Ayokunnu Are's Schools

• University of Michigan Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies , Class of 1989 MPA

• University of Michigan , Class of 1987 Bachelors in Politics

Ayokunnu Are's Publications

• The Importance of A Money Manager, Ayokunnu Are October, 2010 By: Ayokunnu Are In the global economy, the successful management of financial assets is increasingly complex. The recent economic downturn saw many individuals lose funds they had worked hard to acquire and had counted on for retirement and for other life goals. Even some affluent people did not expect the financial hits they sustained. Now, more than ever, engaging the services of a reputable, experienced, and capable Money Manager seems crucial. Diversifying, leveraging, wealth preservation, charitable giving, tax planning, and estate and retirement planning can be bewildering to a novice and overwhelming even to the sophisticated, experienced global investor. Finding an experienced, highly ethical Money Manager sensitive to your particular financial needs is essential. Although scrutinizing a prospective Money Manager’s background may seem an obvious strategy, it can be difficult to gauge his or her track record without looking to outside agencies. However, several recognized standards of excellence exist in financial advising, as do reliable sources of information about those employed in this field. The Marquis Who’s Who, known as “America’s Biographer,” has maintained a database of detailed information since 1899, now easily accessible online. Who’s Who in Finance and Business features over 20,000 listings of the professional credentials of executives in the finance and business world. These resources assist consumers in selecting money-management services and provide security and reassurance about the ethics and acumen of specific financial advisers.

• Estate Planning Tips August, 2011 By Ayokunnu Are Regardless of your net worth or the amount of assets you hold, it remains important to institute proper estate planning strategies. These types of preparations ensure that your financial responsibilities will be taken care of and help to safeguard your family and loved ones in the years to come. The following tips provide some useful information you can apply to your own estate plan. 1. Enlist the help of a legal or financial planning professional to navigate through complicated legal jargon and to learn about various laws specific to your state. Such individuals can also help you to take advantage of special tax breaks or incentives, allowing you to effectively allocate your assets. 2. Make sure to draft a will that clearly outlines how your assets should be dispersed. Remember, wills are not just for wealthy individuals; every person can benefit from putting such a plan in place. 3. A trust also represents a necessary and important legal agreement for any individual navigating through the estate planning process. Trusts allow an individual to put further definition into his or her will. This document also provides enhanced protection in the event of a lawsuit or creditor issue. 4. Some individuals leave all assets to their spouse; however, this can increase the estate taxes imposed on certain assets and decrease the value of one’s total wealth. Again, it is best to speak to a professional to ensure your financial plan is best suited to your circumstances and goals. About the Author: Possessing over two decades of financial industry experience, Ayokunnu Are now serves as the founder and President of Money Managers International. Focused on matters of wealth management and insurance, Ayokunnu Are continues to perform as a respected financial professional.

• The Top of the TableAyokunnu Are Distinguishes Himself as One of the Million Dollar Round Table’s Elite , Ayokunnu Are's Blog on Bigsight October, 2011 Ayokunnu Are has distinguished himself in the private banking insurance and financial services industry for over two decades. Mr. Are’s dedication to his clients has warranted praise from a number of prestigious organizations. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is one such association. In 2000 and 2001, the Million Dollar Round Table recognized Ayokunnu Are as one of their “Top of the Table” members, a professional privilege bestowed upon less than five percent of all Million Dollar Round Table members. The MDRT only presents this honor to those who demonstrate superiority in the realm of customer service, industry knowledge, and consumer prosperity. The Million Dollar Round Table was founded in 1927 as a premier association of financial professionals. It has become the renowned standard of performance for sales within the industry. Since its commencement, the organization’s membership has grown from 32 life insurance producers to a membership total encompassing nearly 36,000 of the most accomplished financial and life insurance services professionals from over 430 businesses in 78 countries. Members must exhibit an extraordinary grasp of occupational knowledge, as well as adhere to a stringent code of ethical conduct and display a record of providing excellent customer service. The catalyst for the MDRT was a belief that “To receive, individuals must give.” The original 32 life insurance producers, who each had sold over $1 million dollars in life insurance, desired a medium where like-minded professionals could meet to discuss and exchange ideas for the benefit of the clients and the industry. The founders of the MDRT realized the necessity of incorporating a strict code of ethics into their institution to maintain the association’s excellence. To help uphold these standards, an executive committee comprised of five elected members oversees and supervises the organization. Each year, the MDRT holds a meeting comprised of 4,000 of the highest producers from across the globe to learn about some of the most ingenious sales concepts in the financial service industry. Not only are invitees privy to the insight of the 100 speakers at the gathering, but the annual event also provides a forum for them to network with other financial services professionals. In a similar vein, the MDRT also hosts an annual gathering called the Top of the Table Annual Meeting, where about 40 Top of the Table members as well as other professionals and non-members discuss issues critical to those in the life insurance and financial services fields. Invitation to this exclusive gathering is only extended to the top achieving members in the industry, such as Mr. Are.

Ayokunnu Are's Links