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Feeling Trapped by Your Own Success?
You've built a career others envy. Promotions came, respect followed, and your identity as "the successful one" feels like armor. But now?That armor weighs you down. You want work that lights you up. Yet stepping away risks losing the...
Read MoreCash Management for High-Net-Worth Families: Is Your Cash Working Hard Enough?
When people think about financial planning, they usually think about investments, retirement accounts, or the stock market. Cash rarely gets the same attention. If the bills are paid and there is money sitting in the bank, it often...
Read MoreMicro Retirements: How Women in Midlife Are Redefining Rest, Purpose, and Work
If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you’ve probably noticed that life doesn’t follow a straight line anymore. Careers evolve, families shift, priorities change…and the idea of working nonstop until 65 before you finally “get to rest” feels...
Read MoreWhat Most People Get Wrong About Tax Credits and Incentives
We’ve all been caught in these conversations with contractors, salespeople, our neighbors, or any other random person out there – and they often sound really persuasive. These conversations usually include phrases like, “This pays for...
Read MoreWhat’s Hiding in Your (Financial) Junk Drawer? Tips on Getting Organized in One Weekend
We all have one. Maybe it’s a kitchen drawer full of expired coupons, loose batteries, and old keys. Or maybe it’s digital — that email folder stuffed with unread messages and attachments you swore you’d look at later. Wherever it...
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Buying a New Home: Is 25% of Income Still the Right Rule?
You’ve probably heard it before: “Your housing payment shouldn’t exceed 25% of your income.”It’s one of those financial rules that gets repeated often… but rarely explained. Is it 25% of gross income? Net income? Does it include taxes...
Read MoreToo Good to Be True: How Bitcoin Scams Exploit Hype, Urgency, and Bad Timing
Every scam has a tell. Right now, one of the biggest ones sounds like this:“You need to act fast, and you need to pay with (fill in the blank with Bitcoin, gift cards, or a Bitcoin ATM).”If anyone ever asks you to send money that way,...
Read MoreUsing RMDs to Pay Taxes on Roth Conversions: A Smarter Way to Shift the Tax Burden
Once required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin, most people have the same reaction:Wait… I have to take this money even if I don’t need it?It can feel frustrating. You’ve spent years carefully managing your income, and now the IRS is...
Read MoreLife Insurance Layering: A Smarter Way to Get the Coverage You Need Without Overpaying
When people think about life insurance, the first question is usually, “How much coverage do I need?” While that’s important, it’s only half the equation. The other often overlooked question is “How long do I actually need all of that...
Read MoreRedefining “Having It All” in Your 40s and 50s
There was a time when “having it all” felt very clearly defined. It meant climbing higher, earning more, staying busy, and proving, mostly to ourselves, that we could juggle everything without dropping a single ball. Full calendars...
Read MoreHow to Navigate Sibling Money Dynamics During the Holidays
Ever notice how going home for the holidays feels a bit like stepping into a time capsule? Suddenly, the “responsible one,” the “golden child,” and the “chaos sibling” all make their grand return, regardless of how much actual adulting...
Read MoreCoordinating Caregiving Across States: Legal and Financial Hurdles
As the holidays roll around, many of us have visions of sitting around the table with our loved ones. In this fictional situation, no kids are fighting, your uncle who always manages to get hammered is behaving himself, and everyone is...
Read MoreThe Family Gratitude Challenge: A Month of Connection, Reflection, and Thanks
This time of year always seems to fly by in a blur of to-do lists, travel plans, and food prep. Before we know it, the holidays have come and gone, and we’re left wondering if we ever slowed down long enough to really enjoy them....
Read MoreSmart Exit Strategies for Women Business Owners
For many women in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s, life feels like one long balancing act. And if you’re a business owner, you might be dealing with more than the usual stress: You’re leading a business, caring for aging parents, and...
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation’s Emergency Fund: Why Women Need More Cushion
When life feels like a balancing act between kids, parents, and your own career, unexpected expenses can easily throw everything off-kilter. That’s the daily reality for many women in the sandwich generation - those caught between...
