Blog Posts

A Financial Roadmap for Life

A Financial Roadmap for Life

by | Jul 24, 2019 |

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 | Jul 11, 2019 |

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

by | Jun 27, 2019 |

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

by | Jun 27, 2019 |

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.

Keep Up with Good Recordkeeping

Keep Up with Good Recordkeeping

by | Jun 27, 2019 |

Maintaining a sound financial life also means taking steps to help protect your important records. Was tax season a paperwork mess for you? Have you struggled with finding important documents when you need them? Below are three questions to consider as you prepare your organization system for tax and legal documents for the upcoming year and beyond:

Signing Away Your Rights Due to Mandatory Arbitration Clauses

Signing Away Your Rights Due to Mandatory Arbitration Clauses

by | May 30, 2019 |

By Michael J. Searcy

Many years ago, I was an expert witness in an arbitration hearing regarding a financial matter. That experience changed me and changed the way I do business… I realized that, while there is a rightful place for mandatory arbitration clauses, that place is not in your financial planning or investment management contract. It’s simply not fair to the consumer.

Will a Life Coach Change Your Life?

Will a Life Coach Change Your Life?

by | May 24, 2019 |

By Marc Shaffer

As a financial planner, I am an advocate for planning and coaching that helps you get the most out of life. For the first 35 years of my life, I steered my own ship toward my destinations of choice. I would call myself a driven individual with personal goals that I liked to achieve each year, and I always had the freedom to make those happen exactly how I chose.

When I got married, new life goals were developed, and I decided a life coach could really be beneficial into making the transition from individual to couple. I wanted to make sure I was as strong in my marriage as I was before.

Traveling on a Retirement Budget

Traveling on a Retirement Budget

by | Apr 29, 2019 |

Beautiful vistas, glorious landscapes, sunsets, quaint towns and exciting adventures. The sights and sounds of traveling. Are they lost once you retire?

Retirement generally means transitioning to a fixed income, but the image of fixing yourself in a rocking chair on the front porch is outdated. Opportunities for travel and writing your own next chapter are abundantly available, if you plan in advance to make these things happen.

5 Tips for Making the Transition to Assisted Living

5 Tips for Making the Transition to Assisted Living

by | Apr 29, 2019 |

There comes a point, after living a robust and independent life, that a little help may be in order. You or a loved one may need some assistance with doing the everyday things that were once second nature and you may be considering a transition to a comfortable and affordable facility to suit your needs and desires.

Some people choose to start planning this phase of life early, for a few reasons:

Succession Planning and a Partnership Announcement

Succession Planning and a Partnership Announcement

by | Apr 29, 2019 |

By Michael J. Searcy

One of my favorite things to help clients do is prepare and maintain a roadmap for themselves and their survivors, thereby knowing we’ve helped achieve continuity for them and their loved ones. I never want someone to feel unprepared or unable to function after the loss or incapacitation of a spouse, so I work to initiate thought and conversation to keep all parties engaged in the planning process.

But if I were gone? Not only could they turn to our entire team, since each client is never working with a single person, but they would also be aware that our succession plan that has been in place for several years means there are four other principals continuing to lead the firm.

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