These three programs in the "Financial Planning Video Series" produced by Manufacturers Hanover Trust are both ill-conceived and boring to boot. All three titles use the same basic format: a man who introduces himself as Robert Trumbull (he may be John Doe for all we know, since there are no ending credits for the videos) discusses his financial situation with a financial planner in a rapid-fire interview session. In Principles of Financial Planning, Bob talks with "Kathleen" about the basic elements, including determining net worth; and setting short, intermediate, and long term financial goals. Part II introduces the concept of risk management (the risk management chart is an interesting piece of gobbledygook-it's a circle showing cash flow, estate planning, pension design, investments, tax planning, etc., all connected by bi-directional arrows; or, in other words an endless-and quite meaningless-circle). And Part III examines financial planning strategies, using the financial investment pyramid to explain the graduated scale of risk involved in various types of investments. The other two programs in the series reiterate the basics, using the same risk management and investment pyramid charts, but delve deeper into the subjects of retirement planning (in Financial Planning After 50) and conservative investing (in Low Risk Investing). The level of information given in the tapes falls somewhere between beginner and advanced. In other words, a novice to the world of financial planning would have extreme difficulty following the course of the labyrinthine discussions, while someone well-versed in the arcane business of money matters would be frustrated by the amount of non-specific information given. In addition, the presentations are awkward. Using a script that has all the verve and wit of a technical manual, "Trumbull" (obviously a professional actor) asks questions, which his interviewees answer by sometimes looking at him, and sometimes looking directly at the camera-a schizophrenic approach that leaves the interviewees looking rather uncomfortable. Too, there are very little graphics used in the program-occasionally, complicated pie charts or graphs are flashed on the screen for a space of five seconds or so (not nearly enough time to even look at the variables used, let alone interpret the information). In the final analysis, these tapes seem to say one thing loud and clear: people can't possibly get by without financial planners. But there are good programs out there which do successfully use the video medium to take away much of the mystery surrounding financial planning. The Manufacturers Hanover Trust series, however, is sheer torture to watch. Not recommended. (Available from: Aylmer Press, PO Box 2735, Madison, WI 53701.)
Financial Planning After 50; Low Risk Investing; Principles Of Financial Planning
(1989) 45 m. $39.95. Manufacturers Hanover Trust (dist. by Aylmer Press). Public performance rights included. Vol. 4, Issue 8
Financial Planning After 50; Low Risk Investing; Principles Of Financial Planning
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