From: Chris Toadvine [chris.toadvine@ronblue.com] Sent: Monday, July 15, 2002 11:51 AM To: 'rule-comments@sec.gov' Subject: File No. S7-25-99 To Whom it May Concern: As a provider of Financial Planning Services, I have had the experience of dealing with numerous clients who have been abused, misinformed, and taken advantage of by those holding themselves out as 'financial advisors'. This causes me great concern as I see folks whose retirement lifestyle has been compromised by receiving poor advice under the auspices of a "financial plan" generated solely to support the sale of an inappropriate product. I vehemently oppose the proposed SEC-rule "Certain Broker-Dealers Deemed Not To Be Investment Advisors" for several reasons. First, it promotes confusion to the investing public who is looking for ethical & unbiased financial advice. Next, it does not encourage a level playing field between financial advise providers subjecting some to lower standards of disclosure and fiduciary standards. Lastly, it is not in the best interest of consumers as it reduces the standard of conduct below what is acceptable for consumers trusting their life's savings to this 'financial advisor'. As you ponder the future of this proposed rule, I urge you to consider which provider you would want your Mother to recieve advice and planning from -someone registered under the proposed rule or someone registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940? In light of the above I further urge the SEC to withdraw the proposed rule. Ronald Blue & Co., LLC Financial, Estate, Tax & Investment Counsel Chris Toadvine, CFP(tm) Client Manager 450 South Orange Avenue, Suite 250 Orlando, Florida 32801 Tel (407) 581-3340 Fax (407) 581-3341 chris.toadvine@ronblue.com www.ronblue.com