A Thoughtful Start to 2026 Winter has a way of slowing things down. The calendar turns, the pace softens, and there’s a natural invitation to pause, especially as we step into a new year. While January often comes with pressure to make bold resolutions, I’ve found that the most meaningful progress usually starts with quieter reflection. As we enter 2026, …
Friday, March 6th: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm 3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City MO 64129 Light refreshments served Please follow these instructions to register online for your reserved event(s): 1. Visit the Harvesters Community Food Network event registration page: https://cerv.is/0015rERG 2. Select your desired event and follow the on screen instructions to access the CERVIS registration system. If this is …
For many retirees, the home is more than a place to live, it’s one of the largest assets on the balance sheet. Yet home equity is often overlooked or underutilized in retirement planning. When thoughtfully integrated into a broader financial strategy, home equity can provide flexibility, resilience, and peace of mind throughout retirement. The key isn’t viewing your home as …
Talking with Adult Children About Aging Plans: Why the Conversation Matters Over the holidays, Marsha found herself packaging up Christmas dinner leftovers with her adult daughter to feed the grandkids for days to come. What she didn’t expect was the conversation they had about the future and what may come next for Marsha after she can no longer continue to …
Not long ago, I received an email from a well-known financial firm with the bold subject line: “[Name] Shares a New Retirement Strategy.” Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. Who doesn’t want to learn a new way to make retirement income more reliable? But as I read on, I smiled. The ‘new’ idea being introduced was something we’ve used at Elevated Retirement Group …
I’ll admit this upfront: what I’m about to say might surprise you. It even surprises me sometimes. I’ve spent most of my career preaching prudence: save diligently, invest wisely, live below your means. And yet, as I’ve grown older and watched clients move from earning to enjoying, I’ve come to a surprising conclusion. Buying a few luxury items in your …
Every now and then, I get a call or an email that goes something like this: “Someone on the news says the market is going to crash in September or October. Should I be worried?” It’s a fair question, and I’m always glad when someone reaches out to ask. In fact, I get this one often enough that I figured it’s …
Choosing the Right Pension Option: A Lifelong Decision in Disguise One of the most common and consequential decisions facing new retirees is choosing the right pension payout option. If you’re retiring from a company, school district, or municipality, chances are you’ve been handed a list of confusing choices with names like Single Life Annuity, 50% Joint & Survivor Annuity, or PLOP (Partial Lump Sum …
Are You the Family Bank? Here’s How to Turn a Potential Burden into a Blessing Picture this: Your phone rings. It’s a family member – again. You instinctively brace yourself, because this isn’t just a “Hey, how are you?” call. Nope. This is a “Hey, I’m in a bit of a bind and could really use some help” call. And …
If you’ve ever watched sports – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the snacks – you’ve seen it: the buzzer-beater shot, the bottom-of-the-ninth game-winning hit, the nail-biting putt that seals the championship. These are the adrenaline-soaked, slow-motion-replay moments that fill arenas and inspire highlight reels. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought: “Where are those moments …
