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 »
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 »
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 »
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, nothing is certain except for death, taxes, and market volatility… OK, maybe I modified this a bit, but in the world of investing, market volatility is a certainty. Yet, this really isn’t something that should be feared but rather embraced and harnessed to give you the best possible investing results.
Why (Market) Volatility Doesn’t Matter Read More »
When it comes to personal finance, there’s no shortage of advice out there. Everyone seems to have an opinion—from that one cousin who swears by cryptocurrency to your neighbor who says you should never carry debt. But if you really want to get serious about mastering your finances, there’s nothing like turning to tried-and-true advice
These 5 Finance Books Will Actually Help You Retire Wealthy Read More »
Navigating retirement can feel a bit like being on a rollercoaster—you’re excited but a little nervous, and there are twists and turns you might not see coming. If you’re part of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), it’s crucial to avoid some common pitfalls that can impact your financial security. Let’s dive into the
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming KPERS Read More »