Call for Awards of Distinction nominations

Wynell Lauver is communications consultant for Human Resources.

Is there an Emory employee who you feel deserves recognition for outstanding service and contributions to the community? If so, nominate him or her for an Award of Distinction.

All regular staff and “presidentially” approved principals employed for at least one year are eligible to be nominated. Faculty (including librarians) and employees of Emory Hospitals and Wesley Woods are not eligible for this program.

Nominations should reflect consistent job excellence and cite examples of how the employee has demonstrated:

• service in the work environment rendered above and beyond the call of duty.

• exemplary personal qualities that have enhanced the overall effectiveness of, or public regard for, the services provided by the department or University.

Nominations can be made by faculty or staff. Employees may not nominate themselves, nor can previous recipients or retirees be nominated. All nominations must be typed, limited to 500 words and endorsed by the head of the department, school or division in which the nominated employee works. The department head must submit a written recommendation on each person to the selection committee. A single department, school or division may have no more than five nominees.

Nominations are due Jan. 18, 2002, and can be sent to Patricia Douglass, assistant vice president for Human Resources, at 1762 Clifton Road or via fax to 404-727-2746. For more information, call 404-727-7625.

How to select a financial advisor
If you need help with your blueprint for the future, you may want to consult a financial adviser, who can advise you on everything from budgeting, taxes, retirement and estate planning, to investments, insurance and real estate.

Some financial advisers charge no fee; they make a commission on the financial products they sell.

Other advisers are fee-only, which means they charge for their services, but do not make a commission. Still others charge a fee for providing the financial plan and may also receive commissions if they sell any products.

Because there are so many types of financial professionals to choose from, you should ask two key questions before beginning a search for an adviser:

• What are my financial goals?

• What do I expect from an adviser?

Ask for referrals from people you trust. Narrow your list to several top candidates and set up an interview with each. Here are some core questions:

• Are you registered as an investment adviser representative?

• Are you also licensed to sell financial products?

• Do you sell financial products for a specific company?

• Is your investment style conservative, moderate or high risk?

• How long have you been in practice?

• How are you compensated?

Ask for references and a copy of the financial adviser’s credentials. Follow through and check them out. Also investigate the adviser’s firm. Some companies rotate personnel; if you choose a firm because of the qualifications of a particular individual, keep in mind that a new person may be put in charge of your file in the future.

Don’t be afraid to ask your adviser questions; after all, you’re paying for the answers. Plan to meet at least yearly with an adviser to review insurance and investments, the market and any changes in financial goals. If you have a major life change during the year, arrange for a special meeting.