Blog Posts

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By Marc C. Shaffer

Time for another international travel adventure!

To read more on my philosophy of prioritizing travel in my life, visit I PLAN, So That I Can. 

December 26, 2019 – January 11, 2020

Patagonia—one of the top trekking destinations in the world! We’ll complete the famed W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia with its glacier views and bring in the New Year with a sunrise hike to Mirador Las Torres to see the spectacular jagged granite towers. We’ll visit two awe inspiring glaciers, kayaking right next to Grey Glacier (Chile) and spending an unforgettable day hiking the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina).

We’ll explore Argentine Patagonia and complete the alpine hikes to Mount Fitz Roy and to the spectacular rock needles of Cerro Torre. We’ll end our adventures in far northeast Argentina to see Iguazu Falls, one of the New Natural Seven Wonders of the World! Iguazu Falls has been called the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfall! In addition to the falls, we’ll have a chance to explore the jungle and relax! Before we head home, we’ll briefly stop in Buenos Aires to soak up the culture, food, and learn to tango! Join us for an amazing two weeks and take home a lifetime of memories!

We are committed to the security of your data, and carefully review our internal protocols and those of our vendor partners for this purpose. Several years ago, we migrated away from having any data on a local server. Everything we now use is a cloud-based system that utilizes several layers of encryption. If you have any questions or concerns about the security of your data, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here is a summary of the security protocols (language taken directly from each entity) for the software that we use, as well as links to their sites for additional information:

Custodian – Charles Schwab: Our sites feature encryption and risk-based security technology. These controls, combined with automated alerts, an identity verification process and rigorous monitoring, help defend against unauthorized account access.

https://www.schwab.com/schwabsafe

Performance Reporting - Orion Connect: Orion is ISO 27001 certified and SSAE16 Type II audited, so you can rest easy knowing that our system and processes have been thoroughly examined. We also go above and beyond what’s expected with our technology and support solutions. We offer a two-factor authentication login method with all of our web services to make your account more secure.

https://www.orionadvisor.com/solutions/security-solutions/

CRM Software - SalesForce: Identifiers are assigned with each new session, so that your data is available only to those who are authorized to access it. Authentication and encryption: Salesforce security stays ahead of the curve by relying on the most up-to-date Transport Layer Security (TLS) for both authentication and encryption.

https://www.salesforce.com/hub/technology/cloud-security-is-salesforce-priority/

Document Imaging – NetDocuments: Documents managed by NetDocuments are treated as digital assets, which you as a customer always own and control. Privacy and encryption are achieved while contents are in transit or at rest through AES-256 and SSL-128 encryption.

https://www.netdocuments.com/en-us/governanceovernance

Financial Planning Software – Envestnet: Envestnet | MoneyGuide adheres to leading industry practices for data security, regulatory compliance, and privacy.

https://www.moneyguidepro.com/ifa/home/faqs

Data Request – FileInvite: FileInvite is a cloud-based, automated platform for collecting information, files and signed documents. Document collection is all about using online tools to help manage client information. These alternatives to email and local data storage streamline the way you can collect, store and share documents. They reduce handling errors, keep your data safe and compliant, and improve your overall productivity. A team member may request information from you via the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

https://www.fileinvite.com/security

Please note, we have made an effort to make sure the most recent security information is presented from each partner. However, please visit each link to read the full and updated security information.

Please remember that different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product made reference to directly or indirectly in this content, will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), or be suitable for you or your portfolio. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this newsletter (article) serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Searcy Financial Services, Inc.

The content of this letter does not constitute a tax or legal opinion. Always consult with a competent professional service provider for advice on tax or legal matters specific to your situation. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed in this content, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.  

Originally published on February 21, 2018 (most recent update: January 23, 2024) by Searcy Financial Services, your Overland Park, Kansas Fee-Only Financial Planner and Investment Manager. 

By Marc C. Shaffer

If you've read my "I Plan So That I Can ___" article, you won't be surprised that I've committed to annual international trips to new locations. My friends Jared and Stacy Anderson run Adventures to Serve, which plan these amazing trips and I have previously been to Peru, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Iceland with them. It's great because they plan out all the details and I can just tag along for the adventure. The 2018 trip is scheduled for November 3rd through November 17th in South Africa: Namibia and Cape Town. Here are the details:

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