Disclosure Obligations—What You Should Know Experience A Capitol Fourth by Sergio Siderman Tips On Choosing A “The day will be the most mem- Senior Vice President, COO and orable in the history of America. I General Counsel Financial Advisor am apt to believe it will be cele- Property I.D. (NAPSA)—Finding a good brated by succeeding generations (NAPSA)—To sue or not to sue, financial advisor could be just the as the great anniversary festi- that is fast becoming the question thing to help your nest egg grow. val…It ought to be solemnized as Americans deal with non-dis- There are plenty of these profes- with pomp and parade, with closure in buying and selling real sionals around. However, it’s a shows, games, sports, guns, bells, estate. The National Association good idea to take a few precau- bonfires and illuminations from of Realtors says that failure to dis- tions before handing over your one end of this continent to the close material facts is the leading life’s savings. other, from this time forward for cause of lawsuits filed against Americans for Financial ever more.” sellers and their real estate Security (AFS) suggests you ask —John Adams, July 3, 1776 agents. potential advisors the following (NAPSA)—It’s America’s big- Among the most costly hazard FESS UP—It’s the law. The questions: gest birthday party! Join the cele- non-disclosures are those that average property may have as • What financial planning des- bration this July 4th from the represent deadly risks. For exam- grounds of the U.S. Capitol when many as 40 natural and environ- ignations have they earned? ple, radon gas, an odorless and A Capitol Fourth kicks off a bril- mental hazards that sellers need • How long have they been colorless gas, occurs naturally liant evening of entertainment to disclose to potential buyers. doing financial planning? throughout the and •Will they provide at least topped by a dazzling display of is the second leading cause of lung his home was built on a fault line three references of current clients? fireworks over the Washington cancer. The Environmental Pro- resulting in a 15 percent drop in • Have they ever received dis- Monument. America’s premier Tune in for an award-winning tection Agency (EPA) estimates 10 the valuation of his property ciplinary action from a profes- holiday event offers one of the musical extravaganza when PBS million homes have concentra- •AFlorida family had one most exciting musical salutes to sional or regulatory body? celebrates America’s birthday tions of radon well beyond safety side of its house sink almost two take place on Independence Day To further help you manage with A Capitol Fourth 2003, standards. feet into “muck” six months after in the nation’s Capitol featuring your money, AFS offers free, easy- Friday, July 4. Of course, radon gas is only one purchase to-use online investment calcula- memorable patriotic tunes rang- of the many natural hazards that These are examples of non-dis- tors at www.afswebsite.org that ing from the classics to rock ’n A rousing favorite of Washing- pose a significant threat. The aver- closures that ultimately result in can answer many of your personal roll, country and folk. ton residents and national televi- age property may have as many as successful lawsuits demonstrating finance questions. The concert, hosted by veteran sion audiences alike, A Capitol 40 natural and environmental haz- that the sellers or agents knew, or AFS helps members aspire, actor , will fea- Fourth 2003 will also deliver a ards that sellers need to disclose to should have known, about envi- focus and succeed by monitoring ture performances by some of the special tribute to legendary com- potential buyers. These can range ronmental or natural hazards crucial small-business legislation, country’s best-known and award- poser —who has from earthquake fault zones to affecting the property they sold. supplying free tax and business winning musical artists including transformed the landscape of Hol- landfills, from groundwater conta- Sometimes it only takes circum- information, granting thousands country music superstar and lywood films with beloved musical mination to high-risk fire districts. stantial evidence to prove liability, of dollars in scholarships each American idol , scores for such classics as Jaws, Disclosure is also required if the especially when official govern- year and offering more than 100 Grammy award-winning Irish Schindler’s List, E.T.: The Extra- property has special tax assess- ment maps charting these haz- money and time saving benefits. musical force The Chieftains, Terrestrial and the Indiana Jones ments or is affected by a protected ards have been produced and For more information, call 1-800- Tony award-winning Broadway series. The winner of multiple conservation area. This may sound made readily available. 492-1016 or visit them online at sensation and television star Academy awards, Grammys, Gol- like a lot to disclose but it’s negligi- As the concept of caveat emptor www.afswebsite.org. , and many den Globes and Emmys, Williams ble compared to potential litigation (buyer beware) continues to erode others. Leading the internation- is also widely recognized for his and financial costs. across the country, it becomes ally renowned National Sym- ceremonial music including Lib- Suits that made recent head- more and more difficult for sellers phony Orchestra is American erty Fanfare and Olympic Fanfare. lines include: and agents to run for cover under premier pops conductor, Erich To learn more, visit the compan- • Buyers going into escrow the “I didn’t know” umbrella. Kunzel. The event airs live on ion Web site at www..org/capitol learned their property was in a Property I.D. helps buyers, sellers PBS from the West Lawn of the fourth. A Capitol Fourth 2003 is flood zone, requiring huge insur- and their agents get the necessary U.S. capitol on Friday, July 4, made possible in part through the ance premiums. information to meet their legally 2003 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET generous support of Lockheed •ACalifornia man discovered imposed disclosure obligations. (check local listings). Martin Corporation.

