Carrie joined First Investors in 1997, after earning a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Portland. She chose to pursue a career as a financial services representative so she could help people reach their financial goals.

From the beginning, Carrie's strong work ethic and engaging personality have helped her to gain the trust of her clients and the respect of her colleagues. Growing up, Carrie worked for her father's masonry business. She credits much of her success to this early introduction to the work world. Says Carrie, "I'm not afraid to work hard."

Carrie's determination has earned her many accolades at First Investors. Most recently, she was awarded the title of Vice President of the 2011 First Investors Chairman's Council¹. A spot in the Council is the highest honor awarded annually at First Investors. Carrie has achieved this designation six times in the past eight years. Carrie has also been inducted into the Silver Level of the Chairman's Circle. This is a prestigious distinction that honors lifetime career achievement.

All of this recognition, however, is incidental to Carrie's hard work at a job she loves. She says, "The thing I love most about what I do is meeting with clients every day, being with them and helping them achieve their financial goals." Her passion for her career is just one of the main reasons why clients refer Carrie to their friends and family time and time again.

Our Long History of Excellence

First Investors has been serving the needs of clients since 1930. Through the Great Depression, World War II and numerous recessions, we have remained committed to our mission-helping individuals reach their financial goals. We offer a wide range of quality financial products and services, including mutual funds, annuities and life insurance.

Your First Investors Representative

It takes intelligence, dedication, a special understanding of people and sound knowledge of financial products and services to be a First Investors Financial Services Representative.

First Investors' representatives receive comprehensive training concerning our financial products and services in our sales offices based upon a program developed by our national training facility, known as the University of First Investors (UFI). Our representatives also receive ongoing advanced training to ensure that representatives are up-to-date on the latest techniques, as well as on securities industry rules and regulations.

We have a lot of confidence in your First Investors representative. Together, you'll make a great team, dedicated to achieving your financial goals.

Your First Investors Representative's Methodology

At First Investors, we understand that each client's financial needs and goals are unique. That's why your representative takes a personalized approach toward investing. Here are the steps that your representative will follow to help you prepare for your financial future.

Review Your Financial Needs

The first step in creating your portfolio is to assess your complete financial picture. Understanding your current assets, liabilities, income, investments and life insurance needs will help your representative make appropriate recommendations, consistent with your financial needs and goals.

Identify Your Long-Term Goals

Your representative will help you identify your long-term financial goals, such as funding a child's education, purchasing a home or preparing for a comfortable retirement. Then your representative can provide a realistic estimate of how much money will be needed to achieve your goals.

Gauge Your Risk Tolerance

Each individual has a unique comfort level for the risks inherent in investing. Some investors accept risks with ease, others with caution. In order to recommend suitable investments, your representative will need to learn about your personal tolerance for risk.

Evaluate Appropriate Investments and Life Insurance Products

Your representative will help you select investments and insurance products that are appropriate for you, based upon your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial situation.

Present Personalized Recommendations²

Based on the information gathered concerning your current financial situation, future goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, your representative will develop personalized financial recommendations. You'll want to review the recommendations and discuss any concerns that you may have. Once you have selected appropriate investment and life insurance products, your representative will help you implement your choices.

Recommend an Asset Allocation Strategy for You

Asset allocation—spreading your investments across stocks, bonds and cash equivalents—is an important component to investing. Based on your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance, your First Investors representative will suggest ways to allocate your assets.

Help You Focus on Your Long-Term Goals

"Do it yourself" investors often lose track of the importance of long-term thinking. They frequently buy at the high points and sell at the lows. This hurts their long-term performance. Your representative will help you develop the discipline to avoid acting on short-term events or market conditions.

Provide Ongoing Support

As your financial needs and objectives change over time, your First Investors can meet with you periodically to review your situation and fine-tune your financial portfolio.

¹ Qualification for the First Investors Chairman's Council, Chairman's Circle and other recognition programs and honorary titles (such as President, Vice President, etc) are determined by First Investors' internal points system, which is based on sales of investment and/or insurance products.

² First Investors offers brokerage services. It is not an investment adviser.

For more information about First Investors products, you may obtain a free prospectus by contacting your financial services representative, writing to the address above, calling (800) 423-4026 or visiting our website at www.firstinvestors.com. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information, and should be read carefully before you invest or send money. An investment in one of these products is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.