Retirement, Tax Strategies to Be Discussed at Investing Event

Major changes in federal tax laws this year--and how investors can best take advantage of those changes--will be covered in personal finance panel discussions at The Times’ second annual Investment Strategies Conference the weekend of Feb. 7 to 8.

The conference, to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center downtown, is the largest of its kind in Southern California. It will provide individuals the chance to hear from, and ask questions of, more than 80 experts in the fields of investing and financial planning.

In addition, all attendees will have the chance to hear four keynote speakers over the two days: John C. Bogle, chairman of the Vanguard Group of mutual funds; Charles Schwab, chairman of brokerage giant Charles Schwab Corp.; Arthur Levitt, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and Mary Schapiro, president of NASD Regulation, the regulatory arm of the National Assn. of Securities Dealers.

Among the personal finance panels investors can attend at the conference:

* Retirement and estate planning. This panel will focus on what individuals need to consider in structuring their investment portfolios and estate plans if they are nearing retirement or are already retired.

* Investment strategies for early retirement. A panel of financial planners will provide portfolio and lifestyle advice for investors whose dream is to retire early.

* Financing a child’s education. This panel will focus on advice and information for investors looking to build a nest egg for college costs. The 1997 tax law has opened new financing options for many families.

* Women’s investment issues. A panel of successful female financial advisors will provide tips for women who may be new to investing or who have special needs or goals.

The cost to attend the conference is $55 for both days or $45 for one day. Investors can register in advance for the specific panels they wish to attend, although registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.

For more information or to register, call (800) 350-3211 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., or see The Times’ World Wide Web site at https://www.latimes.com/isc