How can another year have come and gone so quickly? It seems like yesterday we were making sense of 2025, another year full of surprises, resilience, and reminders that the world (and the markets) rarely follow a script. Inflation cooled but not without a few bumps. Interest rates stayed higher than we’d grown used to, testing patience and portfolios alike. …

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 …