woman working in coffee shop
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Finding Financial Happiness, Part 2

Last month we discussed how Americans are still overwhelmingly dissatisfied with their finances, despite record net worth and increased income. That conversation focused on spending, and how increased inflation in housing, groceries and other…
man praying
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Finding Financial Happiness, Part 1

Every three years, the Federal Reserve publishes a report about the finances of US families. Based on data and interviews, the triennial “Survey of Consumer Finances,” “…collects information about family income, net worth, balance sheet…
woman exercising

Don’t Overthink It

With January behind us, how are your New Year’s resolutions going? Mid-February is typically when gym attendance returns to normal, as people remember how hard it is to maintain healthy habits. But goals aren’t limited to the gym; many make…
Rock Pile

My Four-Initiative Plan for Client Service in 2024

As we traverse into 2024, it's that time of the year again where our fridges get filled with salad, gyms see a spike in memberships, and our savings accounts (we promise this time) will hold more than just dust. Yes, you guessed it right, it's…
coffee and pad of paper
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45 Years, 25 Lessons

A few weeks ago I attended the retirement party of someone I’ve called a dear friend for over 49 years. Long ago, we were both young financial advisors chasing similar career paths. We even migrated to independent businesses around the same…
historic portraits

Learn From the Past; But Don’t Be Bound By It

Understanding our past is akin to peering into a mirror, reflecting not just the events that have transpired, but the choices and the intricacies of human nature that have woven the tapestry of our history. The lessons we glean from our past…
Nick Saban on fieldLOC

Hold Strong Beliefs Loosely

In Streetlights and Shadows, Gary Klein posits that while procedures and rules provide structure and predictability, they can also inadvertently undermine expertise by stifling the very spontaneity and intuition that often lead to innovative…
friends in a field

Never Compromise Your Values: A Financial Perspective

"When your values are clear, your decisions are easy." This quote from renowned financial advisor, Bill Bachrach, serves as a cornerstone in the world of personal finance. At first glance, it may seem like another inspirational quote, but its…
scale in a window

Financial and Time Independence: What’s Your Score?

My business coach, Dan Sullivan, often speaks of freedoms. It’s his belief that entrepreneurs create and own businesses primarily for the freedom to conduct business in their own unique way. They often aren’t seeking freedom “from”…
brooklyn bridge
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The Balance of Trust and Anxiety

At the time of its construction, the Brooklyn Bridge was one of the largest structures the world had ever seen. Opening in 1883 to connect Brooklyn with Manhattan, it was twice the size of any other suspension bridge. But the then-modern marvel…
Capitol Building

The SECURE Act 2.0 Proposes Several Changes to How Americans Save for Retirement

The SECURE 2.0 Act aims to expand retirement savings options for Americans. It includes provisions such as increasing the age for required minimum distributions, allowing long-term, part-time employees to participate in 401(k) plans, and creating…
company meeting

4 Retirement Plan Options Colorado Business Owners Should Consider

Last week at an industry luncheon I learned an alarming statistic. In Colorado, nearly one million workers do not have access to a retirement savings plan through their employer. Seriously?! Fortunately, the state of Colorado took notice…
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Bullish on Humility, Gratitude, and Discipline

It has been a year for humility as many of the traditional methods of managing risk inside portfolios have been taxed. It has been a year of consciously focusing on gratitude for all that we have and all that has gone well. It also has been a year where the value of our disciplined commitment to planning has never been more highlighted. 
conversation at sunset

Focus on the “Personal” in Personal Finance

One of my favorite sayings is that personal finance is far more personal than it is finance. Simple math would tell you the wisest course of action is putting extra cash to work in the market, but the best advice isn’t always driven by cold hard math.
rail yard

The “Personal” in Personal Finance

During a recent new client meeting, we had a couple tell us they had purchased property in north Denver several years ago. What was once a run-down area in the stockyards has now become a hot market, with development skyrocketing as the neighborhood reinvents itself.