The Real Value Of Bush’s Economic Growth Plan Energy-Efficient Consumer Electronics by W. Henson Moore U.S. was the highest of all nations Advice On Hiring Family by Gary Shapiro (NAPSA)—The Bush Adminis- studied, at 53 percent. That’s 22 (NAPSA)—Energy efficiency has tration’s economic growth plan, percentage points higher than the (NAPSA)—Small businesses been a focus of the consumer elec- with its proposal for elimination of average of the other competing often look to family when it’s time tronics industry for many years. As double taxation of corporate divi- countries. The study concluded to hire help. Here are hints on our country looks for ways to con- dends, will help American compa- the biggest reason for this huge making it succeed. serve energy, companies in our nies compete in the global market- disparity was the double taxation While it can affect the morale industry are supporting voluntary place. That will of dividends. for non-family employees, it is pos- efforts that take a market-based provide more jobs If President Bush’s plan to sible to mix blood and business approach to reducing electricity use. and better wages for eliminate the double tax were successfully if you take certain In many cases, our products our workers, spur- enacted, the tax rate on U.S. paper steps. First, hire relatives for their are part of the solution to the New consumer electronics ring dramatic recov- manufacturing would fall from 61 strengths and the skills they bring energy debate. Electronic products products are helping reduce ery in the U.S. econ- percent to 44 percent, placing the to your business. Monitor their become smaller, cheaper, better, overall energy usage. omy. U.S. in the middle of the pack with performance to ensure they do the faster and more energy efficient To see the practi- its competitors. The tax rate on job well. Avoid giving them special year after year. Product “conver- this initiative since 1997and part- W. Henson cal effect of the Pres- forestry would also fall into the treatments and privileges. If they gence” also helps conserve energy ners with retailers, manufacturers Moore ident’s plan, let’s middle—34 percent. Once the tax aren’t pulling their weight, let as the features of two or more pre- and utilities to increase sales of look at how it would affect the rates on U.S. companies are closer them go. Most importantly, keep viously separate devices are com- ENERGY STAR-qualified consumer forest products industry—the peo- to those imposed on its competi- their pay on the same scale as bined into one product. electronics products. ple who manufacture the pulp, tors, U.S. companies will be better other employees in the business. Retailers benefit as consumers EPA research found 40 percent paper, paperboard and wood prod- positioned to compete to sell their This advice comes from the become more knowledgeable about of U.S. households recognize the ucts we use every day. I believe products, both here and abroad. experts at the Alliance for Afford- the energy-efficient products avail- ENERGY STAR label and more than this example is indicative of how There are those who claim the able Services. Its mission is to able to them. One initiative that 750 million labeled products have the law would help many of the President’s plan is only about enhance the quality of life for addresses this issue is ENERGY been purchased to date. Seventy- industries and sectors of the U.S. increasing wealth and profits for American families that embrace STAR, a program sponsored by the four percent of those who were economy. big corporations and rich share- the ideals and philosophy of U.S. Environmental Protection aware of the label and made a A recent study by the interna- holders. That is simply not true. entrepreneurship. Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Depart- purchase within the past 12 tional accounting firm Pricewater- When U.S. companies are more The Alliance empowers its ment of Energy (DOE). months reported buying an houseCoopers looked at effective competitive and are selling more members to succeed by providing ENERGY STAR is an active part- ENERGY STAR-qualified product. tax rates in the U.S., as well as product, they need to hire more quality benefits that educate and nership between manufacturers, Through increased product those in countries with which we workers and offer them better inform them about personal, pro- retailers and other industry organi- offerings, activities such as compete to sell forest products— wages. That is what the Presi- fessional and financial matters. In zations united by a common goal: to national promotions, and the Indonesia, Brazil, Finland, Japan, dent’s plan will mean for millions addition, the Alliance advocates help protect our environment for efforts of ENERGY STAR partners, Germany and Canada. of Americans who are looking for for fair and equitable laws for this future generations by more energy- EPA and DOE hope to drive more The study found that U.S. tax work, or who are scratching to vital sector of the economy. efficient practices. Manufacturers consumers to purchase ENERGY rates for paper manufacturing get by, one paycheck at a time. For more information, call involved with ENERGY STAR have STAR products this holiday season were 61 percent, just below That is why we should all sup- 1-800-733-2242 or visit the Web made a commitment to protect the and throughout the year. Addi- Canada’s 63 percent and 13 per- port the President’s economic site at www.affordableservices.org. environment by continuing to man- tional information can be found at centage points higher than the growth plan. ufacture quality products that help www.energystar.gov. average of the other five coun- • Mr. Moore is President and consumers save energy. • Gary Shapiro is president tries. The effective tax rate on cor- CEO at American Forest & Paper The Consumer Electronics and CEO of the Consumer Elec- porate timber operations in the Association. Association (CEA) has supported tronics Association. 12