This past week, one of our clients shared that they had paid off their mortgage ā years ahead of schedule. On paper, the āmathā might have said to keep it, but thatās why "financial" planning is not always about the numbers. Just a few years ago, they felt stuck because of debt. They made the decision to take control of their financial future, and now theyāre completely debt-free ā other than regular monthly bills. The feeling of accomplishment and optimism they shared far outweighed what any...
7 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
I recently joined Purse Stringsā āMoney Talksā conversation with co-founders, Dr. Barbara Provost and Maggie Nielsen. We delved into how key life events (retirement, loss of a spouse, divorce, etc.) can dramatically shift not just your lifestyle, but your tax picture and financial safety net. I walked through strategies to proactively manage taxes, safeguard your assets, and stay flexible over time. Check it out here š: Planning for Lifeās Transitions: Retirement, Tax Strategies, and Wealth...
14 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 4 min read
At the end of a recent meeting, a client shared something that truly stopped me in my tracks.. āWe look at our accounts and we look at that new site that you gave us that shows our net worth and everything, and we comfort from that, but we draw the most comfort from the fact that we trust you and you are a game changer for us. We draw great comfort from knowing that we're in good hands.ā Hearing words like that is both humbling and inspiring. I often feel a deep sense of responsibility for...
21 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
Recently, a prospective client told me she is going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. What struck me most was when she said, āMy husband has had a financial advisor since weāve been married. I have never talked to him.ā Now, facing this transition, sheās left uncertain about her financial future. Unfortunately, this is far from uncommon. She reached out because of our experience walking with women through difficult periods like this. But her story is also a reminder: if your...
28 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
š„EVENT ALERTš„ Life is full of transitionsāretirement, career shifts, and even unexpected changes. While we canāt always predict whatās ahead, smart planning today can make tomorrowās challenges easier to manage. Thatās why Iām excited to join Purse Stringsā Money Talk series on Thursday, October 9th at 11:00 AM CT. This free, 30-minute event will focus on retirement planning, tax strategies, and protecting the wealth youāve worked so hard to build. You can learn more about Purse Strings and...
about 1 month agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
Last week was absolutely incredible. With our daughter and granddaughter in town for my wife, Dawn's birthday. It is so amazing to see how much an infant's vocabulary grows over just a matter of weeks. It may be more amazing how parents learn to interpret their child's vocabulary š. As probably the easiest example, our granddaughter loves Baby Shark. But she doesn't call it "Baby Shark" or "Momma Shark." It's "Baby Doo-Doo" and "Momma Doo-Doo." Which, if you have ever heard the Baby Shark...
about 1 month agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
This week, I wish a very special happy birthday to my wife, Dawn. My partner in life, in business, and the one who truly makes our house a home. I could have never imagined that after almost 30 years of marriage, you would make me as happy today as I was the day we married. I could not imagine not having you by my side. An amazing mother, a very special grandma (Dawn-naw), and an even better wife. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! ššš I love you! Planning Beyond Documents: Building Support as a Solo Senior...
about 2 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
š„EVENT ALERT š„ Divorce and Retirement: What You Need to KnowLive Virtual Q&A with Jill Lowe & Eric BlakeThursday, September 25 | 6:30 PM ā 7:30 PM CT | Zoom Webinar Are you navigatingāor consideringādivorce later in life? Wondering how it might impact your retirement, Social Security, or financial stability? Weāre inviting you to a special live Q&A event where collaborative divorce attorney Jill Lowe and retirement planner Eric Blake will answer your most important questions. LEARN MORE AND...
about 2 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
This week is extra special for me because weāre celebrating my momās birthday. Her love, strength, and encouragement have shaped so much of who I am todayāboth personally and in the work I do helping women navigate retirement. Iām grateful every day for the example she has set, and I couldnāt let this week go by without saying: Happy Birthday, Mom! š Navigating Life After Loss ā Part 2: Financial & Legal Aspects š¬ From Episode 68: āThe biggest thing is none of us are meant to go through this...
2 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 2 min read