Andy Mayo retired from the financial services industry in 2007 after working as a marketing manager in the insurance industry and as a retirement plan business unit manager for a Chicago trust company, during which time he earned a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation and became a fellow in the International Society of Employee Benefits Specialists. He completed his career as a retirement plans regional sales director and financial advisor with Smith Barney. He is a member of the Market Technicians Association and a candidate for its Chartered Market Technician designation. He is the author of an e-book, The Joy of Stock Market Investing, and regularly comments on the direction of financial markets on his web site, www.extramayo.net.