Working With a Values-First Financial Advisor
“Why Does It Cost So Much to Work With a Financial Advisor?” It’s the question every prospective client has. The answer isn’t “because I can make you more money,” and frankly, if that were the answer, I wouldn’t be writing this article. But real financial advice isn’t about selling a product or chasing returns. It’s about helping you align your money with your life. In this first of a two-part series, I walk through what financial planning looks like from the very beginning, and why it may be more valuable than you think.
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You’ve seen the world, but have you seen what’s truly possible for your life after the military? Too often, service members step straight into the next job without ever asking: What do I actually want? This article explores the silent momentum that pushes many retirees into high-paced second careers that mirror military life, without considering whether that’s the lifestyle they really want. If you’ve ever felt like you’re climbing a ladder just because it’s there, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and choose with intention.
On July 4th, President Trump signed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law, ushering in a wave of tax changes with immediate and long-term implications. While the full bill is extensive, this article distills the most relevant provisions for military families, highlighting what may impact your 2025 tax return and future financial planning.
When we think about investing, risk is often the first word that comes to mind, and usually not in a good way. Risk is not something to fear, however. It is something to respect, acknowledge that it exists, and understand how we work with it.
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s an ideal time to pause and reassess your financial picture. Life moves fast—especially in military households—and it’s easy for your spending, saving, and goals to drift off course throughout the year without regular check-ins. A mid-year review is your opportunity to make small adjustments now that can have a meaningful impact by year’s end.
Estate planning is about making legal decisions in advance — how your assets should be handled, who should care for your children if something happens, and who has the authority to act on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself. And for military families, estate planning is especially important.
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