Read MoreEquity Compensation Meets Sandwich Generation Pressures
If you’re an executive woman balancing a demanding career, aging parents, and kids heading to (or already in) college, you may feel like you’re juggling three full-time jobs. Add in equity compensation - like stock options or...
Read MoreWhat Comes After Financial Freedom? Discovering Your Next Chapter
For years - maybe decades - you’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and made smart financial decisions. Now, you’ve reached your big money goals. You’ve achieved financial independence. You’ve “made it.” Now what? It’s a question many...
Read MoreHow Rising Costs Are Reshaping Insurance and Risk Management Strategies
Key Takeaways Insurance costs are rising — homeowners, auto, and even life/disability insurance premiums are being affected by inflation, climate risks, and underwriting changes. Long-term care is a growing concern — nursing home and...
Read MoreWhy “Stepping Down” Can Be a Step Forward: Should You Ask for a Demotion?
Is this you? After decades of climbing the corporate ladder, suddenly, your priorities change. Maybe retirement is gleaming on the horizon, or perhaps you’ve joined the millions who now care for an aging parent or a loved one with...
Read MoreTime Is Money: The Hidden Cost of Always Saying Yes
August is a funny month. Half of your friends are clinging to summer and desperately trying to get some time on (or in) the water before the weather changes; the other half are already buying pumpkin-scented candles and mapping out...
Read MoreSummer Reflections: Is It Time to Rethink Your Career Path?
Summer is a season of sunshine, family barbecues, and - if you’re like many executive women in the sandwich generation – maybe a rare chance to pause and reflect. Between managing high-powered careers, supporting aging parents, and...
Read MoreWhen Your Husband Retires (and You’re Still Working): Navigating Life’s Big Transitions
Today is a big day for me. My husband just retired after more than 23 years as a police officer. No more middle-of-the-night call-outs. No more worrying about his safety. No more patrol car in the driveway. It’s a huge change, and...
Read MoreMoney Talks to Have the Summer Before College
You’ve just navigated the very busy high school graduation season. You’ve got mixed feelings about all of the “lasts” you’ve just experienced: freezing on the sidelines for hours at your kid’s games? Maybe you won’t miss that so much....
Read MoreHow to Cover What You Haven’t Budgeted For - Like Helping Aging Parents
You’ve carefully planned your finances. You’ve got tabs in your budget for everything - vacations, college tuition, even your dog’s dental cleaning. But life has a way of ignoring your spreadsheet. Maybe your mom has a fall, or your...
Read MoreSetting Boundaries and Reframing Your Role in Everyone Else’s Life
If you’re a professional woman caught between aging parents who think the internet is out to get them and teens who treat you like the Wi-Fi repair lady, congratulations - you’re officially in the Sandwich Generation. And no, there’s...
Read MoreWhy the Bucket Strategy Works So Well in Down Markets
Retirement planning isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about making sure your money is there when you need it, especially when the markets are being... well, a little dramatic. That’s why we use what’s known as the bucket...
Read MoreMarket Volatility Got You Nervous? Here's Why History Says ‘Hang Tight’
Market volatility has been making headlines again, and understandably, it can stir up some anxiety. But before you make any sudden moves, let’s zoom out. Markets have always had ups and downs. Always. And over time, they’ve bounced...
Read MoreTSP and Your Retirement: Should You Keep All Your Savings with the Government?
If you’re a federal employee or part of the uniformed services, you probably have a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—the government’s version of a 401(k). It’s a great tool for retirement savings with low fees and tax advantages, but you...
Read MoreThe Economy’s Pulse: How Consumer Sentiment Shapes GDP
Before we go any further, it’s important for you to know that as a financial advisor…I kind of nerd out on things like the economy and what makes us do what we do. Fortunately, that means I’m pretty up-to-date on the latest market...
Read MoreFacing an Unexpected Expense? Here’s How to Navigate It Without Panicking
Life has a way of throwing financial surprises our way. Whether it’s a major home repair, an unexpected medical bill, or a family emergency, these unplanned expenses can disrupt even the most carefully crafted financial plans. The...
Read MoreAging on Your Terms: How to Stay Independent and Protect Your Kids from Caregiver Stress
As part of Gen X, I know from a lot of my peers that many of us did not grow up talking about money. In fact, a 2023 survey that looked at communication around money revealed some startling statistics: More than half of Americans...
