When I started out in financial services, I worked nearly a decade as a captive agent for the Knights of Columbus. That meant I represented only their products — fixed life insurance and annuities. Today, at QED Wealth Solutions, I work independently as a financial planner. Insurance is still part of the work I do, […]
Captive vs. Independent: What I Learned From My Time on Each Side Read More »
Even the thought of retirement can be exhilarating. Knowing you’ll soon have the time freedom to do what you want, when you want, is enough to get even the most unimaginative person dreaming about the adventures, hobbies, and moments they’ve long put off. But along with the excitement comes some uncertainty. It’s hard to predict
What I Wish Every New Retiree Knew (Before they retired) Read More »
Just how “big” and “beautiful” are these BBB changes for retirees? When Congress names a bill the “Big Beautiful Bill,” you know two things right off the bat: As a financial planner, I’ve had a steady stream of people asking, “So is this actually good news for retirees, or just political fireworks with a fancy
BBB & You: Big Beautiful Bill and What it means Read More »
If you’re like most people nearing retirement, you probably think the hard part is behind you. You worked hard, saved consistently, and now you’re looking forward to slowing down and enjoying what you’ve built. Cue the hammock, the coffee mug that says “World’s Okayest Golfer,” and maybe a national park or two. But hidden inside
The Retirement Tax Time Bomb (and How to Diffuse It) Read More »
I recently had a client summarize retirement planning better than I ever could:“So basically… as long as I have more coming in than going out, I should be good?” Exactly! Income > Expenses = Freedom The math isn’t complicated. If your income is consistently greater than your expenses, then you’re not dependent on a paycheck
The Simple Retirement Formula You’ve Been Searching for Read More »
Retirement should be the reward for a lifetime of hard work—a time to enjoy life without the stress of a paycheck. But for many retirees, financial missteps turn what should be their golden years into a period of stress and uncertainty. Consider this: A study from the Center for Retirement Research found that nearly half
The 7 Biggest Financial Mistakes Retirees Make (and How to Avoid Them) Read More »
One of the things I value most about being a financial planner is the opportunity to have real, meaningful conversations with my clients. These discussions aren’t just about numbers—they’re about addressing personal concerns, setting goals, and building trust. I recently had a conversation with a client who shared some great questions about market volatility, retirement
Client Conversation: What It’s Like to Work with Me on Your Retirement Plan Read More »
A few months ago, I sat down with a new client to review his portfolio. He had worked with a previous advisor, and when I looked over his asset diversification, I saw something that made me pause—70% of his retirement savings were invested in Nvidia. Talk about too many (computer) chips in one basket? Now,
Diversification 101: What Nvidia can Teach Us Read More »
Happy New Year from Retire to Abundance and QED Wealth Solutions! I read this morning it’s officially too last to say that anymore, but I’ve never been one to care for stuff like that… With 2024 wrapped up and diving headfirst into 2025, I can’t help but look back on the year that was and
2024 Wrapped: Growth, Adventures, Gratitude Read More »
What do fortune cookies, carnival weight guessers, and risk tolerance questionnaires have in common? They all provide you with an answer—sometimes even a reasonably close one—but none are built on the rigorous foundation that your life’s savings demands. Just like trusting a fortune cookie to predict your future, relying on a risk tolerance questionnaire to
Why Risk Tolerance is Bulls–t Read More »