By Gabriel Baldonado Internships can feel overwhelming, especially in finance where there’s so much to learn upfront. As a new intern at an RIA (Registered Investment Advisor), here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned that can help you get started on your...
By Marc C. Shaffer I still remember the moment I stopped making excuses and finally booked my first international trip to Hong Kong and China. For years, I had every reason not to go: “I don’t have the time.” “It’s not in the budget.” “Maybe next year.” Sound...
By Jessica Kmetty, President & CEO In a world where women are consistently redefining success on their own terms, confidently navigating career changes, asking for raises, and re-entering the workforce after a break are some of the most powerful moves we can make....
By Marc C. Shaffer You’ve probably heard of The Five Love Languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and receiving gifts. While not everyone’s primary love language is “receiving gifts,” there’s something about a well-timed,...
By Jessica Searcy Kmetty, President & CEO There’s a script many of us were handed early on: Be polite. Be careful. Be grateful. And above all, don’t talk too loudly about money. Especially if you're a woman. This "good girl" programming often shows up in our...
By Marc C. Shaffer There’s a saying I love: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” That one sentence has guided me through thousands of conversations—with clients, new connections, colleagues, and community members. It reminds me that if...
A Framework That Matches How We Plan for Life By Marc C. Shaffer At Searcy Financial® Services and Allos Investment Advisors, we believe true wealth goes beyond just your bank account. That’s why The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom immediately grabbed my attention...
By Marc C. Shaffer Every person I meet is valuable to me. Perhaps I was meant to meet them or they were meant to meet me, and the reason may become clear right away or many years down the road. Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or making small...
By Brenda Carrico In today’s digital age, the relentless onslaught of clickbait headlines and negative news can be overwhelming. It often feels like we're drowning in a sea of doom and gloom. The good news? There are ways to manage this barrage of negativity and...
By Marc Shaffer Helping a community member when they have an emergency need, being invited to a spontaneous concert or last-minute vacation, or finding an unplanned opportunity to invest. Life is full of surprises and opportunities and while we can’t predict every one...