Read MoreWhat If I’m Not Feeling Prepared to Fully Fund My Kids’ College Education?
If the title of this blog resonated with you, you’re not alone. In fact, only one-third of parents expect to fully fund their child’s college education, and 64 percent of parents expect their child to pay something. A big reason for...
Read MoreUnlocking Executive Benefits: How to Make the Most of Your Compensation Package
If you’ve reached the executive level, you’re probably already aware that your benefits package can make up a significant portion of your overall compensation. In fact, “78% of employees agree that benefits are very or extremely...
Read MoreWork, Family, and Finances: Making Tough Decisions About Aging Parents
I realize that this is an obvious statement, but as we get older the decisions we have to make become more complex. We’re questioning savings vs. budgeting for college, how to set ourselves up for the future while hopefully living a...
Read More"Bills Expand to Fit the Raise Allotted" – A Crucial Reminder as Pay Increases Roll In
This past month, I had a meeting with an astute client who brought up a phrase that really stuck with me: “Bills expand to fit the raise allotted.” As we approach the time of year when Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) and raises...
Read MoreStorytelling: The Multi-Generational Holiday Gift that Keeps on Giving
Does this happen to you? You sit down to put together a gift list for family only to come up with a few ideas that you’re not especially excited about. We all get stumped around the holidays – especially when it comes to gifts for...
Read MorePreparing for the Holidays: Why a Family Meeting About Aging Parents Is Essential
The holidays can be a magical time of the year. Your kids might be coming home for a visit, work might be slowing down so you can take a little time off, and you’re looking forward to seeing friends at cookie exchanges and holiday...
Read MoreHoliday Spending Ideas for Blended Families
The holidays are a joyful time…with a little bit of stress sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. We often have magical visions of how we think it will go, but sometimes reality doesn’t live up to the dream. This can be especially true...
Read MoreBuilding Wealth for Generations: Here’s How to Optimize Your Asset Allocation
Have you ever sat down to work on a 1000-piece puzzle and wondered what the heck you’ve gotten into? It might be a similar feeling to trying to figure out big-picture finances: you’ve got all the pieces, but you’re not sure where they...
Read MoreCollege Costs and Elder Care: How to Prioritize and Plan for Your Family's Needs
Balancing the demands of your career is challenging enough. But when you add the responsibilities of supporting both college-bound children and aging parents, it can feel like you're being pulled in a million different directions....
Read MoreWhy GenX Parents Think of Money Differently Than Their Children—And How to Talk About It
Do you sometimes feel like when it comes to money, you and your children speak a different language? As part of GenX, I know that my generation grew up in a world of economic uncertainty, learning to be cautious about spending, saving,...
Read MoreReevaluating Your Finances After Your Kids Start College
You’ve paid the tuition bill. You’ve had the tearful goodbye. You’ve come home to a quieter house. The adjustment from being a full-time parent to one who has more free time has begun. Now it’s time to look to the future. What does it...
Read MoreManaging Liquidity: Balancing Cash Flow and Investments
When it comes to managing wealth, it’s easy to assume that having significant assets means you don’t need to worry about cash flow. However, even the wealthiest individuals need to carefully manage liquidity to ensure their portfolios...
Read MoreWhat Does Living Comfortably Financially Mean to You? Take the Quiz!
In a recent Yahoo Finance article, they highlighted how the American dream has changed. With high inflation, interest rates, and rising consumer debt, it can be hard for some people to envision a life of luxury. In fact, “Over half of...
Read MoreHow Likely Is a Recession? Here’s What’s You Might be Hearing and What You Can Do About It
If you watched your investment accounts take a roller coaster ride these last few weeks, you might wonder what the heck is going on. The good news is that many stocks have recovered or are close to it. The bad news is that this has...
Read More8 Simple Tasks for a Mid-Year Financial Check-In
I think that we experience a time warp during the summer that scientists need to study. One minute it was spring and now we’re at the midpoint of the year. And you know what that means… A mid-year financial check-in! I put that...
Read MoreSailing Bliss or Maritime Miss? The Realities of Owning a Boat
Do you have visions of yourself in sailor white at the helm of a boat where your well-behaved children look at you in awe and call you “Captain”? Or do you envision an open ocean in front of you, sails catching the wind, while your...
