Measuring Investment Growth Financial Growth Lessons from Back-to-School Photos Like many parents, we have a cherished tradition with our daughter, Jillian, who is starting her first year of Junior High at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Every school year starts and ends with a snapshot of her in front of the school’s sign. Watching Jillian grow and…
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High-Net-Worth Advisors
Achieving High-Net-Worth Questions and Expectations for A Financial Advisor Serving HNW Individuals High-Net-Worth (HNW) individuals possess unique financial needs and aspirations that standard investment advisory services often fail to meet. Managing substantial wealth requires not just financial acumen but a deep understanding of complex strategies tailored to maximize asset growth and minimize risks. High-Net-Worth status…
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Bug In Your Retirement Plan
Is There a Bug in Your Retirement Plan? Retirement Planning is Hard Enough Without the Annoying Buzz of Media Headlines Picture this: It’s early spring, and the news is buzzing—quite literally—about cicadas. Reports claimed we’d be swarmed by these noisy critters, ankle-deep in them, with our trees and gardens left in ruins. Sounds like something…
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3 Risky Types of Investment Advice that Could Ruin Your Retirement Dreams
3 Risky Types of Investment Advice that Could Ruin Your Retirement Dreams As 2023 drew to a close, Wall Street faced a sobering truth: the so-called financial experts had missed the mark. Their dire predictions at the year’s start, forecasting a slump in markets and advising caution, had led many investors astray. Instead, the year…
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Investment Strategy Mistakes Taught by Reckless Drivers
Investment Strategy Mistakes Taught by Reckless Drivers Have you ever encountered a reckless driver in Bloomington Normal? Picture this: just the other day, I was cruising down Fort Jesse Rd in Bloomington Normal, contentedly tuned into WCIC on the radio as I rode to work when a cacophony of thunderous bass and the growling sound…
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Building a Financial Strategy That Will Endure
Building a Financial Strategy That Will Endure Like the Pyramids What’s the key to a financial strategy built to last? The pyramids of Giza have stood the test of time, enduring centuries of wind, sand, and human activity. These ancient structures were engineered with precision and attention to detail, designed to last for generations. Similarly,…
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A Financial Advisor’s Role is Like Fishing With Kids
A Financial Advisor’s Role is Like Fishing With Kids This summer, I realized my job as a financial advisor is in some regards, similar to a parent fishing with their kids! I’ve found clients who enjoy having control of their finances often appreciate a financial advisor doing the tedious work. They can keep their hand…
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Tax Free Retirement
Is There Such Thing as a Tax Free Retirement? Alas, the actual process of setting up a solid retirement strategy can seem like an overwhelming challenge. After all, tomorrow isn’t promised, let alone an idyllic future that may be years away. Someday, most of us will make it to the finish line we call retirement. …
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Secure Act Changes to Retirement Plans
Who is Feeling SECURE with the New Tax Change for Retirement Accounts? The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” Ronald Reagan famously stated this. So, it’s understandable that some may be apprehensive when the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act…
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This Rookie’s Contract Like a Well-Timed Fixed Annuity
A Lesson in Locking in Financial Security from an Unlikely Cubs Newcomer I loved the Cinderella story of this Cubs newcomer even before he displayed his financial savvy. When he signed the big contract, shortly after making the big leagues, it was unusual. As an investment advisor and insurance professional, I applauded his financial acumen. …
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