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Back to the Basics: When Should We Claim Social Security Benefits?

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Back to the Basics, Fall 2023, SLC Fall 2023 by Scott Dougan

When approaching retirement, one of the big questions you may be considering is when to file for Social Security benefits. Because most people can claim and receive benefits as early as age 62, but each year that you wait earns a bump in pay for the rest of your life, the decision can be confusing and anxiety-inducing. And while it’s …

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Briefcase Study: The Cash and Happiness Relationship

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Briefcase Studies, Fall 2023, SLC Fall 2023 by Scott Dougan

The Cash and Happiness Relationship With the dramatic change in interest rates this year, a lot of people are rethinking how much cash is appropriate in a financial plan. And while the answer depends on goals, resources available for short or long-term needs, and personal preference, this reminds us of the big question people continue to ponder: “Does money buy …

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Briefcase Study: Clutter: When Too Much Is Just Not Enough

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Briefcase Studies, SLC Summer 2023, Summer 2023 by Scott Dougan

Clutter: When Too Much Is Just Not Enough  It may be time to declutter. Nobody is forcing you to declutter, but if I were to guess, I bet you’re probably feeling that desire on some level. You may have done some decluttering during the pandemic, but clutter doesn’t rest; it grows and sneaks up on you. Looking back, we spent …

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Back to the Basics: Key To Success

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Back to the Basics, SLC Summer 2023, Summer 2023 by Scott Dougan

Key To Success: Get Organized Financially If you’ve ever witnessed or even participated in a catch-a-pig contest, it can be quite exciting. The chaos of watching – and hearing – little pigs trying to outrun little kids is truly something to behold. The pigs clearly don’t want to be caught while the kids enjoy what seems like an easter egg …

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Event Updates

In Articles: Kansas City Office, Community Involvement, Spring 2023 by Scott Dougan

You’re invited! New Office Open House Thursday, April 13th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm The dust has all settled and we are so excited to have you stop by and see our new space. Light snacks served. 5200 W 94th Terrace, Suite 208 Prairie Village, KS 66207 Harvesters We packed approximately 1,750 BackSnacks for local children who experience hunger. Thank you …

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Back to the Basics: Why A Successful Retirement Starts with Income Planning

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Back to the Basics, SLC Spring 2023, Spring 2023 by Scott Dougan

There are several questions that hopeful retirees are consistently asking as they seek to build a successful retirement. Some of these questions are: When can I retire? How much do we need? Will I have enough? What if there’s a major healthcare, stock market, or inflationary event that threatens what we’ve saved? While all of these questions are certainly different …

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Briefcase Study: Team of Three: Who’s in Your Financial Planning Trio?

In Articles, Articles: Kansas City Office, Articles: Salt Lake City Office, Briefcase Studies, SLC Spring 2023, Spring 2023 by Scott Dougan

There’s such power in the number three. Whether in literature, joke telling, the meats of a club sandwich, or nature itself, three represents completeness, rhythm, and strength. In fact, the triangle is the strongest geometric shape; you see the triangle in roof trusses and bridges. There’s just an elegance and magic to it that is so easily overlooked. We see …

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Welcome Lindsay Platt

In Articles: Kansas City Office, Spring 2023, Team Spotlights by Scott Dougan

Welcome to the Team Lindsay Platt Lindsay provides administrative support to our client accounts. She has nearly eight years of administrative experience working in financial services, and she truly enjoys building strong relationships with clients. Lindsay was born and raised in the Kansas City area and graduated from Pittsburg State University. She and her husband, Aaron, have two children, Stella …