Read MoreWhat is a Broker-Dealer and Why Should it Matter to You?
Things have been busy over here in the C. Beach Brown office! As of the end of May 2024, C. Beach Brown has moved broker-dealers from Lincoln Financial Securities to LPL. Before we go any further, it’s important to note that for our...
Read MoreWhy People Spend More Time Planning Vacations Than Retirement – And How to Change That
We’re all getting into summer mode and like most of you out there, I’m ready to spend time with my friends and family and maybe do a little traveling. My family and I love to travel and, like many of you, I’m always keeping an eye out...
Read MoreBoy Math: Why Bad Spending Habits are Genderless
A while back, we wrote a piece about the TikTok trend surrounding “girl math” and how it wrongly gives people the excuse to spend frivolously. And while I don’t want to entirely take the fun out of a social media trend – especially...
Read MoreThe Long Game: Tax Strategies, Diversification, and Planning for the Future
In the world of personal finance, two concepts you’ve likely heard about are tax strategies and diversification. Even though they may seem straightforward on the surface, delving deeper reveals their crucial roles in securing financial...
Read MoreFinding a Financial Balance: Unlocking the Power of the One-Third Rule
Contrary to what you might have heard, financial advisors are not just here to take your money and put it where you can’t reach it. We’re here to help you find that balance between living a life you enjoy now and planning for the...
Read MoreThe Rise of Loud Budgeting: How TikTok Turned Financial Planning into a Trend
It started as a joke. Now it’s a budgeting tool. At the end of 2023, TikTok personality Lukas Battle declared that 2024 would be the year of “loud budgeting” and the concept immediately took off, making budgeting and...
Read MoreIs it Inflation…Or Are You Experiencing the Lifestyle Creep?
It’s happening to all of us. We take a deep breath when we see the increased prices at the grocery store, or we nostalgically think back to the day when airfare was cheaper, and we could take the family to the movies without...
Read MoreTreat Your Sweetheart This Valentine’s Day: Do a Beneficiary Check-Up
Valentine’s Day is a time to cherish and celebrate our relationships and while showering our loved ones with chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt gestures is one way to mark the occasion, another act of love often gets overlooked...
Read MoreNavigating Qualified Charitable Distributions: Doing Good the Right Way
In the realm of charitable giving, making a positive impact on causes you care about while optimizing your financial strategy is a win-win. One avenue that offers both philanthropic fulfillment and potential tax advantages is qualified...
Read MoreWhat Putting Off Healthcare Needs Might Cost You
Inflation rates are not only affecting how we spend and invest…they’re also a factor in how we deal with our health. The latest numbers from Gallup are not good, but in many cases, they’re probably not surprising....
Read More2024 Retirement Contribution Numbers (And Why They’re Important)
As the calendar year turns, it is time to update your retirement contributions – and paying attention to this every year is important for several reasons: Tax Planning: Contribution limits to retirement accounts are often tied to...
Read MoreGrand Connection: Building Strong Bonds Between Grandparents and Grandkids
In today's fast-paced world, finding meaningful ways to bridge the generation gap is more important than ever. In fact, a 2023 YouGov study found that “most Americans (69%) believe it's very important for grandparents and their...
Read MoreNurturing Your Noggin: A Guide to Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Happy
Lincoln Financial recently hosted a virtual event with Dr. Marc Milstein called “Keeping Your Brain Young: Slow Aging, Boost Productivity and Lower Risk for Dementia.” During this webinar we learned some startling...
Read MoreWhy FEGLI Might Not be Right for You
On the surface, FEGLI (Federal Employee Group Life Insurance) seems like a good deal. After all, it’s backed by the government and offers up to five times your annual salary in coverage. But the truth is, FEGLI might not be the...
Read MoreAre You Making the Most Out of Your 401k?
Whether you’re just starting out in a new job, or you’ve been established for a while, you might want to take a look at your 401k options. One of the first things I ask of my clients is that they send me their 401k Summary...
