. This is a special one-time tax
law change. So if you do a conversion in 2010, you will
report no income in 2010, half the conversion amount as
income in 2011 and the other half in 2012. That means
the final tax payment could be delayed until
April of 2013.
www.entrustfreedom.com
Let me give you an example of the tax consequences with
a Roth IRA with the new tax law:
Dave Owens, Managing Member
Bill decides to do a Roth Conversion. He has a lot in an
4560 Via Royale #1
IRA worth $25,000 on 1/1/2010
Fort Myers, FL33901
The lot is appraised on 1/1/2010 – Traditional IRA is 239-333-1031 ext. 203
converted to a Roth 239-466-5496 Fax
2010 – No income is picked up owens@entrustfreedom.com

2011 - $12,500 in income is picked up, tax paid in 2012

2012 - $12,500 in income is picked up, tax paid in 2013
Roth IRAs and the upcoming law change can be a boom
for taxpayers. Rarely does Congress make opportunities
like Roth IRAs available to all taxpayers. It is worth
evaluating Roth 2010 to see if it can benefit you. Please
consult your tax advisor before doing a Roth Conversion.
Everyone has a unique tax situation so please take the
time to learn the law and understand these changes.
Dave Owens, CPA, CES, is the managing member of
Entrust Freedom, LLC. If you have any questions about
this article and would like more information please feel
free to contact the author. Dave can be contacted at
owens@entrustfreedom.com or 239-333-1031.
Dave has been a practicing tax accountant for
over 20 years.

Retirement Statistics - Dec., 2009

38%
Retirees who have a formal
written plan for retirement
40% 1/2
People aged 55 or older that Represents the fraction of
have less than $100, 000 in employees that cash out
their retirement account. their 401K when leaving
their job instead of rolling the
funds to an IRA to avoid tax
implications.

2 in 5
Employees who say that
they are willing to cut back
their spending to save for
retirement.
64%
Employees that do not expect
their standard of living to
decline upon retirement.
16%
amount of income that social
security will replace for a
couple making between $50K
– $100K. That is, if social
security is still around when
it’s time to retire.

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com

13
Who to call?
Contact Page Entrust Freedom, LLC
Dave Owens, CPA, CES, Managing Member
Call for 1031 or Self Directed IRA information
Phone 239-333-1031 x203 or Email owens@1031company.com

Brandon Hall, MBA, CISP

Self Directed IRA questions and technical issues
Phone 239-333-1031 x211 or email at Brandon@entrustfreedom.com

Theresa Knower, CES, Chief Operating Officer

1031 Exchanges and all real estate closings
Phone 239-333-1031 x207 or email at Theresa@entrustfreedom.com

Austin Hardy, MBA. Director of Marketing and Business Development

Self Directed IRA questions
Phone 239-333-1031 x212 or email at Austin@entrustfreedom.com

Doug Robertson
Self Directed IRA purchase and sale transactions
Phone 239-333-1031 x205 or email at doug@entrustfreedom.com

Aaron Prida, MBA

North Florida Representative—Self Directed IRA questions/new accounts
Phone 352-378-7833 or email at aprida@entrustfreedom.com

Daniel Fisher
Self Directed IRA questions and new accounts
Phone 239-333-1031 x210 or email at daniel@entrustfreedom.com

Tricia Enke
Accounting and Bill Paying
Phone 239-333-1031 x208 or email at tricia@entrustfreedom.com

Entrust Freedom, LLC, 4560 Via Royale, #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Phone: 239-333-1031 www.entrustfreedom.com