The Coup Agency

Financial/ Retirement/ Estate Planning Strategies/ Annuities

Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.



We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We have created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing*, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most important, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.


 

We’re here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial management; to help you learn more about who we are; and to give you fast, easy access to market performance data. We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.


 

*Eric McDowell  is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Equity Services, Inc.  Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through registered representatives and investment adviser representatives of Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC,  Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser, 500 Franklin Ave, Unit 5, Berlin, MD 21811, 410-629-0357.  The Coup Agency and all other entities and individuals referenced are independent of Equity Services, Inc. unless otherwise noted.


 

 
Calculators

Credit Card Debt

How Long Will It Take to Pay my Balance?

Lifetime Earnings

This calculator is designed to help you attach a dollar figure to your life’s work.

Personal Inflation Rate

Is your personal inflation rate higher or lower than the CPI?

Savings Accumulation

Estimate the future value of your current savings.

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Newsletters

HOT TOPIC: Why Global Investors Are Worried About European Debt

European officials are working on a bailout deal to help debt-laden Greece avoid default, but some are worried a broader eurozone financial crisis may be waiting in the wings. How likely is a Greek sovereign debt default, and how could it affect European and U.S. financial markets?

Be Ready for a Change in Interest Rates

Fluctuating interest rates can be challenging for bond investors who want to reinvest their principal. When rates are low, they may have to accept lower yields; when rates rise when principal is tied up, they may not be able to benefit. One strategy to help manage reinvestment risk is to build a bond ladder.

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Debt-Ceiling Compromise

The Budget Control Act of 2011 raised the federal debt ceiling, mandated modest but significant caps on discretionary spending over the next ten years, and left the details of larger deficit reduction to a 12 member, bipartisan “super committee.” The main provisions of the law include the assumption that higher tax rates will return in 2013.

New Rules Are in the Cards

In 2010, the federal government issued a dizzying array of rules and reforms affecting consumer credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. This article explains some of the important developments resulting from enactment of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009.

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