Read MoreHow Inflation Rates Might be Impacting Your Financial Plan (And 5 Things You Can do About It)
Let’s face it – inflation is just a part of life. For most of us, we’re used to the slow creep of maybe around 1 – 2% each year. However, what we’re experiencing now feels a little…well…painful...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: 3 Ways to Prepare Your Children for Their Inheritance
It's every parent's dream to leave a lasting legacy for their children. That said, passing on wealth is not as simple as we might think. Inheriting money or property can come with a lot of problems, some of which can be avoided with...
Read MoreLet’s Get This Party Started: 5 Summer Recipes for Your Next Get Together
It’s hard to believe that we’re hitting the midpoint of summer. You might be looking at the calendar and thinking, “If I’m going to plan some get-togethers, it needs to be NOW.”Below are some fun (and...
Read MoreTax Strategies to Consider NOW that Could Help You Next Year
You’ve got your tax return filed. You’ve gotten a refund or found out how much you owe. I know you’re ready to file all that away and not think about it for another year.But wait!Before you close that folder,...
Read MoreTo Buy or Not to Buy: A Guide to Purchasing Certificate of Deposits in Today’s Climate
Certificate of Deposits (CDs) are a popular investment option for those looking to earn a guaranteed return on their savings. With interest rates playing a significant role in the value of this investment product, you might be...
Read MoreThe Cost of Healthcare in Retirement: How You can Plan Ahead
There are many things to look forward to when we hit retirement age: spending more time with family, travel, more time to relax, and countless other things that might be on your to-do list when you have more free time.But living a...
Read MoreHow a Financial Advisor Parent Teaches Her Kids About Money
As a parent, you know that the days are long and the years are short, or so the saying goes. One minute you’re loading them in a stroller and the next you’ve got your hands over your eyes when they take the wheel of a car...
Read More4 Things to Consider Before Relocating in Retirement
Retirement is a time of reflection and change.; you've worked hard your entire life, and now it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! But what if you're not happy with your current location? Is it ever too late to move somewhere...
Read MoreThe Worst Mistakes You Can Make When It Comes to Your Credit
In a previous post, we discussed how your credit score is calculated and why good credit is so important: it’s the main factor in determining whether you qualify for a loan, what interest rates you get, and how much you pay in...
Read MoreFinancially Supporting Adult Children: Is it time to cut the cord?
As parents, it’s our job to wean our children off things as they get older and more independent:PacifiersBottlesCrying at the grocery store when they can’t get the Hot Wheels they want.But our job doesn’t end there....
Read MoreShould You Cut Back on Your 401k During a Down Market Cycle?
Oof. This has been a rough year. I’m not just talking about 2023 (which we’re just starting); I’m talking about the build-up to this point as we’ve navigated a roller coaster of a market and painful inflation...
Read MoreActionable Tax Strategies You Can Implement This Year
I’m always excited to speak to a prospective client for the first time. It’s a chance to get to know each other and make sure that it’s the right fit on both sides. It’s also a chance for me to take a look at...
Read MoreA Down and Dirty Look at the SECURE Act 2.0
It’s that time of year again—time to start planning for the upcoming tax season. And just like that, Congress squeaked in some last-minute tax changes at the end of 2022. The new legislation is called the SECURE Act 2.0...
Read MoreWho Should You Have on Your Financial Planning Team?
Financial planning isn’t something that most people do on their own. As they say – teamwork makes the dream work, and your team should be made up of several different professionals who each bring a unique set of skills to...
Read MoreGift Giving Ideas (And More Ways to Save Money Over the Holidays)
Part of getting into the holiday spirit sometimes goes hand-in-hand with getting into holiday debt. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Below are some ideas on how you can save on everything from gift-giving to entertainment so...
Read MoreThe Effects of the Election on Some Key Personal Financial Issues
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the day after an election…we knew exactly who had won and what was going to happen next?As I write this, two weeks after the 2022 election, we’re still not there yet.While I wish I could...
Read MoreCongratulations! You’ve Inherited Something! Now What?
You’ve received the sad news that you’ve lost a loved one. You’ve also learned that you are the beneficiary of some assets. Now what do you do?Unfortunately, we know that 80% of all inheritances are spent within ten...
