Mutual Funds Pooling resources can often be a great way of getting the most out of your money. Even if you have only a modest amount to invest, pooling your money in mutual funds, where you share goals with other investors, can benefit you and your family. Your investment becomes part of a large pool of dollars which is spread over a substantial portfolio of stocks, bonds and other investment opportunities. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus which may be obtained from an investment professional. Please read carefully before investing or sending money. PrimeVest Financial Services works with several highly respected companies, making it easy for you to get the perfect mix of funds from just one source.  top
Annuities Annuities are tax-sheltered investments sponsored by insurance companies. Earnings aren’t taxed until you make withdrawals, meaning your money has the potential to grow faster than it would in a taxable account. Unlike 401(k)s and IRAs, there are no limits on how much you can invest in an annuity, making them especially appealing to investors who want to maximize their contributions to tax-advantaged accounts.* * Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. top
Bonds When you buy a bond, you’re simply making a loan — either to a company or the government. As with any loan, the borrower pays you interest. Then, when your bond matures, you get back your original investment. Compared with stocks, bonds are less likely to lose money over short time periods, but also less likely to gain as much over long periods. Their tendency to zig when stocks zag means they provide important ballast in times of market volatility. PrimeVest Financial Services offers you access to both bond mutual funds and individual bonds. Available categories include U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and government-agency issues. top
Stocks Stocks are sometimes called “equities” because they represent a share, or a piece of equity, in a company. In other words, when you buy stock in a company, you’re actually buying a small piece of that company. As a part owner, you’re entitled to share in any profits the company makes. These profits are distributed in the form of dividends. You also profit through “capital appreciation” — growth in the price of the company’s stock. Stocks are inappropriate for short-term investors because of their potential for unexpected price swings. Judging by historical patterns, however, they tend
to become less volatile and more rewarding as your holding period increases. PrimeVest Financial Services offers you access to both stock mutual funds and individual stocks. top
IRAs Mutual funds, bonds and stocks all can be held within an Individual Retirement Account. If you or your spouse have earned income, you’re eligible to contribute up to $3,000 per year (for tax years 2002-2004) to an IRA. If you’re at least 50 years old, you can even put away an extra $500 annually. There are two primary types of IRAs. With a traditional IRA, contributions are deductible (assuming you aren’t covered by a company retirement plan or your income falls under certain limits), and earnings grow tax deferred until you take distributions in retirement. With a Roth IRA, contributions aren’t deductible, but your earnings grow tax free — instead of just delaying taxes, you avoid them altogether (provided distributions are taken when you’re over age 59 1/2 and the account is at least five years old). Your investment professional can analyze your situation and help you decide which IRA is best. We also offer SEP-IRAs for sole proprietors and SIMPLE IRAs for small businesses (typically 10 or fewer employees). Though investment products are available at West Shore Bank offices, they are not deposits or obligations of West Shore Bank. Consequently, they are not guaranteed by any bank and are not insured by the FDIC. Please remember that all investment products involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. top | 
