2025 Summer Newsletter: Kansas City

Summer, Status, and Social Security

At a time when so much in the world feels potentially game-changing - whether political, financial, or societal - I find myself increasingly drawn to the small, grounding joys of everyday life. A long walk brings more comfort than ever. A calm evening spent with friends outdoors reminds me what matters most. And a well-prepared meal, savored slowly, can shift my entire mood. When the world speeds up, we benefit from intentionally slowing down.

As summer approaches, we face a familiar but important challenge: how do we balance the fast pace of the world around us with our desire to slow down and actually live our lives? How do we move quickly enough to stay informed and engaged, yet slowly enough to notice what’s worth savoring? If you’ve cracked the code, please share it with the rest of us. Until then, maybe there’s victory simply in trying.

In this month’s Elevated Insider, we explore two seemingly unrelated but deeply connected ideas: the importance of thoughtful Social Security planning, and the subtle yet powerful role that status plays in our financial lives. One is about numbers and timing. The other is about identity and intention. Both, however, are essential when building a retirement strategy that not only works but feels right.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, I invite you to pause and reflect: How can we better align our resources, our goals, and even our relationships to live more meaningfully? What does success look like - not just on paper, but in your everyday experience?

We can help you create a plan. But only you can decide how to use the freedom that good planning provides.

As always, thank you for the trust you place in us. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve you.