Read MoreDoes Your Bank Account Feel Out of Control? Sometimes We Just Need a Reset
A client of mine called because their budget wasn’t working, and they were coming up short every month. This was eating into their cash reserve. When we looked at what was going on, we realized they made several significant...
Read MoreHave you Considered a Phased Retirement? Here’s What You Should Know
It’s quite possible that when you thought about retirement in your 40s and 50s you did so with a sense of anticipation. The free time! You’ll get to do whatever you want! No more reporting to anyone!However, if you’re...
Read MoreWhen Should I Get Long Term Care Insurance? (And other LTC questions.)
Long Term Care insurance is something that many people feel is necessary…and confusing. We asked the professionals at Pilot Financial to give us their thoughts on the most commonly asked questions.What is the ideal age to...
Read MoreShould you Buy? Sell? Here are the Changes Tara Kelly has Seen in the Real Estate Market
The last couple of years have seen some big changes in the real estate market; Covid, low inventory, and rising interest rates are just a few of the things buyers and sellers are dealing with. We're checking in with realtor Tara Kelly...
Read MoreReady to Travel? Here’s How You Can Navigate this Turbulent Time
With all the ups and downs of travel being reported in the news, we decided to talk to travel agent Lisa Bennett with Expand Your Horizons Travel about what we should know before we book that dream trip. As travel continues...
Read MoreThe Credit Mystery: How is my Credit Calculated?
Have you ever been in this situation?You’re sitting across from a salesperson about to make a major purchase and they start clicking away at a keyboard to pull up your credit score. You start to worry. Did you pay that credit...
Read MoreThe Value of a Financial Road Map
A while back, I met with a couple I started working with 15 years prior. They were in their forties at the time – one of my favorite ages to start working with people; the longer the time you have to plan, the greater impact I...
Read MoreAre Your Finances Impacting Your Mental Health?
With so many of the country’s conversations focused on mental health, it’s important to address something that could be a key factor in contributing to anxiety and/or depression.Finances.According to recent surveys,...
Read More3 Things You Can do NOW to Prepare for a Possible Recession
It seems impossible to avoid the news of a possible recession. But as with anything when it comes to finances, the big question is…what does a recession mean for YOU?Investopedia defines recession as “a period of...
Read MoreAre you a Financial “Brick House”?
When it comes to physical fitness, I’ve always thought of myself as a brick house. Some mornings, I even start out the day listening to the song “Brick House” to get myself moving and motivated. Now that song...
Read MoreA Look at the April 2020 Market & Where We Are Now
Many investors are watching the market right now, trying to make sense of what’s going on and get some perspective. However, that can sometimes be difficult when you’re IN the situation; many times we need a little distance...
Read MoreHow to Save $4 million for Retirement
Before we get into HOW you might be able to save $4 million by the time you retire, let’s back up and determine this:Do you NEED to save $4 million for retirement?The amount of money needed for retirement is different for...
Read MoreProtect Your Plan: Establish an Emergency Fund in Retirement
When we think of retirement, most of us envision relaxing days spent doing whatever we want to do. So, it’s important to protect that dream by planning for the unexpected – even in retirement.Just like your pre-retirement...
Read More3 Things You Can do for a Little Financial Self-Care
When most people think of self-care, visions of manicures and massages often come to mind. But, in reality, self-care can incorporate a lot of different things.The Oxford Dictionary defines self-care as, “the practice of taking...
Read MoreWhat We’ll Never do When it Comes to Your Cybersecurity
Between all the scams we get in our inboxes every day and the current concern over cybersecurity as Russia invades Ukraine, making sure our personal information is as protected as possible is something many people are taking seriously...
Read MoreDon’t Hide Your Money Under the Mattress. Understand Real Rate of Return
When extreme inflation occurs, it can be tempting to hide your cash under the mattress until it passes. However, hoarding your cash might actually mean you’re losing money rather than keeping it safe. Real Rate of ReturnWhen...
Read MoreAre you a Part of the Sandwich Generation?
Unfortunately, I’m not talking about those who love a good sandwich. I’m talking about people who find themselves providing support in some form to both their children and their parents. You may be helping your...
