Blog Posts

Book Review: Refire! Don’t Retire, Part II, Refiring Emotionally

Book Review: Refire! Don’t Retire, Part II, Refiring Emotionally

By Brenda Carrico

Do you already schedule time for the most important people in your life? If your answer is yes, then kudos to you. However, if you’re not or you have found yourself faltering in this area lately, remind yourself that loneliness can undermine your physical and mental health.

Love is the Key! Through every stage of life, friendships come and go. The relationships often end with such ease that we barely notice the absence of those individuals in our lives. Sometimes though, our special friendships end for trivial reasons; you didn’t like who they were dating at the time, or they moved far away. You may not even remember why you quit talking.

Book Review: Refire! Don’t Retire, Part II, Refiring Emotionally

Book Review: Refire! Don’t Retire, Part I, Series Intro

By Brenda Carrico

Refire, Don’t Retire: Getting Started

Does the word retire conjure up an image in your head of someone being put out to pasture or of someone slowly melting into a recliner never to be heard from again? If so, let’s join the movement to redefine the word and end the stereotypes surrounding what being a retiree truly means. The individuals on this crusade are writing blogs, books and creating groups to change how retirees are viewed by society and by themselves.

If you’re ready to embark upon this endeavor, we recommend you start by reading a book called “Refire! Don’t Retire: Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life” by Ken Blanchard and Morton Shaevitz. The book takes you on a journey of emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual renewal. We would like to take you on that same journey through this blog series and become a part of your “Re-firing Gang.”

Best Interest = More Confusion?

Best Interest = More Confusion?

By Michael J. Searcy

There has always been a divide in the financial industry between those who embrace fiduciary duty and those who skirt around it. It is a divide that can be nearly impossible for consumers to recognize and understand, leaving them exposed to potential harm depending on whose hands they find themselves in.

Am I working with an actual advisor or a salesperson? Is this person legally required to put my interests ahead of their own or are they suggesting something that’s good enough because it earns them a nice commission?

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks – interest rate risk, company risk, and market risk.

Risk is an inseparable companion to the potential for long-term growth. Though some risk can be mitigated through diversification, it does not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline. Chances are, this is a risk you were very willing to take when you started investing for your future.

Did you know? As an investor, you face another, less-known risk for which the market does not compensate you, nor can it be easily reduced through diversification. Yet, it may be the biggest challenge to the sustainability of your retirement income or other goal funding.

4 Things to Consider When Receiving an Inheritance

4 Things to Consider When Receiving an Inheritance

By John C. Fales

Although an inheritance typically comes from some form of loss, it could mean a significant monetary gain for the receiving party.

If you have advance knowledge of the incoming inheritance, you may be better prepared for how to handle it, but there are always things you should consider in this situation. Let’s take a look at several of those considerations:

Last Wishes – Put Them in a Letter

Last Wishes – Put Them in a Letter

Actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they [know] two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.”

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet, many of us have a vision about our memorial service or the handling of our remains. A letter of instruction can help you accomplish that goal.

A Financial Roadmap for Life

A Financial Roadmap for Life

By Michael J. Searcy

There’s a big difference between making a good living and making a good life. Making a good life, for me, means I get to help people pull together all the pieces of their current situation, and show them how each piece impacts the others, creating an organization to the chaos to help guide them through the life they desire. I’ve met countless people who make a great living, but make no time to really live. Having a financial plan is crucial to getting the most out of life, and beyond. Following that financial plan could be the difference between “I’m so glad I planned and prioritized,” and “I shoulda, coulda, wish I woulda.”

Patagonia Adventure: Chile & Argentina

Patagonia Adventure: Chile & Argentina

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!...

Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

We talk a lot about estate planning because taking steps to help protect your estate is a key financial choice. With proper strategies, you may be able to maximize your opportunities and help manage stress and confusion for your loved ones. Yet, approximately 50% of 50 year olds don’t have a will in place — despite the fact that almost 60% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance.

Taking time to create estate strategies not only helps you put your financial house in order, but can also save you money. By documenting your wishes and goals, you create a legal framework that the courts, your executor, and your loved ones can follow when settling your estate. Without these strategies in place, your family risks going through a lengthy and expensive process — which could alter any wishes you had for your legacy.

Determining When to Retire

Determining When to Retire

You love everything about being gainfully employed. But you’re getting close to retirement. What do you do? Should you wait until you’re 70? Retire at 62? Or continue working, but fewer hours, or maybe, in a different, less-demanding position?

In this article, we will explore some of your choices. We will take a look at some of the available options that may fit your circumstances and lifestyle, while also considering the condition of your health during your later working years.