Read MoreHere’s How You Can Make the Most of Your Salary Increase
If you’ve seen a recent increase in your income (or you know one is on the horizon) …congratulations!Now, let’s see if we can really get that money working for you.I know it can be tempting to look at the extra funds...
Read More2021: What Worked, What Didn’t, and Where We Go from Here
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” - Heraclitus -Many of us went from 2020 to 2021 feeling somewhat optimistic, right? New year…fresh...
Read MoreThe Benefits of a Volatile Stock Market
Let’s be honest: NO ONE likes to see a dip in their personal financial accounts – even financial professionals. Just like everyone else, I too have quarters when my statements come back lower than they were the previous...
Read MoreHow Charitable Giving Can Help Your Financial Goals
If you’ve been wondering how charitable giving might work within your financial plan, you’ve come to the right place.As with all financial decisions…if, how, and why you choose to donate is personal. At C. Beach Brown...
Read MoreBLACK FRIDAY: The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!
That’s what my seventh-grade daughter recently told me. Of all of the traits I’ve passed on to her…I’m most proud of our mutual love of Black Friday.While many people hear those words and shudder in terror, we...
Read MoreOnline Spending Challenge Week 2: I Think We’re Getting Used to This
During the month of October, C. Beach Brown clients have been invited to participate in an Online Spending Challenge. We’re encouraging everyone to leave their items in their online shopping cart and only check out on Fridays,...
Read MoreOnline Spending Challenge: Excuses Make Champions of Us All – Or at Least Me
During the month of October, C. Beach Brown clients have been invited to participate in an Online Spending Challenge. We’re encouraging everyone to leave their items in their online shopping cart and only check out on Fridays,...
Read MoreHow to Structure your Online Shopping to Help you Achieve Your Goals
Confession time: I love the Ama*** Fairy. They deliver boxes directly to my door step several times a week and many times I don’t even know what I will be opening when the box arrives. This is usually due to an item...
Read MoreHow to Tweak Your Financial Routine Using Habit Stacking
What if you could take care of things on your financial to-do list…without even really thinking about it?Welcome to the world of habit stacking.The concept of habit stacking has been around for a while, but I recently became more...
Read MoreIs Travel on Your Retirement Bucket List? Make it Part of Your Financial Plan
In our last blog, we asked travel expert Deb Clark what people should be aware of if they’re making travel plans in the near future.But what if your plans for travel are part of your retirement goals?In this piece we talk about...
Read MoreMaking Travel Plans? A Travel Expert Gives Us Her Tips
After a long year (and counting) of dealing with Covid, many of us have been itching to get out of the house and back out into the world. We’re ready to buy those plane tickets, make those hotel reservations, and feel normal...
Read MoreYou’ve Refinanced Your Mortgage – Now What?
With today’s low-interest rate environment, many people have decided to refinance their mortgages. Some traded a 30-year mortgage for a 15-year mortgage and kept their payments about the same, while others have a new...
Read MoreChanges in Real Estate: A Q&A with Realtor Tara Surlis Kelly
We’ve experienced a lot of changes over the last year (yes, I know – that’s an understatement!). One of the many industries that has had to adapt to Covid and the aftermath is real estate. Whether you’re...
Read MoreWhat the Latest Inflation News Could Mean for Your Portfolio
With the ups and downs the market has experienced over the last year, you might have stock market fatigue - and all the recent talk about inflation probably isn’t helping.While some investors might be looking at their retirement...
Read MoreGet Your College-Bound Kid Ready: It’s Time to Talk MONEY
It’s summer, which means that many of you have probably just breathed a huge sigh of relief having lived through graduation ceremonies and ending the long road through high school. Now, you’re beginning to put together a...
Read MoreLife Insurance & Retirement: Your Options and Next Steps
As adults, we’ve been told over and over again to make sure we have enough life insurance should the unthinkable happen. And if you’ve followed this advice, I congratulate you. Unfortunately, not everyone does.However, as...
Read MoreMake Your Tax Documents Do Double Duty. Your Future Self Will Thank You
When I ask clients for their tax returns, I’m sometimes met with a “why?” The truth is that many of the documents that you collect to file your taxes can help with your financial planning. And that’s good news!...
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones: Having the Fraud Discussion
In the early days of email and the internet, it was pretty easy to spot a scammer: the grammar might be a little off or the situation they were presenting seemed so outlandish that it didn’t take a cybersecurity expert to detect...
Read MoreBe Prepared: Home Issues Can be an Inconvenience, Not a Catastrophe
When disaster strikes at home, it’s incredibly stressful. Our homes are our sanctuaries, our comfort zones. So, when you have pipe burst or a sewage back up (lovely, I know) it can send you into a panic.In many ways, it’s...
Read More2020: A (Financial) Year We Should Never Forget
I know that it’s a little difficult to look at 2020 with a “glass half full” mentality, but sometimes that’s the only way I could keep my sanity. Really, when I look back, some good things did happen....
Read MoreBeneficiary Designation: The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Family
It’s the beginning of a new year and we’re all ready to start fresh. The holidays are behind us and (hopefully) we’re feeling upbeat and renewed and ready to tackle what’s coming. That’s why this is...
Read MoreRetirement Fail: Most People Forget to Plan for This
When it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on their finances; planning for healthcare costs, living expenses, and having some fun along the way is what we’re all told will make a successful retirement.However –...
Read MoreThe Impact of the Pandemic on Women & Finances
The pandemic has had a long-term ripple effect on just about everyone in the world. From job loss to losing loved ones, it might be years before we know the true impact of what we’ve been through this last year.But I want to look...
Read MorePersistence in Budgeting... and Life
I am a lifelong Weight Watcher - a returning champion. Rather than think of myself as of having failed, gained weight back, and landed myself back in weekly meetings, I prefer to see myself as persistent.One of the keys to losing...
Read MoreTo Snow Bird or Not to Snow Bird?
With the cold of winter, many people are thinking about SnowBirding in their retirement. What is SnowBirding?It’s migrating south for the cold winter months and then returning to the north for the remainder of the year...
Read MoreHow deep are your roots?
Friedrich Nietzsche said, “For a tree to become tall it must grow tough roots among the rocks.” This global pandemic that we are in the middle of is certainly a rocky time! What are the roots you should be...
Read MoreRetirement Considerations for Government Contractors
Government contractors face additional retirement challenges when compared to their Federal Employee counterparts. Contractors have no pension, have to plan for health insurance in retirement, can’t necessarily control their own...
Read MoreYou Have to Plan to Live!
“You have to plan to live." This is a direct quote from a client of mine this week. She is part of what I think of as the new sandwich generation. As Americans are living longer, the age of the sandwich...
Read MoreFor Maximum Impact, Develop a Charitable Giving Plan
Your last name doesn’t need to be Rockefeller to have a charitable giving plan. Charitable giving means different things to different people. Some of my clients tithe which by definition means giving 10% of your...
Read MoreTarget Date Funds – A Good Idea or Not?
Most of my clients have target date funds available to them in their 401ks and TSPs. If you are not familiar with Target Date Funds, they act a lot like their name. They are mutual fund strategies that target a date of use...
Read MoreHaving Too Many Accounts Can Be Detrimental To Your Wealth
DaVinci famously said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Yet, it is not uncommon for me to encounter an investor who has multiple accounts with multiple companies. This can be a problem because having too many...
Read MoreSteps To Take If You Are Being Laid Off
Today’s job market is constantly evolving. Unfortunately, that may mean that you are receiving a pink slip and if you are lucky a severance package. Here are some steps to take and things to consider.If you are receiving a...
Read MoreShould You Relocate in Retirement?
As many people approach retirement, they start thinking about moving. Before you move, make sure that you think it through.Do you have family considerations that will keep you in your current area? Is it important to you to stay close...
Read MorePurchasing a Second Home
Do you envision a home at the beach with the sun shining over crystal blue waters and miles of sand just waiting for you to spend time relaxing? Perhaps you see yourself walking into your ski house armed for the coming week with the...
Read MoreLife as a Business Owner
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”-Simon SinekBeing a financial adviser is a calling for me. I didn’t plan on being a...
Read MoreToo Much Cash in Your Bank Account
It happens. You open your bank statement and realize that over the past couple of years your bank account has crept up to $50,000, $100,000 or even $200,000. It feels good to open that statement and see that cash sitting there. It...
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